A highlight of the Diversity Forum was an inspiring presentation by sixty young people from across the country who participated in the National Youth Forum on Cultural Diversity. Speaking passionately about their own experiences as young New Zealanders, they called on national decision makers to take action on several priority areas including: 3. ETHKICK13 Committee for hosting football tournaments bringing together ethnic communities in Palmerston North. 1. reducing poverty 4. 2. ensuring better outcomes in health and education New Zealand Catholic Bishops Committee for Interfaith Relations for promoting interfaith relations and fostering collaborations with believers of other world religions in Aotearoa New Zealand. 3. upholding the right to culture 5. 4. eliminating discrimination 5. increasing political awareness amongst young people. New Zealand Federation of Historical Societies for the promotion of the histories of ethnic groups and enabling various communities to share their heritage and history. 6. Refugee Trauma Recovery for providing counselling and advocacy services for refugees who have experienced torture and trauma, as well as creative events for refugee families and the wider community. 7. Te Roopu Awhina O Wairoa Trust for nurturing community teaching of te reo Mäori, tikanga Mäori, hauora, and traditional arts and crafts. Outstanding contributions recognised at Diversity Awards Nine organisations making an outstanding contribution to promoting cultural diversity and harmonious race relations were recognised at the New Zealand Diversity Awards. successfully reached culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Award recipients for 2013 included: 1. Araiteuru Marae for providing support to kaumätua, kuia and whänau and promoting intercultural dialogue and co-operation in Dunedin. 8. The Peace Foundation for promoting peaceful conflict resolution and mediation in schools and families. 2. Community and Public Health (a division of the Canterbury District Health Board) for efforts to ensure earthquake and recovery related information 9. Voice Arts Trust for delivering innovative and creative community development projects through theatre and film. 18