Luo Community in New Zealand
The Luo community in New Zealand represents the East African ethnic group of Luo-speaking people. Our members come from Uganda, Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, and other countries across the region. It is said that the first Luo settlers arrived in Wellington in the late 1990s or early 2000s. However, our community became more visible in 2016 after adopting the Luo name to encompass not only the Acholi and Alur-speaking groups, but all East African Luo migrants. Our unique cultural dances and practices were key to this increased visibility in the region.
Initially, we identified ourselves based on our country of origin, the languages we spoke, or our specific tribes. However, our coming together was motivated by our shared language, culture, and identity.
We now gather every fortnight, or sometimes monthly, to share food, practice our cultural dances, plan events, offer advice, and support each other through any challenges we face. Our community is diverse, ranging from nearly one-year-olds to elders over 80 years old.
We have single-parent families, large families led by one or both parents, and even families headed by solo mothers or fathers raising young children. Through our activities, we work together to ensure that our community feels integrated, safe, and valued in New Zealand society.