History of the WMRC

Print
E-mail

WMRC-house

The Waikato Migrant Resource Centre (WMRC) initially operated under the name ‘Multicultural Centre’ at 2 Knox Street, Hamilton City Centre. The history of the Waikato Migrant Resource Centre is closely linked to the Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust (HMS Trust). The HMS Trust was established as a Charitable Trust in February 1999, in order to provide a range of services designed to assist newcomers to the Waikato region. In the first instance, Interpreting Services were a high need to assist migrant communities with language barriers. At that stage the Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust operated mainly as a not-for profit organisation offering interpreting and translations. In October, 2004, the Trust moved into the Waikato Migrant Resource Centre on the Boundary Road at Claudelands Park. It was officially opened on 19 March, 2005 by the Hamilton city mayor Bob Simcock.

The WMRC is operated by a partnership between the HMS Trust and the agencies co-located. In 2011 the Waikato Migrant Resource Centre Association Inc. was established to facilitate sustainable operation of the centre. This will further enhance local agency collaboration to support the settlement of newcomers to the local area. WMRC has input from local government, central government and community agencies. The Hamilton City Council is closely involved in the operation of WMRC, through the work of the Ethnic Development Advisor, a key advisor to the Centre. The WMRC also operates as a Hamilton Community Centre supported by the City Council.

The centre was envisaged and created both as a community centre and also as a service centre for the migrant communities. Thus, it was modified to be used for community group meetings and celebrations- as well as a venue for services focusing on new settlers. Information and services available through the Centre are particularly relevant to new English speakers.

Today, the centre is building stronger alliances and interconnections among all WMRC partner agencies and services in developing the Waikato Migrant Resource Centre Association. Local demand for settlement services resulted also in the setting up of other office locations in the city centre. However, there are closely linked to the activities of the Waikato Migrant Centre.

Newcomers from anywhere in the world will find their contact with the WMRC valuable. Information, and most services at the Centre, are offered free of charge. A phone based information service, also in multiple languages can be reached at Settlement Support New Zealand (SSNZ) (linked to Immigration New Zealand). SSNZ offers a 0800 free phone service from anywhere in the Waikato through the Information Service at WMRC.

The centre also offers free information and referrals for service providers, local organisations; and employers seeking advice for their migrant staff.

We welcome everyone to get in touch with us to find out more about how we can assist you.