Helping new migrants

Multicultural Tauranga president Ann Kerewaro. Photo/supplied

Ann Kerewaro came to New Zealand more than 50 years ago and now works to help the latest migrants fit in to their new life in Tauranga.

Ann is in her second year as president of Multicultural Tauranga, a role she stepped into because there was nobody else volunteering to do it, she said last week.

The diminutive Ann believes her working life in administration has qualified her for the post.

She says the group's Wednesday coffee mornings, from 10am at the office in the Historic Village, are jolly affairs, drawing up to two dozen new migrants keen to met others and make friends as well as learn a bit about life in New Zealand.

"Mixing with everyone and chatting is the New Zealand way of life," says Ann.

Migrant nationalities include Indians, Koreans, Japanese, Chinese, South Americans and South Africans.

Many of these people wouldn't necessarily trust or talk to people of a different nationality to themselves, she said, but they all mix and mingle after a while.

Sometimes the morning tea fare includes treats the migrants bring to share. Many of them become each other's support group.

"When they no longer come to our coffee mornings, we know we have served our purpose," said Ann.

The service relies on generous sponsors but its resources are limited. It runs an interpretation phone line and service, staffed by a paid co-ordinator.

Its main showcase, the multicultural festival, usually held in March is up in the air because the village site is churned up with construction work for the proposed TECT community hub building.

"We are not sure where we will hold the festival next year," said Ann. "We are keen to stage one but may need a few ideas and help to find a venue."

The group has run regular English speaking classes on Tuesdays, from 10am-12pm.

Another English class with a qualified tutor begins on October 16 from 7-9pm. On Thursdays, they run a conversational English class from 10am-12pm.

All classes are at the Village. New migrants are welcome, along with anyone who is keen to help them find a smooth path into the Kiwi way of life.