About Us
CLING (Community Languages Information Network Group) is a network of agencies that works to support Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities in Ōtautahi Christchurch, in Aotearoa New Zealand. The group’s Vision is that “All communities have equitable access to public information and services, and the ability to communicate and participate in society”. In this regard, CLING advocates for the provision of accessible and comprehensible information for all, including through the use of professional interpreters, translated materials and ethnic media. CLING’s work is underpinned by a human rights framework and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
In 2020, CLING comprised representatives from the following agencies: Interpreting Canterbury; Christchurch City Council; Lebern and Associates; Citizens Advice Bureau; Te Mana Ora; Community and Public Health; Christchurch Resettlement Services; Immigration New Zealand; New Zealand Red Cross; Muslim Wellbeing Ōtautahi; Purapura Whetu Trust; Civil Defence and Emergency Management; Powhiri Refugee Family Support Settlement Service; and Te Puni Kōkiri.
CLING’s members are drawn from a variety of sectors, including central and local government, health, and CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) service provision. Together, they bring a wide range of practical experiences, skillsets, and the collective knowledge and insights of their individual agencies.
With its aim of improving communication practices between agencies and CALD communities, CLING provides training to agencies and staff on topics such as cultural competency and the use of professional interpreters. If your agency would be interested in this kind of training, or you would like CLING’s advice on issues related to communication best practice, please use the form below to contact us.
CALD groups include migrants and refugees from Asian, Middle Eastern and African backgrounds. Many issues faced by these communities, including those in relation to communication, will also be experienced by Māori and Pasifika communities.
In 2020, CLING comprised representatives from the following agencies: Interpreting Canterbury; Christchurch City Council; Lebern and Associates; Citizens Advice Bureau; Te Mana Ora; Community and Public Health; Christchurch Resettlement Services; Immigration New Zealand; New Zealand Red Cross; Muslim Wellbeing Ōtautahi; Purapura Whetu Trust; Civil Defence and Emergency Management; Powhiri Refugee Family Support Settlement Service; and Te Puni Kōkiri.
CLING’s members are drawn from a variety of sectors, including central and local government, health, and CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) service provision. Together, they bring a wide range of practical experiences, skillsets, and the collective knowledge and insights of their individual agencies.
With its aim of improving communication practices between agencies and CALD communities, CLING provides training to agencies and staff on topics such as cultural competency and the use of professional interpreters. If your agency would be interested in this kind of training, or you would like CLING’s advice on issues related to communication best practice, please use the form below to contact us.
CALD groups include migrants and refugees from Asian, Middle Eastern and African backgrounds. Many issues faced by these communities, including those in relation to communication, will also be experienced by Māori and Pasifika communities.
