Media Release

23 January 2013

Introduction To The Treaty Of Waitangi For Migrants And Newcomers

Settlement Support - Whangarei is offering a series of free workshop on Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) for migrants and newcomers on Monday 4 February from 10am to 2:30pm at the Whangarei Migrant Centre.

Workshop one will give newcomers an understanding of the Treaty and why it is so important to New Zealand. It will give a simple and accurate introduction and includes interactive activities.

"Many migrants have a keen interest in the Treaty of Waitangi and want to understand more about the history and bicultural foundations of New Zealand. Our country is based on bi-culturalism, rather than multi-culturalism, and this leaves some migrants wondering where they fit in,” says Settlement Support Co-ordinator Ellen Altshuler.

“Newcomers to New Zealand read about current issues like water rights, recent settlement agreements and Maori representation in local and central government and they wonder what that has to do with the Treaty of Waitangi. The seminar will help migrants make the connection between New Zealand’s history, the signing of the Treaty and how it relates to issues in the present.”

The facilitator of the workshop is Moea Armstrong. Moea has facilitated Treaty and anti-racism workshops in Northland since 1991. She is a fifth generation Pakeha with a passion for celebrating the promise of the Treaty and cultural relationships in Aotearoa, through addressing our historical legacy. Recently she has been part of a group publishing an independent report on the first stage of the Ngapuhi Treaty of Waitangi claims.

This free workshop is from 10am till 2:30pm at the Whangarei Migrant Centre. Tea, coffee and a light kai (lunch) are included. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Migrants working in the field of health and social work (and trainees) should attend Workshop one before enrolling in our next Maoritanga course scheduled for 17 April 2013. Workshop two is for migrant professionals and trainees in health and social work who want to understand the Treaty of Waitangi applied to the New Zealand health system and learn about the elements of Maori health and wellness.

To register or for further information, contact Settlement Support, phone 470 3056, or email ellena@wdc.govt.nz

Settlement Support
Settlement Support New Zealand is an initiative of Immigration New Zealand. There is a service in 19 areas around New Zealand to help migrants and refugees get in touch with local information and services that they need to support their settlement.

ENDS

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