Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, August 30, 2024
Welcoming Weeks are celebrated across the globe, aiming to recognise and appreciate the diverse cultural contributions of migrants and refugees to their communities.
In Hamilton, this celebration is a significant event, bringing together various organisations and community groups to foster unity and understanding.
This year’s event, scheduled from September 6, 2024- September 15, 2024 is being organised by the Hamilton City Council and Te Haa o te Whenua in collaboration with local partners such as the Shama Ethnic Women’s Centre, K’aute Pasifika, Settlement Centre Waikato, Refugee Orientation Centre Trust, and the Waikato Hispanic and Latino Trust.
Week filled with festivities
Hamilton’s Welcoming Week 2024 will feature an array of events designed to highlight the city’s cultural diversity. From dance and music performances, kapa haka, cultural displays, and food stalls to Tangata Tiriti Training, an Asian Health Expo, and a city tour, there is something for everyone. These activities not only entertain but also educate residents about the different cultures that make up their community.
Councillor Kesh Naidoo-Rauf encourages all Hamiltonians to participate, emphasising that this celebration is about acknowledging the diversity that makes Hamilton unique and vibrant.
Council’s Community and Natural Environment Committee Chair, Councillor Kesh Naidoo-Rauf, said Hamilton is diverse with more than 160 ethnicities.
“The latest statistics show more than 27% of the city’s population were born overseas. Including myself. I encourage everyone to join in the festivities. This event acknowledges the diversity which helps make Hamilton such a wonderful place to live, and to celebrate those who have moved here and brought their families, culture and skills to the region,” she said.
Community Integration
Hamilton’s biggest migrant communities as found in the 2018 Census are Indian (6.5%), Chinese (5.2%), Filipino (3.2%) Cook Island Māori (1.3%) and Tongan (1.3%).
For many migrants, events like Welcoming Week are pivotal in their journey to feeling at home in a new city. Jovi Abellanosa, the Council’s Ethnic Development Advisor, has experienced this first-hand.
A resident of Hamilton for 14 years, she fondly recalls her own experience of settling in with the support of the Settlement Centre Waikato. Now, she plays a key role in organising Welcoming Week, ensuring that new arrivals feel the same sense of community and belonging that she did.
A global celebration
Welcoming Week is a global initiative celebrated in cities and towns across the world, from the United States to New Zealand, Canada to Europe. This week-long event is designed to foster a spirit of inclusion and to celebrate the cultural richness brought by migrants and refugees to their new communities. Around the globe, local governments, community organisations, and advocacy groups come together to host a variety of activities—ranging from cultural festivals, community forums, educational workshops, and art exhibits—to honour the unique contributions of newcomers.
The aim is to create welcoming and inclusive environments where everyone, regardless of background, feels a sense of belonging and connection.
This global movement underscores the importance of unity and diversity in building strong, vibrant communities. Hamilton proudly participates in this worldwide celebration, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity and multiculturalism.
A Newcomer’s Perspective
Anna Lee, who migrated to Hamilton from South Korea last year, shared her thoughts on her first Welcoming Week experience. “Moving to a new country can be overwhelming, but events like these make you feel like you belong,” she said. “Last year, I attended a few events and met so many kind and welcoming people. It helped me connect with others and learn more about the local culture. I am looking forward to this year’s celebration and hope to see even more people come together.”
With the enthusiastic participation of both newcomers and long-standing residents, Hamilton’s Welcoming Week 2024 is set to be a memorable celebration of community, culture, and connection.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
