File photo of an event organised by the Goan Overseas Association of New Zealand (GOANZ).
PANAJI
As part of efforts to keep Goan spirit alive in New Zealand, the Goan Overseas Association of New Zealand (GOANZ) will host the Goan Cultural evening, an event of Goan music, entertainment and food, at the Freemans Bay Community Centre on June 22 from 6.30 pm onwards.
The event will include variety entertainment in the form of fashion, music, song, dance, comedy and karaoke, while Dona Lou and Sophie’s Goan Delicacies will be selling authentic Goan delights at the event.
With a growing number of Goans migrating to New Zealand over the last few decades, efforts have been made to keep Goan culture and spirit alive by promoting Goan heritage, cuisine, theatre and music at various social and religious events with traditional fervour.
In 1989, a few like-minded Goans got together and formed a Goan club in Auckland, New Zealand. A year later, the club was formally registered with the Auckland City Council under the name ‘Goan Overseas Association of New Zealand’ (GOANZ).
Some of the active members began organising Goan cultural events and social gatherings which included Tiatrs and dance nights that evoked nostalgia.
In 1996, the Goan diaspora increased with the influx of migrants to New Zealand, and with that GOANZ’s membership rose to almost 100, and it continues to grow year after year.
“A number of Goans in New Zealand have contributed their time and effort to keep Goan culture alive while also providing an opportunity to connect with other Goan families.
The committees formed over the years have worked hard to keep the Association alive, infusing our people with ideas and energy to build a strong sense of community and cultural pride,” said GOANZ President Joel Pereira.
Joel said the goal and role of the GOANZ committee is to foster a community spirit among the Goan diaspora in New Zealand – also known as the land of the long white cloud – through a variety of events and activities that are close to the heart of many Goans.
“We celebrate the feasts of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Francis Xavier and St Joseph Vaz which progresses into enjoying a sessions of song and dance, good Goan food that goes down well with a few shots of Feni! And while we’re on the topic of Feni we can feel proud of the fact that it is a well-recognised alcohol beverage the world over,” amusingly stated Ashley Rodrigues, member of the GOANZ organising committee.
“In solidarity with our Global Goans group, GOANZ holds a well-attended annual World Goa Day event in August which is a glitzy dance with scrumptious authentic Goan food catered by our very own Goan caterers: Thereza D’Souza, Sofie’s Goan Delicacies, Dona Lou’s Goan Cuisine and Go Goa Eatery cater for our events.”
For the very first time last year, the GOANZ Committee organised a Goan cultural evening. This trial turned out to be a packed house to showcase of local talent in various choirs and instrumental groups presenting beautiful renditions of popular Mandos, Dulpods and Portuguese songs.
“It was heartening and encouraging to see a high level of engagement, more importantly, great talent among our youth, young children and adults,” said Sushila Pinto, also a GOANZ member of the organising committee.
“Ben Fernandez, one of our very own super talented jazz pianist, composer, arranger, educator and music producer, led the attendees through a very enjoyable sing-long collection of popular Goan songs which had many lost in nostalgic memories of many a family gathering celebrated back in Goa.”
“On display, we had traditional Goan vessels and cutlery used in cooking before modernisation took over our kitchens.”
This year, the Goan cultural night has been set on June 22, around the time of Sao Joao (St John The Baptist) feast.
“We have a much bigger venue booked and more variety on the programme including a Goan attire fashion show,” said Sushila.
“We are also hoping to kick off Konkani conversational language classes this year. The GOANZ committee intends to engage with Goan Associations in various other countries, particularly, Australia, Canada, UK, and Portugal to share ideas and showcase our rich and vibrant culture.”
Other members in the GOANZ organising committee are Calisto Vaz, Lydia Quadros, Nerissa Gonsalves, Naomi Noronha and Lazarus Serrao.
