Welcome to Kia Ora Canada.
This amazing group was originally started under the KEA New Zealand branding with a purpose of promoting NZ interests in Canada. In September 2013, after KEA New Zealand dissolved many of its overseas chapters, our board made the bold move to step out on their own re-branding into Kia Ora Canada. Our passion has been to continue to focus on both business and social networking for all kiwis that come to these fine Canadian shores.
We foster close ties with New Zealand High Commission along with kiwi businesses, bars, sporting and community organisations that promote NZ in Canada.
Kia Ora Canada Toronto hosts or supports a number of kiwi focused events throughout the year such as; our monthly pub nights, summer picnics, a kiwi christmas party, Waitangi Day, Anzac Day, rugby screenings and other social or business gatherings.
We will get together and arrange group bookings for concerts and sporting events organised through our Facebook group or newsletter. We have also become the de facto home for wandering Pacific Islanders.
Toronto Kiwis gather on the second Wednesday of every month in Hemingway’s Pub in Yorkville. Hemingway’s has become our de facto local watering hole since the glory days of the TRANZAC Club back in the seventies and eighties. Martin McSkimming and Daimin Bodner are our gracious hosts leading a cast of luminaries spinning yarns and telling whoppers at the bar until all hours.
Our Board meets each month and is currently about 10 strong made up of a very diverse group of volunteers that dedicate their time to making sure New Zealanders arriving here are made to feel at home and have a central point to communicate, socialise, and connect with other Kiwis.
We are a registered not for profit with a very limited budget but have achieved many memorable results over the last few years.
In 2019 we did an amazing fundraiser for Christchurch Shooting victims held at our local kiwi restaurant and bar, Hemingways. In attendance was the New Zealand High Commissioner and Australian Consul General bringing unity and support for those down under. We also recently raised funds for the Whakaari/White Island victims at our Christmas Party raffle.