Experience the world in a day in Auckland

Amidst news report of job losses and employment discrimination against Asians in New Zealand, the country’s largest city is hosting a cultural festival in an ethnically diverse suburb.

This Sunday 1 April, War Memorial Park in Mt Roskill, will host an extravaganza of ethnic food, live performances and a wide range of one-off experiences for the 2012 Auckland International Cultural Festival.

“It’s a celebration of Auckland’s diversity and I’d like to invite all Aucklanders come along and join in the fun,” says Auckland’s mayor, Len Brown.

“The event is a great opportunity to experience some of the many cultures living here.

Auckland welcomes migrants from across the world and our different ethnicities bring a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere to Auckland.”

Highlights of the festival this year include the wide range of ethnic foods available at Tastes of the World, the entertainment and food of The French Quarter, Sounds of Indonesia and the Fonda Latina, where you can learn and take part in salsa and flamenco dancing.

Also featured is the Ethnic Soccer Cup, an annual competition to decide Auckland’s ultimate soccer nation.

The free event will run from 10am to 5pm.