Welcoming Week 2025

Welcoming Week 2025 in Lower Hutt

5–14 September 2025
Welcoming Week is all about bringing people together. It’s a chance for communities across Lower Hutt to connect, celebrate our diversity, and make sure everyone feels they belong.

This year, we’re hosting a mix of creative, cultural, and wellbeing activities – designed with our local communities, for our local communities.

Creative Arts Programme

11–13 September | Naenae Library Hub & War Memorial Library 

Our Neighbourhood Hubs will come alive with free workshops led by local and international artists. Each session is hands-on and a chance to learn, share, and celebrate different cultures.

• Colours of Putumayo – Colombian heritage arts with Yibeth Morales Ayala & whānau

• African Rhythms & Afro Jazz – music and movement with Modi Shemi

• Henna Body Art & Cultural Traditions – traditional design and storytelling with Razia Enayath

• Paint Karen Klo and Kwe – explore traditional Karen motifs with Kyaw Thout Kyar (Friday)

See our full Welcoming Week programme here: hutt.city/welcomingweek

Sports & Wellbeing Programme

5–14 September | Locations across Lower Hutt

We’ve heard from our refugee, migrant, and ethnic communities that there are real barriers to taking part in sport and wellbeing activities. Together with local partners, we’re creating free, safe, and culturally responsive events that open the door for everyone.

• Girls & Women Hiking Adventure – Sun 7 Sept, Belmont Trig Track

• Multicultural Sports Day (16+) – Mon 8 Sept, Walter Nash Centre

• Play & Learn – Multicultural Playgroup – Tue 9 Sept, Walter Nash Hub

• Women’s Fitness & Wellbeing Session – Fri 12 Sept, Stokes Valley

These activities are about more than just exercise – they’re about connection, confidence, and fun.

See our full Welcoming Week programme here: hutt.city/welcomingweek