Born From The Need. Continued By The Love.

Every organisation has a story, and ours is one of passion, connection, and a deep commitment to supporting Queenstown’s multicultural community.

What started as a simple grassroots initiative to help migrants find their place in a new country has grown into a vibrant, inclusive movement that celebrates diversity and fosters belonging. This is our journey.

The Beginning

A Duty of Care (2020 - 2021)

The Lakes Multicultural Collective traces its roots to The Kiwi Kit Community Trust (TKKCT), founded in September 2020 in response to the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Queenstown Lakes District—particularly within its migrant community. As borders closed and employment opportunities disappeared, many migrants experienced isolation, uncertainty, and limited access to support networks.

In response, The Kiwi Kit Community Trust was established as a grassroots, community-led initiative dedicated to connection, inclusion, and belonging. From its earliest stages, the Trust was shaped through the shared efforts and collaboration of a small group of committed individuals, including Kelsey Powell, Franco Nobell, and early collaborators Sydney Wallace and Cam Garmoe.

As the team grew, Dani Mercado joined the Trust, contributing her passion for community support, innovative programme development, and multilingual outreach. With a growing and diverse group of contributors, the Trust continued to evolve organically in response to community needs.

The Trust’s early work focused on bridging gaps between migrants and local services, building relationships across the district, and amplifying migrant voices. This work included extensive community engagement, stakeholder outreach, and the development of initiatives from the ground up, often with limited resources or funding.

One of the Trust’s first major initiatives was The Great Migrant Brainstorm, a community-driven event that brought migrants and local stakeholders together to listen, share experiences, and identify real and practical needs. The event reflected the Trust’s inclusive and participatory ethos and helped shape its future direction.

This early grassroots work laid the foundation for what is now the Lakes Multicultural Collective—a community-driven movement committed to empowering migrant voices, strengthening cross-cultural connections, and fostering a more inclusive and connected region.

Other key initiatives during this time included:

‘What’s Your Story?’ – A storytelling event in collaboration with Bright Ink Mobile Bookshop, celebrating migrant experiences.
English Language Classes – Partnering with English Language Partners to offer free or low-cost classes.
Community Collaborations – Engaging with organisations like the Salvation Army, QLDC’s Welcoming Communities, and Volunteer South to expand support.

Growth & Collaboration

Strengthening Connections
(2022 - 2023)

As momentum grew, so did our reach. The trust began launching larger community projects, focusing on integration, empowerment, and celebration of diverse cultures.

Key milestones included:

Taramea Community Garden (2022) – A short-lived but meaningful initiative that inspired future sustainability projects.
Paihikara - Follow the Light Bike Initiative (2022) – A collaboration with Lightfoot, providing recycled bikes to the community.
Multicultural Festival Collaboration (2023) – Assisted with production of the Queenstown Multicultural Festival, celebrating cultural diversity on a grander scale.
Financial Wellbeing & Money Management Workshops (2023) – An initiative with ASB Bank, equipping migrants with financial literacy skills.

A major turning point in 2023 was the appointment of Gemma Peacock as Operations Manager (August 2023). Under her leadership, the trust became deeply involved in the Queenstown Multicultural Festival and expanded its educational and integration programmes.

Expanding Our Impact

A Growing Team & New Vision (2024 - Present)

By 2024, it was clear that the trust had evolved beyond its original vision. No longer just a settlement support organisation, it had become a hub for community connection, cultural celebration, and empowerment. This evolution led to the beginning of a rebranding process, aligning with the organisation’s broader mission.

New Leadership & New Programmes

Liz joined as Operations Manager (April 2024) – Strengthening our connections with the Pasifika community and other and expanding community integration workshops.
Laura joined as Marketing & Events Manager – Driving digital outreach, event development, and the trust’s full rebrand into Lakes Multicultural Collective.
New & Ongoing Initiatives:
- The Community Garden Project – A space for shared learning, sustainability, and fresh produce for volunteers.
- The Language Lounge – A monthly event fostering language exchange and cultural learning.
- International Storytellers Film Series – Monthly documentary screenings aligning with global awareness days.
- Cook Around the World – A culinary exploration of global cultures, in partnership with Happiness House.

A New Name: Lakes Multicultural Collective

By the end of 2024, we officially rebranded as Lakes Multicultural Collective—a name that better reflected our broad, inclusive mission.

With a new identity, an expanded team, and a stronger community presence, we move forward with even greater commitment to celebrating and supporting Queenstown’s diverse community.