By NICK PERRY
Kosovo and Kiwi cultures will blend tonight when the Murati family gathers for its first big celebration in a new land.
More than 20 members of the extended family - many of whom fled war-torn Kosovo this year - plan a barbecue dinner followed by traditional singing and dancing,
which will continue well into the early hours.
The Muratis are among thousands of families throughout the country who will spend the evening together. A Herald-DigiPoll shows 52 per cent of New Zealanders plan to be with family and friends at midnight.
Most of the Murati family live within walking distance of one another in Pakuranga. They will follow the New Year's Eve festivities with visits for coffee and conversation on New Year's Day.
Qemal Murati says the celebrations are a far cry from those of last year, when the future looked bleak.
"It will be a special evening. It is a feeling which is hard to put into words.
"Just a few months ago we were worried we might never see each other again, and now here we are together."
Sali Sefaj, Mr Murati's father-in-law, said through a translator that although he would be celebrating the New Year, he could not forget the people in his family who were killed during the war.
Mr Murati said that last year, members of his family in Kosovo were dispersed by police on Christmas Eve when they tried to join Christian friends for a church celebration.
He says family members have generally been settling in well.
"Of course there are moments when some of us get homesick. But then we see the safety and prosperity of this country, which has bought us back together."
