Welcome to the Hurunui district
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Hurunui has always been a ‘‘welcoming community to live, work and play’’, mayor Marie Black said.
The Hurunui District Council is one of eight councils in the latest intake of councils to join Immigration New Zealand’s Welcoming Communities programme.
‘‘It’s really cool. It’s something new and it sits nicely within our strategic direction,’’ Black says.
‘‘There’s plenty of employment available in our district and it’s about attracting and retaining people across all sectors, whether it be rural professionals, veterinary services, GPs, qualified technicians, engineers and workers for our hospitality sector.’’
Immigration New Zealand says there are now 26 councils taking part in the Welcoming Communities programme, including 14 in the South Island.
The programme was first established as a pilot in 2017, involving 10 councils including the Ashburton District Council.
Black said the programme would enhance efforts to ‘‘embrace newcomers into our community and support that integration’’.
‘‘A culturally rich community brings fresh perspective and vibrance that is incredibly valued.
‘‘It is important to us that our community is supportive, welcoming, and feels like home to all newcomers who choose to stay.’’
Migrant workers were particularly important to the vibrancy of the rural and tourism sectors, she said.
Immigration New Zealand refugee and migrant services general manager Fiona Whiteridge said the Welcoming Communities programme aimed to build strong and integrated communities to help newcomers feel included, so everyone could thrive.
‘‘We are grateful for the enthusiasm shown and the desire from councils around the country to be part of such an important initiative that began five years ago."
Whiteridge said Welcoming Communities supported councils and their communities to create welcoming environments for newcomers, especially recent migrants, former refugees and international students.
Immigration New Zealand provided funding, resources, accreditation, best practice information, networking opportunities, programme evaluation and guidance to participating councils.
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TV 1 last night.
Did any body watch A Remarkable Place to Die last night?
Did I miss something at the end as it went straight to the next program after the adds.with no finish
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
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