Guide to Welcoming Week 2023
The Hamilton City Council is gearing up to host Welcoming Week, a vibrant annual event aimed at celebrating the rich contributions of migrants and refugees to their new communities.
Welcoming Week will take place in Kirikiriroa Hamilton from September 1, with an array of events designed to foster inclusivity and camaraderie among the city’s diverse population representing over 160 ethnicities.
Kicking off on September 1, the Welcoming Manaaki Village, hosted in partnership with Te Haa o te Whenua o Kirikiriroa, promises to be a highlight of the event.
Towards the end of the week on Friday 8th, Pukete House will hold a celebratory potluck dinner which is welcome to anyone and everyone. General Manager of Pukete House, Scott Tiffany, said “You don’t need to bring anything if you can’t- the more the merrier.”
“We keep it simple- large tables, chairs and music. We sit down, have a kai, share the stories of food and people- It’s just magical.”
Tiffany said “Regardless of background, kai is the one thing that brings everyone together. Last year we had Arabic kai, pan-Asian kai, Kiwi Kai and more. There were 50 or 60 people in the end and they spoke about the culture and history of their dishes.”
The previous Pukete House potluck in 2022 was a little ‘last minute’ but this year they are prepared to have between 100 and 150 people visit.
Jovi Abellanosa, the Ethnic Development Advisor for the HCC said “It’s been awesome to see employers come on board to feature their new staff and many organisations and local community groups come together and plan something special to celebrate the diversity in Hamilton Kirikiriroa.”
Community houses across Kirikiriroa Hamilton will open their doors to the public, hosting a variety of activities, workshops, and potluck gatherings.
Chair of the Community and Natural Environment Committee, Councillor Kesh Naidoo-Rauf, spoke on the importance of fostering a sense of belonging for newcomers.
“Whether you’ve just moved to Kirikiriroa Hamilton or you have been here for a few years, Welcoming Week is an amazing chance for you to get involved in the community, meet lots of people, and learn about other cultures in our city,” said Naidoo-Rauf.
For more information on Welcoming Week’s schedule of events, please refer to the calendar below or on the Facebook page.
Kirikiriroa Hamilton Welcoming Week: 1 – 10 September 2023
All Week:
- Waikato Museum: Explore local stories and culture through artefacts and art. Open daily, 10am – 5pm.
- Hamilton Gardens: Journey through historical gardens from different eras. Open daily, 9am – 5pm.
- Hamilton Zoo: Connect with exotic and native animals. Open daily, 9:30am – 4:30pm.
- Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park: Discover New Zealand’s largest inland restoration project. Open daily, daylight hours.
September 2:
- Welcoming Manaaki Village: 10am – 5pm, Claudelands Exhibition Hall D. Cultural performances, displays, and food stalls.
September 3:
- Tangata Tiriti Training: 9am – 3pm, Te Aratiatia Marae, Fairfield. Workshops for ethnic communities.
- Welcoming new Bangladeshis: 1:30pm – 5:30pm, Gordonton Hall. Celebrate Bangladeshi immigrants.
September 5:
- Waimarie Open Day: 10am – 1pm, Waimarie Community House. Community gathering, garden view, music.
September 6:
- Parenting Across Cultures: 10am – 12pm, L1 401 Anglesea Street. Discussion for migrant mothers about parenting.
- Tongan Language Week Celebration: 6pm – 8pm, Glenview Community Centre. Experience Tongan culture.
September 8:
- Being, becoming, belonging Manaaki Youth: 4pm – 8pm, Zeal Youth Centre. Event for young newcomers.
September 8:
- Community potluck: 12pm – 1pm, 43 Church Road, Pukete. Share a meal and meet neighbours.
September 9:
- Waikato Korean School Open Day: 11am – 12:40pm, Wintec Te Pukenga City Campus.
