A Welcoming Plan for Porirua City was adopted by Te Puna Kōrero at its meeting this morning.
Part of Porirua City’s Welcoming Communities Programme, the plan was developed with input from Ngāti Toa, elected officials, and the community.
The aim of the plan is to create stronger community connections and a sense of belonging for the multitude of cultural groups that live in Porirua, and foster social, economic, cultural and environmental wellbeing.
“Having the plan adopted is a big step towards Porirua becoming a committed welcoming community,” says General Manager Community and Partnerships, Reuben Friend.
“The last Census showed that Porirua is home to residents of more than 100 different ethnicities, so it’s important that we are committed to ensuring the city is a safe, welcoming and exciting place to live.”
The Welcoming Plan outlines ways that Council can work to achieve positive outcomes for its diverse communities across areas such as leadership, equitable access, economic development, business and employment, and culture and identity.
A corresponding implementation plan is being developed to achieve the goals outlined in the Welcoming Plan.
Porirua City joined the Welcoming Communities programme in January 2023. It is one of 35 councils and five local boards in Aotearoa that participate in the programme.
In July last year Council gained accreditation as a Committed Welcoming Community.
The programme is led by Immigration New Zealand, in partnership with the Ministry for Ethnic Communities and the Human Rights Commission and is part of the International Welcoming Network.
Funding for Porirua City to develop this programme comes from Immigration New Zealand.
Adoption of the Welcoming Plan coincides with Welcoming Week 2025 – a week of celebrations and events to help build stronger communities and celebrate Porirua as a welcoming place.
We have a variety of events happening in Porirua to celebrate Welcoming Week, which runs from 5–14 September. More information can be found here: poriruacity.govt.nz/welcoming
28 Aug 2025
