On the 11 December, Cr. Tyla Harrison Hunt presented the "Multicultural Portfolio Lead Report" to the Christchurch City Council. Let's explore it together!

The "Multicultural Lead Portfolio Report" is a report presented to the Christchurch City Council every six months by the Councillor holding the Portfolio of Multiculturalism, with the support of Council staff.

Its main purpose is to give updates on the progress and activities related to multicultural initiatives in the city. This report helps the Council understand the efforts being made to support and engage with the diverse cultural communities in Ōtautahi/Christchurch.

Let's have a glance to some of the topic included in the Report.

Meaningful Refugee participation: In May 2024, the Council partnered with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to launch a new initiative aimed at empowering former refugees. This project focuses on helping former refugees participate more meaningfully in their local communities by involving them in decision-making processes, promoting civic engagement, and building their skills and capacities. The initial engagement with the former refugee communities highlighted that community leaders are keen to form a steering committee to address common issues and collaborate with resettlement agencies. Currently there is a Call for Nominations to the Steering Committee open.

The Steering Committee aim is to provide a platform for leaders from refugee communities to come together and discuss common issues, projects, and activities. This committee will engage collectively with agencies involved in the resettlement and support of individuals with lived experience of displacement. The goal is to ensure that former refugees have a voice in decisions that affect their communities, promote civic participation, and build their capability and capacity.

Welcoming Communities: Christchurch has officially joined the national Welcoming Communities programme. In September 2024, Christchurch hosted Welcoming Week, featuring 14 events that celebrated diversity and fostered inclusivity. Highlights included a Welcoming Orientation for students, a multicultural potluck dinner, and activities focused on employment, social services, and community support. Over 400 people participated in these events.

Meet the Multicultural Advisory Group: The Multicultural Advisory Group (MAG) is made up of 15 individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds who meet every six weeks. The purpose of the MAG is to provide impartial, informed advice and help the Council make informed decisions that support and engage Christchurch's multicultural communities.

Recently, new members were appointed, and Jinky Knowler was elected as the new chairperson in September 2024, succeeding Henry Jaiswal.

INFoRM Network: The Interagency Network for Migrants and Refugees (INFoRM) brings together, every two months, various stakeholders, including agencies, NGOs, and community organizations, to collaborate on issues affecting migrants and refugees.

The network provides a platform for sharing information and best practices among organizations working with migrants and refugees. It ensures that the efforts of different organizations are aligned and complementary, avoiding duplication and enhancing the overall impact.

The INFoRM Network includes around 350 stakeholders. The Council provides administrative support, helps organise meetings, and ensures effective communication between the Members of the network.

CLING: The Community Language Information Network Group (CLING) holds monthly meetings with representatives from various organizations, including Interpreting NZ, Christchurch Resettlement Service, and Immigration NZ. The Christchurch City Council supports CLING by reprinting their Best Practice Guidelines for communicating with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities. CLING has also received funding to develop webinars showcasing best practices in engaging with CALD communities, providing ongoing access to crucial information for professionals working with these communities.

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If you want to read the full report, you can find it from page 215 of the Agenda of Council Meeting, 11 December 2024.