It can be hard moving to a small rural community without knowing many people - and Maniototo residents are making sure their latest neighbours feel included.
A "meet Maniototo" morning tea held in Ranfurly recently was hailed a success by the 50 people who attended, including new residents from Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Organiser Amie Pont, of Waipiata, said often locals took their knowledge of the area for granted, and did not think to make sure newcomers were given all the information they needed to settle in comfortably and quickly.
"I would have really appreciated it when I first moved to the Maniototo.
"Otherwise, it can take years to stumble across things like where to go to get a licence, or who to contact for various services, groups, and organisations.
"Mrs Pont said most social service groups advertised or made information available within communities, but in most small towns or rural areas such as the Maniototo, things were organised and run by residents outside of daytime jobs and were therefore not always so obvious to outsiders.
"It can be especially hard if you don't have children or reasons to attend groups and activities outside your property.
"We wanted to help people get to know one another, form networks and relationships, and become more confident within the wider community," she said.
The Central Otago District Council provided welcome packs which were distributed at the morning tea, to provide people with information about Maniototo services, clubs, groups, and facilities.
Other information included what was available through the Maniototo Health Service, Ranfurly Information Centre, Ranfurly Service Centre, and local media, as well as through parental support groups.
Rubbish disposal was also covered, as were free activities available in the area.
Mrs Pont said the Maniototo was more diverse than ever, and a second "meet" was planned for Patearoa.
