Welcoming Communities

Are you new to Southland and New Zealand?

Are you interested in attending the Southland Leadership Academy next year?

Thanks to the support of Southland Business Chamber, Invercargill City Council has the opportunity to nominate a newcomer for 2023 to bring diversity for the next generation of Southland Leaders.

The Southland Newcomer Leadership Scholarship supports newcomers in the Southland region to grow their leadership skills and give them confidence to step in the community and our businesses. This unique opportunity is available for newcomers who wish to attend the Southland Chamber’s Leadership Academy programme.

For more information and to complete the application form, please see:

2023 Southland Leadership Academy - Application form

Applications close on Wednesday 7 December

Wednesday 5 October, 6.30 - 7pm at the Civic Theatre (piano lounge)

Described as one of the greatest Oud players in the World by the San Francisco Chronicle, Rahim AlHaj joins with the New Zealand String Quartet, double bassist Joan Perarnau Garriga and percussionist Justin DeHart, in this thought-provoking and evocative Letters from Iraq.

Enjoy a discussion with Rahim in the Piano Lounge here at the Civic Theatre before the show on Wednesday 5 October from 6.30-7pm. In this free event listen as Rahim speaks of his journey after fleeing from his home in Iraq to Syria and Jordan and then on to the United States of America.

To buy a ticket for the concert: https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/events/CMNZLETT22/venues/ICT/performances/EICM2022893/tickets

Welcoming Week (9 to 18 September 2022) is an opportunity to celebrate the inclusivity and diversity of our city and the values that unite us as neighbours, parents, and colleagues to make our communities more welcoming to all those who call Invercargill home. This week is a chance to show Whanaungatanga - the importance of relationships, and Manākitanga - the process of showing respect, generosity and care for others.

With this year theme “Where we belong”, Invercargill City Council wants to bring dialogue and new perspectives to our community through the form of a Human Library where Human Books will be available for meaningful face-to-face conversations about their own journey.

Members of the community are invited to hear stories from our Human Books at Invercargill Public Library on Sunday 11 September, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Conversation will be scheduled for 15 minutes. Find the full programme in the "Documents" area of that page.

Invercargill City Council also wants to acknowledge its new citizens with a planting ceremony of native trees held that same week as last citizenship ceremonies were cancelled with Covid restrictions. A way for the invited citizens to put down their roots for good in Invercargill as this is their home!

There are many ways you and your colleagues, neighbours and community members can celebrate together Welcoming Week, whether it's by sharing some food from your native country, hosting a diversiTEA or simply being welcoming to someone new to here.

Thank you for those who came along to our information event "Boost your career with ICC" this Wednesday 13 July 2022 at the Invercargill Public Library.

Our People and Capabilities manager Gary Andrews offered useful advice and resources on how to find and effectively apply for a job in New Zealand while our two migrant ICC employees, Gill Caron and Malavika Cassiere shared their inspiring inside stories. This presentation was followed by informal discussions with food and drinks.

If you wish to do so, please refer to the Documents section of this page to download our presentation.

Great South's Skills Placement Programme offers support for you and your immediate family to find a job that matches your skills

Feel free to contact Shanaye Jenkins directly for more information at shanaye@greatsouth.nz

Resources:

- Inland Revenue: Apply for an IRD Number.

- Employment New Zealand: Minimum rights of employees - other language translations

- Great South: Southland Skills Placement Programme