Welcoming Communities
Nau Mai, Haere Mai, Ki Te Waihopai
Invercargill City Council is committed to making newcomers feel welcome in our great city. Newcomers can include immigrants, former refugees and international students. We believe that with newcomers feeling welcome, our community enjoys better social outcomes and stronger economic growth. According to Manākitanga principles, we strive for an environment where everybody is able to equally participate in the economic, civic, cultural and social activities of our community.
Are you new to the city?
We understand that moving to a new place can be challenging. Our partner programmes and events can help you to get the support and information that you need for an easier transition. This page will be regularly updated with our current and upcoming initiatives and events, go to "Key Dates" to find out more about.
For more information, feel free to contact Amelie, your local Welcoming Coordinator.
Partner programmes:
Southland Chamber of Commerce – Southland Leadership Academy
Invercargill City Council, Southland District Council, and Gore District Council have identified that there is an opportunity for newcomers to hold leadership positions within Southland’s business, community and not-for-profit sectors. The Southland Newcomer Leadership Scholarship enables eligible applicants to participate in the Southland Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Academy programme.
Interested to know more? Please see our scholarship webpage
Apply now for 2023 scholarship, applications closes on 7 December 2022.
Interviews for the scholarship will be held the week of the 12 to 16 December 2022.
Southern REAP - Drive My Life
Invercargill City Council, Southland District Council and Gore District Council are supporter of the Drive My Life programme at Southern REAP. This is a community mentoring driving programme for vulnerable rangatahi (16-24 years old) of Murihiku, including new migrants. Between September 2021 and April 2022, 40 newcomers participants have engaged in the Drive My Life Programme, with 23 of them successfully obtaining either their Learners, Restricted of Full Driving License.
Contact Colleen Parkhill-Burke at Southern REAP for more information at colleen@reap.co.nz or 027 215 4166.
Together, let's make Invercargill and Bluff more welcoming places
In December 2021, Invercargill City Council held a hui asking our newcomer communities what would make Invercargill a more welcoming place. We still want to hear your thoughts on how we could make things better: Share in "Ideas" the one thing that would make you feel more welcome.