Seven residents starting new lives in the Ashburton District will share their stories through an outdoor exhibition titled Welcoming Ashburton in the lead-up to the Hakatere Noodle Festival, which celebrates national Welcoming Week.

Delicious noodle dishes from many different cultures headline the festival on Saturday 13 September and storyboards featuring the newcomers will be set up in Baring Square East, where people can gather with their food and enjoy some entertainment.

Group Manager of Democracy and Engagement Toni Durham said Welcoming Week (Te Wiki o Manaaki) was a national celebration of diversity and the welcoming spirit of communities like Ashburton’s.

“It’s also about fostering connections and a sense of belonging for everyone, especially newcomers, and what better way to do this than with a night of noodles. Events like these promote understanding and connection between long-time residents and recent migrants, international students, and former refugees.”

Twenty food trucks selling dishes and desserts from around the globe will be parked around Baring Square East, from 3pm on 13 September. The surrounding streets will be closed to traffic and an interactive family zone will also be open for fun.

Mrs Durham said newcomers were an important part of the population of the district.

“They bring their skills, energy and talents and work in local businesses and on farms. They join community groups, schools and sports teams, and many start their own businesses.

“All this adds to the economic prosperity and development of Mid Canterbury, as well as enriching the social side of our communities. It’s by everyone working together that we succeed, from both financial and wellbeing points of view.”

The newcomers sharing their stories come from South America, the Pacific Island, Italy and the Philippines.

Teacher Joselene Tagra, from the Philippines, said Ashburton had the charm of a small town, as well as offering great facilities and a strong sense of community.

Eileen Tuivuci and Jone Ratucoko, from Fiji, have embraced community and sport groups since coming to Ashburton for work two years ago, and they say people are friendly and welcoming.

Welcoming Week runs from 5-14 September.

The Welcoming Ashburton exhibition is supported by Ashburton Guardian and will be on display in Baring Square East next week.