Nelson’s multicultural melting pot

what the money from selling a house overseas could buy in Nelson,’’ Bancroft said. ‘‘Many mentioned their surprise at the [high] cost of living in Nelson compared to their home country.’’

Another common theme was the desire to meet more long-term Nelson people ‘‘and they had found it difficult to come in contact with these people’’.

Every interviewee mentioned feeling safe in Nelson. Some spoke of their enjoyment at living near the sea and having ‘‘so much sunshine’’. All of the participants were living independently without any services provided by external agencies. They were all contributing in some way, from gardening to produce vegetables, to caring for grandchildren or volunteering with other agencies.

‘‘There’s an opportunity coming from all this to acknowledge and promote older migrants as an asset to Nelson,’’ Bancroft said. ‘‘Many of their children are skilled migrants raising welleducated children to fulfil the future workforce of the region.’’

Challenges to meet included the need to advocate on behalf of the diverse and ageing population, to ensure health services were mindful of this group and to establish a supportive network for those living on their own to maintain independence and a feeling of belonging and wellbeing as they aged, she said.

Pan said the best aspect of living in Nelson for her family ‘‘is that we have freedom to do anything we want’’.

‘‘We’re very blessed to be here.’’ grateful and