27 January 2006

Settlement Support launched in Waitakere

A new service, Settlement Support is being launched to make it easier for migrants and refugees to gain access information and services to help them settle successfully in Waitakere.

Initiated by the Department of Labour and delivered by Waitakere City Council at Citizens’ Advice Bureaux, Settlement Support aims to short-circuit the settlement process for new arrivals.

”This will help new settlers to connect with the appropriate services through the network of collaborating agencies. It’s our policy to ensure that every new migrant or refugee to Waitakere settles successfully,” says Deputy Mayor Carolynne Stone.

“It’s natural that difficulties with the New Zealand system arise in the transition phase and we are emphasising Settlement Support via the CABs as a ‘first port of call’. New arrivals will be able to get face-to-face help for their specific circumstances, even if it’s reassurance that they’re doing the right thing. Arriving in a new country can be a confusing time, especially when migrants, refugees and their families have language difficulties.

“To help cut through the maze of cultural do’s and don’ts, our city libraries are an invaluable source of information for new migrants. Anyone who knows a new family would be well advised to point them in the direction of Settlement Support, the CABs and any one of the City’s libraries,” says Councillor Stone.

The number to call to make an appointment with the Settlement Support Advisor is 0800 367222 or by popping in to the local CAB. If language is a problem, a telephone interpreter can be arranged.

The service will be officially launched on Friday 10 February by Hon David Cunliffe, Minister of Immigration; Mayor Bob Harvey; Ann Pala, President of the Waitakere Ethnic Board and Taha Fasi, Chairperson of the Pacific Island Advisory Board. The media is invited to attend. Please call Liz Mahoney 836 8000 ext 8942 or 021-749583 if you intend to come.

ENDS

© Scoop Media