Race Relations in 2013 identifies several important areas for action. We must work together to ensure new migrants are welcomed and well supported. This is a priority, as is making sure newcomers have access to meaningful employment and workplaces where they are treated with dignity and respect. It is important that all New Zealanders are able to participate in informed and stimulating discussions about the future shape of our constitutional arrangements. These discussions should aim to pave the way toward firmly consolidating Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the founding document of our nation and putting human rights at the heart of our country’s laws and values. Listening to people’s experiences of race relations, I too am often reminded of those frequently unrecognised instances of everyday racial harassment − the jokes, statements and casual comments made by individuals who fail to understand the profound offence and hurt they are causing. If Aotearoa New Zealand is to remain a world leader in race relations, we must continue to challenge negative attitudes, build understanding and foster inclusion. “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” Nelson Mandela Figures from this year’s Census show Aotearoa New Zealand is more ethnically diverse than ever. In order to grasp the new opportunities this diversity provides, we must all take action, tangible steps, to realise human rights, eliminate discrimination and affirm a sense of belonging or türangawaewae for all New Zealanders. Over the coming year, these priorities will inform New Zealand’s second National Plan of Action for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. Dame Susan Devoy Race Relations Commissioner Kaihautü Whakawhanaunga-ä-iwi Nelson Mandela © APN/Y Martin