New Venue For Race Unity Day 2003

The fifth Race Unity Day, a celebration of multicultural diversity in Hutt City, will be held on Saturday 22 March 2003 from 11am to 3pm at Naenae on the lawn area south of Naenae Pool.

“We have decided to move the event from the central city out to where the people are. There has been a lot of talk about re-vitalising local community centres like Naenae, and the Committee wanted to support that,” said Tanya Winter, Manager Community Development.

The day will feature performances from a variety of cultural groups. There will also be food and craft stalls.

“This a great event designed to bring together people of all ethnicities and encourage them to celebrate and experience different cultures in a fun and carnival atmosphere,” said Tanya Winter.

This year the Hutt Art Society are supporting Race Unity Day by opening their gallery space in Myrtle Street to ethnic communities for the week of Race Unity Day to display their art and craft. Access radio will also be broadcasting live again on the day, and Naenae Pool will be open for free.

Anyone wanting to hold a stall or perform on the day is encouraged to call Tanya Winter, Community Development, Hutt City Council on 570-6524. Stall sites cost $20.

Dr Rajen Prasad, a past Race Relations Conciliator, initiated Race Unity Day in 1999. Its focus was on celebrating the different cultures that make up Aotearoa/New Zealand. With over 1000 refugees from 26 different countries settled in Hutt City since 1994, the city boasts a very diverse population indeed.

Last year the event attracted more than 2000 people.

© Scoop Media