Friendships were formed and delicious traditional food shared at a gathering of about 70 people at the recent Whakatāne African Heritage Group Christmas party.

Held at Whakatāne Intermediate School, chair of the group, Paul Okwara, who is from Nigeria, said it was a beautiful day. This was the second such gathering that has been held.

“Everyone came out in numbers to support the preparation, and everyone was happy to mix and mingle. We also had a variety of food from Africa.”

Mr Okwara said they also had some people from out of town join the festive event.

Neeri Musthan, from South Africa, who was part of the organising committee, said there were people from across the continent – South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Namibia, Sierra Leone and beyond.

Mrs Musthan, who has been in New Zealand on and off for more than 20 years, said children were given presents at the event.

“We had a menu with lots of barbecued meat, on the coals and on gas, and we had potjie pots (cast iron pots) with lamb and chicken curries.

“Last year we had bunny chows (traditional curry dish done in a loaf), but this year we had roti and there was a fun time with the ladies bonding in the kitchen making rotis.”

The group falls under the wider Ubuntu African Society, which has a Facebook page.

Mr Okwara encouraged anyone with African heritage to join their group, which keeps in touch via WhatsApp. They are also planning to set up a Facebook page next year and will hold events during the year.

Mr Okwara can be contacted on 021 2332658.