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Welcoming Communities

Welcoming Communities logo

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.

Deborah Beange is our Welcoming Communities Officer. She can be reached on deborah.beange@codc.govt.nz

Central Otago Welcoming Plan 2022

Read the online flipbook below (click on the centre for full screen mode) or download a printable version (PDF, 6MB).

More about the programme

What is Welcoming Communities? | Immigration New Zealand

The Welcoming Communities Standard | Immigration New Zealand

New to Central?

Central Otago Welcome Guide

In the News

Welcoming Communities supported Operation Cromwell Harvest's first social gathering for the season at Cromwell on Wednesday 8 December with the Welcome BBQ and Sports Evening for seasonal staff. About 30 staff attended from a wide range of orchards in the area.

Following on from this launch event, there was a pool party on Thursday 20 January at the Cromwell Pool. Unfortunately the next event, a picnic night with music and games on the McNulty House lawn on Melmore Terrace in the Old Cromwell Precinct on Friday 25 February, had to be cancelled because of the pandemic. But keep an eye on the CODC (and Operation Cromwell Harvest) Facebook pages for news.

And we've got our Hidden Gems for Newcomers up and running. We're developing a list of our favourite places to visit around the district - tracks, dams, rivers and picnic spots. We'd welcome anyone's ideas to add to the list.

2023 Upcoming events

Alexandra-Clyde Newcomers Group Newcomer Family Picnic

Saturday 28 January 11.30am-1pm
Pioneer Park, Alexandra
BYO blanket, picnic lunch and a dessert to share.
Contact: alexandra@newcomers.co.nz

Supporting our partners

Cromwell 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.

Other useful links and information:

Regular events

Free weekly art classes funded by ARTSENTA .
Wanaka Community Hub: Tuesday 2 – 4.30pm
Cromwell Arts and Crafts Centre: Wednesday 2- 4.30pm
Alexandra Community House: Thursday 2 – 4.30pm

2022 Neighbours Day participants.

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

Central Otago Welcoming Plan Supporting Documents (Appendix)

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