Te Wiki o Manaaki brings sense of belonging to communities

Published on 12 September 2022

Palmy is home to people from over 150 different ethnic backgrounds, with one in five of us born overseas, and it’s once again time to celebrate all newcomers to our city. From Friday 9 September to Sunday 18 September we will be recognising Welcoming Week – Te Wiki o Manaaki and this year’s theme, #WhereWeBelong. 

Community Development Manager Stephanie Velvin says “Welcoming Week is a chance to celebrate two important principles: whanaungatanga, the importance of relationships, and manaakitanga, the process of showing respect, generosity and care for others.”

This year’s theme relates to places and spaces that create belonging in our city, workplaces and neighbourhoods, one of which is He Kupu Rangatira – The Proverb Pathway on Te Arapiki a Tāne.

Council, in partnership with Rangitāne and Massey University, installed 12 proverbs in 10 different languages throughout the stairway last year.

The proverbs represent themes of perseverance, patience and reflection and resonate with the journeys of many people who have made Palmerston North their home.  

Watch the video to see some of our community speak about how they feel Palmy is where they belong.