Expanded reach aim for Multicultural Centre

First-hand experience of settling in Marlborough combined with long-time knowledge of the community will continue connecting the region’s diverse communities.

After trying to retire for the third time, founding member Margaret Western has stepped aside as manager of the Marlborough Multicultural Centre and taken up the new Community Development Partner role.

Margaret, a founding member who helped establish MMC in 2007 is handing over the managerial role to Sigrun Steinhagen, a long-time Marlborough local with her own migrant journey having moved from Germany.

“As someone who immigrated to New Zealand 35 years ago and moved to four regions, I understand how hard it can be to start over,” says Sigrun.  “MMC’s mission to build unity in and belonging by collaborating with government and community services to create a safe, inclusive space for people of all cultures truly resonates and we’ve got exciting plans ahead for the community, including new social enterprises that tap into migrant skills and boost our sustainability.

“At the moment we’re setting up the groundwork and doing our strategic planning for this year and beyond with events and collaborations in mind, especially around conversational English learning and the upcoming local elections around rights and responsibilities.”

The newly-created Community Development Partner role reflects the Centre’s response to the need to enhance collaboration with local organisations, community stakeholders, and the wider MMC team to support the successful resettlement of migrants, former refugees, and relocated nationals.

The position’s focus is on nurturing inclusive community engagement and driving forward MMC’s long-term strategic objectives.

The Centre also delivers a wide range of community programmes: from morning teas that build language confidence and friendships, to La Hora del Cuento at the Marlborough District Library, to wellness classes with over 300 enrolments at Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000, the annual Multicultural Festival that brings thousands to Pollard Park.

“There’s still a perception that MMC is only for a few communities but we’re working with over 40 nationalities now, and our services go deep into the heart of Marlborough. You’d be surprised how wide our reach actually is with strong partnerships with key agencies, funding organisations, and the local business community,” says Margaret.

For more information contact the Marlborough Multicultural Centre at [email protected].