Lara Zijl 
Gisborne, New Zealand – The city of Gisborne transformed into a dazzling spectacle of light and color as the Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council hosted a vibrant Diwali celebration on Saturday, December 14th, 2024. The event, held at Lawson Field Theatre and the surrounding Marina Park, drew a large crowd eager to experience the rich cultural tapestry of India.
The festivities kicked off at 4 PM with a diverse range of free activities for all ages. Families enjoyed delicious food, bouncy castles, engaging craft workshops, intricate henna art, and colorful rangoli designs. Live music performances by the Gisborne Sargam Group and DJ Tee added to the festive atmosphere.
At 6:45 PM, the focus shifted to the theatre area, where Hon. Dana Kirkpatrick and Her Worship the Mayor Rehette Stoltz officially inaugurated the cultural performances. The highlight of the evening was a captivating performance by the Garagewalas from Auckland, renowned for their electrifying shows at the Auckland Diwali celebrations and their appearance on NZ’s Got Talent.
The Diwali celebration in Gisborne was a collaborative effort, with support from various organizations including Trust Tairāwhiti, the Office of Ethnic Communities, The Sunrise Foundation, the Ministry of Social Development, and the Community Organisation Grants Scheme (COGS).
This event not only showcased the rich cultural heritage of Bharat (India) but also reinforced the strong multicultural fabric of New Zealand. By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, the Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council fostered a sense of unity and understanding within the community.
Hawkes Bay Multicultural Association represented by its President Rizwaana Latiff and Waikato Multicultural Council represented by its President Ravinder Powar, Treasurer Anil Gupta, Committee Member Wendy Zhai and Publicity Officer Dr. Vinay Karanam also participated in the event.
