On Thursday 11 June, the Waitaki Multicultural Council proudly held its 18th Annual General Meeting, bringing together members, volunteers, and supporters from across our community.
It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and to have the opportunity to connect, reflect on the past year, and look ahead to the future of our organisation. The evening showcased the strength, diversity, and spirit of the multicultural community that makes Waitaki such a welcoming place to live.
Inspiring Guest Speakers
A very special thank you goes to our guest speakers for sharing their inspiring and thoughtful messages:
- Mrs Melise Eva Fotu Fifita – Opening Speaker
- Heather Burgher – Coffee Group Organiser
- Tom Brown – Friday Night Drinks Organiser
Introducing the 2026 Committee
We are pleased to announce that the following committee members were elected to serve the Waitaki Multicultural Council for 2026:
- Chairman: Robert Roodnat
- Secretary: Hendriani Trisaptayuni
- Treasurer: Maria Buldain
- Committee Member: Talanoa Palu
- Committee Member: Enya Fisher
- Committee Member: Jasmin Jose

We thank each committee member for their ongoing commitment to supporting and strengthening our multicultural community. We look forward to another successful year working together.
Thank You to Our Volunteers and Supporters
Events such as our AGM are only possible because of the generosity and support of many people behind the scenes.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who assisted with the venue setup, food preparation, serving, and clean-up. Your contributions helped create a welcoming and enjoyable evening for all who attended.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Ōamaru Pacific Island Trust for generously providing the use of their fantastic venue.
Looking Ahead
As we begin another year, we remain committed to fostering inclusion, celebrating diversity, and creating opportunities for people from all cultures and backgrounds to connect, share experiences, and build friendships.
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this year’s AGM. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and activities throughout the year.


