Open arms for Welcoming Week
Performances by the Easter Island performance group promise to be a highlight among a myriad of Welcoming Week activities. Photo: Supplied.
Cross-cultural understanding in all its facets is the aim for Marlborough’s District Council and Multicultural Centre as Welcoming Week returns this September.
Welcoming Week, which runs from Friday September 5 until Sunday September 14, consists of nine days of events aimed at rolling out the welcome mat to connect Marlburians, covering the width of Marlborough’s multiculturalism with events for the whole community,
From a youth sports day and joint waiata singing session to Democracy Matters workshops and Business Breakfasts, Welcoming Communities’ coordinator Heather Barnes says there is plenty for everyone.
“Welcoming Week is a nationwide initiative aimed at welcoming newcomers in New Zealand. It is all about creating inclusive environments where all residents can thrive and belong, as we have many favourite events from last year returning, plus some great new additions,” Heather said.
“It’s also a chance for newcomers to learn about the groups and support networks existing in Marlborough. Moving to a new country can be challenging, and Welcoming Week is just one way we can embrace our newcomers and make them feel at home in our region.”
The week starts and finishes with community festivals - the New Zealand Chinese Language Week celebration at St Christopher’s in Redwoodtown on Saturday September 6 is followed by the St Mary’s School Pasifika Festival on Saturday September 13.
“It’s also great to see the Pasifika Festival Marlborough return at St Mary’s School with cultural performances, Pacific food stalls, live music and Pacific arts and crafts stalls,” Heather said.
Mid-week events include a Democracy Matters workshop on September 10 at Blenheim Library, Picton Library’s DiversiTEA group, Waiata and Te Reo Māori learning at Maataa Waka, and a vibrant Easter Island cultural masterclass at Stadium 2000.
Marlborough Multicultural Centre’s Marcelo Gonzalez hopes to see a true cross-section of Marlburians engaging with the events.
“We’re so excited to be working with so many different organisations in Marlborough for this year’s Welcoming Week”, says Marcelo.
“We’ve managed to bring something incredibly special having internationally recognised performing group ‘Puku Rangi Tea’ from Easter Island - they are true ambassadors of Polynesian culture, and for me, it’s a dream to see them in Marlborough.
“It’s a whole cultural journey: the sound of Tahitian ukulele, the power of the to’ere drums, the beauty of Rapa Nui dances, warrior-style haka performances, ancient storytelling, and those amazing costumes made from plant fibres, seashells, and feathers.
“Your support helps us celebrate culture, connect communities, and create unforgettable moments. I truly believe this is a rare opportunity for our community and we can’t wait to share this with Marlborough; it’s going to be unforgettable”.
For full details, visit mmc.nz or follow Marlborough Multicultural Centre on social media.