Connecting Cultures Features

Yueke Lee shares her journey from China to Ōtepoti, exploring culture, belonging, identity and finding community. She also talks about her upcoming New Zealand Young Writers Festival workshop, Poetry as Community Care: Multilingual Collaborative Poetry, and the inspiration behind it. Find out more on NZYWF's website. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with new OAR FM host Hamish Martineau about his interest in Chinese culture and language and exchange experience in Hong Kong. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In this episode, we speak with Dr Shabnam Jalili Moghaddam from Auckland University of Technology about a new research study exploring the experiences of migrant and former refugee communities — including the barriers that can affect wellbeing and the things that help people feel connected and thrive. Link to the survey here: https://redcap.link/rf8wj4l1 This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

Join us for a conversation with Professor Kevin Clements, speaker for the 23rd Annual Dunedin Abrahamic Interfaith Group Peace Lecture. Professor Clements is a lifelong peacebuilder, educator and researcher, and is Honorary Director and Distinguished Fellow at the Toda Peace Institute. He was also the Foundation Chair of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Otago. Hear his reflections on peace, faith, love, courage and hope, and find out more about the free public lecture on Monday 14 September 6:45pm at the St David Complex Lecture Theatre in Dunedin. The lecture will also feature a panel of representatives from Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths. Everyone is welcome! This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In this episode, we chat with Nigani Willie and Ohela Hoffmeister from the Papua New Guinea Dunedin Kominiti as they explore the theme Lukautim, strongim na kirapim tokples na pasin bilong tumbuna – Preserve, revitalise, and promote our language and culture, for this year's Papua New Guinea Tok Pisin Language Week. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with two committee members of Arai Te Uru Marae community lunches and dinners Pātaka Ora about their service for the community to foster connection. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with two new hosts of OAR FM's K-Talk - Ursula Ottley and William Facer about their Korean pop culture obsession and exploring Kpop, Kdramas, food and language learning together as best friends. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In this episode, we chat with Pinky and Sandy from the Dunedin Punjabi Association about womanhood, cultural identity and the importance of creating spaces where women can come together, have fun and feel connected. Mela Teeyan Da is a women-focused Punjabi cultural celebration in Ōtepoti coming up on 22nd August 2026 - more info on Dunedin Punjabi Association's Facebook page. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with hosts of a new OAR FM Connecting Cultures programme 'Indus to Otago', Ahtisham Malik & Zernab Malik about their migration story from Pakistan and what listeners can expect from them and the Pakistani Cultural & Wellbeing Society. Indus to Otago is about bridging the gap between Pakistan and Dunedin by sharing the richness of Pakistani heritage, celebrating national milestones, and discussing the wellbeing of the diaspora. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Teira Dean, Moana Chapman and Zoana Cockburn from the Ōtepoti Dunedin Cook Islands Community about the upcoming ‘Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Airani from the 2nd to the 8th of August. Check out the podcasts on OAR FM, Spotify and Apple Podcasts! This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In this episode, we talk to Genista Stephen and Kathrina Lani Litenmal from the Ni-Vanuatu community in Ōtepoti Dunedin about the upcoming Vanuatu Bislama Language Week celebrations from the 26th July to 1st August. Check out "Vanuatu Students in Otago" Facebook page for more information. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with the host of Nana Nature, Namrata Chand as she shares her journey from growing up on a sugarcane farm in Fiji to becoming a marine scientist and researcher in Dunedin. She reflects on family, migration, education, Cyclone Winston, and the memories with her grandparents that inspired her new podcast, exploring how nature and the people who came before us shape who we become. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Moewai Rauputi Marsh about her new podcast Putiputi Pod, her journey of reconnecting with her younger self, and how Te Ao Māori has shaped her sense of belonging. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

Five years after Myanmar's military coup, Hazel and Su Dali from Dunedin's Burmese community share how the ongoing conflict continues to affect their families, culture, and hopes for democracy. They also discuss the global Proof of Life campaign for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and why raising awareness still matters. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Dr Edo Andriesse from Seoul National University about his multicultural journey across the Netherlands, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, and New Zealand, as well as his research on coastal livelihoods and the impacts of typhoons in Southeast Asia. Dr Edo is on sabbatical in Dunedin, based at University of Otago School of Geography. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Kelly Campbell, Migration Manager at Red Cross on World Refugee Day and reflections for the 10 years of refugee resettlement in Ōtepoti Dunedin. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

As International Yoga Day approaches, we chat with Shweta and Arun from the Dunedin Indian Association about the history of yoga, its benefits for wellbeing, and how it brings people together across cultures and communities. They also share details about this year's International Yoga Day celebration in Ōtepoti. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

Can one language help humanity better understand itself? Peter Manins discusses the history of Esperanto, multilingualism, and the idea of a shared world language ahead of a public event hosted by the Otago Branch of the United Nations Association. An event is on Saturday 6th June 2-5 PM at St James Church Hall. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In this episode, Malak Tamimi, award winner of the Race Unity Speech Award Finals talks about the behind the scenes of her speech and trip back home to Palestine that inspired it. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In this episode of Connecting Cultures Features, Professor Paola Voci shares her journey from Italy to New Zealand, her experiences in China and the US, and how language and culture led her to Global Studies at the University of Otago. She reflects on learning, identity, and using education to engage with global issues and make a difference. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In this episode of Connecting Cultures Features, Riza Ambadar, International Manager at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), shares his journey from Indonesia to Aotearoa. He reflects on life as an international student, the challenges of migration, and how his experiences now shape his work supporting others through SIT's Southland Special Scholarship and accessible education pathways. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

Jeffrey Ling shares his migration journey from Malaysia to Christchurch, his years working in Taiwan's startup scene, and how those experiences inspired him to create Asians in Business New Zealand. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Dr Colin MacLeod, Chair of the Dunedin Interfaith Council, about the power of dialogue in the upcoming Anti-Discrimination Workshop hosted by the Religious Diversity Centre of Aotearoa. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Lemalu Tagiilima Feleti from Otago Pacific Islands Centre about growing up in Dunedin as a Samoan, values in his leadership and support the centre provides for Pasifika students at Otago. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Padmini Parthasarathy, the President of Dunedin Tamil Society about her migration story and celebrations during Tamil New Year! This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Ivan Yeo about growing up between Singapore and Malaysia, navigating queerness and mental health, and creating space for authentic storytelling in Aotearoa. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Amy Armstrong about growing up in Minnesota in the US around her Christianity faith, the story of Easter and celebrations in New Zealand. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Ilai Manu about his wrestling career, relearning his Tokelau side and teaching English in South Korea. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Max Gilles and Peter Manins from the Dunedin Multicultural Council about the upcoming Race Relations Day event. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Ibuki Nishida, the President of New Zealand International Students Association about growing up in USA, Mexico, Japan and his international student experience in Aotearoa New Zealand. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with members of the Dunedin Indian Association, Rohit Jain, Shweta Karne and Arun Murthy, about their upcoming Holi event on 8th March at Bayfield Park. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Heart-Mind Wellness Retreat Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, Ainee Cha about her lives in Malaysia, New Zealand and Nepal. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Anna Leslie, the manager of Citizens Advice Bureau Dunedin about their service, how migrants and multicultural community access them and ways to support their mahi. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Reverend Greg Hughson about the UN's World Interfaith Harmony Week and Celebration of Harmony Dinner hosted by the Dunedin Interfaith Council. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Manager of Arai Te Uru Marae, Tania Sheree Williams about the Marae's plans for the year and Waitangi Day celebrations. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Patty Klinpibul about her Master's Project 'International Students As Whole Human Beings'. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

Rinad Tamimi shares her experience of returning to Palestine for the first time in nine years. She reflects on navigating travel under occupation, and the emotional weight of being reunited with loved ones, including visiting her grandfather in hospital. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

Some music shared within our multicultural communities! This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

Kōrero with Leota Meredith and Tāne Tāmati from Tūhura Otago Museum, exploring Pacifika and Māori identity, community service, whakapapa, and the refresh of the Pacific Cultural Gallery. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Ahmed Khan, the Board Chair of the Pakistan Association of Otago about their award winning podcast Chit-Chat with PAO at the OAR Air Awards and his journey to New Zealand. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with the Dunedin and Southland Branch Manager of English Language Partners, Sasitorn Kanthiya about growing up in Thailand, working in refugee camps in Cambodia and her passion for teaching. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with organisers of the Japanese Coming of Age Ceremony in Dunedin: Shota Kozakai and Shion Hashimoto about their upcoming event on Saturday 10th January. More info on their Instagram @dunedinseijinshiki_2026! This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Erolia Rooney on 100 Episodes of Lupe Sina, growing up in Samoa as the eldest daughter and the importance of service for community. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview about the upcoming Solomon Islands Pijin Langguis Wik with Iree Chow, one of the organisers from Dunedin Wantoks. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

Lee shares her journey from growing up in Malaysia and Singapore, to attending boarding school in the UK, becoming a flight attendant, working as a pharmacist, and now running two Dunedin businesses - 'Well and Being' and Groom. She opens up about her core values, the importance of service, and the life experiences that shaped her mindset and mission. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Haruko Stuart on the Dunedin Otaru Sister City Society Podcast as the new host, growing up in Japan and some japanese language learning tips! This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Garrett George from Pacific Trust Otago about growing up in Hawaii, and the Youth Development Project! This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In this episode, we chat with Indira from Shakti Women's Refuge Trust about their 30th Anniversary celebrations. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Rohit Jain, Sagar Vashishtha and Shweta Karne from the Dunedin Indian Association about the upcoming Dunedin Diwali Festival on October 26th at More FM Arena. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

It's Mental Health Awareness Week! Connect, give, be active, take notice, and keep learning for your wellbeing. Here's an interview with Corinne, Kathryn, and Phil from Grow - Mental Health Mahi, a group supporting people through personal growth, mutual support, and building community. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

An interview with Anjum Rahman from Inclusive Aotearoa about their ongoing campaign #NoHarmware with Amnestry International Aotearoa New Zealand. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz