There were tears of joy for Kusitina Colailago as Central Otago’s Pacific Island community gathered to celebrate Christmas at the weekend.
More than 150 people representing nine different nations - Vanuatu, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, Kiribati and Tuvalu - packed into the Cromwell Sports Club on Saturday for a day of traditional songs, dance and stories from the different countries - and food.
Mrs Colailago moved to the region about 20 years ago and found the experience lonely and isolating - something she wanted to change for those moving to the area.
Attending a funding clinic earlier this year made her determined to bring Pacific Islanders living in Central Otago together whether they were Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme workers, permanent residents who had migrated or New Zealand born.
Calling in people to help, Pasifika Central Otago was born.
The Christmas celebration was the third event the group had held, and the first where they had sought funding and support from external sources.
Seeing the region’s Pacific community come together in a Christmas celebration that reflected her Fijian culture was an emotional experience, Mrs Colailago said.
"It encompasses our culture."
"That to me is so special, acknowledging also the Kiwis, the Maoris and every culture is here. When we are all together here, it’s like we’re home, we belong here.
"For me, this, it’s like opening your home and watching everyone come in," she said.
