Sharing a South American culture
Southlanders might be surprised to know how many Brazilian and Chilean people are working on farms, in engineering, or studying in the region.
The new Southland Multicultural Council president Meggy Bartlett-McBride says she is working hard to raise awareness of diversity in Southland.
Returned to the role in May this year, Bartlett-McBride said she was interested in holding more events to encourage Southlanders to meet those from other countries.
Bartlett-McBride says 200 attended a Brazilian and Chilean pot luck dinner held in Hansen Hall Invercargill on Saturday night.
‘‘Everyone was welcome to come ... Chinese, Korean, Philippine and Indonesian.
‘‘It’s very important that New Zealanders come to these events as well.’’
It was important for Kiwis to know more about the different cultures arriving in their regions, she said.
‘‘I do hope they are more open, but we’re on the track of opening that more diverse culture.’’
People might react negatively, but people needed to know that different cultures could offer great interactions in Southland, she said.
As for Brazilian and Chilean residents, many worked as engineers, on farms or as students.
Bartlett-McBride said there would be more than 50 from Brazil of Chile in Southland.
‘‘They have a very different cul- ture to other cultures,’’ she said.
‘‘[Saturday night] was the first time ever that we’ve celebrated the Brazilian and Chilean culture.’’
‘‘They’re a very large community here in Southland.’’
Bartlett-McBride said on Saturday night, the Brazilian and Chilean food was good but she was unable to try it because there was so many people to talk to.
The Southland Multicultural Council was getting the word out that there were many unexplored cultures in Southland, she said.
‘‘We have a good team now to promote each culture ... it makes a huge difference.
‘‘I really just want people to participate and be open.’’