A major event celebrating diversity is being staged in east Auckland this month as part of the World of Cultures festival.
The festival is staged by Auckland Council.
It includes the Howick Local Board’s Celebrating Cultures public event, which is at Barry Curtis Park in Flat Bush on March 25 and features live music, performances, workshops, displays and exhibitions.
World of Cultures runs for three weeks starting on Race Relations Day, March 21.
Auckland councillor Christine Fletcher says it includes more than 70 free or low-cost activities and events across the region and plays an important and worthwhile role for all Aucklanders.
“The diversity of cultures and ethnicities makes Auckland the beautiful and special place it is.
“Bringing Aucklanders of all ages together to celebrate that diversity helps unite us as a society.
“People of all of our ethnicities and cultures enrich the cultural fabric of our region.
“Seeing everyone come together and share and celebrate a wide array of food, customs and ways of life makes me proud to be an Aucklander.”
Council events manager David Burt says he’s delighted with the response from community groups to the celebration.
“One thing that’s really uplifting for me every year is Aucklanders’ commitment to celebrate our cultural diversity, and the importance they place in it.
“Food offerings, dance, music and costumes of different cultures are shared with audiences at World of Cultures events across the region, with groups wanting to celebrate their cultures and help Aucklanders learn more.”
This year’s festival has seven one-day “pillar events” that offer great opportunities to celebrate the city’s cultural landscape.
Go online to www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for more information.
