The free event will be held at St Margaret’s Church in Frankton, where up to 200 people are expected to show up each night to be served a variety of pasta dishes, including gluten-free and vege options, along with hot drinks and dessert.
Wakatipu Presbyterian minister Clay Peterson de Oliveira says it’s been running for more than 20 years, even during the Covid pandemic, but skipped last year because of renovations in the church and a leadership transition.
Formerly held at St Andrew’s Church in Stanley St until six years ago, Pasta Cafe was started as a way to help seasonal snow workers, who’d arrive in town before the skifields opened and were often struggling to support themselves before getting their first pay cheque, De Oliveira says.
"They’re provided with much more support nowadays, but Pasta Cafe continues with the same purpose, to welcome all sorts of workers.
"Lately we’ve been very aware of the needs of families, not just migrant families, but anybody.
"So any family, anyone who wants to have a special night with family or friends, are welcome."
The event’s run by the Wakatipu Presbyterian Church’s three Whakatipu congregations — including a Brazilian congregation that runs services in Portuguese — along with the independent St John’s Church in Arrowtown and the Youth With a Mission group.
The event’s become increasingly multinational over its history, he says.
"One of the purposes of Pasta Cafe is to be a place where everybody feels welcomed — from different backgrounds, different languages.
"That’s why we always have flags from different countries around the venue so people feel included and part of the community."
De Oliveira says Ross St is currently closed for construction work, so access to the church is from McBride St.
- Pasta Cafe, Friday nights until August 8, 6-8pm, St Margaret’s Church, corner of Ross and McBride Sts.
