Te Ra Whanaungatanga: We All Sit Under the Same Stars

The cultural diversity that makes Nelson a vibrant and colourful community will be celebrated this Sunday, Race Unity Day, with music, dance, art and craft from ethnic groups.

More than 4000 people joined in last year¹s celebrations at Victory Square, and Evey McAuliffe, from the Nelson Multi-Ethnic Council says the event is a day of feasting and entertainment for all the family.

³We work hard to educate the community about issues relating to race, racism and the benefits of cultural diversity - these are serious messages but we also believe you can have fun while promoting unity in diversity,² Evey says. ³Race Unity Day gives our ethnic communities an opportunity to showcase their art forms in a relaxed atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.²

In the last census Nelson/Tasman had the third highest concentration of migrants in New Zealand, with almost 20% of the population having been born overseas. Evey McAuliffe says migrants make a valuable contribution to the economic growth of the region with their labour and skills. The Multi-Ethnic Council supports them in maintaining their cultural identity while being fully integrated members of the community.

Race Unity Day begins with a Maori blessing and welcome to international students and newcomers to the region by the Mayors of Nelson and Tasman.

Te Whatakura Maori performance group will represent the culture of the first people of Aotearoa and there will be performances from a range of cultures including Philippino, Irish, Latin, Chin Burmese, Indonesian, Japanese, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Cambodian.

A range of ethnic foods will be on sale. The Race Unity Day event is on Sunday 16 March, 11am to 4pm at Victory Square. Gold coin donation.

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