Published: October 17, 2026 | By: Waikato Multicultural Council (WMC) Team
Kia ora koutou, Namaste, Nǐ hǎo, and a very warm welcome to all!
If there is one thing the Waikato Multicultural Evening 2026 proved, it is that when our community comes together, magic happens. Held on Saturday, 17 October at the Mangatūkutuku School hall, this year’s event was a spectacular celebration of the rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions that make the Waikato region so uniquely vibrant.
From the rhythmic beats of traditional drums to the graceful flow of classical dance, the evening was a living, breathing testament to our shared humanity. As we say in te reo Māori: He waka eke noa — we are all in this together.
Here is a look back at an unforgettable night of art, unity, and community spirit.
A Meaningful Opening Rooted in Respect
The evening began with a beautiful prelude by Micah Ennion and a Chinese musical ensemble, setting a serene and welcoming tone as the hall filled with eager attendees.
Our wonderful co-hosts, Aileen He and Dr. Vinay Karanam, opened the night with a multilingual greeting that echoed across the room, reminding us that while our languages may differ, our warmth and hospitality are universal.
We were deeply honoured to hear from Mr. Ravinder Powar, President of the Waikato Multicultural Council, whose leadership continues to weave threads of unity across our region. Following his inspiring words, Mayor Tim McIndoe joined us as our special guest, reaffirming the vital role of local leadership in supporting and celebrating our diverse communities. (And yes, we promised him no questions about Hamilton potholes for the night!)
Before the performances began, Aileen led the audience in a heartfelt Opening Karakia, grounding us in the values of manaakitanga (hospitality), respect, and positive intention for the evening ahead.
A Spectacular Showcase of Global Talent
The stage came alive with an incredible lineup of performances, each telling a unique story of heritage, resilience, and joy:
- Gurudeepam Cultural Charitable Trust opened the performances with the Ganesha Sthuthi, a graceful devotional dance seeking blessings for new beginnings and harmony.
- Russian School Znanie brought infectious energy with a four-part medley: the circular charm of Karusel, the delightful and carb-celebrating Bagel (Baranki) Dance, the blooming beauty of Flowers in Bloom, and the vibrant Kazakh folk dance Kamazhai.
- Little Mulan Performing Arts Group delighted us twice: first with the bright, cheerful voices of their Children’s Choir singing “Lemon Tree”, and later with the captivating, martial-arts-inspired Sword Dance – Little Sisters.
- Sri Lanka Friendship Society presented the Puja Dance, a stunning ceremonial blend of traditional and modern styles honouring Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom and dance.
- Golden Age Society took us on a nostalgic journey with Golden Shuttle and Silver Shuttle, celebrating the passage of time, followed by a mesmerizing, harmonious Tai Chi fan dance that perfectly blended strength and softness.
- One Moon Collective’s Marjorie Hsu captivated the room with a breathtaking solo Guzheng performance of The Dance of the Yu People.
- Hamilton Qipao Association graced the stage with “Blossoms in full bloom and moon at its fullest,” combining the elegance of the traditional Qipao with glowing lotus lanterns.
- NZ Spring Arts Association delivered powerful storytelling through two distinct pieces: the dramatic Chinese-style jazz medley “A Bride of Fate,” and the delicate, flowing movements of “A Rain of Springtime Joy.”
- Waikato Interfaith Choir reminded us that music is a universal language, raising their voices in a beautiful collection of Songs of Peace from around the globe.
- Sophia Dancing Studio celebrated the vibrant heritage of China’s Miao people with the lively and colourful “Red Mountain Berries.”
- Korean Dancers (The Fantastic Four) offered a unique cultural crossover, blending cosmic heroism with the timeless elegance of the traditional Buchaechum (Korean fan dance).
- Finally, the K Pop Korean Dancers (MZ5) rounded off the night with an explosive, high-octane performance that had the entire audience clapping along to the catchy beats.
The Heart of the Matter: Community Impact
One of the highlights of the evening was a distinguished honour of Professor Kuan Goh Community Service Award presented to Pavithra Sammani, Ashvin Illangeshwaran, for their outstanding contribution to the community, by Hamilton Mayor Hon Tim Macindoe.
Events like the Waikato Multicultural Evening are about much more than just entertainment; they are a vital pillar of community building.
In a world that can sometimes feel divided, this evening served as a powerful reminder of the strength found in our diversity. For many new migrants and refugee communities, seeing their culture celebrated on a mainstream stage fosters a profound sense of belonging and validation. For long-time residents, it offers a joyful, accessible window into the traditions of their neighbours.
The Waikato Multicultural Council continues to champion whanaungatanga (connection and relationships). By providing a platform for 20+ diverse community groups—from the Hamilton Kerala Samajam to the Waikato Vietnamese Friendship Trust, and the NZ Sikh Society to the Indonesian Society of Hamilton—we are actively breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and building a more inclusive, empathetic Waikato.
As one audience member beautifully noted: "Tonight, I didn’t just watch a dance; I felt the heartbeat of our community."
Ngā Mihi Nui: A Huge Thank You
An event of this scale is a true community effort. The WMC extends our deepest gratitude to:
- Our incredible performers and artists, who shared their time, talent, and cultural heritage with us.
- Our dynamic MCs, Aileen and Vinay, for guiding the night with warmth, humour, and grace.
- Mayor Tim McIndoe and President Ravinder Powar for their unwavering support.
- Our dedicated volunteers, venue staff, and sound/lighting crew who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
- And most importantly, YOU, our wonderful audience, for filling the hall with your energy, applause, and open hearts.
Looking Ahead
The curtains may have closed on the 2026 Waikato Multicultural Evening, but the connections made and the memories created will resonate throughout our community for a long time to come.
Stay tuned to the Waikato Multicultural Council website and social media channels for upcoming workshops, cultural festivals, and community gatherings. Let’s keep the conversation going, keep learning from one another, and keep celebrating the beautiful mosaic that is our home.
The world is a book, and those who do not dance, read only one page. Thank you for reading, dancing, and celebrating with us.
Kia ora, Namaste, and see you next year!
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