Welcoming Communities

Clyde School welcomes seasonal staff back to Central Otago.

We love living in Central Otago and are always looking for new and different ways to make newcomers feel welcome in this amazing place. The dramatic landscape and colourful seasons draw people from around the world, but what keeps us here is the connection we have with the land and each other.
We believe communities that make newcomers feel welcome are likely to enjoy better social outcomes, greater social cohesion and stronger economic growth. Building connections between locals and newcomers means everyone feels included and knows they belong.
Central Otago Welcoming Plan
Read the online flipbook below (click on the centre for full screen mode) or download a printable version (PDF, 6MB).

New to Central?
Check out the Central Otago Welcome Guide. Your one-stop shop for getting connected in Central Otago.
More about the Welcoming Communities programme
What is Welcoming Communities? | Immigration New Zealand
The Welcoming Communities Standard | Immigration New Zealand
Current News (2023)
- Pasifika dance class unites ages, cultures | Otago Daily Times Online News (odt.co.nz)
- Cromwell newcomer’s connections growing - People - News - The Central App
- Newcomers find warm welcome but nightlife lacking - News - News - The Central App
- New multicultural mural for Central Otago | Crux - Local News - Queenstown, Wanaka and Cromwell.
- Mural celebrates community | The News
- Mural celebrates diversity in Cromwell - News - News - The Central App
- Multicultural mural approved for Cromwell - News - News - The Central App
News (2021-22)
- Clubbing together | The News
- Nau mai haere mai, Talofa to seasonal staff - News - News - The Central App
- Increase in RSE workers welcomed - News - News - The Central App
- From Seoul to Central - a move for the soul - News - News - The Central App
- Alexandra Newcomers Network reinvigorated - News - News - The Central App
- Inaugural cultural festival hailed as ‘exciting’ success | The News
- Cultural connections made at South Asian Festival - News - News - The Central App
- Community event shares cultural diversity | Otago Daily Times Online News (odt.co.nz)
- Volunteers needed for South Asian Cultural Festival - News - News - The Central App
- One in five newcomers struggles for acceptance in Central | Crux - Local News - Queenstown, Wanaka and Cromwell.
- Employers making workers welcome - News - News - The Central App
- Unrivalled lifestyle pulling people to Central - News - News - The Central App
- A helping hand for new leaders - News - News - The Central App
- Cromwell entrepreneur building network through scholarship - News - News - The Central App
- Central Otago District Council committed to Welcoming Communities programme (The Central APP, 17 December 2021)
- Operation Cromwell Harvest - Welcoming harvesters to our community (Cromwell and Districts News, 2 November 2021)
- Sports Night to welcome seasonal workers - Cromwell & Districts News (Cromwell and Districts News, 2 November 2021)
- 'Climb and Connect' with your community this weekend (The Central APP, 9 November 2021)
Explore Central is a list of places that locals love but may be hard for Newcomers to find. They include tracks, dams, rivers and picnic spots. We'd welcome anyone's ideas to add to the list. Enjoy exploring the district!

Supporting Our Partners
Alexandra-Clyde Newcomers Network
Seasonal workers polish cookery skills | Otago Daily Times Online News (odt.co.nz)- Vakameasina, which translates to "treasures we carry together", is an education and development programme for recognised seasonal employer (RSE) workers, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Mfat) under the New Zealand Aid Programme.

The 2022 Neighbours Day recipe recipients with commemorative tea towels for their efforts, pictured with Welcoming Communities Officer Deborah Beange (left).

2023 Events
Welcoming Week 4-8 September
Details of kiwi-culture workshops on our events page: Council Events - Central Otago District Council (codc.govt.nz) and on our Facebook page.
Contact: Heather.Harries@codc.govt.nz
Alexandra Newcomers Network Curling
Saturday, 17 June 2pm-3:30pm. Please RSVP on Alexandra Newcomers Network page on Facebook.
Curling Rink, 1 Pool Road, Alexandra
Look for the newcomers flag!
Contact: alexandra@newcomers.co.nz

Alexandra Newcomers Network Winter Wine Tasting
Saturday, 21 July 6:30pm-8:00pm. Please RSVP on Alexandra Newcomers Network page on Facebook.
Central Cinema Lounge, 21 Centennial Ave., Alexandra
Look for the newcomers flag!
Contact: alexandra@newcomers.co.nz
Other Useful Links and Information:
- Centralotagonz.com (the place to find out more if you are visiting or moving to Central Otago to enrich your experience)
- The Central App (a handy online site and smartphone app for new and community info from Central Otago)
- ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) 8-week courses are available from Central REAP Education. Adult and Community Education Categories - COREAP
- Central Otago Creative Wellbeing Programme