Employers in Central Otago have received an excellent report card for how they welcome and value newcomers to the area but results of a survey show our community as whole could do better.  

Newcomers to Central Otago were surveyed to provide insight for the Central Otago District Council’s (CODC) Welcoming Communities programme. 

The council found positive news but also room for improvement.  

The survey was conducted in March and April this year to gauge the experiences of those new to the district and provide guidance for Welcoming Communities activities, according to a CODC media statement.

CODC joined Welcoming Communities in 2021, a national programme designed to create inclusive environments where all residents can thrive and feel they belong.

Ninety-five newcomers completed the survey. The results will help guide discussion at a series of Welcoming Workshops in July that aim to bring together a cross-section of people from the district.  

The idea is to create a Welcome Plan to suit the unique needs of those new to Central Otago.

CODC’s survey found that the majority of newcomers came from a large city in New Zealand, most came for the lifestyle and the majority “felt welcomed into the community”.

When it came to different cultures and beliefs however, only 28 per cent believed their community was accepting of these.

 “Twenty-two per cent believed their community was not accepting of different cultures and beliefs and 48 per cent answered that they were unsure.”

Employers received high marks with 82 per cent of those who work saying they were likely to recommend their workplace. Ninety-seven per cent said they felt respected by their work team either some or all of the time.

Welcoming Communities Officer Deborah Beange said overall there was “a lot of good news in the survey about how Central Otago welcomes its newcomers”.

“There are also some areas that require further introspection, particularly with regard to how we interact with those from our larger cities and those who bring with them different cultures and beliefs. 

“The demographics of our communities are changing and this is challenging cultural norms.  Embracing newcomers and sharing the Kiwi culture of friendliness, openness and acceptance will continue to make Central Otago a place where everyone calls home.”

Deborah encouraged all those who are interested in rolling out the welcome mat to newcomers to register for one of four workshops at www.codc.govt.nz/welcomeworkshop by July 4.

The facilitated workshops will be held in Roxburgh on Tuesday July 5 from 4.00-5.30pm at 103 The Store; in Alexandra on Wednesday July 6 from 5.30-7.30pm at Alexandra Library; in Ranfurly on Thursday July 7, 12.30-2.00pm at the Ranfurly Stadium clubrooms; and in Cromwell on Thursday July 7, from 5.30-7.30pm at Cromwell Library.

“Come, add your voice to a community ‘brainstorm’ as we share ideas for ways we can help new residents feel truly at home here. Maybe you belong to a community group or sport clubs and want to attract new members, or you’re an educator who works with new families, or perhaps you are in business and want to attract and retain new employees. If you’re interested in creating an environment where newcomers want to work, live, and play then we welcome your input.”