•
greater recognition of Māori language in the public and commercial spheres, the
growth of Māori Television, and the development of a Pacific languages framework
•
a wider appreciation of and respect for the increasing religious diversity of New
Zealanders.
One thing that didn’t happen in 2011 was the five yearly Census of Population and
Dwellings. It was due to take place in March, but was postponed for two years because of
the effects of the Canterbury earthquakes. The data for school enrolments in 2011,
however, gives an indication of the continuing demographic change in New Zealand.
Notably, in the Northern region (Auckland and Northland) nearly 60 per cent of students are
Māori, Pacific, Asian and other non-European; in the Central North region (South of
Auckland and north of Turangi) nearly 40 per cent of the students are Māori, while in the
Southern region (the South Island) over 75 per cent of the students are European. Overall,
55 per cent of students are European, 23 per cent are Māori, 10 per cent are Pacific, and 9
per cent are Asian. These figures indicate that in the future, no single ethnic group is likely
to constitute a majority of the population.
Racial prejudice, inequalities and exclusion
While progress continues to be made in many areas of race relations, there remain three
major challenges. These are a continuing degree of racial prejudice, significant racial
inequalities, and the exclusion of minorities from full participation in all aspects of society.
Racial prejudice is judging before we know. In that sense it includes; negative attitudes to
the Treaty of Waitangi, to indigenous rights, to Māori, Pacific peoples, Asians, migrants and
refugees. These prejudices are still far too prevalent, and compromise efforts to address
race relations issues. They lead to discrimination, marginalisation, and the perpetuation of
injustices and inequalities, and prevent the social and economic benefits of diversity being
fully realised. Racial prejudice in its many forms continues to frustrate the achievement of
positive race relations in New Zealand.
Racial inequality is when members of some ethnic groups experience social, economic and
political disadvantage compared to others. This is manifestly the case in New Zealand, and
the inequalities are not only significant but also entrenched. Their continuation is
unacceptable, and eliminating racial inequality needs to be a whole-of-government priority,
addressing systemic discrimination, taking all necessary special measures to assist
disadvantaged groups, supporting initiatives by them to assist and strengthen their own
communities, setting targets and reviewing progress. To overcome racial inequality, we also
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