Ekta NZ had a busy April and May with various events and meal distribution drives observing multiple festivals celebrated by different ethnicities and faiths. The activities highlighted the organisation’s commitment to assisting everyone, regardless of their ethnic background.
Ekta NZ Inc., a not-for-profit organisation based in Wellington, has been actively engaged in improving the well-being of those in need in New Zealand’s capital city. Established five years ago, Ekta NZ is an apolitical and non-denominational charity, incorporated in July 2017.
The primary mission of Ekta NZ is to assist those in need and provide food, regardless of their religion, faith, language, or social status. The name “Ekta” represents unity and togetherness, and was chosen specifically to promote unity in diversity among New Zealanders and raise awareness through inclusivity.
While numerous religious, regional, and cultural organisations exist, very few are committed to helping those in need without considering their religious or ethnic background. Ekta NZ stands out as one such organisation in Wellington, focused on supporting individuals regardless of their background.
The activities undertaken by Ekta NZ also provide opportunities for leadership development to individuals who join in executing these ideas. They collaborate with other community organisations to provide complementary skills and services.
Ekta’s weekly initiatives: Free Kitchen and Ethnic Food Bank
Ekta serves the community in various ways, such as running a Guru Nanak Free Kitchen in Wellington (Porirua, and Lower Hutt in the past). They distribute free vegetarian meals to the most vulnerable individuals in our community. Recently, Ekta started the fifth year of Guru Nanak Free Kitchen. Over the last four years, it has served over 15 thousand meals, over 4 tons of fruits and over 8 tonnes of bread. In addition to the meals, Ekta also celebrates Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary at the Wellington cenotaph.
Additionally, they operate Dya (compassion) - a weekly food bank that caters to the needs of the Asian/Middle Eastern communities in Wellington while also facilitating engagement with the larger community.
Ekta celebrates diversity
During April 2023, Ekta NZ was actively involved in month-long celebrations at Dya, Ekta’s food bank. As part of the Vesak Day, they planted two citrus trees in the garden of St Peter’s Church. Rev. Jean Malcolm of St Peter’s Church conducted the Karakia, and Maung Thien and his wife Chintee from Myanmar performed Buddhist chanting.
Throughout April, people around the world celebrated various festivals such as Eid, Navroz, Vishu, Baisakhi, Songkran, Vesak, and Easter. Ekta also marked these celebrations at Dya, their ethnic food bank, with a special drive. Mohammed Fahim Madiwale, an executive committee member of Ekta NZ Inc., said, “The intention was to expose our recipients to all the faith-based festivals that occurred in April in the context of developing Ekta and an inclusive society.”
Ekta also co-sponsored an Eid Celebration at Karori Normal School, where individuals from different faiths came together under one roof to celebrate the special occasion. The day was filled with activities for children and food for everyone. Ekta supported NZ Eid Day at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua, which also allowed Ekta to share its vision and work with the diverse attendees of this significant event.
Through their ongoing efforts, Ekta NZ continues to positively impact the community, working towards a more inclusive New Zealand.
Ekta’s Blanket Campaign keeps the most vulnerable warm in winter
Ekta is in its fourth year of the Blanket Campaign till 10 June, providing free blankets to individuals and families in need to help them withstand the harsh winters. This includes the rough sleepers on Wellington’s streets.
Help Ekta help the needy
If you wish to donate to Ekta’s blanket campaign, please head to http://ekta.nz/ways-to-support-us/ or email: contact-us@ekta.nz Also reach out to them if you wish to learn about any of their other regular activities.
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