Palmy recognised as one of New Zealand’s most Welcoming Communities
Published on 08 April 2025
Palmerston North has been officially recognised as one of the country’s most welcoming places for newcomers.
Our city is one of only three in New Zealand to have reached “Advanced Welcoming Community” status, formally recognising the effort we’re making to welcome newcomers and to make them feel at home.
Welcoming Communities – Te Waharoa ki ngā Hapori is an Immigration New Zealand led accreditation-based initiative which Palmerston North has been part of since 2017. The programme is based on the premise that communities which make newcomers feel welcome are more likely to enjoy better social outcomes and stronger economic growth.
Intentionally building connections means everyone feels included and knows they belong; in this environment, everyone can participate in the economic, civic, cultural and social life of the community.
Mayor Grant Smith says being at the top of the table for Welcoming Communities accreditation shows the level of commitment, effort and partnership that we’ve built since beginning the programme eight years ago.
“We’re delighted to receive this recognition of the effort we’ve made to support our increasingly diverse population. Palmy’s status as a refugee resettlement area and provider of top quality international education provides the city with a vibrant mix of cultures and a wide range of skills and talent.
“It is a testament to the strength of our community and the commitment we all share in making Palmy a place where diversity is celebrated.”
Chair of the Community Committee, Councillor Lorna Johnson, says the success of the programme has been an amazing reflection of the warmth of this city and its people.
"Newcomers are an important part of our community in so many ways, bringing much needed skills to our workforce and generating economic variety and investment from the businesses they start here. They also contribute to academic research, sport, the arts and a wide range of social services.
“This national recognition shows how hard we’ve worked to create a place where newcomers are welcomed in and made to feel included, accepted and valued. Our Welcoming Week celebrations are renowned, in large part due to the powerful pōwhiri and manaakitanga from Rangitāne at our City Welcome sessions, which are frequently mentioned by our guests as incredibly special and moving to them, she says.
“Many of our migrant community are the most Palmy Proud people you’ll ever meet. It’s lovely to learn the backgrounds of their journeys and work they’re doing to build their lives here and make contributions at all levels.”
The ‘Advanced Welcoming Community’ accreditation is Stage 3 on the Welcoming Communities programme, with the fourth and final Stage an ‘Excelling Welcoming Community’ the top tier of the scale.
Want to know more about Welcoming Communities in Palmerston North?