International Migrants Day Potluck Celebration 2025

Wednesday 17 December • 5:30pm–8:30pm • Lake Hayes Pavilion
[Potluck = bring a dish to share, if you can!]

Join us for a warm, community potluck celebrating International Migrants Day — a day to honour the journeys, cultures, and people who enrich life in the Queenstown Lakes District.

Migrants make our region vibrant and diverse, yet the word migrant is often misunderstood. This gathering is a chance to rethink that narrative, celebrate the people behind the word, and come together across cultures in a relaxed, welcoming space.

This is a potluck-style event, which simply means everyone is invited to bring a dish to share — anything at all. It can be homemade, store-bought, sweet, savoury, big, small, fancy, or simple. If you’re able, we’d especially love dishes from your culture or something with a story behind it. And if you can’t bring food, please still come. There will always be plenty to go around.

Expect shared kai, music, warm conversation, and the feeling of belonging. It’s also a great “festive season” gathering for anyone who doesn’t celebrate Christmas or prefers a more inclusive and culturally diverse celebration at this time of year. Families with children are warmly welcomed!

The event is free, but please RSVP via Humanitix so we can plan kai and seating for the night.

Sustainability Note:

To help us keep waste low and honour our planet, if you are able, please bring your own plate, cup, and cutlery. Thank you for helping make this celebration gentle on Papatūānuku.

Free event • All welcome • Families encouraged! • Please bring a dish if you can

Hosted by Lakes Multicultural Collective with support from Mana Tahuna.

EVENT SNAPSHOT:

WHAT:

International Migrants Day Potluck — shared kai, music, and community connection.

WHO:

Everyone is welcome — migrants, newcomers, locals, families... everyone!

WHEN:

Wednesday 17 December 2025 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm

WHERE:

Lake Hayes Pavilion

WHY:

To celebrate the cultures and people who enrich our region, and offer an inclusive end-of-year gathering for all.

HOW:

Bring a dish if you can (any dish, any style) — or simply bring yourself.
Also bring your own plate, cup & cutlery

Free event — please RSVP on Humanitix.

Read about our very first Migrants Day Potluck on our blog!