• Data collection was between 28th July and 30th September 2020. The research examined a broad and sensitive topic within a tight timeframe. The timing of the fieldwork coincided with the Covid-19 lockdown. The effects of the lockdown on participation and views are unknown. • Participants in the focus groups reflected on their vast personal experiences and understandings of racism – the findings cannot be generalised but they provide new in-depth insights from a diverse range of participants that broaden the evidence base and can be used to inform future research directions • The research scope focused on understandings and experiences of ethnic (and some religious) groups. Spaces were created in the discussions for intersectionality (e.g. for those who identified as LGBTQIA+, people with a disability, or other marginalised groups) to organically emerge, but the focus of the research questions was on the issue of ethnicity/culture and to some extent, religion. • Common and dominant themes that emerged across different focus groups were supported by verbatim transcript material and quotes from multiple discussions/participants – it was not possible to include all quotes of relevance to the theme. However, interpretations and descriptions of themes attempt to capture the richness of participants’ expression. • Amalgamating Māori, Pākehā and tauiwi migrants’ experiences and understandings of racism provides useful insights but also diminishes the strength, meaning and voice for each group. Each ethnic group shared a wealth of information that requires further investigation. • A total of 12 out of 28 focus groups included more females than males which may provide skewed perspectives. www.malatest-intl.com Drivers of racism – March 2021 41