When communities know what their people need most, the results can be powerful.
That is exactly what the Japanese Family Society of Queenstown is delivering with support from the Ministry’s Ethnic Communities Development Fund (the Fund). The Society received a $10,000 grant that contributes to their year-long programme designed to strengthen skills, confidence, wellbeing and connection for local communities.
Last year’s programme, supported by the Fund, reached almost 1,000 participants through workshops, training and community events. More than 50 volunteers also helped deliver activities, gaining leadership, teamwork and organisational experience along the way.
At the heart of the programme is a practical focus on improving economic outcomes for Ethnic Communities by helping people overcome barriers to employment, build financial capability and gain job-ready skills.
“The Fund’s support helps us turn community ideas into real opportunities for families living in Queenstown,” says Mrs Keiko Okumura, the Executive Director of the Japanese Family Society of Queenstown.
Turning community voices into real support
Rather than assuming what people need, the Society asks its members directly and then brings in qualified professionals to help.
“We listen to our members and respond to what they tell us they need. Sometimes one workshop or one course can open the door to a job, reduce stress, or give someone the confidence to take their next step,” says Mrs Keiko Okumura, the Executive Director of the Japanese Family Society of Queenstown.
One standout initiative is the Money Management workshop, where a qualified specialist will provide tailored guidance on topics such as financial planning, wills and insurance.
For many families and newcomers, understanding the process can feel complicated. Access to trusted professional advice in a welcoming environment can reduce stress, build confidence and help people make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
It is a simple idea with lasting impact: when people understand their options, they are better placed to plan ahead, participate fully and build long-term security.
“The Money Management workshop helped me practically understand New Zealand’s financial and legal systems, and I now feel more confident navigating the differences,” says one of the participants.
Image below: Money Management workshop led by a New Zealand-based Japanese lawyer.
Building pathways into local jobs
In a tourism town like Queenstown, hospitality skills can open doors.
That is why the programme includes a Skill Up Barista Workshop, helping participants gain practical experience that can lead directly to employment opportunities. Participants contribute toward costs, showing strong community ownership and shared commitment.
The programme also includes Basic First Aid and Mental Health First Aid training. These are valuable qualifications that can strengthen CVs, improve workplace readiness and equip people with potentially lifesaving skills useful across many industries.
For participants looking for work, these courses can make a real difference in helping them stand out to employers.
Real impact in the community
Participants benefited from practical learning opportunities, cultural exchange, physical activity and stronger social connections through activities such as Māori flax weaving workshops and te reo Māori learning sessions. These experiences helped participants build new skills, deepen understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand’s culture, and strengthen relationships between Japanese families and the wider Queenstown community.
Image below on the left: Children during a Māori flax weaving workshop.
Image below on the right: Participants learning te reo Māori during a Māori cultural workshop.
Stronger people, stronger communities
Alongside employment-focused initiatives, the Society have run waiata sessions, sports activities, cultural events and intergenerational programmes that bring people together.
These activities help create a sense of belonging and wellbeing that often underpin success in work, study and everyday life.
The Society has also shown how smaller, carefully planned projects can deliver significant value by combining the Fund’s support with fundraising, participant contributions and other local funding.
Image below on the left: Participants playing the koto during a traditional Japanese music workshop.
Image below in the middle: Participants singing and moving together during a waiata session.
Image below on the right: Young children preparing to race with their parents at a community sports day.
Lasting impact through local leadership
This programme is a strong example of what happens when local leaders understand their community, plan ahead and focus on practical outcomes.
With the Fund’s support, the Japanese Family Society of Queenstown is helping people gain skills, access opportunities with confidence, and feel more connected, creating benefits that extend well beyond individual participants to families and community.