Ethnic Communities Connect with the Mayor

The Napier Mayor will be a guest speaker and dinner companion for newcomers and people from ethnic communities next Thursday evening (10th June). The dinner organised by the Ethnic Association of Hawke’s Bay is the first of its kind. Mayor Barbara Arnott will speak about migrants and their contribution to Napier and guest will enjoy a Thai banquet.

The Ethnic Association of Hawke’s Bay is a relatively new organisation, and this event is to celebrate the contribution that migrants and their families make to our region. It is a great chance for people to learn about the Ethnic Association and meet people from a wide range of ethnic background.

“There are not many cities in the world where you get to meet your Mayor over dinner,” says Treasurer of the Ethnic Association Renata Lehmann. “The Ethnic Association has created a great opportunity for people to meet others, share experiences, and learn from our Mayor what ethnic communities add to our local area.”

Between 500 -900,000 kiwis live and work abroad at any one time, many of those in Australia. Migrants are an important source of employment talent and in Hawke’s Bay are filling professional roles in skills gap. Nearly 40% of the New Zealand workforce was born overseas, and it is impossible to understate the value that they bring in skills and contribution they make to our economy.

The dinner will be on Thursday the 10th of June, 7pm, at New Bangkok House in Dickens Street. Ticket prices are $25.00 per person with vegetarian and non-vegetarian and halal options, and a children’s menu for anyone who wishes to bring their family to the dinner. Everyone is welcome whether they are born in New Zealand or overseas.