Ākonga from Tauranga Girls’ College participated in the 2023 Tauranga Multicultural Festival at the Historic Village. We performed Indian dance, Chinese singing and dance, and Korean modern dance and helped with cultural activities. Here are some of their thoughts on the day;

Attending the multicultural festival was a great decision, seeing the bright colours around and watching other shows. Being on stage wasn’t as scary as I thought – the costumes were pretty; some people even asked for a photo. We got to view so many other cultures and their food delicacies. In my opinion, I would attend again. - Manaia Heke

Going to the 2023 Multicultural Festival was a great experience. We got to express Chinese culture in many ways with our attire, elegant dancing and singing a well-known Chinese song (Mo Li Hua). Walking up the stairs, I was nervous, but soon the fear disappeared completely when surrounded by my peers. Soon the music began, and the words to the song spilt out of my mouth. Many people in the audience joined in with our singing. It was a proud moment for all of us. I was happy that I attended this event! - Namita Nitesh

In the Multicultural Festival, I taught and encouraged people to play traditional Korean games such as Tuho (투호), Jegichagi (제기차기) and Ddakji-chigi (딱지치기). I also helped people to try on traditional Korean clothes, 한복. It was enjoyable to share my culture and learn about others! - Hayoung Kim

Going to the Tauranga Multicultural Festival and performing on stage overwhelmed me. Still, it was the best time I've ever had, experiencing all the other cultures. It was so cool. It just makes you want to learn more when you find out how fascinating the culture is. It was cool to watch people performing their cultural dances. I hope there will be more performances like that because it was amazing. It was just so mind-blowing to see how many people love the Multicultural Festival. You get to see all the traditional clothing, and you also get to try different foods from different cultures, and you actually can make a lot of friends. - Keri-Ann Makai

I stepped on stage and took a deep breath while everyone watched us. The music started, and we got ready to sing. Eventually, it was my time to sing. Katelyn passed me the microphone, and I didn't want to do it anymore, but I had to now. My voice trembled while so many people watched me singing, but my brother stood out the most. He recorded me, and I started to sing quietly from being too camera shy. But finally, I had finished singing, and I could return the microphone. I felt so relieved and happy that I did it. - Sammy Bull

Dancing and singing Chinese songs was a fun way of expressing Chinese culture. The sight of dancers and the sensation of listening to the singers sing was wonderful, the exaggerated sleeves swinging in the air. Low and high notes soaring the air, the feeling of holding the microphone in my hand, my voice echoing through the park, viewers watching the dancers' every move. Smiling faces, singing citizens in the crowd and happiness and pride throughout the air. Dancers' sleeves slowing down to their side whilst catching my breath back, the echoes of the applause in the background as I bow down to my performance. As I stroll off the stage feeling proud of Chinese culture and everything beyond. - Katelyn Watson