"Belonging [Hononga] [Pertencimento]"

One of the images in the photographic exhibition "Belonging [Hononga] [Pertencimento]".

"I'm Olivia En, a Vietnamese-Cambodian Kiwi. My family and I came to Aotearoa-New Zealand as refugees when I was three. I feel proud and blessed to call this country my home and that I've had the good fortune to be able to bring up my four children in this little corner of the world."

The exhibition reflects on the personal experience of the photographer, Aline Frey, as a migrant woman who chose Palmerston North as a new home for her family and herself.

"Belonging" is a series of 10 portraits celebrating migrant women who made Palmy their new home. By allowing characters to share their narratives as they open their hearts to spectators, the exhibition focuses on a multiplicity of ethnicities and biographies. It follows migrant stories while giving a nuanced portrayal of the city's ethnic and cultural diversity. Above all, the exhibition aims to give visibility to migrants' diverse roles in PN society, as attendees can learn and better understand the challenges and achievements of each person's journey. Attendees are also invited to reflect back on their own whakapapa and family memories while making connections and recognising the city’s multicultural formation.

The exhibition was organised by Palmeirinhos – Brazilian Heritage Group. All events organised by Palmeirinhos are open to the general public and have been attended by many members of different communities, as well as local kiwis. These Palmeirinhos events have been giving Brazilian children a sense of belonging to the new land that their parents chose to call home. Those children are learning to be proud of who they are and at the same time learning to respect and accept the cultural differences of this very diverse city.

One of the images in the photographic exhibition "Belonging [Hononga] [Pertencimento]".

"I have been living in Palmerston North since 2018. I love Palmy! People here are very welcoming. I have a community that always gave me lots of support when I most needed. When I arrived here, I didn't speak English at all but people were very helpful. Nowadays, I am so grateful for being part of the beautiful Palmy community.

Flávia, Brazil"

The exhibition reflects on the personal experience of the photographer, Aline Frey, as a migrant woman who chose Palmerston North as a new home for her family and herself.

"Belonging" is a series of 10 portraits celebrating migrant women who made Palmy their new home. By allowing characters to share their narratives as they open their hearts to spectators, the exhibition focuses on a multiplicity of ethnicities and biographies. It follows migrant stories while giving a nuanced portrayal of the city's ethnic and cultural diversity. Above all, the exhibition aims to give visibility to migrants' diverse roles in PN society, as attendees can learn and better understand the challenges and achievements of each person's journey. Attendees are also invited to reflect back on their own whakapapa and family memories while making connections and recognising the city’s multicultural formation.

The exhibition was organised by Palmeirinhos – Brazilian Heritage Group. All events organised by Palmeirinhos are open to the general public and have been attended by many members of different communities, as well as local kiwis. These Palmeirinhos events have been giving Brazilian children a sense of belonging to the new land that their parents chose to call home. Those children are learning to be proud of who they are and at the same time learning to respect and accept the cultural differences of this very diverse city.

One of the images in the photographic exhibition "Belonging [Hononga] [Pertencimento]". "Natsuko Petrucci, originally from Japan, came to New Zealand via Texas in 2003. She was employed by Massey University. Challenges that she faced at the beginning of her new life in New Zealand were understanding New Zealand English and making friends. She learned about New Zealand English by carefully watching televisions shows like Shortland Street. As for making friends, she has tried to volunteer and join social groups like Mah Jong and Square Dancing. Natsuko has now been in New Zealand over 18 years. She is comfortable here and active in the community." The exhibition reflects on the personal experience of the photographer, Aline Frey, as a migrant woman who chose Palmerston North as a new home for her family and herself. "Belonging" is a series of 10 portraits celebrating migrant women who made Palmy their new home. By allowing characters to share their narratives as they open their hearts to spectators, the exhibition focuses on a multiplicity of ethnicities and biographies. It follows migrant stories while giving a nuanced portrayal of the city's ethnic and cultural diversity. Above all, the exhibition aims to give visibility to migrants' diverse roles in PN society, as attendees can learn and better understand the challenges and achievements of each person's journey. Attendees are also invited to reflect back on their own whakapapa and family memories while making connections and recognising the city’s multicultural formation. The exhibition was organised by Palmeirinhos – Brazilian Heritage Group. All events organised by Palmeirinhos are open to the general public and have been attended by many members of different communities, as well as local kiwis. These Palmeirinhos events have been giving Brazilian children a sense of belonging to the new land that their parents chose to call home. Those children are learning to be proud of who they are and at the same time learning to respect and accept the cultural differences of this very diverse city.

One of the images in the photographic exhibition "Belonging [Hononga] [Pertencimento]".

"I came to live in Palmerston North in 2008, having spent my life until then in Zimbabwe, the country of my birth. My children, then three and six years old, have grown to adulthood here. I had loved food gardening in Zimbabwe, and started a food garden as soon as I could in Palmerston North – I planted 15 fruit trees in my backyard and learned how to look after them from a wonderful neighbour who had immigrated here from the Netherlands in the 1950s. I have always been an avid reader, and the Palmy library was one of the first places I visited when I arrived here. It has been a weekly destination for me ever since.

Megan, Zimbabwe"

The exhibition reflects on the personal experience of the photographer, Aline Frey, as a migrant woman who chose Palmerston North as a new home for her family and herself.

"Belonging" is a series of 10 portraits celebrating migrant women who made Palmy their new home. By allowing characters to share their narratives as they open their hearts to spectators, the exhibition focuses on a multiplicity of ethnicities and biographies. It follows migrant stories while giving a nuanced portrayal of the city's ethnic and cultural diversity. Above all, the exhibition aims to give visibility to migrants' diverse roles in PN society, as attendees can learn and better understand the challenges and achievements of each person's journey. Attendees are also invited to reflect back on their own whakapapa and family memories while making connections and recognising the city’s multicultural formation.

The exhibition was organised by Palmeirinhos – Brazilian Heritage Group. All events organised by Palmeirinhos are open to the general public and have been attended by many members of different communities, as well as local kiwis. These Palmeirinhos events have been giving Brazilian children a sense of belonging to the new land that their parents chose to call home. Those children are learning to be proud of who they are and at the same time learning to respect and accept the cultural differences of this very diverse city.

One of the images in the photographic exhibition "Belonging [Hononga] [Pertencimento]".

"I moved to New Zealand from the US in September 2003. I came here to be with my partner, Ruth. We are now married with two children.

For the first decade living here, I lived in Wellington. Wellington is amazing, but I felt at home when I moved to Palmy. There were a lot of challenges for me in New Zealand. I’m from Southern California, so I was cold. Also, I felt displaced, even though I made the choice to move here. That displacement has gone now that I have established firm relationships with friends and family in New Zealand. I could have left when things were hard, but I have stayed because I feel New Zealand takes care of people. I feel safe here.

Palmy has so many amazing things. The river, beautiful bush walks, good cafes, amazing libraries, snails artist run space, good schools where my children get an accessible bilingual te reo Maori and English education and learn Mātauranga Māori - embedding a sense of pride in themselves and their culture.

Marolyn Love Krasner, USA"

The exhibition reflects on the personal experience of the photographer, Aline Frey, as a migrant woman who chose Palmerston North as a new home for her family and herself.

"Belonging" is a series of 10 portraits celebrating migrant women who made Palmy their new home. By allowing characters to share their narratives as they open their hearts to spectators, the exhibition focuses on a multiplicity of ethnicities and biographies. It follows migrant stories while giving a nuanced portrayal of the city's ethnic and cultural diversity. Above all, the exhibition aims to give visibility to migrants' diverse roles in PN society, as attendees can learn and better understand the challenges and achievements of each person's journey. Attendees are also invited to reflect back on their own whakapapa and family memories while making connections and recognising the city’s multicultural formation.

The exhibition was organised by Palmeirinhos – Brazilian Heritage Group. All events organised by Palmeirinhos are open to the general public and have been attended by many members of different communities, as well as local kiwis. These Palmeirinhos events have been giving Brazilian children a sense of belonging to the new land that their parents chose to call home. Those children are learning to be proud of who they are and at the same time learning to respect and accept the cultural differences of this very diverse city.

One of the images in the photographic exhibition "Belonging [Hononga] [Pertencimento]".

"Jaspreet was born in India in the state of Rajasthan, which is known for its historical hill, forts, and palaces. After finishing her studies, Jaspreet's first job took her to the vibrant and busy capital of India - New Delhi. this is where she discovered that she is a career-driven woman and wants to inspire more women to become empowered and independent.

Jaspreet got married in 2011 and relocated to New Zealand in 2012 to join her husband here.

After moving to Palmerston North, it was not hard for Jaspreet to find her first job, After working as a technology transfer adviser for four years, Jaspreet took a risk of starting her own consulting business and worked with several regional and national organisations on projects that needed research and advice.

Now Jaspreet works as a Principal Adviser at the Ministry for Primary Industries. Her work involves production of insights that help in identifying and defining new opportunities and risks to New Zealand primary sectors in export markets.

_Jaspreet is a mother of two. she is extremely passionate about her culture and loves that she gets to raise her children in Palmerston North. Jaspreet's ethos is simple, she wants her children to be kind and considerate of diversity. _

One thing that Jaspreet has found challenging is being a career-orientated woman and mother at the same time. Raising kids with both parents working full time and no additional support is hard, but not impossible.

She aims to blaze a trail for girls and women in her community and beyond to be confident, resilient and follow their dreams."

The exhibition reflects on the personal experience of the photographer, Aline Frey, as a migrant woman who chose Palmerston North as a new home for her family and herself.

"Belonging" is a series of 10 portraits celebrating migrant women who made Palmy their new home. By allowing characters to share their narratives as they open their hearts to spectators, the exhibition focuses on a multiplicity of ethnicities and biographies. It follows migrant stories while giving a nuanced portrayal of the city's ethnic and cultural diversity. Above all, the exhibition aims to give visibility to migrants' diverse roles in PN society, as attendees can learn and better understand the challenges and achievements of each person's journey. Attendees are also invited to reflect back on their own whakapapa and family memories while making connections and recognising the city’s multicultural formation.

The exhibition was organised by Palmeirinhos – Brazilian Heritage Group. All events organised by Palmeirinhos are open to the general public and have been attended by many members of different communities, as well as local kiwis. These Palmeirinhos events have been giving Brazilian children a sense of belonging to the new land that their parents chose to call home. Those children are learning to be proud of who they are and at the same time learning to respect and accept the cultural differences of this very diverse city.

One of the images in the photographic exhibition "Belonging [Hononga] [Pertencimento]".

"My name was Eunice McLean when I arrived in New Zealand on the SS Rimutaka in November 1949, two days before my 8th birthday. My older sister and I were in a group of child migrants who came to New Zealand as part of the British Government’s Child Immigration scheme. This was a very controversial scheme as the children were separated from their parents under some very harsh circumstances. We were told that we were going away for a lovely holiday, but we were never told that we would not be going home again.

However my sister and I were lucky and were sent to a family in Hawkes Bay - our foster parents were in late middle age and severe but kind in their attitude to us. It took a while to settle down to life in the small town - especially as people had trouble understanding our broad Scottish accent and kept telling us to speak English! We lost all contact with our family in Glasgow, Scotland, but gradually adjusted to life in New Zealand.

I had a good education and went on to achieve my childhood dream of being a schoolteacher, and after several years of teaching in New Zealand, Australia and Scotland eventually returned to settle back in New Zealand. I have three amazing children and nine beautiful grandchildren, and feel forever thankful that I migrated to this country so many years ago - but part of my heart is still in Scotland."

The exhibition reflects on the personal experience of the photographer, Aline Frey, as a migrant woman who chose Palmerston North as a new home for her family and herself.

"Belonging" is a series of 10 portraits celebrating migrant women who made Palmy their new home. By allowing characters to share their narratives as they open their hearts to spectators, the exhibition focuses on a multiplicity of ethnicities and biographies. It follows migrant stories while giving a nuanced portrayal of the city's ethnic and cultural diversity. Above all, the exhibition aims to give visibility to migrants' diverse roles in PN society, as attendees can learn and better understand the challenges and achievements of each person's journey. Attendees are also invited to reflect back on their own whakapapa and family memories while making connections and recognising the city’s multicultural formation.

The exhibition was organised by Palmeirinhos – Brazilian Heritage Group. All events organised by Palmeirinhos are open to the general public and have been attended by many members of different communities, as well as local kiwis. These Palmeirinhos events have been giving Brazilian children a sense of belonging to the new land that their parents chose to call home. Those children are learning to be proud of who they are and at the same time learning to respect and accept the cultural differences of this very diverse city.

One of the images in the photographic exhibition "Belonging [Hononga] [Pertencimento]".

"My name is Laibar am 26 years old, I have five and six years old son. I come from Myanmar, my parent flee from Myanmar to Thailand refugee camp due to ongoing ethnic conflict in Myanmar. Around one and half million people flee their original homeland due to this war. i grow in a camp call Mea La , it was the largest refugee in Thai-Myanmar border out of the nine camp and a home to 40,000 people but it increase over time. Houses in the camp are made of bamboo and thatch with no electricity. In 2005 the resettlement program started, my family immigrated to New Zealand in 2006. Coming to New Zealand was very exciting, it was the first time that I travel outside of the camp and seen an airplane, when we move to New Zealand I was only 10. The reason my family move to New Zealand was in order to live a better life, my parent wanted my siblings and I to receive a better education. I stared school from year 6, going to school was very uncomfortable for me because I didn’t understand or know how to speak English. It was very difficult to make a friend as well, even though I had a hard time at school there were alway people who is willing to help and teach me English. For the first time in our life we were granted a citizenship, all these time we live in Myanmar we were not allowed to get citizenship due to our religious belief and different ethnic .Living in New Zealand I learned many new things and am alway thankful for the opportunity."

The exhibition reflects on the personal experience of the photographer, Aline Frey, as a migrant woman who chose Palmerston North as a new home for her family and herself.

"Belonging" is a series of 10 portraits celebrating migrant women who made Palmy their new home. By allowing characters to share their narratives as they open their hearts to spectators, the exhibition focuses on a multiplicity of ethnicities and biographies. It follows migrant stories while giving a nuanced portrayal of the city's ethnic and cultural diversity. Above all, the exhibition aims to give visibility to migrants' diverse roles in PN society, as attendees can learn and better understand the challenges and achievements of each person's journey. Attendees are also invited to reflect back on their own whakapapa and family memories while making connections and recognising the city’s multicultural formation.

The exhibition was organised by Palmeirinhos – Brazilian Heritage Group. All events organised by Palmeirinhos are open to the general public and have been attended by many members of different communities, as well as local kiwis. These Palmeirinhos events have been giving Brazilian children a sense of belonging to the new land that their parents chose to call home. Those children are learning to be proud of who they are and at the same time learning to respect and accept the cultural differences of this very diverse city.

One of the images in the photographic exhibition "Belonging [Hononga] [Pertencimento]".

"Talofa Lava,

O lo’u igoa o Poto Fa’aiuaso (née Talalelei). Ou te sau mai le nu’u Luatuanu’u. Ina ua ou sau mai Samoa i le tausaga e 1968.

Ona ou fa’aipoipo lea ile tofa a Fa’aiuaso Tavita Fa’aiuaso i le tausaga e 1971 i’inei lava i Palmerston North o lo’o ou nofo ai lava e o’o mai lava i le taimi nei. E maua lau fanau e toafa; e tasi le tama ae tolu teine.

O lau Ekalesia o lo’o ou lotu ai Ekalesia Faapotopotoga Kerisiano Samoa (EFKS) Palmerston North.

Sa ou galue isi galuega i totonu lava o Palmerston North, ae sa maua loa lou tusi i le Early Childhood Education (ECE), ma ou faigaluega loa ile Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata EFKS Palmerston North i lalo o va’aiga a le pule o Tiana Fauolo.

‘O Au o Matua Fanau.’

Fa’afetai Lava.

Hello,

My name is Poto Fa’aiuaso (née Talalelei). My village is Luatuanu’u in Samoa. I arrived in New Zealand (Aotearoa) from Samoa in 1968. Palmerston North has been my home for 54 years, and I still reside here.

I married Fa’aiuaso Tavita Fa’aiuaso in 1971 in Palmerston North. I have four children: one son and three daughters. My family is part of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (CCCS) Palmerston North.

I have worked as a Registered Early Childhood Education Teacher at Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata (Samoan Early Childhood Education Centre) under Tiana Fauolo (Centre Manager).

‘O Au o Matua Fanau - Children are the precious offspring of parents’ - Samoan proverb

Thank you."

The exhibition reflects on the personal experience of the photographer, Aline Frey, as a migrant woman who chose Palmerston North as a new home for her family and herself.

"Belonging" is a series of 10 portraits celebrating migrant women who made Palmy their new home. By allowing characters to share their narratives as they open their hearts to spectators, the exhibition focuses on a multiplicity of ethnicities and biographies. It follows migrant stories while giving a nuanced portrayal of the city's ethnic and cultural diversity. Above all, the exhibition aims to give visibility to migrants' diverse roles in PN society, as attendees can learn and better understand the challenges and achievements of each person's journey. Attendees are also invited to reflect back on their own whakapapa and family memories while making connections and recognising the city’s multicultural formation.

The exhibition was organised by Palmeirinhos – Brazilian Heritage Group. All events organised by Palmeirinhos are open to the general public and have been attended by many members of different communities, as well as local kiwis. These Palmeirinhos events have been giving Brazilian children a sense of belonging to the new land that their parents chose to call home. Those children are learning to be proud of who they are and at the same time learning to respect and accept the cultural differences of this very diverse city.

One of the images in the photographic exhibition "Belonging [Hononga] [Pertencimento]". "My name is Doris Adeyinka and am originally from Nigeria (West Africa). We moved with my family to New Zealand in January 2007 (15years). I came to New Zealand with student visa to study for my doctoral degree in Veterinary Science at Massey University, Palmerston North and graduated in 2013. Initially, I came with four kids within the ages of 12 – 5 years old without knowing anyone except my supervisor who promised to pick me up from the airport. My supervisor (Richard Laven) brought the Massey University van to pick us up and took us to a motel which I thought we had booked but did not go through. He was kind enough to look for another motel we could stay which took more than 2 hours to settle for the night. This made me question if I had taken the right decision of coming with young kids to study without knowing what I was getting myself into. That soon changed when I went to church right next to the Motel on Sunday and everyone welcomed us and visited us after the service. I got a lot of help from my ‘Kiwi Mums and dad’ about schools for the children and donated furniture and a car I can use before buying mine. Massey University international office played a vital role in settling into the community, which made me feel like home. As a migrant, my kids were bullied at first, and was difficult to make friends but as soon as i told some of their teachers, that was well addressed. My husband could not get a job in his field of expertise (Animal breeding and genetics). Also, as a doctoral students, I got involved with helping in science labs for undergraduate students and they would not ask any question as they thought I would not know the answers. I soon gained their confidence and made friends with them. Despite these challenges, we applied for residency and eventually got citizenship. We love New Zealand and this is home for me and my family." "The exhibition reflects on the personal experience of the photographer, Aline Frey, as a migrant woman who chose Palmerston North as a new home for her family and herself. "Belonging" is a series of 10 portraits celebrating migrant women who made Palmy their new home. By allowing characters to share their narratives as they open their hearts to spectators, the exhibition focuses on a multiplicity of ethnicities and biographies. It follows migrant stories while giving a nuanced portrayal of the city's ethnic and cultural diversity. Above all, the exhibition aims to give visibility to migrants' diverse roles in PN society, as attendees can learn and better understand the challenges and achievements of each person's journey. Attendees are also invited to reflect back on their own whakapapa and family memories while making connections and recognising the city’s multicultural formation. The exhibition was organised by Palmeirinhos – Brazilian Heritage Group. All events organised by Palmeirinhos are open to the general public and have been attended by many members of different communities, as well as local kiwis. These Palmeirinhos events have been giving Brazilian children a sense of belonging to the new land that their parents chose to call home. Those children are learning to be proud of who they are and at the same time learning to respect and accept the cultural differences of this very diverse city.