Cultural Diversity in the Western Bay
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is welcoming migrants to the Bay of Plenty and to New Zealand, and is committed to seeing migrants settled and integrated successfully into their new lives in the Bay.
We are committed to embracing the District's cultural diversity and to build and strengthen a cohesive and culturally connected community.
Snapshot of Western Bay of Plenty District's cultural diversity
- 81% of people in Western Bay’s belong to the European ethnic group
- 19.5% of Western Bay’s population was born overseas
- 19% of Western Bay’s population identify as Māori
- 6% of Western Bay’s population identify as Asian
- 3% of Western Bay’s population identify as Pacific Peoples
- The overseas born population of Western Bay of Plenty District who have less than five years since arrival in New Zealand – 21.1%
Top languages spoken: Punjabi, French, German, Spanish, Afrikaans, Hindi.
Proportion of new migrants coming to the Bay of Plenty
- 45% Asia
- 20% UK and Ireland
- 10% Australia
Top languages spoken: Punjabi, French, German, Spanish, Afrikaans, Hindi.
*Source: Census 2018
Welcoming communities - Te waharoa ki ngā hapori
Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council are taking part in a two-year pilot programme called Welcoming Communities. The programme recognises that a strong and vibrant community is one that enables all of its members to participate in its economic, civic and social life, and where everyone feels included and has a sense of belonging and opportunities to succeed.
Read more about the Welcoming Communities programme here.
Western Bay of Plenty Welcoming Plan 2018-2023
The New Zealand Welcoming Communities Standard provides a benchmark for what a successful welcoming community looks like.
We have developed our Western Bay of Plenty Welcoming Plan in which the council and community partner to deliver welcoming initiatives: select this link to read the Plan (PDF, 1.20MB)
Welcoming Communities Action Plan (2018 - 2020) (PDF, 3.62MB)
For more information please contact: Community Development Advisor: Welcoming Communities at haidee.kalirai@tauranga.govt.nz
Resources
Multilingual 'Hello' Posters (PDF, 1.17MB)
Welcoming Newcomers - practical tips poster (PDF, 118KB)
Related Links:
NZ Now - your guide to living and working in NZ.
Citizens Advice Bureau - independent, confidential and free information and advocacy service.
Multicultural Tauranga - offers settlement support services, including operating the Bay of Plenty Interpreting Service and organising a number of multicultural events.
InfoNOWin - your language - is a free multi-lingual telephone information service providing information to migrants settling in New Zealand, in their preferred language.
Volunteering Bay of Plenty - volunteer with a community organisation in your area.
The Office of Ethnic Communities - telephone interpreting, community directory, events etc.
Ezispeak - telephone interpreting service.
Human Rights Commission - promotion and protection of the human rights of all people in Aotearoa New Zealand. Advocating for a free, fair, safe and just New Zealand, where diversity is valued and human dignity and rights are respected.
English Language Partners – English language classes from (beginners to intermediate level) and services are offered including English for Employees, Home tutoring and a range of levels of English Classes. All programmes are FREE for residents.
