Launched in 2012, Welcoming Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate our welcoming values through local events and initiatives that foster mutual understanding, stronger connections, and deeper belonging among all of us - particularly long-time residents and newcomers.
Aotearoa is one of the most diverse countries in the world. There are over 200 different ethnicities and a quarter of all people who call New Zealand home were born overseas. Our diversity is our strength. It's what makes us a vibrant and attractive place to be. Welcoming Week in Aotearoa is a chance to celebrate these qualities and demonstrate two important Māori principles:
1. Whanaungatanga - the importance of relationships, and
2. Manaakitanga - the process of showing respect, generosity, and care for others.
Let us roll out the welcome mat and celebrate the things that unite us. Because no matter what language you speak, who you worship or where you were born - nau mai rā - glad you're here!
Colouring Competition
Details to come
Details to come
Syrian Storytime at the Library - Friday 5th September
Timaru District Library | 11.30am
A special co-hosted Arabic and English story-time with our Syrian community.
Enjoy some Syrian cookies and Dubka dancing
Email: tracey.miron@pssc.co.nz
Timaru District Library | 11.30am
A special co-hosted Arabic and English story-time with our Syrian community.
Enjoy some Syrian cookies and Dubka dancing
Email: tracey.miron@pssc.co.nz
Multicultural Aoraki 20 Year Celebration - Friday 5th September
Join Multicultural Aoraki for a night of celebration with a multicultural buffet, cultural performances, and an auction!
6pm at Caroline Bay Hall
Tickets $50 pp
Join Multicultural Aoraki for a night of celebration with a multicultural buffet, cultural performances, and an auction!
6pm at Caroline Bay Hall
Tickets $50 pp
Big Girl Puppet Project - Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September
The Big Girls are large-scale puppets that once made, will come to life on our streets representing their makers and cultures.
They will bring visibility to our community in a positive and fun way, and can rock any festival or gathering when they start dancing.
Please email tracey.miron@pssc.co.nz to register your interest in helping to make one of these amazing puppets!
The Big Girls are large-scale puppets that once made, will come to life on our streets representing their makers and cultures.
They will bring visibility to our community in a positive and fun way, and can rock any festival or gathering when they start dancing.
Please email tracey.miron@pssc.co.nz to register your interest in helping to make one of these amazing puppets!
Living Library - Monday 8th September
Timaru Library is hosting a Living Library event on Monday 8th September at 5.00pm, and we would love you to be a part of it.
A Living Library is a unique event where people become “books” and are “borrowed’ for conversations. These Human Books share their personal stories, experiences, or perspectives, creating a safe space for dialogue, understanding, and connection.
You must register to be a 'reader' - please contact ingrid.davies-martin@timdc.govt.nz or phone Timaru Library 03 68 77202
Timaru Library is hosting a Living Library event on Monday 8th September at 5.00pm, and we would love you to be a part of it.
A Living Library is a unique event where people become “books” and are “borrowed’ for conversations. These Human Books share their personal stories, experiences, or perspectives, creating a safe space for dialogue, understanding, and connection.
You must register to be a 'reader' - please contact ingrid.davies-martin@timdc.govt.nz or phone Timaru Library 03 68 77202
Pool Party and Manu Competition at CBay - Tuesday 9th September
Can you out-Manu the Mayor?!
5.30pm - 7.30pm at CBay - gold coin donation for swimmers and competitors
Three age categories with great prizes to be won!
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/xLGX8Z53DR
Can you out-Manu the Mayor?!
5.30pm - 7.30pm at CBay - gold coin donation for swimmers and competitors
Three age categories with great prizes to be won!
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/xLGX8Z53DR
Community Potluck Lunch - Wednesday 10th September
Join us for a shared lunch, and wear your cultural dress!
1pm at Multicultural Aoraki, 4 Latter Street, Timaru
Please bring a plate to share.
Join us for a shared lunch, and wear your cultural dress!
1pm at Multicultural Aoraki, 4 Latter Street, Timaru
Please bring a plate to share.
International Vibes Night - Wednesday 10th September
For the Timaru District's International Students to connect and spend time together
6pm at The Y, 7-9 Sophia Street, Timaru
RSVP to Jo Skudder: jo@ymcasc.org.nz
For the Timaru District's International Students to connect and spend time together
6pm at The Y, 7-9 Sophia Street, Timaru
RSVP to Jo Skudder: jo@ymcasc.org.nz
Last updated: 28 Aug 2025