No matter what language you speak, or where you were born – we are glad you are here!

That’s the message this Welcoming Week, which runs until September 14, 2025, and provides an opportunity to showcase and celebrate how communities across New Zealand are working to become more welcoming places for all.

This year, Tauranga City Council is also celebrating the city’s official recognition as an Advanced Welcoming Community.

Mayor Mahé Drysdale said achieving advanced accreditation through Immigration New Zealand’s Welcoming Communities programme is a significant milestone for the city.

“This achievement reflects our commitment to fostering an inclusive, culturally diverse community, where all residents can feel a sense of belonging,” said Drysdale

Tauranga City Council is one of three councils nationwide to be recognised as an Advanced Welcoming Community. Some Council initiatives that contribute to this recognition include:

• Coordinating the local Tauranga Migrant Settlement Network
• Partnering in the Global Ambassadors programme to support diverse youth leadership
• Delivering "Vital Update – Tauranga" a research project centred on understanding the people and communities in Tauranga, including Ethnic and Pacific Communities, and what their needs, wants and aspirations are for their neighbourhoods and the wider city
• Support for community-led initiatives such as the Migrant Pōhiri - led by Multicultural Tauranga and Ngai Te Rangi iwi, opportunities to learn about local cultural history and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and culturally diverse events.
• Supporting the Multi-Ethnic Forum for culturally diverse communities to build local connections, input into Council projects and have community voice
• Welcoming Planting Days for new citizens.

Paula Naude, Head of Community Outcomes & Emergency Management, credits the achievement to strong partnerships across the community.

“This is a testament to the dedication of residents, local organisations, volunteers and council working together to ensure Tauranga is a place where everyone feels at home and has access to support when they need it.

“Being a welcoming community means valuing the different voices and experiences of all newcomers and migrants who call Tauranga home,” Naude said.

Multicultural Tauranga manager Premila D'Mello discussing picnic plans with Oriana Liu, 6, and Angela Liu. Photo / Brydie Thompson

Premila D’Mello, president of Multicultural Tauranga - a local organisation that has supported migrant communities for over 30 years – said the group is “proud to have a Council that celebrates culture, embraces diversity and creates opportunities for everyone to belong".

“This reflects the strength of our partnership with council and our shared commitment to supporting Tauranga’s multicultural communities," D'Mello said.

“We know that when people feel welcome, they are more likely to participate in, and contribute to, their communities – and that benefits everyone.

During Welcoming Week, various free events are being held in Tauranga, including a multicultural family picnic and a book chat for English language learners.

More information, and a full list of events, is available here.

More information on Welcoming Communities can be found on the Tauranga City Council website: Welcoming Communities - Tauranga City Council

Information about MBIE’s Welcoming Communities programme can be found on the: Immigration New Zealand’s website.