On August 18th 2024, UHMCC has brought back Multicultural Day

 Festival after a couple of years - a couple of days prior to 'Multicultural Day' (hosted on the 31st of August annually)! 

The aim of this event was simple, but beautiful - showcasing the diversity of Upper Hutt's hāpori (community) which may otherwise not be well-represented in mainstream media.

This ethos clearly resonated and caught the interest of many, because we had a full house and the attendance of Honourary Chris Hipkins, Mayor Wayne Guppy (both pictured to the side, enjoying a Lion Dance performance), as well as kaumatua Mike and lovely kuia Hine Poa from Ōrongomai Marae. UHMCC warmly thanks them

 again for their presence! 

To be well-representative of Aotearoa's growing diversity, UHMCC had no limits to the amount of performances on stage. We welcomed Lion Dancers (a blend of Malaysian and Chinese cultures), Polynesian dance groups from Upper Hutt College, Peruvian performers, Vietnamese performers, South Sudanese, a dance troupe from the Khmer Royal Ballet, and Indian and Chinese performers! All of this of course was warmly welcomed by Tawhai School's kapa haka rōpu (group) and the welcoming and closing karakia of Matua Mike and Matua Matiu from Ōrongomai Marae. 

We also had a Community Awards session in-between our performances. The awards were lovingly gifted to the following groups: 

• Chinese Senior Community 
• South Sudanese Community 
• Activation (Upper Hutt City Council Activation Team)
• The Upper Hutt Volunteer Fire Brigade 
• Vibhuti Chopra (Upper Hutt City Council Director strategy, partnerships, and growth).

Their contributions were celebrated today through the Community Awards, and UHMCC are so grateful for their ongoing efforts to build a stronger, more inclusive community. It is the work of local champions such as these, who inspire us with their commitment and service to community well-being and social cohesion. 

On the side, we had mannequins which had displays of traditional dress from a variety of cultures including Japanese, Nepalese, Indian, Chinese and Cambodian heritage. It was a joy to see these beautiful pieces up close, as they not only highlighted the diversity of global

 fashion but also celebrated the rich cultural heritage they represent. Visitors were drawn to the fine details — the beadwork, the dyes, the stitching — and it

 was a powerful reminder of how clothing can be a

 profound expression of a people’s culture and values.

To everyone who performed, volunteered and supported this event in any way - THANK YOU! In particular, thank you as well to Creative Communities UHCC fund! The amazing support & work you brought has not gone unnoticed or forgotten, and you have reminded the wider community that diversity is not just something to be acknowledged but something to be celebrated, embraced and lived and breathed in every moment. 

Upper Hutt Multicultural Council looks forward to continuing this

 kaupapa with another Multicultural Day Festival in 2025! So keep your eyes and ears peeled, and get involved. Together, we are not only creating a better, more respectful and understanding Upper Hutt, but a wider journey of community well-being and social cohesion, ensuring that everyone has a place to belong in UpperHutt.

Thank you for joining us today! 

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.