8. 9. Social media changed the way we interact with each other, providing exciting new opportunities. It also offers a new platform for racial harassment. During the last decade New Zealanders reflected on our country’s constitution and what we would like it to look like in the future. In 2004, this took the shape of a parliamentary discussion, and by 2013 it was the subject of a national conversation. the sports we play, through to the cultural events celebrated throughout the country. More than ever, these demographic changes present us with new opportunities to adapt, change mind-sets, challenge racism and promote harmonious relations. Figures from the 2013 Census are available at: www.stats.govt.nz/Census/2013-census. Census reveals Aotearoa’s ethnic diversity Conversation on Constitution set to continue Aotearoa New Zealand has more ethnicities than there are countries in the world, according to the 2013 Census1. Of the 4.24 million people living in New Zealand, a quarter were born overseas and the ethnic diversity of our country has increased markedly since the last Census in 2006. Events and discussions took place across the nation as New Zealanders were asked their views on the future of our country’s constitutional arrangements and how it can reflect our values and aspirations. Our five largest ethnic groups are European, Mäori, Chinese, Samoan, and Indian. Some of the biggest increases since 2006 include Chinese – up 16 per cent to 171,000 people, Indian – up 48 per cent to 155,000, and Filipino – more than doubled to 40,000. There is also a continued increase in the number of New Zealanders of Middle Eastern, African and Latin American descent. The Constitutional Review, led by a Constitutional Advisory Panel, provided a chance to look at the sets of rules determining how our country is run and how laws are made. The wide-ranging review also asked about the potential place of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in a constitution and sought views on electoral matters, including Mäori seats in Parliament. Auckland has been confirmed as one of the most diverse cities in the world, with the largest Pacific population and nearly two-thirds of New Zealand’s Asian population living in the region. The Human Rights Commission looked at the human rights aspects of a constitution and consulted with communities. In its submission, the Commission advocated for New Zealanders to have the opportunity for a longer conversation on constitutional matters. It recommended a constitution be developed based on the Treaty and by the Treaty partners while also advising protection for the Treaty in New Zealand law. The Commission also called for the incorporation of all civil and political rights into the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act along with better protection of the economic, social, cultural and property rights of New Zealanders. Our country’s growing ethnic diversity and citizenship is having an increasing affect on the foods we eat and Alongside the official review, other groups came forward to debate aspects of Aotearoa New Zealand’s future Our most youthful populations are Mäori and Pacific peoples, with a median age almost 20 years younger than that of New Zealand Europeans. 8