Visitors and residents of Ōamaru are being offered a colourful and inclusive welcome at the steps of the Waitaki District Council.

Temporary rainbow-coloured vinyl stickers with the word ‘welcome’ in different languages have been installed on the risers of the steps as part of the Kaupapa Kanorau – Project of Diversity initiated by the Waitaki District Youth Council. 

This is a public display of inclusion and recognition of the diversity of the Waitaki population.

Mady Rawson, who was deputy chairperson of the Youth Council when the project was proposed, said many cities and districts across Aotearoa, New Zealand and the world offer public displays of diversity. 

“This is a great opportunity for Waitaki to show-off what we have to offer and follow-suit.”

In December 2021 an idea to add colour to the Ouse Street roundabout was voted against by council due to concerns around roading distractions and a lack of community consultation. 

Feedback from elected members was taken on board by the Youth Council and work was done on consulting with the community, adapting the project, and proposing a range of options.

Stickers of Diversity was suggested as an option, inspired by the Forrester Gallery’s promotion of its Burns Exhibition using stickers placed on the steps of the gallery. 

As the stickers do not have to be permanent, this was thought to be a good option, and it has been fully funded out of the existing Youth Council allocated budget.

Councillor Rebecca Ryan said the intent of Kaupapa Kanorau – Project of Diversity is to

acknowledge the diversity that exists in Waitaki, showing support, in particular, for our rainbow (LGBTQIA+) community. 

“I hope this initiative will help foster a real sense of acceptance, acknowledgment and identity for members of our rainbow community - and will help portray Waitaki as a place where everyone feels welcome, valued, and, most importantly, safe. 

“I’m really proud of our Youth Council for leading the project and being so confident and passionate about what they believe in,” Rebecca said.

Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said he is very supportive of the initiative to acknowledge

the importance of celebrating the cultural make-up of the district, and the district’s

minority groups who may feel like they are not properly represented. 

“This week is Samoan Language Week in New Zealand and next week is International Languages Week, so the timing for getting the multiple languages on council's steps is excellent!”

Previous Youth Council chairperson and current Labour candidate for the Waitaki electorate, Ethan Reille, has worked on bringing the Project of Diversity to fruition over the last two years. 

“This project is for Waitaki, led by Waitaki. 

“The Youth Council appreciated and took into consideration all feedback offered by Council and have worked hard to ensure our project is culturally appropriate and inclusive for all.

“At the end of the day, it is just a design, which poses no physical conflict to the public.

“Young people have been doing it tough the past few years, everyone has. So this is a

nice way to celebrate our sense of community we have upheld during these challenging

times.” 

The project signals the district’s support for the diversity, minority and cultural groups it has, he said.

A small unveiling event was held in front of Council HQ on Wednesday (May 31) and was attended by the mayor, councillors, Waitaki Multicultural Council representatives and

community members.