Settling In Report Launched in Palmerston North
More than 300 people from migrant and refugee communities in Palmerston North and Feilding contributed to a recent report on the settlement experiences of newcomers to the area.
Helping newcomers
Settling In Palmerston North & Feilding – Diverse Communities Speak about their Experiences provides a snapshot of the issues faced by newcomers to the region, and suggests that more work is needed to improve on how these residents are welcomed into their new communities.
The report – a collaborative effort by government agencies, NGOs, local councils and Massey University – involved more than 30 focus groups and 25 different ethnic communities. The research project was led by Settling In Coordinator Brigid Ryan.
The report will be a useful resource to guide future community projects, Brigid says."There is a real need to have a visible service and place for people to get information when they arrive, clear information about how to access basic services and greater opportunities for newcomers to socialise, network and contribute. This will be the focus of our planning over the next year."
Administered by Family and Community Services, Settling In is a strengths-based community development programme that works directly with newcomer communities to help them find solutions to meet their own needs.
Copies of the report are available on the Human Rights Commission website.
