Diversity celebrated at festival for us all

Mark Dawson, Editor of Wanganui Chronicle

We live in a world riven with ethnic conflict, racial division and religious strife.

You only have to check out the world news to discover that violence of one form or another is the default method of dealing with differences between peoples - whether it be in Africa, Syria, Palestine or even the United States. Even a long-standing journalist can't help but grimace at it all.

So it was rather wonderful to be in Wanganui on Saturday and see those differences between ethnicity, race and religion celebrated, rather than conflicting, at the Festival of Cultures.

Even the rain couldn't put a damper on this great coming together of disparate groups as the event smoothly moved from Majestic Square to the War Memorial Centre.

Japanese, Dutch, Vietnamese, Brits, South Africans, Hungarians - even a few Kiwis - almost 20 nationalities in all contributing to a substantial turnout of about 5000 people.

Of course, they were there to show off those unique aspects of their culture that make them who they are. But, at the same time, they were celebrating the things they have in common ... and not just the fact they now call Wanganui home, though that's no bad thing to celebrate.

They shared a pride in their culture and an acceptance of others; an openness and a sense of community. It was a day for looking outward, not inward.

This is the third year of the festival and it has grown each year, establishing itself as a gem in Wanganui's calendar of events. Not just great fun, but an important message, too.