The Dunedin-based women, both long-standing community advocates, were recently appointed as dedicated diversity and engagement advisers for the south, under the auspices of the Office of Ethnic Communities/Te Tari Matawaka.
Through their roles, Ms Lastra and Mrs Mapusua will work to build relationships and increase engagement with Otago and Southland’s ethnic communities, as well as promoting awareness of the Ethnic Communities Development Fund and other opportunities.
They will cover a broad area, from North Waitaki through to Bluff, including Central Otago.
The creation of the positions was an acknowledgement of the growing ethnic diversity of Dunedin and the wider Otago and Southland regions, and they had been well received in the community, Mrs Mapusua said.
"Since we came on board before Christmas, a lot of people have wanted to engage with the office," she said.
"People are very happy we are here."
Both women bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their new roles, having both been heavily involved in community initiatives working with people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
For Ms Lastra, this has included involvement with the Dunedin Multi-Ethnic Council, the Dunedin Refugee Steering Group, and providing pastoral care for international students.
"I will be supporting our ethnic communities, so they can have more opportunities to participate and contribute actively in our society as we should all proudly call New Zealand home," she said.
"My goal is to see every person participating fully in New Zealand society regardless of their gender identity, socioeconomic status or ethnic background."
Mrs Mapusua has been a community advocate since returning to the city in 2014, including being ambassador for the Relay for Life, and being involved in social justice work through the NGO sector.
"I’m really looking forward to being part of celebrating diversity, fostering social cohesion and bringing awareness of different cultural aspects to our wonderful city," she said.
"Providing a voice to communities that are not always heard is of paramount importance and I’m honoured to play a part in that.
"Community will be at the heart of everything we do — different ethnic groups have so much to contribute, in such a beautiful, powerful way."
