Media release

29 June 2004

A guide for new migrants and refugees settling in Waitakere City will be launched on 16 July 2004 at the Wellbeing Summit.

Called New Settlers' Guide - Waitakere 2004, the guide is being published by Waitakere Library and Information Services to meet the needs of newcomers to New Zealand by bringing together Waitakere-specific information into one easily accessible package.

Many aspects of everyday life are covered by the Guide, including a section on the top 10 things new settlers usually need to do first such as renting or buying a home, finding a school and a family doctor, applying for an IRD number, and obtaining a driver's licence and accessing insurance.

Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey says the City's mission is to provide pathways for newcomers to ease into a settled way of life.

"Moving to a new country is one of the biggest changes anyone can possibly make... we aim to be one of the most welcoming cities in New Zealand for people taking that massive step of shifting countries," says Mayor Harvey.

The Guide was compiled with input from a range of service providers, as part of Waitakere City Council's commitment to the Wellbeing Collaboration Strategy goal that every new migrant and refugee settles successfully in Waitakere City.

"The guide is designed to help migrants through the main three stages of transition, from the initial impact of arriving in a new country, through the in-between 'letting go' phase to new positive beginnings," says Councillor Annette Fenton. "It is part of our New Out West strategy where Every New Migrant Settles Successfully in Waitakere."

The New Settlers' Guide can be used by ESOL teachers to supplement formal text books as new settlers can learn English using information that is relevant to their local situation.

It will be available from Waitakere libraries and online through the Waitakere City Council website.

ENDS

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