The Cromwell Newcomers group have found a perfect way to celebrate the diversity in the community with" Ethnic Eats" - a family-friendly potluck meal.

Cromwell Newcomers co-ordinator and volunteer Sharon Smid says the group has been exploring ways to better connect with the growing migrant population. 

“We want to see people of all nationalities to feel included and integrated in the wider community,” Sharon says. “To be their full selves”.

As part of this vision, the group entered the Connect Cromwell’s Winning Ideas, for a slice of the Community Led Development funding from the Department of Internal Affairs.

“Our Ethnic Eats pitch was to run, family friendly, monthly International Potluck Meals, open to all; migrants, kiwis over the summer months,” Sharon explains. 

“Food is a great leveler. Curious people will want to experience different cuisines and hear the stories behind traditional foods."

Sharon quotes Liz Fosslein, who said “diversity is having a seat at the table. Inclusion is having a voice. Belonging is having that voice heard. 

"This quote was the framework of our presentation for the Winning Ideas panel and audience," Sharon explains. "We role played this quote to demonstrate inclusion".

Sharon says the group hopes migrants will feel confident and willing to teach other a tradition from their homeland, such as; dance, music, a game/sport or demonstrate cooking a national food.

“(The programme) opens the door to conversation and connection; with individuals and other organisations," she says.

“A more inclusive and welcoming community; accepting of the changed cultural landscape. It opens pathways for newcomers to better support migrants as they transition to a new country and culture.

“We hope to see kiwis be more mindful on how to promote more inclusive and welcoming social settings, particularly towards those for whom English isn't their first language.

“As a community learning to respect cultural and religious differences. Learn, Share, Grow. Encourage social connection through existing clubs and organisations. Increase the pool of people who have the confidence to join in with existing organisations."

Sharon gives another quote, this time from poet and author Maya Angelou: “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their colour.” 

Pikelet makers from Cromwell Newcomers’ Communication English Group: “Jonah” from Vanuatu (left) and “Danilo” from Philippines (right).

Cromwell Newcomers was formed in 2016 in response to the population explosion happening at the time, Sharon explains.

“Through my interaction with the Interagency Group in Cromwell, we noted that many people had relocated here but were working out of Cromwell, such as Queenstown and Wanaka, so therefore the traditional means of meeting new people in their home town were diminished.

“Our group is about providing opportunities for people who have recently moved to Cromwell to meet and connect with others through shared experiences.”

The group holds a variety of events, from weekly leisure walks and coffees, Sunday hikes for the more adventurous, to monthly “Mix and Mingle, First Friday of month” events.

“We volunteer for Street Smart which is our main source of funding,” Sharon says. 

“Other events have included, but not limited to; Communication English Group, Inclusive Workplaces Workshop, movies, dinners, curling, and day trips.

“We recently supported our vision by donating a couple of children’s books to the Cromwell Library on diversity and inclusion.”