First launched in 2021, Te Tiriti-based Multicultural Day is a day for bringing your cultural heritage into your daily life through the wearing of cultural attire, the sharing of traditional food and music, the speaking of your mother language, or in any other way you wish to celebrate and acknowledge your whakapapa. Although still young, this event has gone from strength to strength each year. This year saw a major step forward with Multicultural Day celebrations taking place at Parliament.  

The celebrations began with a karakia led by respected young Māori leader Atarau Hamilton, and esteemed equality and human rights champion Vanisa Dhiru was our MC for the evening.  

We heard speeches from Minister for Ethnic Communities Hon. Melissa Lee, Chief Executive of the Ministry for Ethnic Communities Mervin Singham, MNZ President Pancha Narayanan, and our host for the evening, MP for New Lynn Paulo Garcia.  

The cultural performances were the true highlight of the event, with rousing kapa haka from our friends the Ngāti Pōneke Young Māori Club, beautiful and soulful singing from the Guru Kripa School of Music and Sloka, and the earth-shattering rhythms of the Narukami Taiko Drummers gracing the stage. The evening concluded with shared kai, accompanied by Ras Judah and his band's infectiously joyful sound.  

Thank you to everyone who made this evening possible, and to all who joined us in attendance. We do not yet know what is in store for Tiriti-based Multicultural Day 2025, but we do know that it's going to be good!