An influx of international families moving into Central Otago has seen job vacancies filled and school rolls boosted.

Welcoming Communities officer Heather Harries has been working with these new families who have come from Sri Lanka, India, The Philippines, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Chile, Argentina, and Nicaragua.

She has also assisted them with their English through her role with Central Otago REAP.

“The community is starting to see the vibrancy that the diversity brings,” she said.

Welcoming Week in Central Otago will take place from September 6-16, and Heather in her role for the Central Otago District Council along with graphic designer Mark Fenton, have been putting together a video of some of the many families speaking their home language.

This will be launched on Monday, September 9.

Heather said some of the families had moved here for work in the caregiver industry, with some now employed at Ranui in Alexandra, and others were working in various trades.

But there were many adjustments they have endured after moving to Central Otago, such as understanding the very colloquial Kiwi accents, lack of public transport and generally adapting to everyday New Zealand life.

“We are one of the fastest speakers in the world. So, the best thing people can do is slow down,” she said.

Teaching Kiwi slang is part of her role at REAP, in helping the families understand why everything in New Zealand is “sweet as,” and why “ta” is actually somebody saying thanks and not that they are ‘done’.  

“Slang dominates informal conversation in the construction industry and most new migrants have been taught formal English, so it is like a whole new language.”

Schools have also played a part in helping new families become adjusted to Central Otago life, including The Terrace primary school that has its own ‘Tribe’ group to support children from overseas.

Principal Sarah Graham said they’ve seen a noticeable increase in student numbers in the first two terms of this year, and St Gerards also confirmed its role was the biggest in 20 years, with a significant number of international families.

“Our numbers in the first half of the year are comparable to what we've typically seen for an entire year on average,” Sarah said.

The ‘Drive My Life’ academy further helped families with getting a licence and gaining experience on our roads, so they could start exploring the region more.

“It’s so important for them to have that independence,” Heather said.