On Thursday, 22 May, the spirit of community shone brightly as 30 enthusiastic students from St Kevin’s College Redcastle in Ōamaru dedicated their afternoon to assembling 240 Welcome to Waitaki packs for newcomers to our district. This effort, part of the Waitaki Multicultural Welcome Initiative, highlighted just how powerful connection and kindness can be in shaping a welcoming community.

Guided by the ever-supportive Socorro Laraga, the students brought incredible energy and teamwork to the task. Their contribution not only helped us prepare these essential packs but also demonstrated the compassion and commitment that make our district special.

To keep the hard-working volunteers fuelled, Domino’s Pizza Oamaru generously provided free pizza. An act of kindness that brought big smiles and full stomachs. We’re grateful for their support in making the day even more memorable.

These Welcome to Waitaki Packs are filled with helpful information to support integration. They are available at:

📍 Oamaru Library
📍 Waitaki District Community House – Waitaki Multicultural Office, 100 Thames Street

The message behind every pack is simple yet meaningful: “You belong here.“

A heartfelt thank you also goes to Network Waitaki for sponsoring the creation of the packs, and to Brackens for their generous support with printing. Each contribution plays a vital role in ensuring newcomers feel seen, supported, and welcomed.

We’re truly grateful to everyone who brought this initiative to life. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected, and more inclusive Waitaki.