Settling In Palmerston North and Feilding - Human Rights Commission

ForewordsNew Zealand is a nation built by immigrants and Palmerston North is no exception. Palmerston North is acity of a wide range of diverse cultures. This diversity provides a dynamic aspect to the communityat large.Palmerston North City recognises that a significant proportion of its population is of ethnic origin or bornoff shore. Added to this is the wide variety of cultures represented in the local education and scienceinstitutes.Palmerston North acknowledges both the historical contribution that different ethnicities have made to theeconomic and cultural wellbeing of the City and the impact the ethnic communities will have in shaping thevibrant future of Palmerston North.Palmerston North is also a city of choice for refugee resettlement due in no small part to the value theresidents of the City place on ethnic diversity. There is already a wealth of information and services available in the city and this report will helpto enhance the services we already have.It is important for communities to provide information and support to new migrants to help make their transition to becoming New Zealandcitizens as smooth as possible not only for new workers, but especially for their families.This report highlights the migrant’s transition and provides us with an opportunity to reflect on how things can be done differently so we aresensitive to the needs of the new migrants and able to provide the necessary support.Jono NaylorMayorPalmerston North CityWelcome to Manawatu, New Zealand’s “Mountains to the Sea” district, which continues to maintain itsreputation as an attractive and beautiful location in which to live and work for a growing, and cosmopolitan,population.New Zealand is perceived throughout the world as a safe and friendly country and Manawatu has played itspart in enhancing such stature through its willingness to welcome a steady stream of new citizens.About 40 people, representing a large number of different nationalities, take part in Manawatu DistrictCouncil citizenship ceremonies each year as they complete their integration into the Kiwi lifestyle and affirmtheir commitment to stay.And Manawatu has much to offer them as its processing and support industries in the thriving pastoralscene continue to forge strong partnerships with the burgeoning agricultural, industrial, research andtechnology sectors in Palmerston North city.As a result, many skilled migrants have been drawn to those sectors and are now providing productive input in their areas of expertise.Manawatu’s strong educational profile, certainly at a tertiary level, draws many overseas students to the region, and they quickly assimilatethemselves into a lifestyle that, although vastly different from their own, is one they are finding meaningful and enjoyable.The mix of nationalities not only brings diversity to communities through such areas as business or sport, recreation or research, but does helpeveryone to understand one another better and to deal with the complexities of an expanding global village.SETTLING IN PALMERSTON NORTH AND FEILDINGManawatu residents are justifiably proud of their district and I join them in inviting potential immigrants to explore our slice of New Zealand andenjoy what we have to offer. You won’t be disappointed!Ian McKelvieMayorManawatu District3