29 April 2020
Coronavirus: Migrant community faces unique challenges under lockdown
07 April 2020
Message from Margaret:
Hi friends, nearly two weeks into the lockdown we are seeing changes to the way people must act and how we must stay home to stop the Covid-19 virus spreading.
The office is closed until further notice; however, Eve and I are both working from home.
I know it is a lonely time for many and is causing stress and uncertainty, particularly for people who are not able to work. It is important we support each other.
I will be continuing to work for the Multicultural Centre until the end of May and will be able to support and help you for the next seven weeks.
If you have any needs that cannot be met, or have questions, please email info@multiculturalcentre.org.nz or phone me on cell 021 158 4426.
We will provide updates through MMC’s facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Marlborough.Multicultural.Centre and our website www.multiculturalcentre.org.nz about keeping safe and well during the lockdown time.
Remember; stay home, stay safe and look after each other.
Give me a call on my cell phone. I am happy to talk to anyone who feels lonely or has questions that you think I may be able to help you with.
23 March 2020
Due to the risk of COVID-19 the Marlborough Multicultural Centre is closed until further notice.
All events, gatherings and activities associated with the Centre are cancelled.
Any enquires email info@multiculturalcentre.org.nz or phone 03 579 6410. Both will be checked on a regular basis.
In the meantime please take good care of yourself and for further information on what to do and how to manage your personal wellbeing visit: http://covid19.govt.nz/ or phone Healthline on 0800 358 5453
Marlborough Multicultural Festival 2020
Saturday 07 March 2020, 11:00am – 04:00pm
Churchill Glade, Pollard Park
A kaleidoscope of colours, sounds, sights and aromas will transform Pollard Park on Saturday, 07 March 2020 at the Marlborough Multicultural Festival hosted by the Marlborough Multicultural Centre.
Come and join us to celebrate our rich and diverse community. Enjoy delicious ethnic foods, lovely typical dances and immerse yourself into the rich variety of cultures that call Marlborough Home. Be in for a fun time with your friends and family!
Headline act: Christchurch’s legendary celtic band Black Velvet – Finishing the festival with a foot stomping rock & reel!

Cultural Potluck Tea Invitation – Sunday 26 January 2020
Come along to a potluck tea function this coming Sunday, 26 January 2020, hosted by the Marlborough Multicultural Centre.
The event will be held in the Star of the Sea Parish Centre, 61 Maxwell Road, Blenheim from 4.00pm to 7.00pm. Parking will be available in the carpark behind the Centre located on the corner of Hodson and Francis Street.
An opportunity to celebrate the Lunar New Year, make new friends and enjoy a special cultural celebration with people from many different cultures who live in Marlborough.
Bring your family and friends, and a plate of finger food to share.
There will be a guest speaker and live entertainment.
A gold coin donation towards cost of hall hire would be appreciated.
For further information please phone 03-5796410. Cell 0211584426.
Joint ELP and MMC “Bring Your Own” Picnic Lunch

Saturday 14 December 2019
12noon – 2pm
Pollard Park
Marlborough Multicultural Centre and English Language Partners would like to invite you all to join our joint family fun day out to celebrate the end of the year on Saturday 14 December 12noon to 2pm.
You will have the opportunity to bring your lunch and make new friends.
* Meeting on the grass near the playground, look for the MMC and ELP flags
* Bring your own lunch, drinks and furniture to sit on or picnic blanket/rug
* Parents are responsible for the supervision of their own children and any games they want to bring
* Sunblock will be available kindly provided by the Cancer Society Marlborough Centre
Emergency Management Information Session
**Are you new to Marlborough? Do you know what to do in an earthquake or natural disaster?
How can you prepare?**
Date: Wednesday 16 October 2019, 10.30am – 1pm.
Venue: Marlborough Multicultural Centre
21 Henry Street, Blenheim
Light refreshments provided
The Marlborough Multicultural Centre and Blenheim Citizens Advice Bureau are working in partnership to present an information session about how to keep safe in emergencies.
We have invited Welfare Manager, Catherine Coates from the Marlborough Emergency Management Group who will share important information about how to prepare for emergencies and natural disasters in New Zealand and what to expect in Marlborough.
New Zealand ShakeOut is our national earthquake drill and tsunami hikoi (walk), taking place on 17 October 2019 at 1.30pm. The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management is encouraging all people to sign up and practice what to do in an earthquake. This is a great way to practice what to do and be counted with others around New Zealand taking part.
How to practice an earthquake drill:

Conversational English Classes
The Marlborough Multicultural Centre offers Conversational English Classes for individuals in the Marlborough area.
Who: Interested individuals that do not qualify for English training under English Language Partners’ schemes
Cost: $80 per person for delivery of six, two-hour face to face classes (12 hours total)
When: Wednesdays and Fridays 6pm – 8pm
Wednesday 23rd October to Friday 8th November 2019
Purpose: Participants will gain confidence in their ability to communicate using social English in everyday situations.
Aim: To enable participants to gain confidence speaking English, improve pronunciation, vocabulary and fluency, learn about NZ culture/the Marlborough community and make friends.
Trainer Qualifications: Donna McTavish has a wide range of experience and knowledge. Her qualifications include Certificate in English Language Teaching for Adults (CELTA), Certificate in ESOL Home Tutoring (English Language Partners) and New Zealand Certificate in Adult Literacy & Numeracy Education.
For more information or enquiries contact the Marlborough Multicultural Centre, 21 Henry Street, Blenheim.
Ph: 03 579 6410 Email: info@multiculturalcentre.org.nz
Regular drop-in for a chat and morning tea
The morning teas provide the opportunity for our newcomers to make new friends and we value the support of people who have settled well to come along and encourage others to gain a sense of belonging.
Tea/ coffee and biscuits provided
Where: Marlborough Multicultural Centre, 21 Henry Street, Blenheim
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 10.30am – 12.00noon
Mothers, babies and pre-schoolers welcome
An opportunity to make some new friends
