Russian’s mission is sharing her culture
Olga Ovsyannikova’s mission since making New Zealand her home has been to share her Russian culture.
The 34-year-old former police officer from Khabarovsk does not think what she’s doing dilutes New Zealand’s identity, but adds to it.
“Maori are the original people, but now New Zealand’s identity is a multicultural one,” she said.
“Events promoting different cultures help foster better understanding, and in today’s context that is very important to keep the peace in this country.”
Auckland is home to about 220 recorded ethnicities and one person in four is born overseas.
Between the last two Censuses the Russian population rose by 23.6 per cent, following a rise of 53.8 per cent between 2001 and 2006. About 6000 Russians now live here and six in 10 are in the Auckland region.
“I may be European, but no matter how I work on my language or my accent, I will always be Russian,” said Ovsyannikova.
“Integration must be both ways, it is important for migrants to respect the majority culture, but it is just as important for Kiwis to respect the cultures of where the migrants come from.”
Among the events Ovsyannikova organises are the annual Miss Russia NZ contest, Miss National NZ and the
It is important for migrants to respect the majority culture, but it is just as important for Kiwis to respect the cultures of where the migrants come from. Olga Ovsyannikova
Masquerade Ball. “I try to bring my culture to the forefront through organising these events, and I also organise charity events where we can also bring attention to other Russian issues.” Ovsyannikova said she fell in love with New Zealand during her travels here, and decided to move here in 2011. Coming first as a student, her biggest obstacles in settling here were language and a lack of cultural understanding. “We Russians are very straightforward and direct people, but that can be seen as being rude in this country,” she said. “I decided then that having events to help Russians and other New Zealanders connect was the best way to help overcome some of these misunderstandings.” Ovsyannikova is married to a New Zealander and became a permanent resident under the partnership category. — Lincoln Tan
Hnzherald.co.nz For a video of the interview