Araiteuru Marae, in Kaikorai Valley, celebrated World Refugee Day early by hosting a multicultural gala day.
Marae manager Tania Sharee Williams said it was all about bringing the community together.
"We have many different nationalities represented here ... We also wanted to acknowledge the rising of Puanga, which for some Māori people is the beginning of the Māori new year."
People from many cultures and walks of life attended the day, and multiple stalls sold ethnic foods, clothing and jewellery, and a free barbecue was also fired up to fuel everyone.
"The whakataukī of our marae is aroha ki te tangata, which is to embrace, encourage and nurture each individual, and that’s what this day is all about.
"It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are from, you’re important, you’re valued and we want people to be able to come in here and have a great time.
"Tikanga Māori is what upholds everything we do here on the marae."
There were performances, buskers, a local dog group which came to have a runaround on the grass and many stalls with goods and trinkets from all around the world.
There was also a table of free clothing for people to have a rummage through.
"In this day and age with everything going on in the world, it is important to have these safe, neutral spaces where people can be woven together, where friendships can be formed and sustained, and where people could feel supported."
