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 UpdateIt has been a busy and successful few weeks in the Ethnic Communities portfolio. Firstly, EPIC on 30 June was a fantastic event with more than 300 attendees from business and ethnic communities. I attended the MOKAA exhibition on 1 July to celebrate 125 years of Indian settlement in New Zealand. Finally, Eid was celebrated at Parliament on 5 July and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to support social cohesion and acknowledge the Muslim community’s contribution to New Zealand. Acting Director's updateTēnā koutou This year, the Office of Ethnic Communities ran our 6th Ethnic People in Commerce (EPIC) conference in Auckland. Over 300 attendees had an opportunity to connect with 13 government agencies and network with speakers and other attendees. A range of diverse speakers, from established businesses to start-ups, discussed their experiences in embracing technology, innovation and diversity. There were a lot of stimulating conversations on and off the stage, and I would like to thank everybody who attended and provided feedback. The Office will now consider all the feedback received, and take a partnership approach to establish the way forward for EPIC. Ethnic Communities Development FundThe Ethnic Communities Development Fund - funding request dates for 2017 have been set. The fund will be open for requests on Wednesday 16 August 2017 and close at midnight on Wednesday 27 September 2017. There will be one funding round a year. Ethnic People in Commerce (EPIC) 2017 ConferenceThe Office of Ethnic Communities hosted its EPIC 2017 conference on 30 June at Sky City Convention Centre in Auckland. How many different ethnic groups call New Zealand home?Prior to the EPIC Conference, the Office of Ethnic Communities held an online quiz about ethnic diversity in New Zealand. Over 1,200 people participated. Making Tax Simpler: Tell the Government what you thinkThe Government wants to know what you think about plans to simplify income tax for people who earn income only from a salary, wages, interest or dividends. Give Nothing to RacismGive Nothing to Racism is an anti-racism campaign launched by the Human Rights Commission, and led by the Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy. The campaign urges New Zealanders to give nothing to racism and refuse to spread intolerance. Since its release in June 2017, it has been viewed more than 3 million times. Welcoming Communities for MigrantsWelcoming Communities is a two year pilot programme established by Immigration New Zealand in partnership with the Department of Internal Affairs, Office of Ethnic Communities and the Human Rights Commission. The initiative brings together local government and community leadership to make the places we live more welcoming for everyone. Excellent training opportunity - WellingtonSustainability Funding – 16 AugustDoes your organisation live hand to mouth? Are you constantly scrambling from one funding round to the next?
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