The Multicultural Council of Rangitīkei/Whanganui helps newcomers by offering support and friendship in various ways through social activities, practical assistance and community events.

• Attending citizenship ceremonies
• Organising and supporting community cultural events
• Hosting potluck dinners, picnics, an annual beach cleanup, Race Unity Week and Race Relations Day activities
• Offering settlement advice
• Providing language lessons, practice and document preparation
• Advocating on behalf of migrants

We are grateful we can provide these services and activities due to the generous sponsorship of the Ministry of Social Development, NZ Lotteries Commission, Office of Ethnic Communities, J R McKenzie Trust, Whanganui District Council, and Whanganui Community Foundation.

Below are selections of photos showing what we have been organising and enjoying.

Click on the photos and scroll for optimum viewing.

End of Year Festive Potluck

Next event: 21st November 2025

Come and celebrate our end of the year function at Keith Street School! This special gathering brings people together from many cultures to share food, music, dance, and stories. It’s a chance to reflect on the year, enjoy performances and activities, and connect with friends old and new. Everyone is welcome — bring your whānau, your culture, and a plate to share! The program starts at 6pm.

Picnic in the Park

Next event: 10th Jan 2026

Bring in the new year with our Summer Picnic in the Park! Join us for a relaxed, family-friendly picnic lunch where we’ll share food, friendship, and fun in the sunshine. This is a chance to connect across cultures, enjoy the summer together, and celebrate community in a welcoming, inclusive way. Bring a picnic, your whānau, and a picnic blanket — everyone is welcome!

Asian Lunar New Year celebration

Next event: 1st March 2026

Join us on 15 February for Experience Chinese New Year, hosted by the Aotearoa Chinese Culture Club and Multicultural Council Rangitīkei-Whanganui. Discover traditions, customs, and celebrations of the Lunar New Year — from festive decorations to food and cultural practices. Enjoy activities like dumpling making, share an Asian plate, and connect with the community over finger food and drinks.

Beach Cleanup

Next event: 7th March 2026

Celebrate Sea Week with a community Beach Clean-up at Castlecliff Beach, hosted by the Multicultural Council and our friends at Suzuki Marine! Enjoy a fun and active morning caring for our coastline — come with a team, or join on your own and we’ll connect you with others. Prizes will be awarded for the team that collects the most rubbish, so gather your whānau, friends, or workmates and be part of this great movement.

Race Unity Week

Next event: 23rd-27th March 2026

Celebrate culture and creativity during Race Unity Week! Join one of our interactive workshops to create your own unique piece to take home. Each session is led by a talented local artists showcasing a different cultural art form.

Puanga Celebration

Next event: 9th July 2026

Celebrate Puanga with us at a cosy community potluck, hosted by the Multicultural Council, Women’s Network, and Whanganui Regional Museum. Puanga is a time of reflection, renewal, and connection to ancestors, and we’ll gather to share food, stories, and culture together. Bring a small plate to share, and if you wish, a meaningful item that represents new beginnings or midwinter traditions from your own culture. Everyone is welcome — all ages, backgrounds, and genders.

Diversity Dinner

Next event: September 2025

Join us for our annual Multicultural Dinner — a special evening that brings together community leaders from diverse ethnic backgrounds to share food, conversation, and connection. It’s a celebration of the many vibrant cultures that make Whanganui home.

Feast & Festival

Next event: 18th October 2025

Join us this October at the Marton Town Hall for our Feast and Festival — a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity through food, music, and dance. With delicious stalls, live performances, and opportunities to connect, it’s a chance to celebrate traditions, share stories, and build a stronger sense of belonging together.

Seniors Group – weekly

Our Seniors Group is a friendly space to come together for conversation, company, and connection. The group offers a chance to share stories and build friendships across cultures.

Supporting others’ events

The Multicultural Council is proud to stand alongside and support the many cultural celebrations and events that take place in our community. This gallery captures moments of connection, collaboration, and celebration as we join with different groups to honour their traditions, share in their joy, and strengthen the bonds that make our community so diverse and vibrant.

Cooking Classes

We hosted a multicultural cooking class series where participants discovered new flavours and traditions from around the world. The workshops featured authentic Peruvian dishes, hand-crafted Chinese dumplings, and the rich, aromatic flavours of Indian cuisine. Guided by talented cooks, these sessions were a chance to share food, learn new skills, and connect across cultures. These classes were a fabulous collaboration with Community Education Whanganui and the Women’s Network Winter Wonderfest.

Zine Workshop with Whanganui Zinefest

In partnership with ZineFest Whanganui, local youth created a collaborative zine exploring cultural identity, diversity, and belonging. Through writing, art, and design, young voices came together to share their perspectives and experiences in a creative, powerful way. The zine celebrated the richness of our community and showcased the next generation of storytellers.

Noho Marae

We were welcomed onto Te Ao Hou Marae for a special visit filled with warmth and manaakitanga. Participants learned about Māori traditions, history, and tikanga while sharing in the spirit of hospitality. This wonderful experience created opportunities for connection, cultural exchange, and a deeper understanding of Aotearoa’s rich heritage.