Parklands School celebrates cultural diversity

March 9th, 2013
[by David Armstrong]

A good crowd filled the front playground of Parklands School yesterday for this year's multi-cultural festival, celebrating the Motueka's growing ethnic diversity.

Although there were fewer specific cultural performances by the children and perhaps not as many ethnic food stalls, the milling crowd was larger, drawn out by yet another still, warm afternoon and lots of happy faces.

Among seemingly a growing number of festivals and fairs put on by schools and community organisations this summer, Parklands' Turangawaewae ("our place") festival continues to stand out as a well-organised event with solid pupil participation and support.

The festival began with Tania Corbett leading the parade of flags along High and Pah Streets and around the schoolgrounds before installing the flags at the northern performance end.

The performances began with a polished and confident set of action songs by the school's whanau class (photo below). The energy pumped up further with action from the award-winning Jump Jammers and Lynne's Zumba class. Later in the evening the Scottish Highland Dancing and Morris Dancers provided new variations to the cultural experience.

As usual, the two bouncy castles and the sand dig provided entertainment, while more sedate afternoon teas were offered in the school's new meeting room. Food stalls offered a variety for the hungry, including food cooked in the hangi and Fijian treats.

Comment by Barbara Wilson:
[Posted 10 March 2013]

It was great to hear the fantastic harmony from a lively performance of the Stella Arcapella group based in Mapua. Thanks ladies!

Comment by Martin Major, Principal, Parklands School:
[Posted 15 March 2013]

Thank you to everyone who attended our Multicultural Festival on Friday night. It was a brilliant evening … the crowd, the weather, the food and the entertainment couldn't have been better. Our thanks to the organisers, helpers on the night and sponsors from the business community.

>> , to be added to the page. [If this link doesn't work, use this form instead]

[ Return ]
[ Other news articles ]

We wish to thank these local community-minded businesses who generously sponsor our site. They recognise the value of supporting this community asset, and in return Motueka Online is pleased to use and recommend their services whenever appropriate.

Ray White Motueka, Motueka Floral Studio, Nelson Building Society, House of Travel,
Greenwood Active Health, Great Shape Today, T.O.A.D Hall, , Satellite Networks