Auckland Council has launched its new Welcome to Auckland web portal – designed to be a helpful guide for anyone making Tāmaki Makaurau their new home.
The Council says the portal aims to ease the transition for new residents by acting as a central hub for information, community services and civic participation, ensuring newcomers feel a sense of belonging from day one.
The initiative is built on the Welcoming Communities framework – an international programme led in Aotearoa by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and is aligned with the Auckland Plan and the city’s strategic objectives for Thriving Communities.
“Auckland is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and Welcome to Auckland is about putting our values into action,” says Council General Manager Community Wellbeing, Kenneth Aiolupotea.
“This portal is a powerful tool in improving social cohesion and ensuring that our newest residents can fully participate in the economic, civic, and cultural life of our city from the moment they arrive. Welcoming Communities means stronger communities, and that’s a win for all involved.”
Council says the new resource was shaped by shared experiences of newcomers to Auckland as well as mana whenua and their perspectives on iwi roles in welcoming newcomers and making it a doorway to culture, values and an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Iwi and Hapū of Tāmaki Makaurau, as well as cultural events like Matariki.
Alongside the digital platform, a practical orientation programme of workshops is being rolled out in partnership with community organisations across nine local boards. The workshops give new residents hands-on information on everything from public transport and accessing local services to participating in civic life.
“When we design for newcomers, we are designing for the entire community,” says Council Community Innovation Manager, Sunita Kashyap.
“By focusing on clear, accessible information and cultural education, we are setting a foundation for genuine understanding and lifelong belonging.”
