A guide to support newcomers settling in our district

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is proud to share a Newcomers Guide to the Queenstown Lakes District, a resource developed in collaboration with support service organisations, local education providers and businesses, and newcomers, to assist those moving to our district.

QLDC Welcoming Communities Coordinator Silvia Dancose is delighted to launch the new guide to help those in the process of moving to or arriving in Queenstown, Wānaka and other towns in the district.

“Moving here is an exciting opportunity but can also be challenging. The guide provides newcomers with valuable local resources and services to help them adjust to life in their new home,” said Ms Dancose.

“Having all this information accessible in one place will play a key role in helping those who choose this part of Aotearoa New Zealand to live, work or study to feel more welcome and connected, and enable them to foster a sense of community,” she said.

The Newcomers Guide provides information on how to find a place to live, work, access health care, connect with your community, learn English, manage money and finances, what to do in case of an emergency, and much more.

QLDC People and Capability Director Katie Church shares the benefit of including the Newcomers Guide as part of QLDC’s onboarding resources.  

“For many, moving to our district is often an opportunity to start a new job and build a new life, it’s important to help make the transition smoother and more successful by providing guidance and resources to newcomers and their families,” said Ms Church.

“This is great resource for employers to consider offering as part of their on-boarding process, especially for employees who are new to Aotearoa New Zealand and the region,” she said.

Since May, a series of small launch events have been held with support service organisations, the health, business and education sectors, and Pacific and other migrant community groups.

To find out more about the Newcomers Guide, read an online copy and provide feedback go to www.qldc.govt.nz/community/newcomers-guide

Printed versions of the Newcomers Guide can be found at QLDC offices, libraires, sport and recreation centres and other supporting organisations such as Citizens Advice Bureau, Community Link Upper Clutha, NZ Police, Salvation Army, Plunket and local schools.

Developing the Newcomers Guide is an action from the three-year Welcoming Plan that was created by QLDC and the community to reflect the unique characteristics of our place and people, to ensure that all newcomers can thrive.

Having a community led Welcoming Plan enabled QLDC to gain accreditation as an ‘Established Welcoming Community’ by Immigration New Zealand in February 2025. This marked a milestone in Council’s commitment to continue to make this district welcoming and inclusive for everyone. 

ENDS | KUA MUTU.

Media contact: communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 1802.

FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri

• QLDC is responsible for developing the Newcomers Guide and aims to update it bi-annually based on feedback received from community partners and newcomers. The latest edition can be found online at www.qldc.govt.nz/newcomers-guide

• Contact marie.schmidt@qldc.govt.nz to order printed copies and access resources to help promote the Newcomers Guide.

• For more information on Welcoming Communities or to read the Queenstown Lakes District Welcoming Plan 2024-2027 go to www.qldc.govt.nz/our-welcoming-plan

• QLDC is now at stage two of four accreditation levels within the Welcoming Communities programme which include – Committed, Established, Advanced and Excelling. In February 2022, QLDC achieved stage one Committed Welcoming Community by signing a Statement of Commitment on Tuesday 2 November 2021.

• The Welcoming Communities programme brings together local government and communities to make our place more welcoming for everyone and ultimately contributing towards healthier, happier and more productive communities.

• The Welcoming Communities | Te Waharoa ki ngā Hapori programme is led by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) in collaboration with the Ministry for Ethnic Communities (MEC) and the Human Rights Commission. Queenstown Lakes District Council joined the programme in 2021.