International Connect holds casual monthly get-togethers of Gore’s rapidly expanding overseas community.
The group hosts events throughout the year such as group adventures, barbecues, pool days and a movie night taking place later this month on Sunday, June 21.
Lisa Takahashi emigrated to New Zealand about six years ago with two young children and said she had definitely benefited from being a part of the group.
She felt isolated and unwelcome for a time and found it difficult establishing connections as a fresh face in town, until she was told about International Connect, Ms Takahashi said.
“I met a lot of people through the group, got a lot of support. I started organising the ladies’ morning tea for other women.
“I’m from Japan, others are from Nepal, the Philippines, some of my friends are from China or Indonesia.
“People can come and meet other people and connect, not feel so isolated, their kids can play together, break down the barriers,” she said.
Organiser Andrew Tripp said he and wife Heather, who also worked as the chairwoman, had been a part of the group for years and called it a way to help others experience what could often be taken for granted.
“If you’ve been bought up in Gore, everything is a second nature. You’ve got friends. You’ve got family. You don’t even think about it.
“It’s about helping people through these difficulties and barriers we often don’t even think of.
“We reach out, hey, let’s make friends, let’s help them feel welcome, help them to connect,” he said.
The group is always looking for fresh faces for the events, new friends to have and to welcome people into the community or help them be welcomed.
