A YEAR IN REVIEW 201 12012

THE OFFICE OF ETHNIC AFFAIRS ACHIEVEMENTS

CONTENTS
A message from our director Welcome Section 1: Improving business and trade opportunities Section 2: Developing networks and encouraging participation Section 3: Improving governments responsiveness to ethnic communities Section 4: Helping Christchurch to move forward Section 5: Maintaining and improving New Zealands reputation for social harmony Section 6: We are leading the way 1 2 3 11 14 18 19 28

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A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR

A year in review celebrates the range of projects, events and community initiatives that the Office of Ethnic Affairs has been involved in during 20112012.
As New Zealands ethnic diversity increases, the Office of Ethnic Affairs plays an important role in working with ethnic people in New Zealand for the benefit of everyone. Almost a quarter of the New Zealand population has been born overseas and more than 200 ethnic groups live here. This diversity helps New Zealand move forward economically, socially and culturally, contributing to the prosperity of all of us. The Office of Ethnic Affairs is helping to lead the way. Our teams strong connections with ethnic people are built on a core understanding of ethnically diverse communities and backed by qualifications, skills and experience. Within the Office, staff speak 16 different languages at an advanced level and come from a variety of ethnicities. Their backgrounds include employment in the Middle East, Europe and Asia, as well as humanitarian work on the frontline in Afghanistan. Their skills stem from experience in non-government organisations, other government agencies, and the business sector. We are in an unrivalled position to lead the conversation, develop connections, and encourage participation within ethnic communities and between them. In 201112 we have done all this and more: We have taken the lead in helping to expand the contributions ethnic business people make to the economy, initiating a new database and developing connections between business sectors. We have provided advice to government on ethnic diversity issues. We have developed and supported the skills, experience and capability of ethnic communities. We have helped celebrate important festivals, which gives New Zealanders a chance to learn about each others cultures.

We are proud of our achievements and hope that by sharing them with you they will provide inspiration and inspire action.

WELCOME

The Office of Ethnic Affairs (OEA) works to promote the benefits of ethnic diversity to increase prosperity for every New Zealander. We aim to provide the highest quality advice regarding ethnic diversity issues.
Our achievements: six key areas
This booklet celebrates our work and achievements in 2011-2012. It also contains links to in-depth information if you would like to find out more. This booklet is divided into these six areas. 1 Improving business and trade opportunities The events, achievements and publications were involved in to support business and trade opportunities within New Zealand and overseas. 2 Developing networks and encouraging participation Our EthnicA conferences and how they help us strengthen connections with and within ethnic communities across New Zealand. 3 Improving governments responsiveness to ethnic communities How we have contributed to government policies, and the achievements of the Language Line telephone interpreting service. 4 Helping Christchurch move forward The ways we are supporting ethnic communities and the rebuilding of Christchurch. 5 Maintaining and improving New Zealands reputation for social harmony The broad range of events, forums and celebrations across our ethnically diverse communities. 6 Leading the way Examples of people and organisations who are leading the way with supporting ethnic diversity within the public service.

We welcome your feedback!

If you have any questions or comments please contact us at the Office of Ethnic Affairs (see the back page for contact details). Together well help New Zealand grow into a stronger, more prosperous society.

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SECTION 1: IMPROVING BUSINESS AND TRADE OPPORTUNITIES

New Zealands ethnic diversity offers huge opportunities to our economy. By 2021 a quarter of the workforce is expected to have been born overseas. This multicultural workforce presents many opportunities but also some challenges.
*Total Ethnic Groups %

European and Other Mori Pacific Peoples Asian Other Ethnicities

6%
6% 14% 77% 2001 1% 7%

9%

1% 10%

16%

14% 75% 2006

17% 69% Projected (2026)

NOTE THAT THE TOTALS ADD TO MORE THAN 100% BECAUSE PEOPLE CAN CHOOSE MORE THAN ONE ETHNICITY.

To unlock the potential New Zealand business operators and entrepreneurs need to: make the most of our migrant communities in the development of commercial activities understand business cultures and systems in other countries (for example, in Asia) understand the markets where opportunities exist be quick and agile in identifying innovative ideas.

The role of the Office of Ethnic Affairs

New Zealands wealth is built on trade and the countrys migrant population provides a rich resource of experience, skills, and overseas connections which adds to the countrys wealth. The Office of Ethnic Affairs is working to unlock this potential to help build economic growth. We provide practical advice and support to ethnic people in the business sector and work with other government agencies to provide equal access to government services. This includes providing strategic advice, training and information workshops, and organising a national business conference.

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SECTION 1: IMPROVING BUSINESS AND TRADE OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUED

A focus on the AsiaPacific region
Our Economic Development strategy in 2011 - 2012 has focused specifically on the AsiaPacific region, and a number of the key programmes target these crucial trading partners. Heres why: The region comprises some of the fastest growing economies in the world. The regions GDP is roughly equivalent to that of the European Union. New Zealanders are becoming increasingly aware of Asia, especially through the governments recent efforts in establishing New Zealand as a strategic trading partner. The Office of Ethnic Affairs is also mindful of emerging economic regions and engage with people with connections to these regions.

The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest growing region in the world.

THE ECONOMIC TIMES (HTTP:// ARTICLES.ECONOMICTIMES. INDIATIMES.COM/2011-08-02/ NEWS/29842820_1_ASIA-PACIFICECONOMIES-ESCAP-HIGH-FOOD)

Key achievements for 20112012

NZ Inc Strategies with key economic partners The Office of Ethnic Affairs is playing a role in the New Zealand Inc Strategies, which aim to strengthen our economic, political and security relationships with other countries. The Office has achieved this through our on-going engagement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) over a number of years to highlight the value of involving ethnic communities in developing trade strategies.

SME (Small and Medium Sized Enterprise) project Ninetyseven per cent of businesses in New Zealand employ fewer than 20 people and many of these small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are run by ethnic people. Their many connections and overseas experience provide a huge amount of potential. Despite this high level of participation, many ethnic business people find it difficult to understand the business culture and regulations within New Zealand. Our SME project has been created to address these issues and involves a number of initiatives.

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The project will help small and medium sized enterprises to: more easily make connections with mainstream businesses gain improved pathways to overseas markets by drawing upon the local and off-shore connections of ethnic SMEs in New Zealand. We are working in strategic partnership with ANZ New Zealand, and with other organisations, including Economic Development Agencies New Zealand.

SME PROJECT

The EPIC (Ethnic People in Commerce) NZ website and database This website (www.epicnz.co.nz) is home to a database designed to connect ethnic businesses in New Zealand with businesses in the wider community in order to improve trade opportunities here and overseas. The site helps match ethnic people, who have contacts and know-how from working abroad, with Kiwi businesses looking to expand their markets. People with global experience who share their knowledge of local customs, language and contacts can offer real value to New Zealandbased businesses looking to trade overseas. In return, ethnic business people can benefit from new connections and opportunities within NewZealand.

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SECTION 1: IMPROVING BUSINESS AND TRADE OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUED

The EPIC (Ethnic People in Commerce) NZ Conference (May 2012) The conferences theme was Building the Capability and Connections of ethnic SMEs in New Zealand. Key speakers included Hon Judith Collins, the Minister for Ethnic Affairs, as well as representatives from the business community. The conference aimed to develop: the capacity of ethnic small and medium sized businesses trade opportunities between Asia and New Zealand connections between ethnic businesses, government and the wider business community.

JOHN LANGLEY AT THE EPIC NZ CONFERENCE 2012

Connecting the Regions visits (2011-2012) These on-going visits are held in regions of New Zealand with strong growth potential and aim to connect business people in Auckland with business interests in regional centres. In 2011-2012 visits were arranged to Nelson and the Bay of Plenty. The Office of Ethnic Affairs played a key role in arranging these events, inviting ethnic business people to connect with markets outside their immediate community.
CONNECTING THE REGIONS

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Knowledge workshops These workshops focus on helping ethnic business people start and run their businesses in New Zealand. They provide advice on setting up a business, trading and exporting information, developing business infrastructure (such as IT systems), and connecting with the wider business community. The Office of Ethnic Affairs launched these workshops in partnership with Inland Revenue, Immigration New Zealand, the Department of Labour and private sector institutions. The workshops are on-going.

KNOWLEDGE WORKSHOPS AFRICAN

KNOWLEDGE WORKSHOPS PAKISTANI

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SECTION 1: IMPROVING BUSINESS AND TRADE OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUED

Enhancing workplace skills
Ethnic diversity is on the rise. By 2021 a quarter of the workforce is expected to have been born overseas. Making the most of the advantages that ethnically diverse staff can offer has been shown to benefit companies financially. Managers and staff often need help in fully realising these advantages and the Office of Ethnic Affairs works to aid workplaces in becoming more responsive to the needs of their diverse workforce, customers and stakeholders. Here are some of the ways we help people to incorporate diversity strategies into what they do.

Riding the Wave booklet and workshops Riding the Wave offers advice about how to manage ethnic diversity in private and public sector workplaces, along with case studies of organisations that are doing it well. The Office of Ethnic Affairs Intercultural Advisory Team designed this booklet and in 2011-2012 launched it in Auckland and Wellington. We also introduced a series of workshops in conjunction with the Human Resources Institute New Zealand (which has 4000+ members). These focused on how to recruit people without ethnic bias influencing the process and were aimed at people whose job includes hiring staff. The workshops reinforced key themes featured in Riding the Wave.

Moving from the Right Thing to do to the Bright Thing to do when maximising the benefits that ethnic diversity brings to our workplace.

Riding the Wave

RIDING THE WAVE LAUNCH

A Foot in the Door guide This guide to bias-free recruitment aims to unlock the potential of ethnic diversity. We developed this resource to encourage employers and recruiting managers to: recognise the value of diversity broaden the pool of job applicants evaluate each candidate on merit recruit the best person for the job.

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Reflections from our multicultural workplace

Reflections

from our multicultural workplace

The Intercultural Awareness and Communication programme

This booklet showcases some of those who have undergone our training for people working in culturally diverse workplaces. It includes examples from the education and health sectors, government agencies and nongovernment organisations.

Intercultural Advisory Team Training for Trainers sessions The Intercultural Advisory Team Training for Trainers is about training key people within an organisation to become subject matter experts in ethnic diversity management. They can then provide on-going training and support to staff in their organisation. The sessions help to develop peoples skills in establishing effective communication and relationships across the many cultures in the workplace. To date the Office of Ethnic Affairs has delivered training to more than 600 participants throughout New Zealand, including 89 trainers. A focus for this programme in 2011-2012 was the rural sector, which is seeing an increasing number of migrants employed to fill skill shortages. To encourage good diversity management we have begun working with Agribusiness Training (a rural sector private training establishment), which is now seeing many of its students come from overseas.

The Office of Ethnic Affairs Intercultural Advisory Team has run sessions with employers, managers and business leaders from the public and private sector in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to further promote the benefits of diversity in their workplaces. Our programmes are free and are based on the latest international research and best practice.

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SECTION 1: IMPROVING BUSINESS AND TRADE OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUED

Contributions of migrant women
A third of the worlds entrepreneurial activity is now driven by women and the role of female entrepreneurs in immigrant communities has become an increasingly important component of the world economy and its productivity.
Dr Judy McGregor, Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner

The Migrant Women and Entrepreneurship Project seeks to build engagement among and between migrant women and the wider community that will encourage a supportive business environment. The project is jointly led by the Office of Ethnic Affairs and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment as part of a wider collaboration with migrant and host communities.

Trailblazers Together with the Department of Labour, we developed a publication called Trailblazers, which showcases the contribution migrant women make to New Zealands economy. Trailblazers is a collection of inspiring stories highlighting the contribution of seven first generation migrant women entrepreneurs. The stories range from a 3D animator from Argentina to a driving instructor from Burundi. They each faced challenges settling and thriving in New Zealand and openly share their experiences.

Trailblazers
Inspirational journeys of migrant women entrepreneurs in New Zealand

For more information

To find out more or get a copy of any of our publications see: Our website www.ethnicaffairs.govt.nz Our publications on Scribd http://www.scribd.com/ethnicanz Our YouTube channel http://youtube.com/user/ethnicaffairs Email us Ethnic.Affairs@dia.govt.nz

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SECTION 2: DEVELOPING NETWORKS AND ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION

The Office of Ethnic Affairs believes a stronger and more connected ethnic sector benefits everyone in New Zealand by helping to expand the economy and contribute to a peaceful, thriving society. The EthnicA conferences are our flagship events and one of the key ways we develop connections and encourage participation at all levels of New Zealand business, government, and society.
EthnicA conferences
Enjoyed and loved the programme, learnt lots of new things and formed good networks with others.

EthnicA conferences bring together high calibre presentations, debates and workshops on ethnic diversity issues. The aims of EthnicA: Strengthen connections within ethnic communities and with mainstream New Zealand. Foster bold debate and provide a platform for practical learning. Inspire new ways of thinking and acting. Enable Ministers and a range of government officials to engage with communities. We ran six EthnicA conferences in 2011 and 2012

Auckland 2011 The conference key note speaker was Farah Pandith, the US Special Representative to Muslim Communities. In her speech she addressed key international trends, including the peoples protests in the Middle East. She also discussed the struggle of Muslim youth in figuring out their identity how to be modern and Muslim.

MERVIN SINGHAM AND FARAH PANDITH AT THE ETHNICA CONFERENCE

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SECTION 2: DEVELOPING NETWORKS AND ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION

CONTINUED
Wellington 2011 The conference keynote speaker was Pino Migliorino, the Chair of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Council, Australia. He spoke about raising the profile of ethnic communities and reflected on what makes race relations in New Zealand more harmonious than in Australia.
PINO MIGLIORINO AT THE ETHNICA CONFERENCE

Auckland and Hamilton 2012 An inspiring and exciting exchange of ideas emerged at the first two EthnicA conferences for 2012 in Auckland and Hamilton, attended by around 400 people in late March/early April. The keynote speaker for both forums was Sir Ray Avery, scientist, businessman and philanthropist. Sir Ray was named the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year in 2010 and awarded the Blake Leadership Medal. He is recognised for his philanthropy and work in developing countries.

SIR RAY AVERY AT THE ETHNICA CONFERENCE

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Christchurch 2012 The EthnicA conference in Christchurch in April focused on the citys regeneration and the cultural impacts of planning, architecture and urban design. Richard Brecknock, a visiting urban planning expert from Australia, posed the question What is a city, but its people? A second international speaker at the conference was Peter Holbrook, the CEO of Social Enterprise UK. He spoke about the potential of social enterprise that is, organisations that use a business model to generate profit that is used for a social purpose.

PETER HOLBROOK AT THE ETHNICA CONFERENCE

Wellington 2012 The British High Commissioner to New Zealand, Vicki Treadell, was the keynote speaker at our EthnicA Conference in Wellington in May. Mrs Treadell is the first woman of Asian descent to become a British High Commissioner. The session, called Valuing connections in a global village focused on the potential of connecting people with international experience to establish economic, social and cultural ties.

VICKI TREADELL, BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER AT THE ETHNICA CONFERENCE

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SECTION 3: IMPROVING GOVERNMENTS RESPONSIVENESS TO ETHNIC COMMUNITIES

A responsive government recognises the skills and capabilities of ethnic people and gives consideration of how to tap into that potential for the benefit of everyone. A responsive government is also vital for ensuring a level playing field for everyone, to avoid social and economic disadvantage that can bring disharmony. It is also important that ethnic communities understand how to fully participate in New Zealand to maximise engagement, participation and contribution.

Celebrating leaders in ethnic diversity within the public service

New Zealand Police awarded for work in ethnic diversity In 2011 we launched the Excellence in Ethnic Diversity award, which is a part of the IPANZ Gen-I Public Sector Excellence Awards. It aims to recognise public sector agencies that are delivering high quality services and support to New Zealands ethnically diverse population. In 2011 it was awarded to the New Zealand Police, for its ethnic strategy that focused on building relationships with ethnic communities, reducing crime, improving services and making New Zealand communities safer. The 2012 award also went to the New Zealand Police for its Cultural Response Team (CRT) set up to support ethnically diverse people in the aftermath of the February earthquake in Christchurch. The Office of Ethnic Affairs Director, Mervin Singham, says Police are showing the way when it comes to addressing ethnic diversity in the public sector.

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Excellence in Ethnic Diversity Award

The Office sponsors this award to recognise public sector organisations which are responding well to ethnic diversity and we believe it encourages better responsiveness towards the needs of ethnic communities.

ETHNIC DIVERSITY AWARDED TO NEW ZEALAND POLICE

Language Line

More than 80 agencies in New Zealand now use the Language Line telephone interpreting service, which the Office of Ethnic Affairs manages. The service aims to ensure that ethnic communities have equal access to help and information provided by government. People who speak little or no English and who want information or help from a participating agency can ask for Language Line when they first approach the organisation. An interpreting session can then be set up in the language of their choice.

A TELEPHONE INTERPRETING SESSION IN ACTION

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SECTION 3: IMPROVING GOVERNMENTS RESPONSIVENESS TO ETHNIC COMMUNITIES CONTINUED

Our achievements over the past two years We passed the milestone of a quarter of a million interpreting sessions. We added Bulgarian and Filipino to our languages, so that we now offer 43 languages. We responded quickly to extend special help for those affected by the Canterbury earthquakes. The New Zealand Red Cross has joined Language Line Ambulance services throughout New Zealand now have access to our service. Tertiary students can now use Language Line. We campaigned to improve standards of interpreting.

We had a 16.4% increase in call volumes for the same 12-week period last year, despite the recession. Over 80 agencies in New Zealand use Language Line.

Providing policy advice to government

We have been involved in some important government initiatives over the past two years, providing advice, support and representation to ethnic communities. Ethnic Advisory Peoples Panel for Auckland Council In May 2011 Auckland Councils Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel (EPAP) began meeting. The Panel is the first of its kind in New Zealand and allows ethnic community voices to be heard directly and at the highest levels of Council. The Office of Ethnic Affairs played a key role in advising the Government of the need for the Panel in the new Council.

Constitutional Review workshops The Office of Ethnic Affairs held two workshops outlining details of the Constitutional Review. The workshops aimed to ensure ethnic communities were well informed about the review and how to make a submission.

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Enquiries to the Advisory team

The number of enquiries received by the Advisory team at the Office of Ethnic Affairs continues to increase. These enquiries have been managed with reduced resources.

Number of enquiries
16000 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 2010/2011 2011/2012

Number of enquiries

In 2011/12, 96 per cent of respondents rated the quality of the Advisory Service as satisfactory or better; with 79 per cent rating quality as good or very good. This is similar to findings in previous years, but this years survey shows an improvement in the percentage of those who rated the Advisory Service as very good with 54 per cent giving this rating in 2012, compared to 41 per cent in 2011.

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SECTION 4: HELPING CHRISTCHURCH TO MOVE FORWARD

The earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 have placed a lot of pressure on people living in and around Christchurch, and the Office of Ethnic Affairs has provided support and advice to help ethnic people and businesses in the recovery process.
Ethnic representation on community forum Office of Ethnic Affairs Christchurch staff played a significant role in getting two ethnic community representatives on the community forum, which has been set up to provide direct advice to the Earthquake Recovery Minister, Gerry Brownlee. The Christchurch team has helped to build a strong connection between the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) and ethnic community leaders. The team also forged strong relationships between ethnic communities and the Christchurch City Council, and secured funding of $120,000 from the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust to support the recovery of ethnic businesses in Christchurch.

CHRISTCHURCH OFFICE STAFF

Ethnic leaders forum A series of forums were held for people who are prominent in the ethnic communities, faith groups and agencies in Christchurch. The forums are facilitated by Office of Ethnic Affairs and aim to: build connections discuss common goals find ways to present a collective voice expressing the needs and aspirations of ethnic communities post-earthquake.

JAPANESE CHOIR

New location for the Office of Ethnic Affairs team The Office of Ethnic Affairs in Christchurch experienced first-hand the devastating impact of the earthquakes. As well as supporting Canterburys ethnic communities and emergency services, they had to abandon their Hereford Street base and are now set up in a new office at 100 Orchard Road, near the airport.

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SECTION 5: MAINTAINING AND IMPROVING NEW ZEALANDS REPUTATION FOR SOCIAL HARMONY
New Zealands diverse communities have different skills, experiences, knowledge and cultures. When we connect and work together using our different attributes, we can achieve a lot together. We need people from diverse backgrounds to be familiar with each other, to respect each others strengths, and to share some common values and understanding. How can this be achieved? A significant part of our role is building connections and creating platforms for ethnic communities to establish relationships with the wider community, to share views and perspectives, and celebrate different cultures. The last year has seen a lot of different activities that weve been involved in here and overseas. This has ranged from participation in large scale international forums through to programmes aimed at helping guide the careers and futures of our young people.

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CONTINUED
Promoting interfaith dialogue
New Zealand delegations attended two important events aimed at building interfaith dialogue.

4th Alliance of Civilisations forum in Doha, Qatar The Office of Ethnic Affairs Director, Mervin Singham, was part of the New Zealand delegation to the 4th forum, which was attended by more than 2000 participants and had the theme Connecting across cultures and religions. The Alliance of Civilisations is a United Nations initiative aimed at galvanising international action against extremism through forging international, inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue and co-operation. Participants came from a range of backgrounds, including government, civil society, international organisations, business and academia. The Office of Ethnic Affairs is the focal point in New Zealand for the Alliance of Civilisations initiative. Visit: http://youtu.be/bBzyGLMFu3w [Video link to OEA director]
Both conferences provide fertile ground for harnessing new ideas and opportunities for strengthening dialogue in New Zealand. They also represent platforms for showcasing New Zealands outstanding record of social harmony to the rest of the world.
Mervin Singham Director Office of Ethnic Affairs
OFFICIALS AT THE 4TH ALLIANCE OF CIVILISATIONS FORUM IN DOHA

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6th AsiaPacific Regional Interfaith Dialogue in Semarang, Indonesia New Zealand was among 14 countries to attend the 2012 forum, which had the theme Strengthening collaborative communities to promote regional peace and security: interfaith in action. Melissa Lee MP, the Parliamentary Private Secretary for Ethnic Affairs, led a New Zealand delegation of nine community and faith leaders, and officials from the Office of Ethnic Affairs, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The delegation contributed to a Plan of Action, which aims to promote greater awareness and understanding of faiths in the region. Social enterprise is becoming an increasingly important concept for notfor-profit organisations searching for ways to become more sustainable within the tight economic climate. The Office of Ethnic Affairs has launched a project aimed at fostering a network of ethnic organisations and mainstream experts that promote social enterprise. This programme of work will be developed over the coming year.

INTERFAITH DIALOGUE

Social enterprise within the ethnic sector

Building bridges with the Muslim community

The Office has supported the Muslim community with several events as part of the Building Bridges project, run in partnership with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand and others in the Muslim community. The project is focused on building bridges from the Muslim community to the wider community, and to promote respect, understanding and inclusion of Muslims in all aspects of New Zealand life. A range of events and workshops have been supported since the project started in 2005. Stakeholder forums Eighty Auckland people attended this forum, which provided an opportunity for members of the Muslim community to talk to a range of officials including Customs, Immigration and Police. Christchurch A similar meeting took place in Christchurch between the Building Bridges group formed in 2010 and local police and immigration officials.

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CONTINUED
The Muslim Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) The Office of Ethnic Affairs provided guidance and support to the Muslim Youth Advisory Council (MYAC), a new group set up to to offer advice to government about Muslim youth issues. MYAC aims to give young Muslims in New Zealand a voice of influence that draws on their identities as Muslims and New Zealanders.

Building connections and skills

We have been involved in a range of events that promote connections within and across community groups, raise awareness about issues, and help people in ethnic communities to develop their skills.

Korean non-government organisations working together, Auckland December 2011 The Office of Ethnic Affairs hosted an information fair for Korean nongovernment organisations (NGOs) which was attended by 60 community leaders representing 28 NGOs. For many of the participants it was the first time they had joined with other, similar organisations to share information, build alliances, and discuss issues facing Korean community groups.

Promoting Health and Wellbeing forum, Auckland June 2011 The forum was jointly hosted by the Office of Ethnic Affairs, the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, and the Saewoomtor Korean Mental Health Advisory Group. Nearly 50 people were part of the event, which was based on a similar Health and Wellbeing forum held in 2010. The forum helped develop peoples understanding of the information and support available to them, and how to maintain positive mental wellbeing.

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Korean Youth Career forum, Auckland April 2012 The forum was aimed at 15-19 year olds, and was developed and run by the Office of Ethnic Affairs to help young Koreans make career decisions. Around 40 young Koreans from high schools around the Auckland region attended the event. Topics ranged from preparing a CV and planning their future, through to managing relationships and bullying at school.

Race Unity Conference, Auckland March 2012 The Office facilitated two intercultural dialogue sessions for 50 young people at the Auckland Race Unity Conference. These sessions provided young New Zealanders the opportunity to talk about challenges, opportunities and practical solutions for managing ethnic diversity in schools. The Conference is an annual event organised by the New Zealand Bah Community with support from the New Zealand Police, the Human Rights Commission and the Office of Ethnic Affairs. Our staff participated as judges in both the regional heats and finals of the Race Unity speech competition.

African forum in July 2012 The African forum focused on raising the profile of the African community, and its contribution to New Zealand society and social harmony. The event was organised by a panel of African community leaders, supported by the Office of Ethnic Affairs. Topics for discussion centred on the identity of the African communities in New Zealand and the issues and opportunities they face.
DR MUHAMMED MUSA,CANTERBURRY UNIVERSITY SPEAKING AT THE NATIONAL AFRICAN FORUM ON 21 JULY, 2012

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Celebrations to support ethnic diversity
We are involved in organising public celebrations to support ethnic diversity. These play an important role in making New Zealand a more tolerant and resilient society by providing an opportunity for people to learn about the different cultures and communities around us. The Office of Ethnic Affairs helps to organise three major cultural celebrations at Parliament each year. The events are hosted by the Minister for Ethnic Affairs and reflect the value the Government puts on New Zealands ethnic and religious diversity.

ATTENDEES OF THE AFRICAN FORUM

FEZEELA RAZA AND BRIAN MANTHENGA, SHORTLAND STREET ACTOR

Parliamentary events
Our diversity is part of our national identity and this we acknowledge and celebrate.
Hon Judith Collins, Minister for Ethnic Affairs

Chinese New Year Chinese New Year is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays, and 2012 celebrated the mightiest of the Chinese zodiac signs the Dragon. Festivals welcoming the year were held throughout New Zealand. The Ethnic Affairs Minister, Hon Judith Collins hosted a gathering of 250 people at Parliament, including the Prime Minister, Rt Hon John Key, business leaders, dignitaries and members of the Chinese community.

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CHINESE NEW YEAR 2012

Eid ul-Fitr at Parliament The festival of Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. The month of Ramadan is a period of contemplation, reflection and celebration. Muslims in New Zealand and around the world fast and pray to gain spiritual harmony and to give thanks for the health and happiness of friends and family. Each year members of New Zealands Muslim community gather at Parliament to celebrate Eid.

EID AT PARLIAMENT

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Diwali spirit lights up Parliament Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is Indias biggest and most significant celebration and enjoyed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. It is celebrated around the world and has become a well-established part of New Zealands cultural calendar. In 2011 around 300 people attended the celebration of Diwali at Parliament.

DIWALI CELEBRATION

Community celebrations

Death and Diversity exhibition About 44,000 people attended the Death and Diversity exhibition at the Museum of Wellington City and Sea. The exhibition explores the diverse rituals surrounding death through the experiences of members of Wellingtons Assyrian, Chinese, Colombian, Hindu, Jewish, Mexican and Muslim communities. It was supported by the Office of Ethnic Affairs, and included a public programme of talks on a range of topics examining ethnic, interfaith and youth perspectives on grief, the afterlife and remembrance.

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Kiwi Day Out festival

They have the power to mould New Zealands future as a dynamic country that taps into the benefits of diversity. I think young people have more power than they realise. Our future is in their hands.
Lucy Liang, Office of Ethnic Affairs National Operations Manager

The Kiwi Day Out festival attracted tens of thousands of people to Auckland Domain on Labour Day in 2011. It gave people a chance to wind down from the Rugby World Cup tournament and learn about the cultural identities of the 20 participating countries, including Namibia, Georgia, Romania, Argentina, France and South Africa. The Office sponsored the international village, with each nation hosting a tent displaying the arts, crafts, costumes and performances of its country. It was a great chance for people to learn about the Offices role and share the benefits of ethnic diversity in their community.

Race Relations Day: A Fair Go for All People around New Zealand celebrated the 2012 Race Relations Day in March with a variety of activities. In Wellington, the government event was organised by the Office of Ethnic Affairs. As well as hearing from the Ethnic Affairs Minister, Hon Judith Collins and the Parliamentary Private Secretary for Ethnic Affairs, Melissa Lee, the audience enjoyed the inspirational speeches of two local schoolgirls, Rima Shenoy and Nera Tamara Tautau, who were the winners of the Wellington Regional heat of the Race Unity Speech Awards. Rima went on to win the national Race Unity Speech award.

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SECTION 6: WE ARE LEADING THE WAY

The Office of Ethnic Affairs aims to be a centre of excellence regarding ethnic diversity issues. We pride ourselves in taking the lead in our actions, the support we provide to projects and the advice we give.

Ethnic Affairs Advisor selected as emerging leader

One of the key messages was that diversity in leadership is vital and women need to have the courage to engage with issues.
Asma Bashir, Office of Ethnic Affairs Senior Ethnic Advisor

Asma Bashir, one of the Offices Senior Ethnic Advisors, was selected as an emerging female leader in the public service by a US project designed to encourage gender balance in the public service worldwide by 2050. According to the Office of Ethnic Affairs Director Mervin Singham, Asmas nomination reflects the astute and insightful role she has developed within the Muslim community in New Zealand. The Woman in Public Service project, launched by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, also aims to support emerging female leaders with training, mentoring and networking opportunities. As part of the project, Asma flew to Washington DC in December 2011 to attend a conference and came home inspired by the stories of courage from other women.
ASMA BASHIR

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The Office of Ethnic Affairs receives Korean Ambassadors Award, April 2012 The Office of Ethnic Affairs is proud to be the first recipient of the Korean Ambassadors Award. The award was created by the Korean Government to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand the Republic of Korea.
IAIN SANDS

It recognises outstanding contributions for the welfare and smooth integration of the Korean community to New Zealand. His Excellency, Yongkyu Park, awarded the honour to Iain Sands, Ethnic Affairs Advisor at Korean Day celebrations in Auckland.

ETHNIC AFFAIRS STAFF IN ACTION

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SECTION 6: WE ARE LEADING THE WAY CONTINUED

Our online presence
The Office has been developing its online presence, making it easier to share information and knowledge, and build connections. Facebook The Office of Ethnic Affairs is on Facebook. See our EthnicA page for the latest news, photos and links to videos and information. Twitter Twitter is another way people can keep up to speed with news and events. Follow us on Twitter @EthnicA2 Scribd We also post to Scribd, http://www.scribd.com/ethnicanz YouTube We have our own YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/user/ethnicaffairs This is a great way to share the views of people in our community and the events with which we are involved. See inspirational stories from some of our speakers from the 2012 EthnicA conference. Website Our website includes lots of content and resources, including: Weaving New Zealands future, which explains the work of the Office of Ethnic Affairs and ethnic diversity in New Zealand. Riding the Wave, a manual for employers and managers to help them take advantage of the benefits of an ethnically diverse workplace. Our redesigned website is expected to go live towards the end of 2012.

Moving from the Right Thing to do to the Bright Thing to do when maximising the benefits that ethnic diversity brings to our workplace.

Riding the Wave

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