Ki te whaiao, ki te ao Mārama Foreword Aotearoa New Zealand has a long history of racism and a national conversation on working towards its elimination is long overdue. Te Kāhui Tika Tangata, the Human Rights Commission (the Commission) welcomes the Government’s commitment to creating a National Action Plan Against Racism (the Plan). To support this work, the Commission was asked to undertake some preliminary engagement with Tangata Whenua and civil society. The purpose of this engagement was to capture their experiences of racism and their thoughts about what should be in the Plan. This report sets out what we heard and our response to it. We all have the right to be treated fairly, with respect, and to be free from racial discrimination. Non-discrimination and equality are fundamental principles of international human rights law. The New Zealand Government ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) in 1972 – committing to eliminating racial discrimination and promoting understanding between all races. Yet 50 years after ratifying ICERD, many people in Aotearoa still experience racial discrimination. Tangata Whenua, and other members of civil society, told us racism negatively affected them as individuals and within their whānau and communities. Some Tangata Tiriti also experience high levels of racism. This is inextricably linked with the racism that is experienced by Tangata Whenua. Racism must be eliminated, so Aotearoa can be a modern democracy that honours both partners of te Tiriti and so all communities can flourish without fear of discrimination. The Plan is needed. Racism continues to occur at interpersonal, institutional and internalised levels for many people. This was reflected through the experiences people shared with us throughout our engagements. We appreciate and acknowledge the many people who shared their stories and hope their voices are accurately reflected in this report. Alongside their experiences of racism, people also shared their ideas and aspirations for a future free of racism. An Aotearoa that gives effect to the inclusive promise of te Tiriti to uphold the tino rangatiratanga of Tangata Whenua, and to provide a place to stand for all Tangata Tiriti. This was reflected in te Tiriti and human rights-based approach we undertook for this report. An expert National Anti-Racism Taskforce (2021-2022) was appointed with a Tangata Whenua Caucus and a Tangata Tiriti Caucus. We acknowledge the Taskforce’s contributions, insights and expertise from their professional and lived experiences. Since Te Tiriti o Waitangi (te Tiriti) was signed in 1840 between Rangatira (Māori chiefs) and the British Crown, Māori have been subjected to overwhelming racism backed by the full force of the law and Government. This continues today with many Tangata Whenua saying they can feel unsafe in almost every environment. Te Kāhui Tika Tangata 6