In a first for Alexandra, Welcoming Communities is holding a community-driven immigration workshop to provide clarity and guidance about the latest immigration policies.

The two-hour free session will be led by two licensed immigration advisors. 

Roxburgh based Aurora Christensen, from Immigrate Me, and Queenstown’s Kate Batkin, from Queenstown Immigration, are donating their time to facilitate the workshop.

Attendees can expect insights into immigration law, practical tips for a smooth immigration process and one-on-one consultation opportunities. 

Roxburgh’s Aurora Christensen. PHOTO: Supplied 

Queenstown’s Kate Batkin. PHOTO: Supplied

Welcoming Communities officer Heather Harries said anyone was welcome to attend.

“Whether you are a newcomer, a long-time resident, an employer, or helping a loved one through the immigration journey, this session is for you.”

A Statistics New Zealand media release said Central Otago was growing faster than the New Zealand average according to provisional population estimates, released on October 25.

Stats NZ estimates and projections manager Michael MacAskill said Otago’s high growth rate, of 2.7 per cent, was driven by population growth in Queenstown-Lakes district, New Zealand’s fastest-growing territorial authority area over the year.

The Queenstown Lakes district 8 per cent increase was driven by a net international migration gain of 2500 people according to Stats NZ.

In Central Otago there was a net international migration gain of 190 people, and an internal migration gain of 430 people. This was more than half of Central Otago's population growth (65 per cent) from net internal migration. 

The Immigration workshop is at Alexandra Community House on February 27 from 6pm to 8pm. To reserve your spot or for more information, contact: [email protected]

Read More: Central population estimated to be 26,000