Embrace Marlborough's Newcomers This Welcoming Week

Scoop

5 hours ago

Press Release – Marlborough District Council
This is going to be another exciting Welcoming week. We have many favourite events from last year returning plus some great new additions, Heather said.
A wide range of events celebrating Marlborough's diversity is the feature of Welcoming Week from 5 to 14 September.
Welcoming Communities' Coordinator Heather Barnes said the week was an opportunity to celebrate the region's diversity. '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.
'This is going to be another exciting Welcoming week. We have many favourite events from last year returning plus some great new additions,' Heather said.
The newcomers include the My Art, My Story Art Exhibition at the Marlborough Art Society Gallery in Blenheim opening August 29 and a special performance on Sunday 14 September at Marlborough Boys' College of Puku Rangi Tea – A Cultural Ballet from Easter Island, featuring an international group from Rapa Nui/Easter Island organised by the Marlborough Multicultural Centre.
'This is the first time the group from Rapa Nui/Easter Island will perform in Marlborough. Prepare to be transported across the Pacific Ocean through traditional Easter Island dances, enchanting live music and singing, and captivating stories and legends from the island. Get in quick to secure your tickets to this show as they are limited. Tickets are free and there is an option to donate to the Marlborough Multicultural Centre,' Heather said.
'We are fortunate the group is also offering a seminar and master class on the Friday prior for a gold coin donation where people can experience the vibrant rhythms and traditions of Rapa Nui. It promises to be an unforgettable morning of music and dance workshops led by this internationally renowned group.'
The My Art, My Story Exhibition is a collaboration between the Marlborough Art Society, Marlborough Multicultural Centre and Welcoming Communities. 'This exhibition highlights colourful artworks from our diverse newcomer and migrant communities and Heritage Marlborough have also joined the exhibition to share heritage pieces and stories from around the world,' Heather said.
It is free to visit from 10.30am to 4.30pm and runs until 14 September.
'It's also great to see the Pasifika Festival Marlborough return on Saturday 13 September at St Mary's School with cultural performances, Pacific food stalls, live music and Pacific arts and crafts stalls,' Heather said.
Other events planned for the week include a migrant-focussed Marlborough Business Trust Biz Breakfast, international story time at Te Kahu o Waipuna, a New Zealand Chinese Language Week Celebration, youth sports day, Democracy Matters Workshop, DiversiTEA Company Cafe morning tea at the Picton Library, waiata and morning tea at Maataa Waka Ki Te Tau Ihu, and Conservation Kids open day for families.
'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,' Heather said.