First-ever Selwyn's CultureFest celebrates South Island’s growing diversity

Known for its international students, many from India, the district has seen rapid growth in recent years due to the Christchurch rebuild.

Organised by the Selwyn District Council (SDC) and supported by the Lincoln Rotary Club, and Christchurch Multicultural Council, CultureFest 2016 was attended by over 8,000 people on October 15.

Dave Tippett, SDC's Senior Events and Recreation advisor, said,“Preparations for the event began in March. Though the idea was initiated as part of the council’s multicultural strategy unveiled last year, the event today has built on the success of the Lincoln Multi-Cultural Festival. We had over 20 cultural performances including those from Russia, Italy, Greece, Poland, India and China, which were well-complimented by food stalls from around the world. The CultureFest is part of Rolleston's 150^th anniversary celebrations led by councillor Jeff Bland, which featured displays of traction engines, vintage cars, military equipment, fire engines, and sheep shearing.”