Aotearoa is one of the most diverse countries in the world. There are over 200 different ethnicities. A quarter of all people who call New Zealand home were born overseas. Our diversity is our strength. It's what makes us a vibrant and attractive place to be.
Launched in 2012, Welcoming Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate our welcoming values through local events and initiatives that foster mutual understanding, stronger connections, and deeper belonging among all of us — particularly long-time residents and newcomers.
If you would like to organise an event or a project for the Welcoming week, please get in touch with Gini Geng (gini.geng@ccc.govt.nz).
Launched in 2012, Welcoming Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate our welcoming values through local events and initiatives that foster mutual understanding, stronger connections, and deeper belonging among all of us — particularly long-time residents and newcomers.
If you would like to organise an event or a project for the Welcoming week, please get in touch with Gini Geng (gini.geng@ccc.govt.nz).
Community Potluck Gathering
Date: Friday, September 6th
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Multicultural Recreation and community Centre, 455 Hagley Avenue Christchurch 8011
Welcome to Newcomers Week! Join Us for a Community Potluck Gathering!
Welcome Week is a special time for us to come together and welcome the newest members of our community. We invite everyone to join us for a potluck gathering, where we can share food, stories, and laughter.
What to Bring: A dish to share (please label ingredients for those with dietary restrictions, vegetarian, and halal),Your family and friends, Your enthusiasm to meet new people and make new friends.
Activities: Community Introductions, Fun Games and Activities for All Ages, Music and Dance Performances.
Open to the public, families, and individuals. Please be in touch with us at info@kiaora.academy if you would like to have a display table to show and share your culture.
Let’s Make Our Community Stronger Together!
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Multicultural Recreation and community Centre, 455 Hagley Avenue Christchurch 8011
Welcome to Newcomers Week! Join Us for a Community Potluck Gathering!
Welcome Week is a special time for us to come together and welcome the newest members of our community. We invite everyone to join us for a potluck gathering, where we can share food, stories, and laughter.
What to Bring: A dish to share (please label ingredients for those with dietary restrictions, vegetarian, and halal),Your family and friends, Your enthusiasm to meet new people and make new friends.
Activities: Community Introductions, Fun Games and Activities for All Ages, Music and Dance Performances.
Open to the public, families, and individuals. Please be in touch with us at info@kiaora.academy if you would like to have a display table to show and share your culture.
Let’s Make Our Community Stronger Together!
Peace Train
Date: Sunday, 8th of September
Time: 10 AM
Location: Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Note: if it is raining, we will have this session on 15th September.
All aboard the Peace Train! Join us Sunday, 8th of September in the serene setting of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens for a delightful ride symbolizing peace and community unity.
This free, wheelchair-accessible event invites individuals of all ages to celebrate our city’s spirit of compassion, a lasting tribute to our collective response to adversity. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this unique experience, fostering connections and nurturing the values that bring us together as a community.
Please meet in front of Peacock Fountain at 10am.
Time: 10 AM
Location: Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Note: if it is raining, we will have this session on 15th September.
All aboard the Peace Train! Join us Sunday, 8th of September in the serene setting of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens for a delightful ride symbolizing peace and community unity.
This free, wheelchair-accessible event invites individuals of all ages to celebrate our city’s spirit of compassion, a lasting tribute to our collective response to adversity. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this unique experience, fostering connections and nurturing the values that bring us together as a community.
Please meet in front of Peacock Fountain at 10am.
Heathcote Cricket Club's Open Day
Date: Sunday, 8th of September
Time: 12 PM - 3 PM
Location: Heathcote Cricket Club, Heathcote Domain Port Hills Road &, Bridle Path Road, Heathcote Valley, Christchurch 8022
Interested in cricket? Come to Heathcote Cricket Club's Open Day on September 8 between 12pm and 3pm. The club caters for all ages, genders, and abilities.
Located in Heathcote Valley, 6km southeast from the central city, the club is surrounded by hills on three sides and features one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in New Zealand.
Find out more here: https://www.heathcotecricket.co.nz/
Time: 12 PM - 3 PM
Location: Heathcote Cricket Club, Heathcote Domain Port Hills Road &, Bridle Path Road, Heathcote Valley, Christchurch 8022
Interested in cricket? Come to Heathcote Cricket Club's Open Day on September 8 between 12pm and 3pm. The club caters for all ages, genders, and abilities.
Located in Heathcote Valley, 6km southeast from the central city, the club is surrounded by hills on three sides and features one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in New Zealand.
Find out more here: https://www.heathcotecricket.co.nz/
Welcoming Week Tumbletimes
Date: Tuesday, 10th September
Time: 12 PM - 12:45 PM
Location: Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre, 75 lyttleton Street
New to Christchurch? Make friends and join us for this free activity!
Connect with other newcomers and their children in a welcoming environment.
Tumbletimes is a play session designed for babies and pre-schoolers to explore and play at their own pace. Bring your little one along to experience adventure and develop their fundamental movement skills.
Time: 12 PM - 12:45 PM
Location: Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre, 75 lyttleton Street
New to Christchurch? Make friends and join us for this free activity!
Connect with other newcomers and their children in a welcoming environment.
Tumbletimes is a play session designed for babies and pre-schoolers to explore and play at their own pace. Bring your little one along to experience adventure and develop their fundamental movement skills.
Welcoming Planting Day
Date: Friday, 6th September
Time: 10 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: 186 Bridle Path Road,186 Bridle Path Road, Ferrymead, Christchurch 8022, New Zealand
Mobile Health Group and Trees for Canterbury have sponsored 1000 trees to be planted in the Port Hills red zone and they welcome your help to plant them.
Meet like-minded people who love the outdoors, learn about Aotearoa native trees and give back to the city you call home by taking part in this event as part of Welcome Week Te Wiki o Manaaki.
This is your chance to be part of restoration planting for the red-zoned Port Hills, in the beautiful Heathcote Valley. Mobile Health Group have sponsored the trees, and they need your help to get them in the ground. The ground is pretty tough going so a good level of fitness is required. We will finish and celebrate our mahi with a light lunch. Come prepared for all weather and wear sturdy footwear. Tools and gloves will be provided but you are also welcome to bring your own.
this site is on the route of bus #155 Eastgate, Bridle Path Road. Street parking only.
Glad you're here - nau mai rā!
Sign in link: https://events.humanitix.com/plant-a-tree-for-welcome-week
Time: 10 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: 186 Bridle Path Road,186 Bridle Path Road, Ferrymead, Christchurch 8022, New Zealand
Mobile Health Group and Trees for Canterbury have sponsored 1000 trees to be planted in the Port Hills red zone and they welcome your help to plant them.
Meet like-minded people who love the outdoors, learn about Aotearoa native trees and give back to the city you call home by taking part in this event as part of Welcome Week Te Wiki o Manaaki.
This is your chance to be part of restoration planting for the red-zoned Port Hills, in the beautiful Heathcote Valley. Mobile Health Group have sponsored the trees, and they need your help to get them in the ground. The ground is pretty tough going so a good level of fitness is required. We will finish and celebrate our mahi with a light lunch. Come prepared for all weather and wear sturdy footwear. Tools and gloves will be provided but you are also welcome to bring your own.
this site is on the route of bus #155 Eastgate, Bridle Path Road. Street parking only.
Glad you're here - nau mai rā!
Sign in link: https://events.humanitix.com/plant-a-tree-for-welcome-week
Women's Empowerment Fundraiser
Date: Tuesday, September 10th
Time: 7 PM - 9 PM
Location: The Champion Centre, Gate 1 , Burwood Hospital
Empowering Women's Event: Inspiration, Action, Impact
Join us for an inspiring evening where you can ignite your passion and learn how to turn your ideas and dreams into reality—whether in your life, career, or business!
Our dynamic speakers will share their stories, insights, and practical tips on how they brought their visions to life, all while balancing the demands of family and work. This event is designed to empower you to achieve your full potential and take action on your goals.
While attendance is free, if you'd like to support The Champion Centre in providing essential, multi-disciplinary early intervention services for children with significant disabilities and developmental delays, we welcome your contributions. All donations will go directly to The Champion Centre to help them continue their vital work for children and families throughout Canterbury.
If you wish to contribute please RSVP and donate here: Donate / RSVP here
Get ready to be inspired by the journeys of three passionate women, and make an impact by supporting a worthy cause!
Time: 7 PM - 9 PM
Location: The Champion Centre, Gate 1 , Burwood Hospital
Empowering Women's Event: Inspiration, Action, Impact
Join us for an inspiring evening where you can ignite your passion and learn how to turn your ideas and dreams into reality—whether in your life, career, or business!
Our dynamic speakers will share their stories, insights, and practical tips on how they brought their visions to life, all while balancing the demands of family and work. This event is designed to empower you to achieve your full potential and take action on your goals.
While attendance is free, if you'd like to support The Champion Centre in providing essential, multi-disciplinary early intervention services for children with significant disabilities and developmental delays, we welcome your contributions. All donations will go directly to The Champion Centre to help them continue their vital work for children and families throughout Canterbury.
If you wish to contribute please RSVP and donate here: Donate / RSVP here
Get ready to be inspired by the journeys of three passionate women, and make an impact by supporting a worthy cause!
Ōtautahi Welcoming Dinner
Date: Thursday, September 12th
Time: 6 PM
Location: Multicultural Recreation Community Centre, 455 Hagley Avenue Christchurch
A chance to meet others and make connections over a delicious traditional meal! Join us and help new former refugees feel welcomed.
Join us this Welcoming Week for a meal to welcome our newest residents to the city, including former refugees who now call Ōtautahi home.
Your ticket price covers a set dinner menu of traditional food cooked by our Share Kai Cooks Collective and contributes to the cost of a meal for our former refugee diners.
Connect with others, share about yourself and learn about others around the dining table!
Ticket price: $26. Purchase your ticket here: Share Kai Website
Halal, vegan and gluten-free options available!
Welcoming Meals are a collaboration between Share Kai and Purapura Whetu Pōwhiri, with support from Multicultural Recreation and Community Centre and the Christchurch City Council Welcoming Communities.
Time: 6 PM
Location: Multicultural Recreation Community Centre, 455 Hagley Avenue Christchurch
A chance to meet others and make connections over a delicious traditional meal! Join us and help new former refugees feel welcomed.
Join us this Welcoming Week for a meal to welcome our newest residents to the city, including former refugees who now call Ōtautahi home.
Your ticket price covers a set dinner menu of traditional food cooked by our Share Kai Cooks Collective and contributes to the cost of a meal for our former refugee diners.
Connect with others, share about yourself and learn about others around the dining table!
Ticket price: $26. Purchase your ticket here: Share Kai Website
Halal, vegan and gluten-free options available!
Welcoming Meals are a collaboration between Share Kai and Purapura Whetu Pōwhiri, with support from Multicultural Recreation and Community Centre and the Christchurch City Council Welcoming Communities.
Pool Party Only Women
Date: Wednesday, 11th September
Time: 5 PM - 8 PM
Location: 141 Smith Street, Linwood, Christchurch 8062
Celebrate sisterhood at our "Pool Party-Only Women" on 11 September at Te Pou Toetoe Linwood Pool.
Hosted by Kia Ora Canterbury Academy, Active Muslim Explorers, and Welcoming Communities, and supported by Christchurch City Council, this event promises a secure and fun environment for all women.
Dive into an evening of swimming, friendship, and empowerment from 5 to 8 PM.
Don’t forget to bring your friends!
Please fill out the registration form if you are interested.
Time: 5 PM - 8 PM
Location: 141 Smith Street, Linwood, Christchurch 8062
Celebrate sisterhood at our "Pool Party-Only Women" on 11 September at Te Pou Toetoe Linwood Pool.
Hosted by Kia Ora Canterbury Academy, Active Muslim Explorers, and Welcoming Communities, and supported by Christchurch City Council, this event promises a secure and fun environment for all women.
Dive into an evening of swimming, friendship, and empowerment from 5 to 8 PM.
Don’t forget to bring your friends!
Please fill out the registration form if you are interested.
Tauti Mai / Welcoming Day - Cross Border Learners
Discover your local council and the services available to you. Ease your transition into Christchurch to support your integration into academic and social life.
Free Access!
Note: Limited seats, please book as soon as possible to secure your seat here: Book Here
Join us for the Welcoming Day - Cross Border Learners event, a pivotal opportunity designed to introduce students to Christchurch and its diverse academic and social landscapes. This day is part of Welcoming Week and aims to provide vital information and support to students, breaking down information barriers between them and local government services.
Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging and community from the start. You’ll be introduced to essential services, including libraries, internship possibilities, and social clubs, enhancing your academic and social life.
The event features a welcoming ceremony with traditional Karakia to set a respectful and inclusive tone, followed by informative sessions covering everything from library information/resources, NGO free services, to employment opportunities. We’ll also have interactive cultural exchange activities, like board games, that not only entertain but educate, facilitating a deeper understanding and integration into the community. "Speed dating" session will allow you to engage directly with your local council, ensuring you have all the information you need to navigate your new environment successfully.
We invite you to share your experiences and stories, connecting with fellow students and local professionals, and building valuable networks. Join us in making Christchurch your new home, full of opportunities and new friendships!
Free Access!
Note: Limited seats, please book as soon as possible to secure your seat here: Book Here
Join us for the Welcoming Day - Cross Border Learners event, a pivotal opportunity designed to introduce students to Christchurch and its diverse academic and social landscapes. This day is part of Welcoming Week and aims to provide vital information and support to students, breaking down information barriers between them and local government services.
Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging and community from the start. You’ll be introduced to essential services, including libraries, internship possibilities, and social clubs, enhancing your academic and social life.
The event features a welcoming ceremony with traditional Karakia to set a respectful and inclusive tone, followed by informative sessions covering everything from library information/resources, NGO free services, to employment opportunities. We’ll also have interactive cultural exchange activities, like board games, that not only entertain but educate, facilitating a deeper understanding and integration into the community. "Speed dating" session will allow you to engage directly with your local council, ensuring you have all the information you need to navigate your new environment successfully.
We invite you to share your experiences and stories, connecting with fellow students and local professionals, and building valuable networks. Join us in making Christchurch your new home, full of opportunities and new friendships!
International Parenting Group
Time: Depends on which class (See below)
Location: Addington Plunket Rooms, 5 Twigger Street, Addington
Location: Addington Plunket Rooms, 5 Twigger Street, Addington
Whānau Āwhina Plunket is a charity and Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest support service for the health and wellbeing of tamariki under-five and their whānau.
For Welcoming Week, Plunket would like to invite families with children under 5 to join our International Parenting Group run to support international families to:
Free to join. No registration needed.
For Welcoming Week, Plunket would like to invite families with children under 5 to join our International Parenting Group run to support international families to:
- Build friendship
- Be more confident in parenting
Free to join. No registration needed.
