A day to celebrate cultural diversity [in New Zealand]

DELIGHTFUL: Sormalin Tuor, from Cambodia, performs at the Race Unity day at Victory Square on Sunday. (EVAN BARNES/Nelson Mail)

23/03/2009
Nelson Mail (New Zealand)

Thousands made their way to Nelson's Victory Square yesterday to celebrate the region's diverse cultural background in all its forms.

Nelson Multi Ethnic Council coordinator Evey McAuliffe said it was the biggest turnout in the event's 11-year history.

"It was a fabulous day, Nelson really turned it on."

People were treated to 18 cultural performances from places as diverse as Ukraine and Cambodia to Ireland and Japan, and 24 food stalls were set up creating a "gastronomic treat" for those who attended.

Ms McAuliffe said there were many highlights but it was fantastic to have Sormalin Tuor from Cambodia performing on behalf of the Cambodian community.

"Everyone was very excited to have her perform but she got a bit shy about an hour before the show and said she did not want to perform," she said.

"I had to beg her but everyone was so happy she did. She was delightful."

Ms McAuliffe said it was great to see so many people turn out to support the event.

"People really do see it as part of their civic responsibility to make sure the day goes well and it really did."

The Nelson region has the third highest concentration of migrants in New Zealand, with about 20 per cent of its population born overseas