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by Glyn Lewers, Queenstown Lakes Mayor

The extraordinary mix of people from diverse cultures, home countries and more is one of the things that makes our district a special place to be. As Mayor I’m privileged to be able to experience so much of that first hand when I’m invited to speak at, officially open, or simply attend a range of events and gatherings. I get to see just how much these wonderful people contribute to our community and help create connections, support and celebration for everyone who wishes to be a part of it. That insight is one reason why I’m such a supporter of the Queenstown Lakes District Welcoming Plan 2024-2027 that Council’s Community & Services Committee adopted in September.

The Plan aims for Council to work with community partners to develop and implement welcoming activities and services for newcomers – ranging from recent overseas migrants and international students to kiwis from elsewhere in Aotearoa. In essence, all people moving to our district to live, study, work and play. It will provide the information required to make informed decisions, language skills adequate to their settlement and integration goals, and the support they need to build networks within their new communities. The plan also sets out actions to overcome barriers specific to the newcomer so that they can participate in social, cultural, civic and economic life in our community and across Aotearoa.

Some actions coming this financial year include a revised edition of a Newcomers Guide and establishing a Newcomer Welcome and Inclusion Network including a coordinated approach to improving English language skills and translation and interpreting services.

Council will also be supporting the third Queenstown Multicultural Festival (March 2025) at the Queenstown Events Centre to align with Race Relations Day (the International day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination). This community festival is expected to bring more than 2,000 people with an array of food stalls, cultural booths and traditional performances representing the district’s different nationalities.

We’re also delivering more citizenship ceremonies in Wānaka to ensure Upper Clutha community members have an opportunity to welcome newcomers, and we’re providing emergency preparedness and welfare training to Council staff from cultural and linguistic backgrounds to provide language and cultural support to wider community during an emergency.

As you can see there’s plenty of work in this space and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are many organisations throughout our district doing great work and celebrating and showcasing diversity, equity and inclusion. If you’re not already a part of this in some small way I heartily recommend you find some time to get involved. This work is not only meaningful for everyone involved but a vital part of creating a caring and connected community.