Racial harassment at work is sometimes not recognised as such by work
colleagues, and while being treated differently from other customers is
keenly felt by the recipient, is not as easily conveyed as discrimination.
Resolution of these complaints is more likely to be through discussion
with the mediator on how to self-advocate and manage the situation, or
the mediator informing the respondent of the issues and the matter being
resolved by that action.
Resolution of disability complaints in employment focus on accommodating
disability at work after an illness or accident or, prominently, after
disclosure of a mental health condition. Sex and sexual harassment in
employment continue to be represented in a large number of complaints.
During 2014/15 the Commission responded to 237 requests for education,
policy, advocacy and development interventions. Activity included
workshops on a range of subjects to schools/universities, government,
civil society, communities and agencies. The workshops involved providing
these groups with information, contributing on expert panels, facilitating
resolution on broader human rights matters, and providing policy advice.
Thirty individuals were followed up at least three months after the
‘intervention’ for feedback. Of this group, 93 per cent of respondents
said that the Commission met or exceeded their expectations.
The Taku Manawa human rights community development programme
was wound up with the final group of disabled people launching a DVD
on disability identity. This three and a half year programme developed
individual, agency, and community capability to identify those human
rights issues that had an impact on them and to develop strategies to
address them.
The theme of the 10th New Zealand Diversity Forum, held this year in
Christchurch, was ‘Migrant and Refugee Employment: Valuing Diversity’.
The Forum presented an opportunity for the 370 participants, including
migrant and refugee groups, employers, employees, local and central
government, business, agencies, and local iwi to discuss local and national
issues around migrant workers. Forum partners were New Zealand Police,
National Commission for UNESCO, Christchurch City Council, Ministry of
Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Bank of New Zealand, and
AIA Insurance. Special guest was Priscilla Brice, founder of All Together
Now, who presented on bystander racism in Australia and introduced an
‘Everyday Anti Racism’ app. His Excellency, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry
Mateparae, GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand, and Race
Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy presented Diversity Awards
to 12 organisations selected from over 250 that participate in the New
Zealand Diversity Action Programme.
As a result of the forum, human rights issues for migrant workers were
profiled with government, business and civil society and through media
coverage. Business leaders met with migrant focused organisations to
discuss the models and strategies they have put in place to ensure migrant
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Human Rights Commission