MYNT - Multicultural Nelson Tasman Youth
What We Do
Education – Learning & Sharing Stories
We support each other’s learning journeys through English language practice, and helping newcomers settle into life in Aotearoa. Our fortnightly meetups are a space to plan, share experiences, and lift each other up.
Entertainment – Connecting Through Culture
We bring young people together through vibrant multicultural events, youth movie nights, the Masked Parade, and creative group projects, creating friendships and memories that cross cultures.
Representation – Youth Voice in Action
We give multicultural youth a voice in community decisions, from joining governance boards to collaborating with other youth councils. We’re passionate about creating more youth-friendly spaces and making sure our perspectives are heard.
Voices of MYNT
Avalon Myer
“I first joined MYNT when I was 15 years old. I had just moved to Nelson and was feeling very out of place and like I didn't belong. MYNT became not only a safe space, but also a place where all of my closest friendships formed, and an opportunity for me to show leadership and to help make Nelson better and more welcoming than I found it. I am now one of the co-chairs of our youth group and I honestly couldn't be prouder of the work we've done for our community.”
David Mangar
“Being part of MYNT has honestly changed my life. It’s given me the chance to connect with people from all over, from different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences right here in Whakatū. Every event has been a chance to learn, listen, and try something new, whether it’s food, music, dance, or just hearing someone’s story. What makes it so special is seeing everyone proudly share where they come from. Being part of this has shown me how powerful it is to celebrate our roots and keep our cultures alive, not just for ourselves, but for the generations to come. We’re building something meaningful, one small step at a time, for a more inclusive future.”
Esther Ribas
“Multicultural Youth Nelson Tasman has shaped my sense of belonging in our communities. Being a part of this group helped me to explore my cultural identity which is an incredibly special aspect of my life, and I couldn't be more grateful to be doing this alongside other multicultural youth in our beautiful group.”
Grace Barrow-Dean
“As a proud member of Multicultural Youth, I know that the impact that it has on rangatahi all over the region is massive. Within the group, the sense of closeness and whānau is amazing, and working together on projects & events to bring to youth is only made easier because of our capability to work together as a group. Our events always have big turnouts, and everyone I meet who has come in contact with the group has found the work we do to be extremely beneficial to them and their community. I look forward to the future of MYNT, and how we can further expand to reach as many multicultural rangatahi as we can across the region.”