- The Puketāpapa Local Board showcases its diversity through the Global Friends Meetup at the Wesley Community Centre.
- Members from four communities – Somalia, Iran, Sri Lanka and the Democratic Republic of the Congo – shared music, dance and kai.
- These events will be held quarterly and are a great way to learn more about different cultures in Puketāpapa.
Puketāpapa is one of the most diverse areas in Aotearoa / New Zealand, and this rich diversity is acknowledged and celebrated through the Welcoming Communities programme. The local board was recently accredited as a Committed - Welcoming Community by Immigration New Zealand, and this mahi was showcased at the Global Friends Meetup at the Wesley Community Centre. At the meetup, more than 40 attendees came together to learn more about other cultures.
For the session there was a spotlight on four countries – Somalia, Iran, Sri Lanka and the Democratic Republic of the Congo – which involved the participants sharing music, dance and kai.
Cheng Goh, Welcoming Communities Coordinator for Puketāpapa, says the Global Friends Meetup provides a platform for people from diverse cultures to meet and engage directly with others in a fun and social environment.
“Most people experience other cultures through the media or as observers at festivals and cultural celebrations. Without direct interaction, understanding stays on the surface.
“Through the Global Friends Meetup, we create space for people to connect share, exchange ideas and learn in a relaxed setting. All it takes is a genuine curiosity about others and a willingness to give activities a go.”
The Global Friends Meetup will take place four times a year, with different nationalities highlighted at each session and is delivered in collaboration with Wesley Community Centre, Migrant Action Trust and Roskill Together.
Welcoming communities
Welcoming Communities programme is a partnership between local councils and communities to help newcomers feel included, supported, and able to participate fully in community life. The recent accreditation recognises councils that have made a formal commitment to these values and are actively putting welcoming practices in place. The Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa ward joins Whau, Kaipātiki and the Ōtara-Papatoetoe local boards in receiving the accreditation.
Over the past six months, the local boards have worked closely with their communities to develop tailored Welcoming Plans that support newcomers through engagement with local stakeholders. This milestone reflects the board’s dedication to manaakitanga (hospitality), inclusion, and community-led change. To achieve accreditation, local boards undergo a detailed assessment of how they welcome and involve newcomers.
Stay updated
Sign up for monthly local E news and receive the latest information and events direct to your inbox here or follow @puketapapa on Facebook here.
