Get ready to experience the diverse cultures of South Auckland with Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board’s signature event, Diversity Festival.
The event, scheduled to take place at Hayman Park, Manukau on 6 April, is the brainchild of the local board who is proud to celebrate the vibrant cultures and communities of Ōtara-Papatoetoe.
Board Chair Lotu Fuli says the success of the first festival encouraged the board to continue the annual event.
“The first-ever Diversity Festival last year was very well received by our communities with people turning up in huge numbers which encouraged us to keep it going,” she says.
“The local board is committed to supporting our communities, local business and cultural groups and this festival does exactly that. It is run by our community, for our community.
"It showcases diverse local talent, businesses and community groups on a bigger platform and invites people from all over Auckland to experience what all the local board area has to offer.”
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair Lotu Fuli kick-started the preparations with the Diversity Festival poster reveal and a quick invitation.
Rana Judge of World Council of Sikh Affairs who is putting this event together says the event provides an excellent opportunity to learn about various cultures through cultural show and stalls.
“Manukau ward has one of the most diverse communities and through this festival, we aim to represent them.
"We are currently in touch with various cultural groups - including Māori, Pacific, Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, Korean, Japanese, Malaysian, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi among others, who are keen to perform at the event this year,” he says.
Rana says that there’s a lot more in store this year for people of different age groups and interests. Apart from cultural and kids’ performances, the festival highlights will include a cultural show, fashion show, dance competition, cultural food stalls and celebrity meet up
“We want festival visitors to enjoy the event thoroughly and so we are planning some on-ground activities apart from the stage performances. There will also be an LED screen installed beside the stage that will capture various activities going on during the festival.”
The festival will be held on Saturday, 6 April 2019 from 10am to 5pm at Hayman Park, Manukau with entertainment and activities throughout the day.
See the OurAuckland event listing for full information.
