Waitaki Multicultural

Multicultural Day - Friday, 28th of August 🌏

On this day, we invite people from all multicultural communities to celebrate and share their cultures in schools, workplaces and groups ❤️

Whether it’s sharing food, wearing traditional clothing, sharing stories, music and traditions, or simply learning something new about the cultures around us — every celebration counts!

📸 Please share your photos and stories with us — simply tag us!

We’d love to see how your workplace, school or community is celebrating Multicultural Day and bringing people and cultures together.

Justyna Miller
WMC Community Connector

A Special Visit to Forrester Gallery ❤️

Today, some of our Family Connect families and members from our network enjoyed a private tour of Forrester Gallery, arranged especially for us.

A huge thank you to Fiona Frew for such a warm welcome and for sharing your knowledge and skills with us.

We learned more about the Memorial Burns exhibition and Forrester Gallery, and Fiona also treated us to a wonderful weaving art activity in the beautiful educational space upstairs. 🧶🎨

And of course, coffee and delicious biscuits were the perfect addition!☕🍪

It was such a lovely opportunity to connect, learn, create and experience our local arts and culture together.

If you haven’t visited Forrester Gallery yet, please do!

It’s a wonderful space to explore and discover. ❤️

We’re already looking forward to our next visit

Justyna Miller
WMC Community Connector

🎨 Meet Our Multicultural Artists!

Are you looking for something special to do on the 22nd or 23rd of August (Saturday and Sunday)?

Come along to the Customs House Gallery (upstairs) and discover art, stories and cultures from around the world🌍

Meet our wonderful multicultural artists as they create art, share their stories and talk about their cultures and creative journeys.

✨ Watch the artists at work
🌏 Learn about different cultures
🎨 Discover their unique art
✨Have a chat and ask questions

Everyone is welcome — pop in anytime.

Customs House Gallery – Upstairs
22nd & 23rd of August, 11.00-3.00 pm

We would love to see you there!

Justyna Miller
WMC Community Connector

What's On Oamaru Art by Natalia Lopez Sarka Cibulcova Art 旅する絵描き 栗谷さと子 / illustrator KURI Song Chen Thalía Ortiga

With the New Zealand General Elections coming up later this year, this free online workshop is a great way to learn how the electoral system works in Aotearoa New Zealand and what happens on Election Day.

David
Community Engagement Lead

🗳️ Your voice, your vote, your say.

Ever wondered how the electoral system actually works in Aotearoa New Zealand? Or what really happens on Election Day? We've got you covered! ✅

Join us for our Voting Rights & Responsibilities Workshop, in partnership with the Electoral Commission — a free, friendly space to get informed and feel confident about voting in New Zealand.

📅 Thursday, 27 August 2026
🕢 7.30pm – 8.30pm
💻 Online via Microsoft Teams
🌱 Part of our Grow Your Roots series

Whether you're enrolling for the first time or just want a refresher before the General Election, this session will walk you through it all.

🆓 Free for refugee and migrant background individuals and communities.

👉 Register now: https://events.humanitix.com/general-elections-workshop
(or scan the QR code on the flyer!)

Democracy works best when everyone's included — make sure your voice is heard. 💙🧡

Electoral Commission NZ

Welcome to all our new New Zealand citizens!

🪴: Citizenship Ceremony - 11 August 2026

The fifth Citizenship Ceremony of the new triennium took place at Ōamaru Opera House on Tuesday afternoon.

Mayor Mel Tavendale was joined by Councillors Sven Thelning, John McCone, Jeremy Holding and Deputy Mayor Rebecca Ryan to present citizenship certificates to twenty brand new New Zealanders from ten different countries.

Waitaki District Mayor Mel Tavendale said, “I am honoured to welcome our new citizens and their families, and to mark an important decision in their life. Each of our new citizens have chosen New Zealand as their home, and they all add to the growth and diversity of Waitaki. ”

Media Release: https://www.waitaki.govt.nz/News/Citizenship-Ceremony-%E2%80%93-11-August-2026

🎂🌸 Celebrating together at Family Connect! 🌸🎂

Yesterday at our Family Connect, we celebrated the birthday of one of our wonderful mums, Saroja! 🥳❤️

Happy Birthday, Saroja! 🎉🌺

Family Connect is about sharing those very special moments together — celebrating birthdays, friendships, new beginnings, and even witnessing the little ones take their first steps. 💕

Here’s to friendship, connection and celebrating each other ✨

See you All next week.

Justyna Miller
WMC Community Connector