Wellington City Council

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and is proud of its diverse population. Renowned for its vibrancy, affordability, talented people and stunning natural beauty, Wellington is the leader in arts, events, providing world-class recreation, leisure opportunities and experiences. It was the first capital city in the world to be designated a Safe Community by the World Health Organization.

Wellington City Council is responsible for a wide variety of activities and services including delivering high-quality infrastructure, libraries, recreation and arts facilities, community services, maintaining parks and reserves and ensuring an exciting programme of entertainment and events. It also works to attract skilled, innovative people and businesses to the city in order to maintain Wellington’s international competitiveness.

To develop initiatives which cultivate inclusiveness, tolerance, and celebrate Wellington’s diverse population, the Council works directly with various population groups across the city; these include youth, seniors, disability, Pacific and ethnic communities, including migrant and refugee communities. Much of the work is to build social cohesion, allow people to access opportunities and contribute to people’s sense of belonging and overall social well-being.

For further details visit Wellington City Council’s website.

Projects 2011
Strengthening Wellington’s diverse community

To support and strengthen our diverse community, the Council provides housing, grants and programmes to help meet identified needs within these communities.

Race Relations Day

Each year Wellington City Council acknowledges and celebrates the cultural diversity of its workforce on Race Relations Day by organising events for staff as well as supporting public events around the city as part of the WCC’s summer programme.

Migrant and Refugee Work Experience Programme

Free Interpreting Service to improve communication between ethnic communities and the Council.

Ethnic, Pacific, Youth and Accessibility forums
  • Celebrating diversity and connecting with these communities to better understand and respond to their needs.
  • Festivals and events to celebrate cultural diversity through artistic expression, such as Waitangi Day Festival and the Pasifika Festival.
Settlement Support New Zealand

The Council hosts this government-funded initiative designed to help new migrants settle in their local community.

Opening Doors
  • Support, training and guidelines to help encourage community organisations to be more accessible to people with experience of mental illness.
  • Leisure card entitling people on low incomes and Super Gold Card holders to discounted entry into recreation facilities.
  • Over 200 recreation activities around the city that are free or less than $5 to participate
  • Kilbirnie fitness centre ‘Club Active’ gym membership scheme with IHC Wellington
  • Hydrotherapy pool at the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre with ramp for easy access and a disability chair hoist.

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