Team Members

Tanya comes from an Arts and refugee background. In October 2019, she co created Cultural Conversations with Padma Naidu as part of Nelson Arts festival.

She believes that to address antiracism we need to commit to real action by stepping back and empowering our marginalised communities.

Shakeela, originally from Pakistan, is studying English and is planning to start her nursing degree next year. She first got involved through the Global Stitch up and is now part of Her Business Journey. In 2024, she became part of the Cultural Conversations team.

Nilusha is originally from Sri Lanka and came to NZ to study accounting. She also teaches children traditional Sri Lankan dance. We are so lucky to have her doing our book keeping each week.

I'm Alicia Rocha. I arrived in Nelson almost eight years ago, not knowing the amazing opportunities that this place would bring into my life. I started volunteering with Cultural Conversations last year, and through this space, I've been able to build a strong, supportive network.

Chandra, originally from Nepal, came to study the IT programme at NMIT, Nelson. He has stepped up as a freelancer in Web Development and Digital Marketing. He is passionate about helping the community through technology and believes that digital technology can preserve and promote the culture and recreate community connections.

Hola, I'm Claudia from Colombia.
I have been living in NZ for 4 years and love my life in Nelson. Making gifts in general and toys for Christmas is something I enjoy a lot. I'm so glad to be part of the opportunities Cultural Conversations provides, particularly to join in the many craft activities.