About us
The Waitaki Multicultural Council is a non-profit organisation which supports migrants and newcomers in the Waitaki Region to settle successfully. It also promotes positive race relations through community education, helping people of all ethnicities feel integrated so that they can actively contribute to our community.
The Committee of the Waitaki Multicultural Council meets on the second Thursday of each month. All members are welcome to come along and share in what we do.
Waitaki Multicultural Council Inc. is a registered charity, incorporated society, and non-profit NGO. We are also members of the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils and the Stronger Waitaki Coalition – Community Safety.
Our Mission
Whiria te Tāngata – Weave the People Together to create a multicultural community of people living in harmony.
Our goal is to reduce challenges for people who are new to Waitaki and to increase their capabilities to transition and settle successfully in their new home environment.
How are we funded
Waitaki Multicultural is funded through a combination of government support, community grants, and donations. This funding allows us to provide free or low-cost activities, newcomer and migrant support services, cultural events, and community education.
We apply for competitive grants each year and provide regular accountability reports to ensure transparency and responsible use of funds. We are grateful for the support of our funders, partners, and community members who make our work possible.
How can you support us & get involved
There are many ways you can be part of Waitaki Multicultural and help us continue supporting migrants, newcomers, and our wider community.
Volunteer With Us
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds to help at events, activities, and community programmes. Whether you enjoy meeting new people, assisting with practical tasks, or sharing your cultural or language knowledge, your contribution makes a real difference. Contact us for more information about volunteering.
Join the Committee
If you are interested in helping shape the direction of the organisation, you are welcome to join the committee. We meet once a month and work together to ensure we remain aligned with our mission and serve the community well.
To learn more or express interest, please contact the Chairman at robert.roodnat@waitakimulticultural.org.nz.
Become a Member
Membership helps strengthen our organisation and gives you a voice in our governance. Members can attend meetings, receive updates, vote at our AGM, and support the ongoing development of our services. Talk to us about membership.
Partner With Us
Local organisations, businesses, and community groups can partner with us by supporting events, sharing resources, or collaborating on projects that benefit newcomers, migrants and the wider Waitaki community.
Make a Donation
As a small non-profit charity, donations, big or small, are always appreciated. They help us provide free or low-cost activities, cover programme costs, and continue offering support services to newcomers. Find more information on how to donate here.
Meet the Waitaki Multicultural Committee
We are a group of volunteers running this organisation with passion and purpose. We represent a vast and exciting cultural pool of backgrounds: some of us were born in Waitaki or elsewhere in New Zealand, or came from overseas.
Our aim is to make you feel at home, confident and happy in your new environment. We often take part in our own events, so we hope to meet you in person one day.
Executive Committee
Chairman
Robert Roodnat
Secretary
Hendriani Trisaptayuni
Treasurer
Maria Buldain
Committee Member
Talanoa Palu
Committee Member
Fiorella Ribarola
Committee Member
Enya Fisher
Committee Member
Jasmin Jose
What Does The Committee Do?
We are responsible for the governance of Waitaki Multicultural and to make sure that our organisation is doing its best to support newcomers in Waitaki. We do this by cooperating with a wide range of education, advocacy, employment, community, health and wellbeing support organisations and services.
During our monthly meetings we check if we are still on track according to our intended mission, strategy and goals.
Every year we hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) to present the outcomes and our future plans. You are always welcome to attend the AGM.
We also participate in advisory groups around ethnic topics and concerns to keep ourselves informed about the important issues that our multicultural community are facing.
Please know that most of us have been newcomers just like you in the past and we love to hear from you how to improve our services and what we do well.
Contact us if you have questions!
Our Staff
David Nind
– Community Engagement Lead
David supports community members with a wide range of needs, including housing concerns, experiences of discrimination, and other challenges. He helps people connect with the right agencies and services, and is available during office hours. Behind the scenes, David assists with grant applications and contributes to planning events and initiatives that bring our community together.
Contact David
engagement@waitakimulticultural.org.nz
027 325 6151
Justyna Miller
– Community Connector
Justyna coordinates and facilitates Waitaki Multicultural’s weekly activities and programmes, creating welcoming spaces for connection and belonging. She supports newcomers and migrants to settle in the Waitaki District by linking them with local services and building partnerships with community organisations. She also promotes programmes and services in accessible, inclusive ways through social media and community networks.
Contact Justyna
connector@waitakimulticultural.org.nz
022 466 3240
Enrico Stephan
– Financial Office Administrator
Enrico works behind the scenes to ensure the smooth financial operation of our organisation. He manages all financial aspects, including budgeting, monthly accounts, and the preparation of annual reports. His careful oversight helps keep our programmes running sustainably and transparently. In addition to his financial responsibilities, Enrico also maintains our website and designs flyers and promotional materials for our activities and events.
Contact Enrico
info@waitakimulticultural.org.nz
Our work is made possible thanks to the generous support of our funders & partners.
