- Start Date: Friday 4th Jul, 2025.
- End Date: Wednesday 4th Jun, 2025.
- Time: 10:00AM - 12:00AM.
- 1 Weeks.
- 2 hours per week.
A Pacific Neighbour - Vanuatu
Speaker: Dr Kerry Enright
Central Otago shares a unique connection with the Pacific through the Seasonal Worker Scheme, which has created strong ties between our region and the people of Vanuatu. Each year, Ni-Vanuatu workers contribute to our local economy—and our community life—bringing with them rich traditions, deep cultural knowledge, and linguistic ability (many speak four or more languages). Vanuatu, often called the happiest nation on Earth, is a country of stunning natural beauty, proud history, and strong values. It is also a nation of contrasts—resilient in the face of frequent natural disasters, active in international diplomacy, and vocal in its pursuit of climate justice and decolonisation. Figures like Ralph Regenvanu represent the hopes of a new generation, advocating for a future shaped by fairness, sustainability, and Pacific identity.
Yet challenges remain. Climate change, political instability, and land alienation—especially on Efate—reflect the complex legacies of colonisation and modern pressures. In this thought-provoking talk, Kerry Enright will explore the relationship between Vanuatu and Central Otago, unpacking the beauty, hope, and challenges that Ni-Vanuatu workers carry with them into our community
