Mitre 10 Celebrates Diwali Nationwide, Embracing Cultural Diversity

Mitre 10 has launched its nationwide Diwali celebrations for the fifth consecutive year, aiming to honour the festival’s themes of joy, unity, and belonging. This initiative, which began in Auckland, reflects the growing Indian communities across New Zealand and showcases the diversity that characterizes the Kiwi identity. Since 2021, Mitre 10 has established Diwali as a significant tradition, celebrated through vibrant in-store displays, Hindi music, traditional sweets, and cultural educational activities for both staff and customers.

As part of this year’s celebrations, all Mitre 10 stores will receive festive kits that include greeting posters, floral garlands, and other decorations. Events tailored for customers, such as the Easy As Kids workshops on October 19, will feature activities like rangoli-shaped diya making. Additionally, employees at the Support Centre will host puja, a traditional Hindu prayer, and share Indian delicacies. These efforts align with Mitre 10’s mission to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed, encapsulated by the statement: “This is a place for me.”

Fostering Team Engagement and Cultural Inclusion

At the core of Mitre 10’s Diwali celebrations is a strong commitment to cultural inclusion. Jules Lloyd-Jones, Chief Marketing Officer of Mitre 10, emphasizes the importance of celebrating individual uniqueness within the team. “At Mitre 10, we celebrate what makes each person unique,” Lloyd-Jones stated. “Our aim is for every team member to feel proud of their own stories, backgrounds, and beliefs, and to bring their whole self to work. We’re a family and we are committed to embracing cultural differences.”

The Support Centre’s activities during Diwali not only focus on prayer and sharing traditional treats but also create opportunities for connection and cultural learning across the organization. This approach enhances team dynamics and fosters a sense of belonging among employees.

Engaging the Community Through Cultural Events

The Diwali festivities are not just limited to in-store activities; they also extend to the wider community through events such as the Easy As Kids workshops on October 19, the weekend before the festival. During these workshops, children across Mitre 10 stores in New Zealand are invited to participate in creating rangoli-shaped diya, providing a fun and culturally enriching experience for families.

“Diwali or Deepavali is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate our culturally diverse team and wish one another good health, prosperity, and light,” Lloyd-Jones added. This inclusive celebration highlights Mitre 10’s commitment to integrating cultural awareness into its corporate ethos.

As New Zealand’s cultural landscape continues to evolve, Mitre 10 exemplifies how a locally owned Kiwi brand can embrace and celebrate diversity. “We’re a proudly locally owned Kiwi brand, and that means embracing the full spectrum of what Kiwi looks like today,” Lloyd-Jones noted. Through these Diwali celebrations, Mitre 10 not only acknowledges its diverse workforce but also reinforces its dedication to creating a welcoming environment for all customers.