Newcomer Safety Expo in the Waimakariri
Waimakariri District Council media release: 26th August 2025
To help connect new arrivals with local emergency services, Council is hosting a FREE Newcomer Safety Expo.
Navigating a new community or even a new country can take some time, especially when it comes to local services and safety practices. This Welcoming Week (5 to 14 September), Council is hosting a free Safety Expo to help our newest residents settle in to the District.
Date: Friday 12th September 2025.
Time: 4.30 to 7pm.
Location: Conference Room at MainPower Stadium (289 Coldstream Road, Rangiora).
At the event, organisations like Hato Hone St John, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Coastguard and New Zealand Police will introduce key information about keeping safe.
Council Community Development Facilitator Aimee Claassens says the expo is a way for newcomers to meet our local heroes and learn about how to be safe at home, at the beach, in the mountains and during an emergency.
“The Waimakariri District is growing, and this includes an increasing immigrant population. For some cultures there may be distrust of services like the police, and this expo is a way to remove those barriers.
“There will also be some local social and health services at the expo.”
This event is an opportunity for newcomers to increase their understanding of safety messaging, and where to find the right information – such as through the Council during civil defence emergencies.
People will also be able to talk to community groups and learn how to get involved through volunteering.
