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Our Publications, News and Resources
Keep up to date with the latest news on our involvement with the Welcoming Communities programme. If you're keen to learn more, check out the useful resources below.
Publications News Resources Contact usOur publications
Here we share the work we have developed with the support and input from our local communities.
Welcoming Communities Stocktake Report Summary
The Welcoming Communities Stocktake Report Summary is an assessment on how QLDC and the community are currently meeting the needs of newcomers to the district. It was created in August 2022 and provides a snapshot of what we’re currently doing well and opportunities for the future, across the outcomes of the Welcoming Communities programme.
Welcoming Communities Hui Feedback Summary - Whakatipu and Upper Clutha
We hosted a Welcoming Communities Hui for the Whakatipu (in June 2022) and the Upper Clutha (in November 2022). There was a fantastic turnout and the room was buzzing with wonderful kōrero (conversations) from all our attendees including iwi, newcomer group representatives, community services managers and leaders, along with elected members and QLDC staff. The group came together to listen, learn and share ways to support newcomers feel welcome and able to participate in the economic, civic, cultural and social life of the district. Here we share a summary of the key ideas gathered from both these workshop discussions.
Māori, Pasifika and Newcomer Group Profiles
We are delighted to celebrate the Māori, Pasifika and Newcomer groups who have made the Queenstown Lakes District their home with a first edition of a collection of profiles. These offer a snapshot of each group, providing an insight to how each was established and operates, its membership, and all the wonderful events and activities it’s involved in. There are also details on how to connect with each group and find out more information.
News
Below is a list of media releases about Queenstown Lakes District Council's involvement with Welcoming Communities:
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(1 July 2021) Queenstown Lakes welcomes our new communities.
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(3 November 2021) QLDC recognises Welcoming Communities programme.
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(10 March 2022) QLDC achieves accreditation as a committed welcoming community.
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(29 April 2022) Local champions invited to join Welcoming Communities Advisory Group.
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(5 October 2022) Welcoming Communities Advisory Group works towards a shared vision.
Resources
Check out these useful resources to learn more about Welcoming Communities:
Contact us
If you have any questions about Welcoming Communities or want to get involved, please contact the Welcoming Communities Coordinator for Queenstown Lakes District Council, Silvia Dancose.
TEL: 027 772 0138
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Silvia Dancose is Canadian-born and comes from a mixed background; her father was French-Canadian and her mother was Mexican. She is fluent in French, Spanish and English. Silvia moved to Hamilton, New Zealand in 2011 and has been living in Queenstown since December 2019.
Her career pathway has led her to occupy many roles in the NGO sector working alongside and advocating for newcomers, migrants and refugees. In Canada, she worked at the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks, a national centre of expertise in support of the national standards in English and French language proficiency in immigration, education, workplace and community settings.
In New Zealand, she worked for nearly 9 years for New Zealand Red Cross in the areas of settlement and employment of refugee background persons. One of her most recent roles was Regional Manager in Central Otago for Red Cross Visitor Care Manaaki Manuhiri in 2020, a COVID-19 relief programme funded by DIA aiming at supporting temporary visa holders facing hardship.
Silvia describes herself having a natural inclination to connect with people from all ethnic backgrounds and walks of life. Her upbringing has a lot to do with the fact that she lived in many developing countries as a child and teenager because of her father’s work. She is passionate about diversity, inclusion and equity and considers them as integral parts of any welcoming community. By taking a gentle approach to demystify these concepts in practice and celebrating what’s already diversely rich and socially cohesive, Queenstown Lakes can become even more welcoming.
Silvia has recently completed a Certificate in Intercultural Studies to complement her Post-Graduate Diploma in Adult Education and bachelor’s degree in Education. Silvia lives with her Kiwi partner and has two young adult children, one currently studying and living in Canada.
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