Ashburton/Mid Canterbury Newcomers Network

Upcoming Events in Ashburton/Mid Canterbury

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About us

The Ashburton District “The Granary of New Zealand” covers the central part of the South Island.  The area includes two of New Zealands premier salmon fishing rivers, the Rakaia & the Rangitata. It has the largest area of flat land in any district of New Zealand, and is intensively farmed. The Mid Canterbury area offers spectacular scenery, the rivers, lakes and open spaces of the alpine foothills are very popular with visitors and locals alike wanting to enjoy the spectacular scenery, trout/salmon fishing, skiing, and tranquillity of the area.

The Mid Canterbury Newcomers Group – which is part of the Hakatere Multicultural Council and Mid Canterbury Migrants Centre – offers many regular & varied activities & events for newcomers, these include a coffee group, games group and many other different activities. Join us, we would love to meet you!

Our Coordinator: Ana

Malo e lelei, I’m Ana Taufa, your new Hakatere Multicultural Council Coordinator. 

Originally from Tonga, I migrated to New Zealand in 2009. For the past 13 years, I've been teaching at an Early Childhood Education. Outside of work, I'm passionate about giving back to the community and supporting Pasifika families. I'm also a proud parent to five talented children, and I'm always there to cheer them on in their sports activities. I love exploring new places with my family through travel and camping adventures in my free time.

Being a migrant myself, I understand the challenges of settling into a new place. It's important to provide support and resources to help newcomers feel welcome and find their footing. As the Hakatere Multi Cultural Council Coordinator, I'm here to make a positive impact by assisting migrants and newcomers in finding their place, settling in, and thriving in our wonderful community. Together, we can create a warm and inclusive environment for everyone. I can't wait to bring my enthusiasm for cultural diversity and community engagement to this role! 

We are part of Hakatere Multicultural Council, and we would love to hear from you.  Please feel free to contact me either through our Facebook page or email ana.taufa@safer.org.nz