Office of Ethnic Communities Update Flourishing ethnic diversity; thriving New Zealand What's been happeningThe Office of Ethnic Communities is government's authoritative advisor on ethnic diversity in New Zealand. Our Purpose is that Ethnic Communities are strong and the benefits of ethnic diversity for New Zealand are realised. Minister's UpdateNamaste, ni hao, mabuhay, anyoung haseyo, kia ora, malo e lelei, talofa lava, and very warm greetings to everyone. Yesterday was ANZAC Day and I hope you took the opportunity to join our communities to remember and honour our New Zealand officers and soldiers who served our country. Director's UpdateTena koutou katoa April was another busy month at the Office of Ethnic Communities with Easter break now seeming a distant memory. I’d like to take the opportunity once again to thank the dedicated staff of the Office, and all the passionate and committed representatives of diverse ethnic communities that engage with us, to make this work possible. Lest We Forget The Other - Chinese and Indian contributions to ANZACThe New Zealand Indian Central Association and New Zealand Chinese Association recently collaborated on an exhibition in Wellington to honour the service of Indian and Chinese New Zealanders in the First World War. The exhibition was held at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park between 25 November 2017 and 25 March 2018. Suffrage 125 spotlight: Pohswan NarayananPohswan Narayanan is a strong voice for equality and inclusion in Aotearoa, New Zealand. With 15 years’ experience in community development, working primarily with migrants and former refugees, she strives tirelessly to achieve positive change in our communities. One such change was her involvement in founding Upper Hutt Multicultural Council. The Council is a non-profit organisation established in 2006 to promote cultural diversity in the local community, and she is still an active and valued member of the organisation today. Hamilton Multicultural Services TrustOn 12 April, over 150 families and friends attended the Hamilton Multicultural Services (HMS) Trust graduation evening at the WINTEC Atrium, Hamilton. Chinese New Settlers Services Trust begins a new chapterThe Minister for Ethnic Communities, Hon Jenny Salesa, along with other dignitaries opened Kotuku House on the 28 March 2018. Nominations are now open for the Health Volunteer AwardsDo you know an unsung hero in New Zealand’s health and disability system? The Minister of Health is looking for nominations for this year’s Health Volunteer Awards. Census 2018 operations updateA third letter has been sent to approximately 180,000 households last week, with a message to remind people that taking part in the census is compulsory. Census forms are now overdue, but it’s not too late to take part. Would you like to subscribe?Keep up to date with our projects and ethnic diversity issues by subscribing to our contact list. You will receive details about stories, events and community news by email. This includes our monthly newsletter the OEC Update. |