Queenstown’s council’s in the process of bedding in its ‘Welcoming Communities Programme’, which includes employing coordinators in Queenstown and Wānaka, and funding various activities to the tune of $25,000 per year.
For the past three years Immigration New Zealand has provided $50,000 per annum, but that tap’s now been turned off.
Now it’s up to council to keep the welcome rolling for migrants in need of help to settle in — and they plan to search for other funding sources.
An evaluation of the programme over the past three years by consultants Allen and Clarke notes potential economic benefits from the programme are "not yet observable".
Asked by Mountain Scene to explain, a council spokesman says the primary goal of the programme is to enhance social cohesion, "which over time, will have economic benefits".
The Allen and Clarke report also notes mana whenua has "little active involvement" in the programme and the business community has "limited involvement".
Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce boss Sharon Fifield says the consultants’ evaluation is "interesting — I think we’ve been right across it".
Fifield says the Chamber was part of a workforce strategy that included the welcoming communities initiative and its business awards last year — and given next Friday marks the start of ‘Welcoming Week’, it highlights the importance of creating a welcoming district for international communities.
"I think the commitment and support is there, and it is an important piece of work for our community, but there are a lot of competing priorities and pressures on business right now."
Ōraka-Aparima Kāi Tahu ki Tuawhenua Kāhui representative Jana Davis says mana whenua are supportive of the programme.
"Last week, six mana whenua representatives attended a welcoming communities evening in Tāhuna (Queenstown).
"Mana whenua collaborate regularly with the [council] at all levels and are actively involved in numerous community events."
The report acknowledges the programme is "filling a gap" by uniting disparate organisations supporting migrants.
The final draft of the welcome plan will be considered by the council’s community and services committee late next month.
Welcoming Week begins next Friday with an event called ‘Your Muslim Neighbour’ — a small exhibition about the Muslim culture, with a focus on Halale.
It’s being held from 5pm till 7pm at MyFundAction Youth Development Centre, Red Oaks Dr, Frankton. For more info, visit shorturl.at/1LNys
