The Upper Hutt Multicultural Council was honoured to have supported the Manaaki Festival at Upper Hutt School, celebrating the rich diversity of our community. Through this partnership, we helped promote cultural exchange, foster inclusivity, and empower students to embrace and appreciate different cultures. The event was a vibrant showcase of music, food, dance, and shared stories, highlighting the strength found in our collective diversity.

'Manaaki' means "to support, take care of, give hospitality to, protect, look out for - show respect, generosity and care for others." and this festival exemplifies just so. Through the plethora of cultures at this festival, we are reminded of the manaakitanga (support, hospitality and protection) Tangata Whenua have provided us as non-Māori through Te Tiriti O Waitangi. What a cause UHMCC proudly champions as well, through our Huarahi Hou initiative! 

It was a pleasure to be involved - through kōrero and giving out balloons and lollies to any kids who wanted one! Check out the photos below, to see our volunteers in action. 

+ We were placed right next to our bestfriends, Ōrongomai Marae! Talk about Treaty-based Multiculturalism.