Hamilton City Council has joined with the University of Waikato to welcome back more than 100 international students after two years of pandemic travel restrictions.
Hamilton City Councillor, Martin Gallagher said it was wonderful to see international students back.
“You’ve made a great choice on coming to our city and I’m delighted to welcome you to Kirikiriroa Hamilton,” Cr Gallagher said.
“We hope your time here delivers all you have hoped for – and more. The individual cultures and experiences you bring to our city will enrich and make us stronger.”
Talent of the Pacific Academy and Fairfield Intermediate School, gave an energetic cultural performance to welcome the students from more than 18 countries, incorporating Kiribas and Rotuma dances.
The welcome ended with a tour around the Council building, providing the newcomers with an overview of local government in Hamilton Kirikiriroa and a chance to ask questions about both the workings of Council and the various opportunities around the city.
Hamilton Kirikiriroa became a Committed Community under Immigration New Zealand’s Welcoming Communities Te Waharoa ki ngaa Hapori programme in late June 2022.
As a Committed Community, Council is actively working to promote inclusion and diversity, the Council said in a statement.
“This welcome for our newest migrants, who will call Hamilton home while studying (and hopefully beyond), is a continuation of Council’s commitment and effort to make sure our new community members feel included, safe and at home,” Council said.
