Settlement Support Coordinator

Shelley Davenport
Settlement Support Coordinator, Manawatu

As Settlement Support Coordinator, Shelley provides support and local information for newcomers to Palmerston North and the surrounding area. She also works to help local businesses and service providers meet the needs of newcomers in the community.

“A big part of my job is connecting people with information,” says Shelley. “It’s so satisfying to see how everything ‘fits’ together - how accessing local information and services allows people to live their lives more successfully and confidently.”

There are a number of ways Shelley supports newcomers, from providing brochures, to directing people to websites, connecting people with local service providers or having informal face-to-face conversations—whatever works best in each situation.

Shelley provides personalised service, with a focus on successful settlement outcomes for all her clients. She says, “I really enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds and being able to help them feel at home in Aotearoa/New Zealand.”