Community comes together in a kaleidoscope of culture at Colour Run for Diversity 2024

Powder and the passion . . the look on the face of this youngster sums up the fun that goes hand in hand with the Colour Run for Diversity, held at Marina Park on Saturday. Hundreds of people took part in the Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council-run event which featured a 2.5-kilometre run/walk, lots of organic, coloured powder and a range of international cuisine in an atmosphere of cultural appreciation, understanding and respect. Picture by Liam Clayton

Nature provided a perfect autumn day at Marina Park on Saturday for the much-anticipated Colour Run for Diversity 2024 hosted by Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council (TMC).

Several hundred eager people of all ages, and from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, took part.

The Colour Run provided a family-friendly atmosphere in which individuals walked or ran a 2.5-kilometre course that included a leaf-lined Stout Street, crossing bridges and a section of the city centre river walkway.

Buckets of coloured organic powder awaited participants as they set off and at the finish.

Some dashed through rainbow hues of powder tossed in the  air while many took the more direct approach — flinging handfuls at each other in great delight.

The camaraderie enjoyed by a community coming together as one was evident as faces lit up with smiles and laughter.

On completing the course, participants were treated to cuisine from Tonga, India and Fiji, further highlighting the rich range of cultures in Tairāwhiti.

TMC president Arish Naresh expressed  heartfelt gratitude to those who provided kai, the event volunteers and those who took part in an event designed to celebrate diversity, promote inclusion and give a sense of belonging regardless of cultural or social background.

The success of the 2024 Colour Run has ignited anticipation for next year’s event.

Organisers are already laying the groundwork for an even more inclusive and memorable experience.