Rich and colourful migrant expo first for Auckland

Members of the Thai Culture NZ group performing a traditional dance at the ASB Showgrounds. Photo / Martin Sykes

The combined sights and sounds of Southeast Asia were put on show as part of the Migrant Expo for the first time in Auckland at the weekend.

The organiser of the expo and Look East, Mel Fernandez, said the initiative was part of a plan to give Aucklanders a taste of "the richness and diversity of the region" which will "play an increasingly significant part" in our economy.

The Migrant Expo is New Zealand's only annual exhibition, now in its seventh year, for migrants, refugees, international students and other visitors seeking information to settle here.

It also serves to facilitate connections between these groups with Government agencies and the business community.

Mr Fernandez said on show for the first time were fresh fruits unique to the region such as durians and mangosteens, Southeast Asian cuisine and cultural performances at the ASB showgrounds.

"When people think of Asia, they often think of China - hopefully, this will help people see that there's a whole lot more to Asia than the one country."

Philippines was the theme country this year, but the expo also featured Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

Education NZ chief executive Robert Stevens said New Zealand would see more international students after a free trade agreement with Malaysia this month. "At the moment, we have 2200 Malaysians studying here and the agreement will undoubtedly lead to further growth."