Multicultural Centre supports a growing number of migrants to make Marlborough home
New Zealand is becoming increasingly diverse as a nation, with international migration bouncing back from the COVID-19 pandemic to reach record numbers in 2023.
In Marlborough, one local organisation is supporting a growing number of former refugees and migrants in the region to feel more at home.
The Marlborough Multicultural Centre in Blenheim offers support services and events for newcomers, designed to celebrate diversity, and foster a sense of belonging and cultural connection among migrant communities.
"We are proud to have a network of more than 500 clients and demand for our support is growing,” says Matilde Figuracion, Chair of the Marlborough Multicultural Centre.
"One of our strategic goals is to support social cohesion. Marlborough is a wonderful place to live, and we want host communities and new communities to come together, enjoy all our region has to offer, and take Marlborough forward as a thriving, multicultural community.”
Provisional data from Stats New Zealand shows a net migration gain of 135,600 non-New Zealand citizens nationwide in the July 2023 year. This exceeds pre-pandemic net gains of an average of 60,700 a year between 2015 and 2019.
The 2006 'Settling In 'Report' from the Ministry of Social Development was the catalyst for the creation of the Marlborough Multicultural Centre. The report highlighted the need for a space where migrant communities could reach out for support.
The Centre collaborates with local Marlburians, who come in and offer support with anything from cooking tips to gardening advice. It also works alongside service providers such as Marlborough District Council, Marlborough Primary Health Organisation, the Electoral Commission and English Language Partners, to share knowledge and run information events.
Services range from introductory morning teas to English language classes, art and cooking workshops, and practical one-on-one assistance navigating social services, to support the settlement pathway of newcomers.
Capacity and confidence-building among new communities is a focus for the Centre. Practical vehicle mechanics sessions have helped more than a dozen migrant women grow their skills and confidence by learning the fundamentals of their cars. The Centre has also joined with Business Trust Marlborough to offer business advice and support through mentorship, to over 15 clients.
Marlborough District Council Community Partnerships Advisor Jodie Griffiths says the Centre’s impact on the community is significant.
"The Marlborough District Council truly values the support the Marlborough Multicultural Centre provides to our community,” says Jodie.
"We have worked in partnership with the organisation since it was established. Marlborough is becoming an increasingly diverse multicultural community, and its advocacy, one-on-one support and programmes meet an important need.
"The team, including staff, the board and volunteers, provide a professional service while being responsive and dynamic.”
As the Centre looks to grow its support, Matilde says the next step is collaborating with communities to support them in running their events and seeking input from the communities they work with to understand how Marlborough Multicultural Centre can best meet their needs.
"It's important our communities have an opportunity to experience and embrace New Zealand culture and that they have a space where they are also empowered to share their culture with others as they start to feel more comfortable,” says Matilde.
The Marlborough Multicultural Festival is the pinnacle event in the Centre's calendar, celebrating the rich culture and diversity of the Marlborough community through traditional dance, music, language, and food. Attendance has grown from 500 people when the festival first began, to more than 5000 in attendance at this year’s event.
Xuemei Zhang, who is President of the New Zealand Chinese Association Nelson and Marlborough Branch, says the festival provides a platform for all cultures to be celebrated.
"Marlborough Multicultural Centre helps diverse communities in the region to connect,” Xuemei says.
"The Chinese community feels a sense of belonging through its support of important celebrations and acknowledgment of traditional festivals. The Multicultural Festival is an event that instils in our community a sense of pride to make Marlborough home.”
Rātā Foundation provides funding support to help the Centre meet growing demand for their services and Chief Executive Leighton Evans says it is a great example of an organisation responding to the needs of the diverse communities it serves.
"The Marlborough Multicultural Centre promotes cultural connection and social inclusion and provides a safe place for newcomers to the region as they settle into their new home,” says Leighton.
"The strength of the Centre is their collaboration with host communities to build positive relationships, alongside the work they do with new communities to understand their needs and aspirations better.
"Connecting new communities to wider Marlborough and creating space to celebrate the unique cultures that all contribute to the region helps new communities thrive and build happy and fulfilling lives in Aotearoa.”