Welcoming Week – 9-13 September
Welcoming Week is a time to showcase and celebrate how communities across New Zealand are working together to make our cities, towns, workplaces and social circles more welcoming to everyone.
There are approximately 2,250 residents who have moved to the Manawatū in the past five years according to the latest Census. While our District is predominately rural, the demographic of those living throughout the landscape is becoming increasingly diverse in gender, cultures, and urban influences. “It’s all the more important to celebrate our differences and discover the common thread that unites us,” Sarah Deveau, Welcoming Communities Coordinator explains. “Whether you've recently arrived or have been here for decades, from overseas or across the ranges, we're delighted you've chosen Manawatū as your home.”
The week is filled with programming for all ages to participate in.
- The Manawatū Community Hub Libraries have structured their regular programmes such as Bright Sparks, Story Sparklers and Lego Club to create curiosity about our differences and similarities.
- Mapping Memories is a world map projected onto the wall at the Bowen Street entrance which encourages participants to place the icon of either a suitcase or home on the map indicating the places travelled or lived by our very own Manawatū residences.
- Primary aged students have been invited (through their School) to participate in What draws you home? an art competition supported by local artist Joe McMenamin and Mayor Helen Worboys as judges. Through drawing, painting, papier mâché, students are invited to submit their artwork reflecting a personal view of what makes the Manawatū feel like home. Entries can be submitted to the Manawatū Community Hub Libraries.
- Stop by the Friday Feilding Market on the 13th to participate in competitions for your chance to win a prize.
For more information on Welcoming Week, follow Manawatū Community Hub Libraries on Facebook.