The Dunedin Multicultural Council has planned a variety of events starting this Saturday that will embrace the diversity of the city.
President Dr Lux Selvanesan said activities from cooking to cultural performances, gardening to art would be part of the week.
One of the events, Men with Mana will see men from many different countries take part in cooking sessions at SuperGrans in Hillside Rd.
Dr Selvanesan said the aim was to create a space to promote conversations and dialogue to keep families safe and empowered.
"We use the Ministry of Social Development E Tū Whānau values that are centred around mental health and reducing family violence."
The ethnic community, migrants and former refugees sometimes face some challenges which can manifest in their families.
"So we just have a forum to talk and discuss, at the very least ... to relax and wind down, and in the process learn about cooking," Dr Selvanesan said.
The group met about three or four times before the Covid-19 pandemic placed a pause on the initiative, but now they planned to restart regular monthly meetings.
Each meeting one man runs the kitchen, showing others how to prepare a dish from their culture.
"The idea is the men cook and then maybe bring their wives or families to come and eat."
Dunedin Race Relations Week opens with a gathering of flags and costumes at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum on Saturday and ends with a community engagement powhiri at Araiteuru Marae.
Highlights include gardening at the Heart and Soil herb and vegetable project at Musselburgh School, a cultural festival at Dunedin Botanic Garden, a panel discussion with experts working with migrants and refugees, and a race unity art exhibition showcasing the talents of Ōtepoti youth from many different backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures.
- Dunedin Race Relations Week runs from March 18 to 26. Visit dmec.org.nz for a full list of events.
