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. Director's UpdateKia ora tātou It’s been another action-packed month for our people serving New Zealand’s diverse ethnic communities. What will our communities look like in years to come? While we know that over the next 20 years, New Zealand’s total population is expected to increase, so too will the diversity of our total population, with all ethnic groups predicated to grow. New Zealand currently has around 213 different ethnic groupings speaking more than 180 different languages. Minister stresses importance of ethnic people having say in future of New Zealand educationA meeting about the involvement of ethnic communities in the future of New Zealand’s education system has been hailed as a success by the Office of Ethnic Communities. Ethnic population projections highlight need for leadership diversityOver the next twenty years, not only will New Zealand’s total population increase, but its diversity will too. All ethnic groups are predicted to grow, meaning it’s more important than ever to ensure proper representation in leadership positions and decision-making processes. Education Consultation in WellingtonThe Office of Ethnic Communities has continued supporting Ministry of Education (MoE) in hosting Education Consultation meetings for ethnic communities. The Wellington meeting, held on 18 October at the Ministry of Education’s National Office, attracted over 100 participants from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. 69th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of ChinaOn 30 September, the Auckland Chinese Community Centre (ACCC) held an event in Mangere to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Mehregan celebrated in ChristchurchThe Christchurch Iranian Society held an event at the University of Canterbury on Sunday 14 October to celebrate Mehregan. Mehregan is an ancient Persian festival celebrated to honour the god of light, Mithra or Mehr, which is responsible for friendship, affection and love. It is also known as the Persian Festival of Autumn and is one of the most important Persian celebrations. Wellington Phoenix Football Diversity and Inclusion ProgrammeThe Wellington Phoenix launched its 2018/19 Football Diversity and Inclusion Programme (FDIP) at Wellington’s Civic Square on 15 October. Now in its second year, the FDIP is focused on promoting wellbeing outcomes for young people and their families. Kings Plant Barn - helping the Chinese community grow their gardensKings Plant Barn , Auckland’s largest garden centre chain, is helping the Chinese community grow their gardens by working to combat language barriers and increase New Zealand plant knowledge in the Chinese community. Creative upcyclingThe Chinese Conservation Education Trust (the Trust) recently held a creative upcycling workshop at Te Tuhi Centre for the Arts in Auckland. The upcycling workshop taught 24 participants from the Chinese community how to use old or broken umbrellas and t-shirts to create reusable shopping bags and hangers. Learning about conservationTo celebrate Conservation Week, the Chinese Conservation Education Trust worked with the Department of Conservation to develop a programme on conservation in New Zealand for members of the Chinese community. 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. |