The Queenstown Lakes District Council is inviting expressions of interest from members of the community keen to join a new advisory group aimed at creating a welcoming environment for migrants and New Zealanders who are new to the district.
Forming the group is the latest stage in council’s participation in Immigration New Zealand’s Welcoming Communities Te Waharoa ki nga Hapori programme.
Council Welcoming Communities co-ordinater Silvia Dancose said she was keen to hear from any "people person" who would enjoy sharing their passion for living in the district with newcomers.
"The purpose of the advisory group is to provide leadership and advice on our Welcoming Communities plans and guide the delivery of local activities," she said.
"As one of 18 councils nationwide currently involved in the programme, our aim is to have a diverse collection of people representing newcomer groups alongside iwi, community, business and central government partners"
It was hoped group members would have an understanding of what it meant to be a newcomer, and experience in leading community initiatives would be helpful as they would contribute to developing a district-wide "welcoming plan", she said.
The council’s welcoming communities advisory group would meet once a month on a voluntary basis and participate actively in events and activities.
Applications to join the advisory board close on May 20 and appointments are expected to be confirmed by June 3.
