Ethnic diversity inspires hundreds of exciting events In 2013, positive race relations were promoted by dedicated individuals and groups taking action to foster harmony and celebrate different cultures. Thanks to their energy and commitment, Aotearoa New Zealand’s vibrant diversity was reflected in many community events and activities throughout the country. Participation in the New Zealand Diversity Action Programme continued to flourish. Two hundred and fifty two local, regional and national organisations delivered over 740 diversity projects including cultural performances and festivals, educational workshops, family days, sports and outdoor education programmes, interfaith dialogues and migrant support programmes. Organisations participating in the programme included Mäori and Pacific groups; as well as other ethnic and multi-ethnic community groups; faith groups, schools, local and central government; libraries and museums; businesses and refugee and migrant support organisations. Key dates such as Waitangi Day, Chinese New Year, Race Relations Day, Matariki and Diwali continued to be important platforms for promoting community cohesion. Manawatü Multicultural Council and Nelson Multicultural Council both celebrated 20 years of supporting local communities. Across the country, affiliates of the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils held lively and popular events including regional festivals and celebrations in Southland, Timaru, Dunedin, Christchurch, Marlborough, Tauranga, Auckland and Whängärei. The Office of Ethnic Affairs organised EthnicA conferences in Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington, enabling groups to engage in cuttingedge debate on leadership and cultural diversity. A conference on racism was hosted by the Auckland Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel with around 200 people meeting to discuss how racism impacts on Auckland’s ability to be a diverse and inclusive city. Tüi Tüi Tuituiä | Race Relations in 2013 Outward Bound Trust marked its 10th year of running the Southern Cross: Connecting Kiwi Cultures programme. Edwina Pio from Auckland University of Technology’s Business and Law School became Aotearoa New Zealand’s first Professor of Diversity, due to her research into ethnic and religious diversity in the workplace. Detailed information on the organisations that participated in Te Ngira, the New Zealand Diversity Action Programme, and the activities held in 2013, is available at: www.hrc.co.nz/racerelations/nzdiversity. Young people take the lead at Diversity Forum Each year, the New Zealand Diversity Forum provides a valuable opportunity for organisations to meet together to share ideas and good practice in the areas of race relations, human rights and cultural diversity. The 2013 Forum, held in Wellington, covered topics such as religion and the media, inequalities in health and criminal justice, diversity in government, leisure and sport, addressing family violence, supporting newcomers, and rangatiratanga and human rights. Principal partners in the forum were the Commission, the NZ Police, the NZ National Commission for UNESCO, and the MSD Settling In Programme. For the first time, Islam Awareness Week was launched in conjunction with the Diversity Forum. The launch, attended by the Mayor of Wellington, MPs, ambassadors and guests, marked the start of a week of activities organised by the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) to increase awareness of Islamic beliefs, values and practices. Harmony Awards, which recognise efforts to build strong relations between Muslims and nonMuslims, were given to several recipients including Joris de Bres, former Race Relations Commissioner and Keith Locke, former Member of Parliament. 17