22 October 2013

Welcoming international students' contribution to Whangarei

How to welcome international students to Whangarei and encourage them to stay will be discussed at Whangarei's next Settlement Network Meeting Thursday 31 October from 9am to 1pm at A'fare Function & Reception Lounge, 197 Lower Dent Street.

The meeting, which is held twice a year, brings together migrants, newcomers, service providers, employers and anyone who wants to be involved in welcoming newcomers in our community.

Whangarei's Settlement Support Coordinator Ellen Altshuler said Whangarei's economic growth is dependant on attracting new, skilled people to the District.

Strategies to attract and keep newcomers here include the 'Love it Here' campaign, and building on the District's sense of place.

"Tertiary students have the potential to bring essential or entrepreneurial skills to the local economy; and contribute to our increasingly diverse community in many ways. Annually, NorthTec receives about 100 overseas students, many of whom hope to stay long term in New Zealand and make Whangarei their home," she said.

"At the meeting, presentations from NorthTec, the Chamber of Commerce, Whangarei District Council's Economic Development Manager, Immigration New Zealand and Careers NZ will be followed by a panel discussion and workshop about the contribution international students make to the growth of Whangarei as a diverse community, and how we can support that.

"We will ask the panellists and students to contribute to discussion about barriers that international students face and what can be done to better support them", Ms Altshuler said.

Participants will also be updated on Settlement Support and other services for newcomers.

"This is the 14th meeting we have coordinated in Whangarei, bringing service providers and migrants together to discuss settlement issues, make plans for how to improve on the information that newcomers get and help people to feel welcome here.

"Over the last few years, this bi-annual meeting has helped many services to better their understanding of migrants' needs and discover where to make service improvements. The meeting put services directly in contact with migrants who are willing to share their experience of coming to live in Whangarei.

"Migrants who attend the meeting benefit from networking with key service providers. They also make a very useful contribution in helping services in their planning. By sharing stories and experiences we can learn from each other and improve services and relationships in the community.

"Everyone is welcome to come along to hear and share their stories. Lunch is included. For catering purposes, please register."

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