About one in five people in Napier were born overseas, reflecting steady change in the city’s make up over time. A trend likely to continue if Napier tracks the demographic changes expected for all New Zealand.

Napier City Council has taken an important step in recognising and celebrating the city’s growing diversity by adopting the Whiria Ahuriri Multicultural Strategy.

Over the past two years, Council has engaged widely across the community, holding workshops, focus groups and presentations with business owners, secondary school students, international students and community groups. This included face-to-face engagement with over 500 people. 

Councillor Greg Mawson, who has held the multicultural portfolio for the past six years, says the strategy reflects the Napier people see every day. “Whiria Ahuriri is about connection and belonging, and making sure everyone in Napier has the opportunity to participate and thrive. It reflects the pride people have in their cultures and helps us create a more inclusive city.”

The strategy draws on input from Mana Whenua, advisory groups, community members and organisations. It provides a framework for how the city welcomes, includes and supports all cultures that call Ahuriri home.

Councillor Te Kira Lawrence, who has taken on the multicultural portfolio this term, says the next step is turning the strategy into action.

“This is about more than celebrating cultural events,” says Lawrence. “It provides a practical framework to support multicultural communities to integrate, access services and feel safe and valued in Napier. I am looking forward to working alongside our communities to develop the action plan and bring this strategy to life.”

Council will now work with a new Advisory Group to develop a detailed Action Plan to put the strategy into action. The group will include representatives from organisations and cultural communities across Napier. Together they will help prioritise actions, support delivery and keep communities informed and involved.