New Migrant Centre Opens in Whangarei
Migrants living in Northland now have a place to meet with the opening of the Whangarei Migrant Centre on 29 July 2009.
Deputy Mayor Kahu Sutherland assisted by Events Committee member Indira Harypursat, a South African- born Indian, officially cut the ribbon to the new premises which is located in the Old Town Hall in Bank Street in Whangarei.
The new centre will enable migrants in Northland to have a place to go to find the support they need to help them integrate into the community.
The Migrant Centre will share the premises with Settlement Support, which offers practical advice to new migrants and the Women’s International Newcomers Group Social.
James Barrett, Project Manager for Settling In says the centre will be a place of welcome and will link migrants to the services and support they need.
"It will also help us determine the migrant numbers and their specific needs in Northland," he said.
The primary objectives of the Whangarei Migrant Centre are to support the social and cultural needs of the migrant community and promote diversity and cultural awareness. The Centre will also be an important part in assisting in the settlement and integration of newcomers and migrants in Whangarei.
These work well with Settling In’s focus of supporting collaboration, social inclusion and the knowledge development of migrant communities," said James.
For more information about the Settling In programme in Northland contact James Barrett by email.
