News

Race Relations Day: March 21 2006

The theme for Race Relations Day this year is Aotearoa, New Zealand, Turangawaewae, Our Home.

It will promote discussion and celebration of the fact that New Zealand is home to many different peoples from iwi Maori to the many generations of settlers who have come here from many parts of the world since the signing of the Treaty.  It will affirm the value of all our different languages, beliefs and cultures, and our common belonging to a unique and diverse nation. 

You are invited to join the many organisations that are planning to take part on the day or in the week around it.  There will be public activities like multi-ethnic festivals in many centres, library and museum displays and activities, meetings, seminars, debates, project launches, and workplace events.   Schools throughout the country will be participating.  Think of an activity that will suit your business, your council, your department, your union, your school, your service organisation, your faith community or your members, clients or customers, and acknowledge or strengthen the diversity of your own organisation or your relationship with other communities.

You may wish to become part of an ongoing network of organisations, large and small, that support the strengthening of our cultural diversity, by joining the New Zealand Diversity Action Programme.   Details of current partners and projects and how to participate are at www.hrc.co.nz/diversity.  Race Relations Day programmes qualify as contributing projects.

Further information and resources are available at http://www.hrc.co.nz/ .

31 January 2006