Welcoming Communities
Invercargill, a city rich with culture and community spirit, welcomes residents from all corners of the globe. Whether you’re new here or considering making Invercargill your home, we’re here to help you every step of the way with useful links, tips, and resources. According to Manākitangaprinciples, we strive for an environment where everybody is able to equally participate in the economic, civic, cultural and social activities of our community.
Welcoming Kit – Helping You Settle into Invercargill
The Invercargill Welcoming Kit is designed to help newcomers feel at home in our community. Whether you’re new to the city or just looking for resources to help you get settled, the Welcoming Kit brings together essential information on local services, community groups, and ways to get involved.
Community Demographics
Discover the Vibrant Tapestry of Invercargill!
Welcome to Invercargill, where every face tells a story, and every story weaves into the vibrant fabric of our city! With a population of 56,800, Invercargill is a melting pot of cultures where tradition meets tomorrow. Residents come from far and wide, including the United Kingdom, India, South Africa, Colombia, the Congo, Brazil, and the Pacific, each adding unique hues to our cultural parade. From Māori to newcomers from across the globe, every community contributes to our collective story.
Welcoming Communities Partnership
Invercargill is proud to be a partner in the “Welcoming Communities” initiative, a national program led by Immigration New Zealand that supports local councils and communities to create inclusive environments. This partnership emphasizes our dedication to celebrating diversity and enhancing the inclusion of newcomers in every aspect of community life.
What it Means to be a Welcoming Community
As a Welcoming Community, Invercargill works towards:
- Creating welcoming public spaces for cultural expression and celebration.
- Encouraging equitable access to community services, resources, and information.
- Promoting economic development that leverages the skills and contributions of all residents, including newcomers.
- Facilitating meaningful intercultural connections between residents.
Engage with Us
We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on:
- How can we make our public spaces more welcoming for cultural expression and celebration?
- What services or resources would help you feel more included in the community?
- How can we support economic development that benefits everyone, including newcomers?
- What are some ways we can encourage intercultural connections in our community?
Drive My Life Programme
Drive My Life – Taraiwa Mataora is a community mentoring driver licensing programme aimed at reducing the number of unlicensed drivers and providing crucial road safety education. This initiative targets vulnerable groups within Invercargill and Southland, offering them not just driving skills but also increasing their self-esteem and job opportunities. For more information or to participate, please contact Southern REAP at info@reap.co.nz or call 0800 111 117.
We understand that moving to a new city is a significant step, and we are here to support you. Whether it’s finding a home, exploring job opportunities, or connecting with your community, Invercargill is ready to welcome you.
