21 February, 2026
Building Belonging at Multicultural Tauranga
Outside the doors of Multicultural Tauranga’s Historic Village hub at the Asian Food Festival 2026
Tucked away on the first floor of the Historic Village, above the bustle of the retail shops, you’ll find a vibrant hub where cultures connect and community thrives. Multicultural Tauranga serves as a welcoming space for migrants settling in Tauranga Moana and the wider Bay of Plenty, offering support, information, English classes and community events that celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the region.
Premila D’Mello, President of Multicultural Tauranga, started out as a volunteer and later served two years as Vice President before taking on the presidency three years ago. Her focus remains on helping others navigate the community she now calls home.
“Tauranga has done a lot for me and my family,” she says. “My whole reason for doing this is to give back to the community.”
Premila (centre, red and white) with attendees at Parliament for Te Tiriti-based Multicultural Day, representing Aotearoa’s diverse communities
Multicultural Tauranga provides practical support for newcomers navigating life in Aotearoa, while also creating opportunities for connection. From coffee mornings and language classes to JP services that help with document certification, the organisation plays an important role in helping migrants feel informed, supported and welcomed.
At its heart, the organisation is powered by volunteers. While a small number of staff support the work, Premila says the majority of the board and many of the programmes are driven by people generously giving their time.
Volunteering Services showcasing the benefits of volunteering at last year’s Tauranga Multicultural Festival
Volunteers play a key role in bringing events to life at Multicultural Tauranga, including the upcoming Multicultural Festival on March 14, where vibrant displays, music, and food showcase the diverse cultures in our community. They have also supported events such as the Multicultural Picnic and Senior Migrant gatherings, creating welcoming moments that nurture connection and belonging across Tauranga Moana.
For Premila, volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways people can connect with their community.
“You never lose out by being a volunteer,” she says. “You widen your social circle, grow your skills, and you never know what doors might open in the future.”
Multicultural Tauranga has become a place where Tauranga’s diversity is not just supported, but celebrated. The connections they foster continue to spread beyond the walls of their Historic Village office, showing that when communities show up for one another, everyone benefits.
If you’d like to volunteer or your group needs support, Volunteering Services can help. Visit www.volunteeringservices.org.nz or call (07) 987 0920.
