Council’s Welcoming Communities programme is running a free workshop in Ashburton this month about how to buy your first home.

The workshop will have information from bankers and lawyers, and there’ll be a chance to ask lots of questions.

Group Manager of Community and Open Spaces Toni Durham said the Ashburton event on 24 February followed a successful workshop in Methven.

“Buying your own home is a big life event, whether you are relatively new to New Zealand or have lived here all your life. People always have lots of questions and this workshop is a good place to start.”

The Ashburton workshop is in the Event Space, in the Ashburton Library, and starts at 5.30pm.

Welcoming Communities is organising two other free workshops in the next few months, with a focus on jobs and local business opportunities.

Mrs Durham said these events were also open to all residents, and free.

“We have lots of people moving to our district from other parts of New Zealand, or from other countries in the world, and all these workshops are designed to share useful information as they start new lives here.

“Contributing to the local community and local economy helps people feel like they belong, and newcomers to the district bring their own skills and aspirations.”

The events are:

How to Buy Your First Home
Tuesday 24 February - 5.30pm, Event Space, Ashburton Library

Join guest speakers from ASB and Tavendale and Partners for a practical session on the steps to buying your first home. The session will include information specific to Ashburton, one of the most affordable places in New Zealand compared to the national average and major cities.

Employment Essential Workshops
From Tuesday 10 March - 1pm, Learning Laboratory, Ashburton Library

Delivered in partnership with Mayors Taskforce For Jobs, these workshops will help participants build job-ready skills. Topics include writing a professional CV and cover letter, understanding what employers look for, completing online applications, using digital tools to stand out, and interview skills. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend a Dress for Success session in Christchurch.

Places are limited. These are a series of workshops ideal for newcomers, migrants, and anyone seeking employment, a career change, or returning to the workforce.

Thrive Local: Business Foundations
Tuesday 21 April - 5.30pm, Event Space, Ashburton Library

This event is for anyone interested in starting a business. Guest speakers from Ashburton District Council, Inland Revenue, Business Canterbury, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, and others will share information on funding, mentorship, and support available for entrepreneurs. Open to everyone, and questions are encouraged.

To find out more information or to register for any of the events, visit the Welcoming Communities – Ashburton District Facebook page in Events.