Welcoming Week 2026 - Performers wanted

This year's Welcoming Week theme “Together we belong” fosters genuine belonging. This theme acknowledges and celebrates the collective journey of making Hamilton welcoming to newcomers.

Belonging is at the heart of welcoming, reflecting the idea that people don’t just arrive in communities, they become part of them in that shared, ongoing experience.

Belonging is co‑created by newcomers, long‑term residents, councils, iwi, schools, and community organisations. It aligns strongly with the Welcoming Communities kaupapa, focusing on social cohesion, participation, and connection, and is highly adaptable for local storytelling. It invites communities to highlight real relationships, shared spaces, and collective achievements in place‑based ways.

When we welcome well, we build communities where everyone truly belongs.

This is an invitation for your organisation to be part of the celebration.