Esther Ashby-Coventry
16:36, Dec 17 2020

Multicultural Aoraki manager Katy Houstoun at the official opening at the organisation’s new premises at 27 Sophia St on Wednesday.

An upsurge in support needed for stranded migrants over Covid-19 has led to a new name and larger premises for the group helping them in South Canterbury.

Multicultural Aoraki support manager Katy Houstoun​ said last year the organisation, formerly known as Aoraki Migrant, supported 1600 people, that number rising to more than 5000 in 2020 - mainly because of the pandemic.

The centre has moved from 3 Sophia St to 27 Sophia St and the new premises were officially opened in front of more than 50 people on Wednesday.

The organisation was formed in 2004 and supports, connects and celebrates the multicultural communities of Aoraki.

Houstoun said because of Covid-19 “there were a lot of workers stranded in the Mackenzie who had been made redundant which we helped access support services’’.

She said the organisation’s two staff members had worked long hours, seven days a week, to keep up.

She told the more than 50 people at the opening they had coped with such a heavy workload thanks to the support of other agencies and the community.

Since then the Ministry of Social Development had selected the organisation as one of 130 in the country to be a Community Connector, funding the appointment of a new staff member.

Houstoun expected the number of those needing support to increase as employment opportunities and cheaper house prices attracted more people from diverse cultures to the district.

Multicultural Aoraki support case manager Mandy Wills said the new premises offered a bigger space and included three offices which could be utilised by other groups.

She said the change of name reflected what the organisation did for people from all cultures whereas the previous name had confused some people.

Timaru Tongan Society president Sina Latu said the new premises were more accessible for Pasifika and a place they could meet other people.

“We feel inclusive, everyone is welcome,” Latu said.

A blessing from Aliana Siaosi (Ngati Haua) was followed by speeches and a presentation of pounamu in a kite to the organisation’s founding member Kate Elsen to acknowledge her role of connecting people.

Multicultural Aoraki is open weekdays from 9am-2pm on weekdays.

Learn More: stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/demand-for-multicultural-aorakis-services-skyrocket