What happens when leaders from Queenstown’s vibrant cultural communities gather in one room? Inspiration, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future. Our recent Community Leaders Hui brought together representatives from the Tongan, Fijian, Māori, Filipino, Malaysian, and Korean communities for an evening of connection and meaningful conversations.
Food as a Foundation for Connection
The evening began the way all great gatherings should—with a shared meal. Cooking for our participants and breaking bread together created a warm and welcoming environment where ideas could flow freely. As stories and laughter filled the room, so did a sense of unity, setting the perfect tone for the discussions ahead.
A Space to Share and Learn
Once the plates were cleared, we introduced the work of The Kiwi Kit Community Trust (soon to be Lakes Multicultural Collective), highlighting the ways we support Queenstown’s diverse communities. From helping new arrivals navigate settlement challenges to hosting cultural events, our mission is to enhance inclusivity and foster connection across the district.
The spotlight then turned to the community leaders, who shared updates on the incredible work they’re doing. This was a moment to listen, celebrate their successes, and understand the unique challenges faced by their communities.
Key Themes from the Hui
The conversations uncovered several important priorities for the communities represented, including:
Organising more events for children and teenagers to build stronger connections among younger generations.
Hosting cultural orientation sessions with NZ Police to improve understanding and trust.
Developing mental health workshops for teenagers, providing much-needed support.
Offering visa assistance to help community members navigate the complexities of immigration.
Enhancing leadership and collaboration among cultural groups to strengthen collective efforts.
These insights have given us valuable direction as we plan for the future, ensuring we address the needs of the communities we serve.
A Special Highlight: One Bike Program
As part of the evening, we welcomed Amanda from Lightfoot Initiative, who shared exciting updates about their One Bike program. This initiative donates e-bikes to families and individuals who could benefit from improved mobility. The participating community leaders were invited to nominate people who could make the most of this opportunity—a beautiful example of collaboration in action.
Building Momentum for the Future
The hui wasn’t just about discussing challenges; it was about creating solutions and fostering stronger connections. One of the outcomes was the creation of a Community Leaders WhatsApp group, where representatives can collaborate more easily and continue the conversations sparked during the event.
A Shared Commitment to Community
This gathering reaffirmed the incredible strength and diversity within Queenstown’s cultural communities. It reminded us of the power of shared meals, open conversations, and the collective desire to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the leaders who attended, shared their perspectives, and contributed to the success of the evening. Your work is vital, and we are honoured to support and collaborate with you.
As we move forward, we’re excited to build on the momentum of this hui and continue creating opportunities for connection and collaboration. We'll aim to do another Leaders Hui again soon, so if you or a representative from your community would like to be included, please reach out to us on kiaora@thekiwikitcommunity.org
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