Albany is one of the fastest-growing areas of New Zealand and migrants are making a significant and increasing contribution to this growth.    Incredibly, at the time of the 2006 census, overseas-born residents made up almost half of Albany’s total population and it is a young population with 25% between the ages of 10-24 years. 

 Projections for the area  are that the total population of Albany will have doubled over the  next 20 years  with migrants expected to make by far the largest contribution to this increase.

Although many of the new migrants to Albany are clearly well resourced and financially  secure, it is also true that large numbers require considerable assistance with their  settlement and that many are struggling to adapt to life in New Zealand. For these reasons,  it was felt that it would be timely to take stock of emerging issues for newcomers to Albany, to co-ordinate services and to plan for the ongoing needs of the expanding local migrant communities.

Raeburn House, an award winning community development organisation,  has been contracted to  provide this service and an Albany Settling In Co-ordinator has now been appointed.

Albany Settling In Co-ordinator:  UZRA BALOUCH

As an Albany resident of eight years, Uzra brings a genuine passion and enthusiasm for her community to her new role as the Albany Settling In Co-ordinator.Uzra holds a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and Psychology as well as a Masters in Applied Psychology.She has worked in numerous people focussed organisations both overseas and here in New Zealand and the last five as a successful Real Estate Consultant in Albany.  Uzra believes it is time to weave a new korowai, a new Albany brand which celebrates aspects of all the cultures and the people who call Albany home. Uzra is looking forward to welcoming newcomers to the Albany area and ensuring they settle well, feel connected, and are valued in their new community.