3. Equitable Access

Opportunities to access services and activities and to participate in the community are available to all, including newcomers. 3.1 Council partners with local businesses, organisations and sectors to identify and address barriers for newcomers to accessing services and participating in the community.

Action

Investigate barriers for newcomers accessing driver licences and explore ways to reduce those barriers. Timeframe Who is involved

Year 2-3 • Rural Education Activities Programme (REAP) Drive My Life programme • Seasonal Staff Manaaki

Address language barriers through community programmes. Ongoing • REAP ESOL • English Language Partners

3.2 Council and other organisations in the community research, design and deliver services that take account of the different circumstances (for example rural/urban) and cultural backgrounds of all service users, including newcomers.

Action

Include questions about cultural diversity and the experiences of newcomers in research tools.

Identify and celebrate the ethnic diversity of Council staff. Timeframe Who is involved

Ongoing • Central Otago District Council • Welcoming Communities

Year 2 • Central Otago District Council

3.3 All community members are well informed about the services available in the community. Newcomers are made aware of and are using these services.

Action

Develop Central Otago Welcome Guide for newcomers. See 1.4. Consider developing specific welcome information and/ or welcome signage for seasonal staff. Timeframe Who is involved

Year 2 • Central Otago District Council • Tourism Central Otago • Welcoming Communities

Year 2-3 • Seasonal Staff Manaaki • Tourism Central Otago • Schools Amy Kahukura, Cromwell Youth Trust

Recipe submissions for Neighbours Day, Kai Connections. Deborah Beange, Kirsty Anderson, Raylicia Checketts, Zuleyha Bingul, Shona Bain, Ruth McNamara