Race Relations Whakawhanaungatanga ä Iwi Our goal Promote positive race relations in Aotearoa New Zealand for everyone and celebrate cultural diversity Aotearoa New Zealand regularly ranks as one of the most liveable and peaceful countries in the world. New Zealand also has one of the best human rights records in the world. We are a richly diverse multicultural society based on the Mäori-Crown partnership established by the Treaty of Waitangi. Yet, the Christchurch mosque attacks on 15 March 2019 drew attention to Islamophobia, racism, anti-Semitism and right-wing extremism in New Zealand. The attacks highlighted a complacency in New Zealand towards human rights issues and the need for a broader debate about harmful speech. Despite New Zealand’s strong reputation for social justice, inequalities persist, particularly for Mäori, Pacific and other minority ethnic groups. Aotearoa New Zealand has more ethnicities than there are countries in the world, according to the 2013 Census.12 Of the 4.24 million people living in New Zealand, one quarter were born overseas, and the ethnic diversity of our country has increased markedly since the 2006 Census. Census 2013 also revealed considerable changes in the nation’s religious diversity. Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communities have all grown significantly and enriched our religious landscape. These demographic changes present us with new opportunities to adapt, change mindsets, challenge racism, celebrate cultural diversity and promote harmonious relations. The Commission developed New Zealand’s most recent national statement on religious diversity in partnership with Victoria University of Wellington’s Religious Studies Programme. The statement offers a commitment to all New Zealanders of whatever faith or ethnical belief to feel free to practise their beliefs in peace and within the law, and to respect the rights of others to do the same. Response to Christchurch Mosque Attacks The Chief Commissioner and Commission staff were in Christchurch within hours of the attacks to demonstrate solidarity, to listen and 12 2013 Census, Statistics New Zealand: Tatauranga Aotearoa. Accessed at www.stats.govt.nz/Census/2013-census Annual Report 2019 25