marlborough migrant centre autumn newsletter

* Promoting and Facilitating Unity in Diversity* ‘’

Autumn, Apr i l 2012

Marlborough Migrant Centre Newsletter

Autumn 2012 Newsletter

We are open Monday to Friday, from 10am to 2pm: Marlborough Migrant Centre Marlborough House, 21 Henry St, Blenheim. Phone: 579 6410 Email: [email protected] Web: www.marlboroughonline.co.nz/mmc

* Promoting and Facilitating Unity in Diversity *

*One Community – Many Faces*

Welcome to our Autumn Newsletter

Autumn is a time of change and reflection, a time of harvest, and a time of colour. A quote about Autumn by Denis Waitley, an American motivational speaker and writer: “The season for enjoying the fullness of life – partaking of the harvest, sharing the harvest with others, and reinvesting and saving portions of the harvest for yet another season of growth.” So, take a moment to reflect on the colourful and changing cultural diversity of Marlborough, which brings a richness to our community. We celebrate this cultural diversity each year with the Marlborough Multicultural Festival, held close to Race Relations Day, with music, food, arts, crafts, information stalls and much fun for everyone. The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed on 21 March each year and is marked in New Zealand as Race Relations Day. This date is an important part of the calendar of the Human Rights Commission, where “New Zealand’s rich cultural diversity is showcased in events and celebrations throughout the country. This year’s theme is Aotearoa: a fair go for all. “Race Relations Day is a time for celebration, observing achievements and acknowledging a continuing commitment to addressing societal barriers,” says Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres. “2012 is particularly significant as it is 40 years since the Office of the Race Relations Conciliator was established and it will also mark the forthcoming 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship between New Zealand and Samoa.” (Source: Website of the Human Rights Commission www.hrc.co.nz ) We held a very successful seventh annual Marlborough Multicultural Festival on Saturday 10 March in Pollard Park, after postponing it from the week before due to bad weather. The day it was held ended up being warm and glorious and the Festival was a very popular event again this year. I would like to acknowledge all the work that went into organising it. A very big ‘Thank You’ to Margaret Western, the Multicultural Festival Committee, all the volunteers, performers, stall holders and sponsors for making it happen! Your MMC Coordinator, Katrina Oliver

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.hrc.co.nz/

Photos from the 2012 Multicultural Festival, on Saturday 10 March 2012 Photos by Trevor Dennis

of 8 Marlborough Migrant Centre Autumn Newsletter

'One Community - Many Cultures' Photos taken when the migrant communities took the stage at Pollard Park for a day of fun in the sun. The festival, celebrating the diversity of talents and people who now call Marlborough home, featured music, dance, and a variety of ethnic foods enjoyed by the large crowd who attended.

Word from the Chair As a fifth generation New Zealander, and having lived in Marlborough most of my life, people might ask why I'm involved with Marlborough Migrant Centre. The obvious answer might appear to be in that I've married into another culture, but there's more to it than that. Growing up in Blenheim, I hated the town and like many young people, couldn't wait to grow up and go to a bigger centre with more vibrancy and activity. Many young people who can, take this as far as leaving NZ altogether. Looking back, I can see how Marlborough has changed for the better. A lot of this change has come about through exposure to people of other cultures who have chosen to settle here. Making newcomers welcome and helping them share their culture while learning about what matters to Kiwis enriches our community and makes it a more attractive place to live for people evaluating their options. A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit Curitiba, a Brazilian city globally held up as a model for sustainable cities, and among the various things that impressed me was the way the city commemorated the diverse ethnicities that had settled it. It was really positive to have feedback about Marlborough's 7th annual Multicultural Festival from a former Marlborough resident that they were impressed how the event created a more positive and vibrant image of our community than what they remembered. Attracting and retaining people and businesses who can provide a broad range of skills can be a challenge for small communities like Marlborough who have to compete not only nationally, but increasingly internationally with places like Australia. Many of the people who can add the most value both culturally and economically to a community like ours tend to have a cosmopolitan background and expect a society that welcomes and embraces cultural diversity. In these tough economic times, it was really encouraging to see how local businesses, individuals, the media, and local government supported the 2012 Marlborough Multicultural Festival. While the festival is a highlight of the year, Marlborough Migrant Centre work goes on all year round, and we need support. Membership is only $5 per individual, family or organisation, but allows you to have a say and helps support MMC. If you're new to town (or even if you're not) don't forget to check out the regular Newcomers' Network events, and if you're holding a cultural event yourself don't forget to let MMC know if you'd like us to let everyone on our mailing list know about it. Finally, a big welcome to Silke, our newest committee member. Committee work isn't particularly glamorous or exciting; however it's something that needs to be done. Chris Cookson

Chairperson For more information or to join the MMC contact: Marlborough Migrant Centre Marlborough House 21 Henry St, Blenheim Phone: 579 6410 Email: [email protected]




A Note from the Fieldworker

Hi, my name is Margaret and I am working as Fieldworker for the migrant community. I

also coordinate the Marlborough Newcomers’ Network Coordinator.

I believe the Marlborough community is enriched by the culture and customs migrants bring

and am passionate about my role helping newcomers settle well.

My work as Fieldworker is a role I particularly enjoy. I work in the community promoting

unity in diversity and offering support to migrants with settlement needs and priorities. I am

available for home visits and welcome the opportunity to provide practical support to

individuals or families to assist them with the challenges of successful resettlement and

integration into the Marlborough community.

If you think I could help you I would welcome a telephone call. Please telephone / text me

on phone 022 657 9018 / office 579-6410. Alternatively send an e-mail to

[email protected].

MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL THANKYOU:

I would like to acknowledge everyone involved with

the Multicultural Festival, including stallholders,

performers, community organisations, sponsors and

volunteers who helped on the day.

‘One Community - Many Cultures' an event promoting

unity in diversity and celebrating the cultural diversity

of people who call Marlborough home.

Photos displayed on a previous page.

Margaret Western,

Fieldworker / Newcomers’ Network Coordinator

Support from Zonta Marlborough is encouraging

Zonta is an international service organisation for women

whose aim is to raise the status of women through service

and advocacy. Annually a group is selected as their local

cause and in 2012 it is the Migrants Centre/Newcomers

Network. Their financial support will enable us to run a

seminar or seminars for migrant women to support them

strengthen their families and assist their successful

resettlement in the Marlborough community. Planning for

this is underway. If anyone would like a particular topic

covered please contact me and I will ensure it is included in

the programme. Dates and seminar content to be advised in

the next few weeks.

Please support Bunning’s Sausage

Sizzle Saturday 14 April

We are very fortunate to be the

recipients of this fundraiser on the

OPENING weekend for Bunning’s

Store in Marlborough. The sausage

sizzle is being organised by

Soroptimist International (an

organisation committed to a world

where women and girls together

achieve their individual and collective

potential, and have an equal voice in

creating strong, peaceful communities

worldwide).

Proceeds from the Sausage sizzle will

be used to purchase cups and saucers,

and other crockery to be used for

functions.


position

The Marlborough Migrant Centre is hosting a presentation titled ‘Riding the

Wave’ on Friday 4 May at the Gillan Gallery Art Forum, opposite Blenheim

Railway Station, Grove Road, starting at 3pm. The guest speaker is Craig

Nicholson, Intercultural Advisor from the Office of Ethnic Affairs.

This event aims to acknowledge the educative work the Marlborough

Migrant Centre has been doing over the last year in their role as facilitator of

the Intercultural Awareness and Communication workshops in the local region.

These workshops were developed by the OEA, and Anne Barrer, Katrina Oliver

and Margaret Western completed the Trainer of Trainers course in March 2011.

Since then they have completed three workshops in Marlborough attracting a

diverse group of participants, mainly from the health, volunteer and education

sector.

The workshops are designed to enable participants to develop more

awareness of their cultural characteristics and those of others so they can

communicate more effectively across cultural boundaries. It focuses on using

effective communication strategies to build the kinds of relationships that will

lead to effective workplace interactions.

Craig Nicholson will present a national and strategic picture re diversity in

New Zealand and show how the IAC workshops are helping intercultural

communication within organisations, businesses, sectors and communities. If

you are interested in attending this event or require more information please

contact Katrina Oliver, at the Marlborough Migrant Centre.

For more information contact: Marlborough Migrant Centre Marlborough House 21 Henry St, Blenheim Phone: 579 6410 Email: [email protected]

NEWS!

INTERCULTURAL AWARENESS AND COMMUNICATION PROGRAMME

Presentation by Craig Nicholson, Intercultural Advisor at the Office of Ethnic Affairs, to the Marlborough Migrant Centre with a Certificate of Acknowledgement for the success of the IAC programme in Marlborough



[Type a quote from the document or the summary of an interesting point. You can position

Craft Afternoon

(Sewing/Knitting/Craft/Social Gathering)

Bring along your sewing, knitting and/or your craft project. Beginners welcome. Held

at Marlborough Migrant Centre, Marlborough House, 21 Henry Street, Blenheim.

When: Wednesday 4 April 2012, 1:00pm to 2:45pm

Coffee, Cake and Chat Morning

Come along and join us for coffee, cake and a chat with new and old friends.

Held at Marlborough Migrant Centre, Marlborough House, 21 Henry Street,

Blenheim.

When: Friday 13 April 2012, 10:30am to 12:00pm (noon)

Friendship Walking Group

Enjoy a walk along the path beside the riverbank. Meet at 1.30pm on the

Amphitheatre Steps on the riverbank next to Raupo's Cafe, (river end of High Street

by Raupo's Cafe). Easy path for children to walk/ride bikes or mothers to push baby

buggies. Coffee at Raupo's after the walk optional (if you like). If it is raining we will

meet for a coffee and chat at Raupo's Cafe at 1.30pm.

When: Thursday 19 April 2012, 1:30pm to 2:30pm

Potluck Dinner Held at Marlborough Migrant Centre, Marlborough House, 21 Henry Street, corner George and Henry Streets, Blenheim. Bring your family and friends, and some food to share and eat. This is a great chance to try different food and ask for recipes, and to meet new people and share experiences. When: Friday 27 April 2012, 6:00pm to 8:00pm

We are always looking for new ideas for regular activities (eg movie nights, chess club, book club etc) and people wanting to co-ordinate a particular activity. Contact: Marlborough Newcomers’ Network Margaret Western, Phone 022 657 9018 / Office 579 6410 Email marl[email protected] Website: www.newcomers.co.nz/marlborough

Newcomers Network Calendar


Join the

Marlborough

Newcomers

Network! It’s

FREE to join!

Call us on Ph:

022 657 9018

(03) 579 2460

Connect with

us. The

Marlborough

Newcomers

Network is on

Facebook!

Look up our

page and click

the ‘Like’

button.


http://www.newcomers.co.nz/marlborough


English Language Partners

International Calendar and Selected Commemorative Dates

21 March Race Relations Day, New Zealand. Race Relations Day is the time to reflect on our journey as a culturally diverse nation. The 2012 theme is “Aotearoa, A Fair Go for All”. International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, United Nations. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that 'all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights'. The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination reminds us of our collective responsibility for promoting and protecting this ideal.

1 April Ramanavami, Hindu. The start of an 8-day celebration of the birth of Lord Rama. The day involves the telling of stories and attending temples.

6 April Good Friday, Christian. Commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday.

6 April Theravada New Year (to 9 April), Buddhist. This New Year Buddhist festival is celebrated for three days from the first full moon day in April.

7 April Pesach – Passover, Jewish. Passover is one of the most important Jewish festivals. It commemorates the liberation by Moses of the Jewish people from slavery.

8 April Easter Sunday, Christian. Celebrating the resurrection (return to life) of Jesus Christ. 9 April Easter Monday, Christian. In addition to its religious significance, Easter in New

Zealand is enjoyed as a four-day holiday weekend starting on Good Friday and ending on Easter Monday. This long weekend is an opportunity to take a holiday or get together with family and friends.

13 April Songkran - Thai New Year (to 15 April). Songkran, the Thai New Year and Water Festival, is one of Thailand's oldest and favourite festivals, celebrated with food, crafts and performers.

14 April Vaisakhi (Baisakhi/New Year), Sikh. Founding of the Khalsa order of the Guru. Also an ancient harvest festival which marks the beginning of a new solar year and harvest season.

19 April Yom HaShoah - Holocaust Remembrance Day, Jewish. This day remembers the six million Jews killed by the Nazis between 1933 and 1945. It is observed by many people of Jewish and other faiths.

23 April St. George’s Day, England. St George is the patron saint of England. St George, a prominent military saint, is one of the most venerated saints in the Christian church.

25 April ANZAC Day, New Zealand and Australia. Anzac Day is one of New Zealand and Australia's most important dates of national commemoration. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War (1914-18), at Gallipoli. Dawn services at war memorials honour the sacrifice of those who died in war. Marches and reunions are held during the day.

27 April Freedom Day, South Africa. Commemorates the first non-racial (post-apartheid) democratic elections held in South Africa on 27 April 1994. Peace, unity, the preservation and the restoration of human dignity are celebrated.

30 April Official Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix, Netherlands. 6 May Buddha Day - Vesak Day. The major Buddhist festival of the year and celebrates the

birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. 25 May National Day, Argentina. 4 Jun Queen’s Birthday, New Zealand. A public holiday, commemorates the birth of Queen

Elizabeth.

If you would like to have a display or help with informing the public about an event for your national day or celebration, then please contact us. We have wall space outside our office and have many national flags available. We would be more than happy to assist you or your group.

Our mission is to promote and facilitate unity in diversity in

Marlborough.

Our key services are:

* Supporting newcomers to Marlborough

* Helping organisations and agencies with migrant matters

* Education/awareness raising

* Social functions and events

* Promoting Marlborough as a multi-cultural province and celebrating

cultural diversity

We are always looking for people who would like to become a ‘Friend of

the Migrant Centre’, get involved in our committee working groups or in

any other way. And we would be happy to hear from businesses and

organisations that would like to support us, financially or otherwise.

Please get in touch with us for more information. Thank you.

More Information about the Marlborough Migrant Centre:

Marlborough Migrant Centre Marlborough House

21 Henry St Blenheim 7201

Phone: 03-579 6410

E-mail: [email protected]

Web:

www.marlboroughonline.co.nz

Facebook: Search for our page:

Marlborough Migrant Centre Then click the ‘Like’ button.

*One Community – Many Faces*

Other Interesting Information

Picton Resource Centre, Mariners Mall, High St, Picton, 10am- 1pm Monday to Friday. They work within the community of Picton and the Marlborough Sounds assisting with community based information and promoting of local events. Ph. 573 7790. Email [email protected]

Renwick News and Views: Contact Vicki Harrison Jones to get a copy sent to you. Phone (03) 572 9688 or email [email protected] . Website: www.renwicksportscentre.co.nz

Community Gardens at 85 Budge St, behind NMIT. Community edible gardens. If anyone/any ethnic, cultural community group is interested in joining in, then please contact the Trustees Manager, Tina Fortune, ph. 021 0242 3496

Riversdale Community House newsletter: Contact Sue to get a copy sent to you: Phone 578 0469 or email [email protected]

Starting a Business? Inland Revenue offers FREE courses at the NMIT Campus: Introduction to Business Tax Seminar, GST Workshop, and Rental Income Workshop. Bookings are essential. Phone 0800 377 774 or email [email protected]

The Parents Centre runs child birth education classes for new parents (evenings) and a popular ‘baby and you’ course (day time) for mums and new babies. These run about 6 times a year with people grouped together depending on babies’ birth dates. These then continue as more informal coffee groups. Contact the Parents Centre. Phone 027 5223002 email: [email protected] .

Marlborough Farmers Market every Sunday until end of May, 9am to 12pm at the A and P Showgrounds, corner of Maxwell Road and Alabama Road, Blenheim. Rain or Shine! Winter market yet to be confirmed, downtown Blenheim

Marlborough4Fun Event Guide: for regular activities and events in Marlborough , monthly supplement in the Saturday Express newspaper or www.marlborough4fun.co.nz.



http://www.marlboroughonline.co.nz/



http://www.renwicksportscentre.co.nz/




http://www.marlborough4fun.co.nz/