On 12 Feb, CLAIR Sydney staff members visited Palmerston North City Council in New Zealand.
The number of foreign-born residents in Palmerston North City has increased in recent years, accounting for 20% of the population. Statistics New Zealand projections suggest that Palmerston North will become significantly more ethnically diverse in the future.
Palmerston North City has actively engaged in international exchange activities with its global partners, including Mihara City in Hiroshima Prefecture, with which Palmerston City established a partnership last March.
Thanks to the kind assistance of Council staff, CLAIR Sydney staff were able to learn about Palmerston North City Council’s implementation of its ‘Welcoming Communities’ initiative. Palmerston North City Council has promoted this initiative to support new residents to the city, with the accreditation of Immigration New Zealand. CLAIR Sydney staff were also able to learn about the Council Liaison Officer’s strong connections with the large number of cultural communities in the city, and the activities of the two ‘Palmy Global Ambassadors’ who will join the Festival of Cultures in Palmerston North. The week-long festival is held annually in celebration of the city’s diversity.
CLAIR Sydney will continue to research ethnic diversity initiatives in New Zealand and Australia, and assist Japanese local governments with developing intercultural society strategies.
