Levin staged a multicultural extravaganza at the weekend with weaving dragons, colourful clothes, graceful dancing and music from around the world.
The very first Weave multicultural celebration was held in the Levin Memorial Hall and showcased songs, dances and traditions from different cultures in Horowhenua, including Māori, Indian, Chinese, Kiribati and Columbian.
Mayor Bernie Wanden said: “Weave provided a space for people to celebrate their cultural heritage through the expression of dress, dance food and music.
“Weaving dragons, colourful cultural attire, graceful dance and toe-tapping music, that was Weave,” he said.
More than 250 people attended the sold-out event organised by Horowhenua District Council (HDC) and a team of volunteers. The enjoyment could be seen in the audience, which joined in on some of the dancing and was kept entertained all evening long, learning more about other cultures through music, dance performances, Bollywood break-outs and nibbles from various countries.
HDC chief executive Monique Davidson said it was the first time it had hosted Weave, but it wouldn’t be the last.
“Weave is part of the Welcoming Communities, a programme led by Immigration New Zealand in partnership with the Ministry of Ethnic Communities and the Human Rights Commission working towards welcoming newcomers into the community and making them feel at home.”
Local iwi Muaūpoko opened the show with a pōwhiri, welcoming everyone to this multicultural celebration.
Muaūpoko Tribal Authority chief executive Di Rump said it was important “that whānau new to our hapori [community] feel embraced and celebrated - and that we all have the opportunity to celebrate culture in such a wonderful way - these types of events are critical to achieving that. It was a very special evening for everyone.”
“Communities and businesses thrive on diversity. Well done to the performers. Your representation and passion for your culture shone through your performance and participation. The community thoroughly enjoyed the event - the performances and traditional attire were stunning,” Wanden said.
The community was entertained by Chinese Dragon Dances, an African Marimba drumming group, Kiribati and Indian dance performances, and the Colombian community group performance, finishing with a Latino Jazz band.
- Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air.