02/06/2026
βοΈ The Culture Crew: June Update! πΏβ¨
βBrrr, the winter chill has truly arrived on the Coast! π₯Ά But seeing how our community has been rallying together keeps my heart completely warm.
βI want to look past the formal titles for a moment. Out here on the Coast, itβs far too easy for people to feel isolated or struggle in silence. My absolute passion for this work comes from a deep belief that every single person deserves a safe place to land and a crew that genuinely has their back.
ββ€οΈ "True community isn't just about living alongside one another; itβs about breaking bread, listening to each other's stories, and actively showing up for one another." β€οΈ
βThank you for trusting me, for showing up with open hearts, and for working right alongside me. We are making a genuine difference! πͺβ¨
βπ WHATβS HAPPENING IN THE BULLER DISTRICT (From Cilla)
βπ Westport South School Shout-Out! Huge appreciation to Westport South School! Instead of letting end-of-week fruit go to waste, they are donating it to us to distribute to local families and our monthly Neighborhood Nosh regulars. Thank you for the amazing support! π
βπ² Neighborhood Nosh: For the winter months, we are moving outside the Salvation Army hall (corner of Russell & Henley St). Wrap up warm and join us!
βπ Multicultural Potluck: Planning is underway for a wonderful potluck to celebrate Kiribati Language Week! We will lock in the date as soon as funding is approvedβstay tuned!
βπͺ PACT Office Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays by appointment. For main street safety, the front doors stay locked, but please donβt let that scare you away! Just give the door a firm knock and we will let you right in!
βπ THE LATEST COAST BUZZ & HYPE
βπ₯ Simunye Festival β What a Triumph! Hokitika, you were amazing on May 23rd! A massive amount of heavy lifting went on behind the scenes, and I am so proud of our beautiful celebration of global flavors and unity. Endless thanks to our gorgeous vendors, performers, our legendary sound tech from Hari Hari, the Westland District Library team, and Mike Keenan! Check out our video below! πΈ
βπ₯ NEXT STOP: GREYMOUTH! πΆοΈ If you thought Hokitika was big, just wait! Planning is officially underway for our November Cultural Food Festival in Greymouth. We are taking over the Grey District for a massive celebration of global street food, music, and flavors.
π WANT TO BE INVOLVED? Expression of interest is open RIGHT NOW! If you want a food stall, want to perform, or help behind the scenes, send an email to [email protected] to get on the early list!
βπ English Classes: We want everyone new to the Coast to feel supported. If you or someone you know needs extra English classes to build confidence, send us a message! We will help connect you to local learning resources.
ββ Shaking Up Winter at SJ Cafe! We are combining our local coffee mornings with the SJ Cafe sessions, and it is SO much fun! Great buzz, way more connections, and fantastic games. Come join us for a hot drink and a yarn! Big thanks Rachel for hosting them. Keep an eye on our page for the June date that I will be joining!
βπ‘οΈ OUR DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN π€
βThe Culture Crew stands firmly for integrity, transparency, and kindness. If you are facing a hurdle, feeling lonely, or just need someone to stand in your corner, reach out to us directly:
βπββοΈ Westland & Grey District: Karlien (Chair) | π 027 280 6995 | π§ [email protected]
π Buller District: Cilla (Coordinator) | π 027 338 3988 | π§ [email protected]
βπ COME CHAT NEXT WEEK: I will be at The Vine next week at Runanaga Community Centre! No appointments are needed at allβjust pop right in for a yarn. Remember, we have connections with more than a dozen local organizations completely dedicated to helping and supporting our community. Whatever you are facing, we can help link you with the right team! π
βTake care of yourselves and check in on your neighbors this winter. See you out there, crew! π
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