Welcoming Week 2025 – Te Wiki o Manaaki

Nau mai, haere mai! Celebrate belonging, community, and the many cultures that call Manawatū home. As part of the Welcoming Communities vision, we’re working together to make Manawatū a place where everyone belongs.

During Welcoming Week we’re giving our regular Manawatū Community Hub Libraries (MCHL) programmes a special twist adding themes of welcome, belonging, and connection to make each activity extra meaningful and fun.

A special Marae Cultural Experience is on offer at Kauwhata Marae in Feilding. Everyone is welcome to take part in this opportunity to experience the traditions, stories, and manaakitanga (the Māori value of hospitality and care for others) of Ngāti Kauwhata.

Welcoming Week (Te Wiki o Manaaki) held from Friday 5 - Sunday 14 September 2025. Is an initiative led by Immigration New Zealand that celebrates inclusive communities and the contributions of newcomers. Learn more: Welcoming Week: Immigration New Zealand.

If you have any questions about MCHL programmes, please don't hesitate to contact us.

World Map — Where are we from?

Friday 5 – Sunday 14 September

Mark the places you have come from on our large world map, alongside a big Aotearoa/New Zealand. Share your story and help celebrate our community’s diversity, this activity is open for everyone to join in.

Bright Sparks — Hands of Welcome Display

Wednesday 10 September, 10:00 –11:00am

Bright Sparks tamariki (children) will create colourful handprints for our Hands of Welcome display. From 10 September, see their work showcased on the library tree in the children’s area.

Lego Club — Build Welcome

Thursday 11 September, 3:30 - 4:30pm

What does “welcome” look like? Come along to Lego Club, build your idea, and add it to our community display.

Story Sparklers — Welcoming Stories

Friday 5 & Friday 12 September, 10:00–10:30am

Whānau-friendly story times featuring picture books about welcoming, moving, starting a new school, and finding your place. Perfect for preschoolers and caregivers.

Shelf-End Book Display

Friday 5 – Sunday 14 September

Discover titles on welcoming, migration, and community on the MCHL book display.

Special Event: Marae Cultural Experience

Saturday 13 September 2025
Meet at 9:30am (pōwhiri starts 10:00am sharp)
Kauwhata Marae (Kai Iwi Pā), 148A Te Arakura Road, Feilding

Experience the traditions, stories, and manaakitanga (the Māori value of hospitality and care for others) of Ngāti Kauwhata with a guided welcome onto the marae.

What to expect

  • Gather (9:30am): Meet in the carpark, koha collection, quick briefing, and waiata practice.
  • Pōwhiri (10:00am): Karanga, speeches, waiata tautoko, and hongi.
  • Kaputī: A cuppa and kai to share together.
  • He kōrero: Hear about the marae’s history and people.
  • Wrap-up: Finish close to midday.

Good to know

  • Clothing: Skirts below the knee are preferred for women; long pants and a shirt for men; tidy, comfortable clothing for tamariki.
  • Koha: A small contribution is appreciated; it’s the thought that counts.
  • First time at a marae? Ka pai (well done), our team will guide you through the customs.

RSVP
This event is limited to the first 100 registrations. Please register by Sunday 31 August 2025 and include the number attending from your whānau (family).


Register for the Marae Cultural Experience

Are you new to the Manawatū District? Whether you have moved here from another country, town, or region, we warmly invite you to join our monthly morning tea. It's a welcoming space to meet others, share your story, and begin building connections in your new community. Held on the third Friday of each month (view on our events calendar).

The next upcoming date is Friday 19 September from 10:00am to 11:30am at Te Āhuru Mōwai.

Come alone or bring a friend or family member, everyone is welcome. Have a warm drink and an even warmer welcome as we help you settle into life in the Manawatū.

The Welcoming Communities Programme, led by Immigration New Zealand and supported by 35 councils, helps create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive and belong.

Manawatū District Council works with local organisations through the Welcoming Communities Focus Group to strengthen social, economic, and cultural inclusion in our district.

Learn more: Welcoming Communities