Welcoming Day Shows the Power of Connection

Last week's inaugural Welcoming Day was a wonderful reminder that helping people feel at home in a community is about much more than providing information.

Throughout the afternoon and evening, a steady stream of newcomers arrived at Community Link. Some had moved to the Upper Clutha that very day, while many others had been here for a few months or up to a year and were looking to build connections, discover local services, and meet others on a similar journey.

For one attendee, the timing could not have been better. Having arrived in Wānaka that morning and moved in with a relative while getting settled, they were encouraged to come along. Within hours of arriving in town, they were already meeting neighbours, discovering local services, and taking their first steps towards feeling at home.

There was a real mix of people, including families, couples, and individuals, creating a welcoming atmosphere filled with conversation, introductions, and new connections.

Hosted by Community Link, Queenstown Lakes Libraries and Welcoming Communities, the event brought together community organisations, clubs, support services, and local groups, all keen to help people find their feet in their new community.

A free sausage sizzle and the ever-popular Mr Whippy, made possible through a generous donation from Pip Rudhall Hyett, helped create a relaxed and friendly environment where people could stay, chat, and connect.

The Queenstown Lakes Libraries team welcomed a significant number of new library members and introduced newcomers to the range of services on offer.

As one of New Zealand's fastest-growing communities, creating opportunities for people to connect has never been more important. The positive response to Welcoming Day reinforces what we already know: people value opportunities to meet others, learn what's available, and develop that sense of belonging that turns a place to live into a place to call home.

A huge thank you to everyone who hosted a stand, volunteered their time, and came along to support the event.

We hope this was the first of many Welcoming Days. Because belonging doesn't happen by accident. It happens through connection.