Whanganui has been chosen to take part in a pilot project aimed at supporting community efforts to welcome migrants and refugees.
Welcoming Communities is run through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment which will provide $50,000 for the city to take part. Whanganui district councillors agreed to participate in the project at Tuesday's meeting of full council.
"New Zealand's population is diverse and while immigration provides economic benefits, if not well managed can impact negatively on social cohesion at a community level," council officer Charlotte Almond said.
"Welcoming Communities is aimed at encouraging and supporting the receiving community to be welcoming, rather than targeting the newcomer. The initiative centres around supporting local government to take a greater role in ensuring the local community is welcoming towards migrants and refugees."
Two phases are anticipated for the pilot; establishment and implementation. During the establishment the pilot sites would be involved in the development of the programme and involves nominating a representative to participate in a working group.