On November 20, the Upper Hutt Multicultural Council came together for a Community Gathering. It was a wonderful evening filled with connection, shared stories, and a celebration of the people who make our city such a vibrant place to live.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of our Distinguished Service Awards. We took this opportunity to formally recognize two individuals who have tirelessly dedicated their time, energy, and leadership to the Upper Hutt community.

Recognizing Outstanding Service

We were honored to present Distinguished Service Awards to:

Wayne Guppy – Former Mayor of Upper Hutt
Recognised for his exceptional public service, long-standing support, and dedicated commitment as Patron of the Upper Hutt Multicultural Council.

Pohswan Narayan – Founding President
Honoured for her visionary leadership from the Council’s inception in 2004 and her unwavering dedication to building an inclusive, vibrant community.

It was a privilege to have them present to accept these awards and to hear a few words about their journeys.

A special thank you to Alice Midgley, President of the Remutaka Lions Club, for joining our gathering. Alice shared invaluable insight into the incredible community mahi their team is undertaking, including details about their exciting upcoming Food Week in March 2026!

We were also delighted to hear from the team at the Welcoming Communities Kaupapa. Thank you for sharing your truly exciting work and initiatives, which are so vital to ensuring Upper Hutt remains an inclusive and supportive place for everyone.

Beyond the awards, the evening was a fantastic opportunity for our members and the wider public to mix and mingle. Events like these remind us that the strength of Upper Hutt lies in its people. Whether you have been here for decades or are new to the area, your presence contributes to the rich tapestry of our multicultural whānau.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended on November 20 to make the night a success. We look forward to seeing you at our next gathering!