Westland Multicultural Festival Lights Up Lazar Park
Lazar Park in Hokitika was transformed into a vibrant celebration on 31 May with the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavours of the Westland Multicultural Festival, proudly organised by the Lions Club of Hokitika. Supported by the West Coast Multicultural Council and the Welcoming Communities programme from the Westland District Council, the event brought the community together for a heartwarming celebration of cultural diversity.
Colourful performances from Indian classical dancers, the Scottish dancers, and the fascinating Tribal Belly Dancers showcased the richness of cultures now part of our community. The Filipino children captivated everyone with their joyful energy, drawing smiles and applause from the public. Each act offered a brief but meaningful glimpse into the cultural roots and significance behind each performance, creating an atmosphere of curiosity, connection, and respect. The Tribal Belly Dancers joined the Filipino children for their final dance. What a memorable treat it was!
Visitors also enjoyed a culinary tour of the world, with food stalls offering Irish stews, Brazilian treats, German desserts, South African flavours, and much more, including crowd favourites from the Filipino and Chinese communities. The energy was warm and welcoming, with everyone sharing in the joy of discovery and appreciation. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all who performed, cooked, helped, and simply came along to learn and connect.
Looking ahead, we invite everyone to stay involved and continue celebrating and embracing multiculturalism in all its richness—including the voices and traditions of mana whenua, our local iwi. Events like these are about connection, understanding, and building a future together that honours both our shared and diverse identities. How about a cosy Winter Potluck? And be sure to join us in September for Welcoming Week, a special time to hear the stories of those who have made Westland their new home.
Text and images: Carolina Salazar – Welcoming Communities Coordinator
