World Refugee Day is an international day organised every year by the United Nations. It is designed to celebrate and honour refugees from around the world who have been forced to flee.

This event acknowledges their strength, resilience, and courage. The day is marked by a variety of events in many countries around the globe.

Here in Blenheim, WRD is initiated and supported by Red Cross NZ, Multicultural Centre, MDC, Youth Trust and many other organisations.

The event will run between 4pm and 8pm on Thursday 20 June 2024 at My Space (Marlborough Youth Trust). All members of Marlborough Community are welcome to attend and celebrate World Refugee Day 2024.

The members of the former refugee Colombian, Venezuelan and Rohingya communities will be coming together to share food, tell stories, play music and dance. They would like to invite the local people to join them and celebrate together their appreciation in solidarity and acknowledge those who so willingly welcomed and supported their settlement pathway, ensuring they have opportunities to thrive in Marlborough.

The event will open with an official acknowledgement from a local Iwi representative and Mayor Nadine Taylor. This will be followed by short films and presentations by the families of former refugees. Some of them will tell stories, others will present costumes and dance.

As this year's WRD focuses on solidarity, we will have local artists performing to show their support and celebrate unity. There will also be entertainment for children and youth so come with your family to celebrate World Refugee Day 2024!