Supporting Diversity

Wellington has a number of programmes and projects designed to support and celebrate our diverse communities.

Ethnic Forums

Members at a forum meeting

Twice each year the Mayor hosts a forum for people from the diverse communities of Wellington. As well as the Mayor, the forum is attended by Councillors, the Chief Executive Officer, senior managers and council staff.

In the forums, discussion groups focus on a theme that affects the lives of Wellington communities. Topics discussed at previous forums have included health and well-being, recreation, employment and safety.

Feedback from the forums has resulted in the setting up of programmes such as the free interpreting service.

November 2011 Ethnic Forum

The theme at November's Ethnic Forum was 'Wellington - the Next 10 Years'. The Council will use the information gathered in this forum to help put together the next Wellington City Council Long Term Plan. This plan sets out the aims for the city for the next 10 years, and follows the Council's vision of Wellington Towards 2040: Smart Capital.

Interpreting Service

Wellington City Council offers an interpreting service to improve communication between ethnic communities and the Council.

To use the interpreting service:

• come in to any Council Service Centre
• tell the council officer your name and the language you speak
• wait for the officer to contact an interpreter

They will arrange a three-way telephone conversation between you, the interpreter and the relevant Council officer.

If you have a detailed enquiry, Council staff can make an appointment for an interpreter to come to the Council office and work through the issue with you.

Intercultural Relationships Framework

The Council has established a framework to improve intercultural relationships in Wellington by:

• valuing Wellington's cultural diversity
• recognising the social and economic benefits of more interaction with ethnic communities
• creating equal access to the Council for all Wellington residents

More Information

Related Links

• Discover Wellington - Live - Immigrants
• Māori Community
• Office of Ethnic Affairs website
• Pacific Island Communities
• The Mixing Room - Te Papa website

Department Details:
City Communities