Central Otago District Council (CODC), Welcoming Communities and Central Otago REAP are holding free workshops and networking events as part of Welcoming Week (September 4-8).

Welcoming communities officer Heather Harries said the aim was to foster mutual understanding and stronger connections between all members of the community, from long time residents to newcomers. 

Culture capability workshops led by Fi McKay cover kiwi culture and how it relates to other cultures.

Fi said it’s not until we become aware of what we do in our culture that we can start to understand how it translates to other cultures.

“We need to realise we’ve got to be involved in talking about our culture and what it is.”

She said her workshops would be fascinating, funny and informative, giving stories and insight into kiwi culture important to everyone in Central, whatever their background. 

Fi has more than 35 years experience in labour force and executive leadership roles. She spent nine years as a business development advisor in skills, attraction and settlement for the Dunedin City Council before taking a lead role in skilled staff retention with Ministry Business Innovation and Enterprise (MBIE) across Otago and Southland.

This year's Welcoming Week theme is Nau Mai Rā, Glad You’re Here.

New Zealand is one of the most diverse countries in the world, with more than 200 different ethnicities. A quarter of all people who call New Zealand home were born overseas. 

Welcoming Week is a chance to celebrate these qualities and demonstrate two important Māori principles: Whanaungatanga — the importance of relationships, and Manaakitanga — the process of showing respect, generosity, and care for others.

Click here The Outlet Podcast to Listen to the full interview

Along with the workshops, networking drinks are on and everyone is welcome including people new to the district or who want to broaden their social circle. 

Drinks are atPaulina's Tapas & Pizza Bar in Clyde on Friday September 8 from 5pm, look out for the Alexandra Newcomers Network flag. 

To check out the programme of workshops see CODC webpage.

For more information contact the welcoming communities officer: [email protected]