Bringing Our Mission to Life: The Lakes Multicultural Collective Official Launch Event
Founder Kelsey introducing the new look of Lakes Multicultural Collective (previously known as The Kiwi Kit Community Trust)
On Wednesday 21 May, we gathered in the heart of Frankton at the Salvation Army to officially launch ourselves into the community as Lakes Multicultural Collective — and what a special day it was!
The date felt particularly meaningful. Not only did we get to welcome both stakeholders and our network of community organisations into a shared space, but we did so on World Day for Cultural Diversity — a global celebration of the very values that sit at the centre of our work. The timing couldn’t have been better, especially as we were joined by QLDC’s Welcoming Communities team, who were also launching their new Newcomers Guide to the Queenstown Lakes District. Two milestones, one kaupapa — building a region where people of all cultures feel welcome, included, and valued.
As guests arrived, there was warmth in the room that no heater could replicate. Laughter between old friends. Hugs between collaborators. Curiosity between strangers.
Our presentation began with an overview of who we are and how we’ve evolved. We shared our purpose — to create a welcoming and inclusive community where migrants, newcomers, and multicultural individuals feel supported, celebrated, and a sense of belonging. We also introduced our six core pillars: Celebrate, Educate, Empower, Connect, Integrate, and Impact — the guiding framework behind every initiative we create.
We also took a moment to reflect on our history — from the early days as The Kiwi Kit Community Trust to the deeply community-led entity that we are today. We acknowledged how far we’ve come and the incredible people who have shaped the journey along the way.
There was a moment of pause and emotion when Kelsey Powell, our founder, surprised us all with heartfelt poems she had written about each of our operations team — Liz, Laura, and Sunny. It was a tender reminder that this work is not just about services and strategy, but about people — the humans who show up with heart, commitment, and aroha.
(from left) Liz, Kelsey, Laura, Callum, Dani & Hemi - The LMC team, minus Rene & Sunny.
Our current team — including our amazing Board — were introduced, along with the new vision that will guide us through the coming years. We offered a preview of the many programmes and events coming up in 2025 and beyond, including our Community Garden Project, Cook Around the World, Global Groove, Welcome Day, Cultural Orientation Sessions, and the International Storytellers Film Series.
We closed with an open invitation for others to collaborate with us — whether as partners, volunteers, funders, or simply friendly faces.
With Heartfelt Thanks
We want to extend a huge thank you to:
Silvia Dancose and QLDC Welcoming Communities for joining us in this shared celebration and for all the important work they do alongside us in support of Queenstown’s migrant communities.
Niki Gladding from Central Lakes Family Services for giving us the platform to share our launch with the Queenstown Interagency network.
The Queenstown Salvation Army for so generously offering their space to host our event — and for their ongoing support of the people in our region.
And to everyone who attended, listened, laughed, shared kai, and stood with us as we stepped into this exciting new chapter — thank you.
As always, Lakes Multicultural Collective exists because of the people who make it what it is. And after this launch, we’re feeling more inspired than ever to keep going, growing, and giving back.
Ngā mihi nui,
The Lakes Multicultural Collective Team 💛
