Hutt Multicultural Council (HMC) successfully hosted a Multicultural Senior’s Christmas Party on Saturday 13 December 2025 at Te Mako Naenae Community Centre. The event was a heart-warming gathering that celebrated diversity, gratitude, and togetherness as the community came together to close the year on a joyful note. The event was attended by approximately 35 senior citizens from different suburbs across Lower Hutt, including a dozen residents of Woburn Home by Enliven.

The event began with some Christmas word puzzles which were so popular with the attendees we had to ask the helpful Te Mako staff to print out some more. Once all the guests had arrived our Master of Ceremonies, Executive Committee Officer Marcelo Esparas, welcomed everyone and introduced the performers. President Winsome Lam, Peter Delmiguez, and Marcelo himself generously shared their talents. Their performances of Christmas songs and timeless love songs in English and Filipino brought smiles, nostalgia, and joy to the seniors, many of whom sang along and danced to the music. After Winsome’s guitar and harmonica performances one of the attendees also played a song on the harmonica. 

After the dancing and toe-tapping everyone was ready for some festive kai. There were old favourites such as Christmas mince pies, sausage rolls, Christmas ham and shortbread, plus some delicious vegetable pakora donated by the Gurudwara Sahib in Naenae. The success of the celebration was made possible through the generosity and dedication of many supporters. Special thanks go to our members and others who kindly contributed food, drinks, helping hands and gifts, ensuring everyone felt welcomed, cared for, and celebrated. The party was truly a reflection of HMC’s commitment to inclusivity, respect, and community connectedness, leaving everyone with happy memories and a renewed sense of belonging as they look forward to the new year ahead. Hutt Multicultural Council wishes to express their gratitude to Hutt City Council and the Ministry for Ethnic Communities for helping to fund the event. 

This article was contributed by HMC Secretariat.