Out and About at the 2016 Tauranga Multicultural Festival. (l-r)Brother and sister Aurelia 8 and Gregory James 10 from Poland. Photo/Andrew Warner
Out and About at the 2016 Tauranga Multicultural Festival. (l-r)Brother and sister Aurelia 8 and Gregory James 10 from Poland. Photo/Andrew Warner
Head to the Historic Village on Saturday for a day of colourful and lively performance at the annual Tauranga Multicultural Festival.
Ethnic groups from all corners of the globe will be performing throughout the day in a celebration of diversity, harmony and community. There are plenty of activities for children,including bouncy castles and face painting, spot prizes and a range of ethnic food - or take your own picnic.
"Our vision is that all cultures are accepted and included and their diversity is recognised," said Janet Smith, centre manager of Multicultural Tauranga.
She said Tauranga has definitely seen an increase in the number of migrants since the last census, with the centre providing services to help them settle in and understand our own cultural norms. These include English language classes for those who are ineligible for government funding, a newcomers network, coffee groups, trips, cross cultural sporting competitions and a new counselling service.
She says the networking services are not just for migrants, but also for Kiwis who move here from other regions. Events such as the festival encourage us all to see the good in each other, "it helps iron out misunderstandings".
"It is mutually beneficial when all cultures are able to appreciate, learn from, and value different norms from their own norms. It makes the community more vibrant and more interesting," she says.
the fine print What: The Tauranga Multicultural Festival Where: Historic Village When: Saturday, 10am-4pm.
