Welcome to our annual potluck celebration… a night of belonging, food, and community
Every year on International Migrants Day, we gather as a community to honour the journeys, stories, and cultures that shape life in the Queenstown Lakes District.
This event is a reminder that the word “migrant” does not describe a single type of person. It holds stories of courage, movement, hope, learning, rebuilding, and starting again. It reflects people who have brought their language, skills, recipes, dreams, and strength to this valley we all call home.
This year, we’re inviting our community to fill the Lake Hayes Pavilion with warmth, music, shared kai, and connection.
It isn’t a Christmas celebration… it’s a festive evening for everyone, no matter your background or beliefs.
Come as you are, bring your whānau, meet someone new, and share a dish or a story from wherever feels like home.
What is a Potluck?
A potluck is a simple idea that creates a lot of joy. Everyone is invited to bring a dish to share… sweet or savoury, store-bought or homemade, traditional or not. Extra love if it’s something from your culture.
If bringing kai isn’t possible for you, please know you’re still welcome. Your presence is enough.
Why we celebrate
International Migrants Day is about recognising the people who strengthen our region, enrich our communities, and bring global flavour to the Queenstown Lakes.
It’s a night to:
celebrate the richness of our multicultural community
welcome newcomers and reconnect with long-time locals
share food, culture, and stories
create a sense of belonging for all
This is one of our most-loved annual gatherings because it feels like a big family meal… one where everyone is welcome at the table.
What to Bring
To help us keep this event sustainable, please bring:
your own plate
cutlery
a cup or bottle
a dish to share (if you can)
Please RSVP
This is a free community celebration.
If you plan to come along, please RSVP through Humanitix so we can prepare enough kai and seating.
👉 RSVP here: https://events.humanitix.com/international-migrants-day-potluck-celebration-2025/tickets
Event Details
When: Wednesday 17 December, 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Where: Lake Hayes Pavilion
Cost: Free
Who: Everyone is welcome
What to bring: A potluck dish (if possible) and your own plates, cutlery, and cups
RSVP: Required via Humanitix
Hosted by: Lakes Multicultural Collective (LMC)
Curious about why we do this?
At Lakes Multicultural Collective, we want every migrant and newcomer to feel seen, supported, and connected. Our annual potluck is part of our Settlement Integration programme, designed to help people build friendships, feel at home, and find places of belonging.
When we share food, we share culture.
When we share space, we build community.
When we gather in this way, we strengthen the bonds that make Queenstown Lakes a welcoming place for all.
Donations
If you’d like to support LMC’s work, you can add an optional koha through Humanitix when you RSVP.
Your contribution helps us run free community events, workshops, and settlement support for migrant and newcomer communities.
Every dollar helps us continue this mahi.