With the General Election just around the corner, an event hopes to encourage immigrants to have their voices heard.
MAR Colombia and Belong Aotearoa is holding the event What, why, where and how to vote — the importance of enrolment and voting at the Newfield Tavern in Invercargill on Sunday.
MAR committee member Andrea Murrell said the region had a growing immigrant community and many people did not know they had the right to vote in New Zealand.
"As we strive for a more inclusive and equitable society, it’s crucial that all members of our community have access to accurate and comprehensive information about the voting process.
"Unfortunately, ethnic communities often face barriers and challenges in accessing such information."
She said not just the immigrant community but many locals did not know how the process worked so they decided to promote an event which could help the community overall to understand their rights while also explaining how the government worked.
"Many people have different political systems in their countries so we want to give them the tools and understanding of how things work here.
"For example, in Colombia [where she comes from] there is no prime minister, but a president, we are not under the Crown . . . so we hope this event can help the people to learn more about the country they are living in."
Voting was an important part of integration to the country, she said.
Ms Murrell, who contested a seat in this year’s Invercargill City Council by-election, had been living in Invercargill for 11 years and said she never missed an opportunity to vote.
"I know so many people from so many backgrounds that they don’t vote and they don’t know that they can.
"We believe that support can make a difference in reaching and engaging ethnic communities."
The event will start at noon with a complimentary lunch available.
Voting for the New Zealand General Election starts on October 2 with election day on October 14.
