Workshop to help migrants settle into the community

ROTORUA 02.11.12: Rotorua District Council (RDC) is encouraging local people and organisations who want to make connections with migrants to attend its ‘Celebrate our Diversity’ workshop this month.

Rotorua Settlement Support is hosting the workshop on Friday 16 November from 11.50am to 2pm at the RDC Civic Centre.

The guest speaker is Iani Nemani from Immigration NZ who will be speaking about challenges for Pacific migrants settling into New Zealand, the help that is available, and what locals can do to assist migrants’ to settle in.

RDC Settlement Support coordinator Heather McAllister says the workshop will provide the opportunity for local people and newcomers to find out about migrant groups in Rotorua and to learn how Immigration NZ is assisting migrants. It will provide an opportunity for migrants to share their experiences.

“I encourage anyone interested in helping newcomers settle into our community to come along and make new connections,” says Ms McAllister. “It’s a great opportunity to put names to faces and have a catch-up, and if any migrants have issues it’s an ideal time to speak up.”

The ‘Celebrate our Diversity’ workshop is free, however anyone interested in attending should contact Heather McAllister on (07) 351 7054 or email ssnzrotorua@rdc.govt.nz for catering number purposes, as a light lunch will be provided.

A new guide for Pacific migrants - ‘Make your move to New Zealand a success’ -is available on the Settlement Support NZ website www.ssnz.govt.nz, or contact Ms McAllister at Rotorua District Council for a hard copy. The guide is available in five Pacific languages.

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