Welcoming Week celebrates what makes our communities welcoming and inclusive. Through local events and initiatives, it strengthens connections, fosters understanding, and helps everyone feel a sense of belonging.

This year's theme, "Together We Belong," is about deepening whanaungatanga and creating spaces where people can bring their full selves. As our district grows and diversifies, it reminds us that belonging is built through everyday interactions, shared experiences, and supporting one another.

Earlier this year, Council signed the Welcoming Communities Statement of Commitment, achieving Stage 1 accreditation as a Committed Welcoming Community.

What's on this Welcoming Week?

Explore the events and initiatives you can take part in during Welcoming Week and beyond.

Global Locals of Waimakariri monthly social

• Thursday 3 September, 5.30-7pm
• The Plough Hotel, Rangiora

Global Locals of Waimakariri (GLOW) is a group of people with many cultural backgrounds (including Kiwis) who enjoy making new friends and connections.

The group is a good link to help migrants settle into the community and get to know people and make new friends.

If you’ve recently arrived to Waimakariri, and want to meet some new people, find out more about GLOW and their monthly meet-ups on their Facebook page, or on our website.

Rangiora Cultural Festival

• Friday 4 September
• 4.30-7.30pm at Mainpower Stadium

Explore and enjoy a wide variety of performances and food from around the world. Entrance is free. This event has been organised by St Joseph's School PTA. More details here.

Welcoming Week Pop-ups

The Council’s mobile community hub van will be parked up in some of Waimakariri’s newest developments with freebies and resources to help you and your neighbours build a welcoming neighbourhood. These pop-ups are supported by North Canterbury Neighbourhood Support.

Saturday 5 September:

• 10am – 12pm: Ravenswood – Crossley Park
• 1.30pm – 3.30pm: Silverstream - Tirakatene Reserve

Note: More dates may be added.

Pick up a Welcome Bag for someone new

Do you know someone who’s just moved to Waimakariri?

As part of the intentional approach to welcoming new residents to the district, we have supported the production of Welcome Bags. These are decorated by local school children and Idea Services clients, then distributed via our Council service centres, libraries, and through real estate agents, preschools, community associations.

Anyone with an interest in supporting the Bags can contact Aimee at aimee.claassens@wmk.govt.nz