Canterbury PNG Wantoks Inc.

Welkam Olgeta

Welcome to Canterbury PNG Wantoks Inc.

Canterbury PNG Wantoks Inc. is a community of Papua New Guinean families, students, workers, and friends of PNG living in Christchurch and across the South Island of New Zealand. Our community brings together people from many provinces, languages, and cultural backgrounds who share a common connection to Papua New Guinea and a desire to stay connected while living abroad.

Our association is proudly supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who help organise events, support community members, and keep our culture alive for future generations. Executive meetings are generally held monthly throughout the year, except during the festive holiday period.

At the heart of our community is the spirit of wantok: supporting one another like family, sharing stories, celebrating culture, and helping each other feel at home no matter where we come from.

Whether you are newly arrived in Christchurch, have lived here for many years, or are simply a friend of Papua New Guinea, you are warmly welcome to join our community.

Olgeta wantoks na poro man na meri, welcome to our bikpela famili here in Christchurch, the Garden City of New Zealand.

Our Mission

Unity, culture, and community

Our mission is to bring together Papua New Guineans and friends of PNG throughout Canterbury and wider New Zealand in a spirit of unity, culture, and community.

Preserve and celebrate the rich cultures, languages, traditions, and stories of Papua New Guinea
Pass our cultural identity and values on to younger generations growing up in New Zealand
Create a welcoming and supportive community for PNG families, students, and newcomers
Organise cultural celebrations, sporting events, gatherings, and community activities
Promote friendship, respect, and connection between Papua New Guineans and the wider New Zealand community
Keep our people connected through the wantok spirit of care, support, and togetherness
Canterbury PNG Wantoks community gathering and BBQ
Community gatherings bring wantoks, families, and friends together.

Our Community

A place for every wantok

Canterbury PNG Wantoks Inc. is made up of people from all across Papua New Guinea's diverse provinces and language groups.

FamiliesStudentsProfessionalsSeasonal workersChurch groupsYouth and young leadersFriends and supporters of PNG culture

Together we celebrate the unique traditions, music, dance, food, languages, and stories that make Papua New Guinea one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. No matter where you come from in PNG, there is a place for you here.

Canterbury PNG Wantoks cultural stall at Polyfest
Sharing PNG culture at the annual Polyfest event.
Community members gathered at a rugby event
Sport and gatherings keep our wantok connections strong.

Culture & Heritage

Keeping our customs alive

Papua New Guinea is home to hundreds of tribes, languages, and unique cultural traditions. Preserving and sharing this heritage is one of the most important parts of our community.

Through cultural performances, traditional dress, storytelling, music, food, and community gatherings, we aim to keep our customs alive and ensure younger generations remain connected to their roots.

Our annual events, especially Papua New Guinea Independence Day celebrations, bring together people from many backgrounds to proudly showcase the beauty and diversity of PNG culture here in New Zealand.

Community members celebrating PNG culture together
Keeping customs alive through culture, dress, music, and dance

Events & Gatherings

Moments that keep us connected

Throughout the year, Canterbury PNG Wantoks Inc. organises and supports a range of community events and activities.

PNG Independence Day celebrations
Cultural performances and festivals
Community BBQs and family gatherings
Sports tournaments and recreation days
Student and youth activities
Fundraising and support events
Church and community partnerships

These gatherings help strengthen friendships, support families, and keep our community connected.

Colourful Papua New Guinean bilums
Bilums and handmade traditions
Prepared pork for a community gathering
Food shared at community gatherings

Support & Connection

A network built on care

Living far from home can sometimes feel isolating, especially for students, new migrants, and families adjusting to life in New Zealand.

Meet other Papua New Guineans
Find friendship and guidance
Share opportunities and information
Support one another during important life moments
Stay connected to home and culture

The wantok system is built on care, respect, and helping one another, and that spirit remains at the centre of everything we do.

Tok Pisin Language Week community celebration
Tok Pisin Language Week
Community gathering at Tūranga Library in Christchurch
Community connections at Tūranga Library

Join Our Community

Welkam tru long bikpela famili bilong mipela.

We warmly invite all Papua New Guineans, families, students, and friends of PNG living in Christchurch and throughout New Zealand to become part of our growing community.

Whether you would like to attend events, volunteer, connect with others, or simply stay informed, we would love to hear from you.

(You are truly welcome to our big family.)