Esther Ashby-Coventry
15:17, Jan 20 2022

Sheltering from a little drizzle at the Multicultural Aoraki picnic at Caroline Bay are, from left, Malani Nabeka, Tina Francis and Haymesh Francis from Fiji.

A picnic at Timaru’s Caroline Bay organised by Multicultural Aoraki provided families from a variety of backgrounds the opportunity to get together to share food, participate in some traditional Kiwi games and share their experiences of life in New Zealand.

Manager Katy Houstoun said the picnic, held on Wednesday, was a good way to get all the families and their children together over the holidays.

There were 15 families from Syria, India, Pacific Islands and Russia in attendance, she said.

Each brought food, and the children competed in a typical Kiwi afternoon in an egg and spoon race, three-legged race and tug o’ war.

Saru Gedela, from South India, was at the picnic with her daughter Harshi, 8. Her family came to Timaru in 2015 for her husband’s work as a welder.

"He likes to work here in New Zealand it's quiet and calm.”

She said Multicultural Aoraki had been really helpful when the family visited India in 2019 and then were stuck in isolation for two weeks on their return to New Zealand because of Covid.

“It was a struggle. They helped a lot. We had no work, no family,” Gedela said.

Malani Nabeka, from Fiji, said she misses her family. She and her husband moved to Christchurch in 2015 and to Timaru in 2021.

“It was really hard the first winter, but now I am used to it (the cold).”

They have not returned to the Pacific Island since arriving in the country.

“It's very emotional. Our son Ezekiel, 3, has not met any of my family. I hope the border will open, I miss them.”

Her husband who works as a meat inspector has all his family living in New Zealand, she said.

“It is very quiet here,” Nabeka said.

Multicultural Aoraki Support manager Mandy Wills said the picnic had been a great opportunity for a casual time of meeting together and sharing different cultures.

Learn more: stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/cultures-come-together-for-picnic-at-caroline-bay