The community was invited to: "... a Pot Luck Meal we're holding at the Tawa Community Centre for an hour or so at 6pm this Saturday, 29 March 2008. If you wish to leave around 7.00-7.15pm, you will be free to do so. You will also be free to stay on if people seem to be enjoying themselves at that point.

The idea is to give Tawa people a chance to meet other locals, whether they've been here 4 decades or just 4 months. We're asking people to bring enough food - ethnic food or regular kiwi food - to feed the equivalent of their own family. It will be 'pooled' to give people a chance to sample a variety of dishes."

Because the event was designed to be low-key without any set programme, we didn't have any idea how many would turn up but hoped we'd get at least 40-50. In the end it was 80, and a good representation of the many community groupings that make up Tawa in 2008. Approximately half had been born overseas. Only 2 or 3 of those present had lived in Tawa for more than 40 years. I personally got to speak to people I hadn't met before who were originally from the UK, from Canada, Malta, Korea & Singapore, as well as born and bred New Zealanders, European & Maori.

Both old and young enjoyed the array of food on offer, and the feedback we've received has been very positive. We're intending to run a similar event every couple of months or so. We'll keep you informed.

- Malcolm Sparrow

[Click on various pics to enlarge].