Description

Join us on Tuesday 7 April for a catch-up & to hear from Margaret and Matilde from the Marlborough Multicultural Centre.

Matilde Tayawa Figuracion is a respected public-sector leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate. Her 33-year career in public service spans New Zealand and international settings, with work across Te Puni Kōkiri, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment focused on equity, resilience, and wellbeing. Recently retired from public service, Matilde is now embracing her entrepreneurial journey while continuing to lead, mentor, and give back. She is Chairperson of the Marlborough Multicultural Centre, a Justice of the Peace, and a business owner (Mountainview Villa Luxury Lodge and Mountainview Travel and Tours).

Margaret Western is a founding member of the Marlborough Multicultural Centre and a community development partner with a strong focus on supporting migrant and former refugee communities across Marlborough. As former Manager of MMC, Margaret helped grow the organisation into a trusted leader supporting many ethnic communities. She now focuses on strengthening partnerships with government, community organisations, and stakeholders to enhance settlement outcomes, wellbeing, and economic sustainability. Her wider experience includes work with the Marlborough District Council and the New Zealand Red Cross, and she is a certified trainer in intercultural communication and advocate for inclusive communities.