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 updateKia ora, malo e lelei, talofa lava, namaste, ni hao, mabuhay, anyoung haseyo and very warm greetings! It is my honour to be able to provide you with my first message since becoming your Minister for Ethnic Communities – a portfolio I am immensely humbled to have been given by our Prime Minister Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, and one which I am excited about. Director's updateKia ora tātou The Office of Ethnic Communities warmly welcomes our Minister, the Hon Jenny Salesa, and Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister of Ethnic Communities, Michael Wood MP. We will be supporting the Minister and Under-Secretary to deliver the Government’s priorities to ensure that ethnic diversity is a source of strength for New Zealand, and brings new insights, skills and opportunities to everyone in our society. Defining moments: Women in leadershipThe Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand (IWCNZ) is a group that was formed in 1991 to cater specifically for the needs of Muslim women around New Zealand. Maysoon Salama, National Coordinator, and Anjum Rahman and Aliya Danzeisen, Assistant National Coordinators, are leaders within their own ethnic communities, serve on a range of boards, have a wealth of experience and knowledge and are highly entrepreneurial. They share some of their thoughts about their own journeys, life and leadership Ancient instrument played at festivalCandy Wu Zhang played the guqin, an ancient seven-string Chinese instrument, at the Gold Silk International Musical and Cultural Festival 2017. The guqin has a three thousand year history so is often referred to as the “instrument of the ages”. It is noted for its great subtlety of sound and revered for its association with scholars and literati particularly the Chinese philosopher Confucius. In remembrance: Councillor Philip YeungThe Office of Ethnic Communities was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Councillor Phillip Yeung on 29 September in Hamilton, aged 60. Population projectionsOn 3 October 2017, Statistics New Zealand released an update of their population projections, which states that the four largest ethnic population groups in New Zealand are projected to grow between 2013 and 2038. SmartStartHave you seen SmartStart? Given the projections for New Zealand’s increasing population, it’s a very smart way for new parents to get step-by-step information to help them and their babies get off to the best start! Potting Up for KhaledOffice of Ethnic Communities Senior Services Advisor, Craig Nicholson and son Noa recently spent a few hours volunteering to support Khaled Al Jouja and family – along with around 500 other volunteers. New Connections Inspiring ChristchurchIsaac Winsley from the social enterprise Inspiring Stories Charitable Trust, visited the Office of Ethnic Communities in Christchurch recently to talk about the trust’s vision - “To see every young New Zealander unleash their potential to change their world”. A key topic of discussion was the trust’s desire to expand its connections with young people from diverse communities in the South Island. Justice promoting diversity in the workplaceMore than 200 people from Wellington’s Courts and Ministry of Justice offices got together on the 13 October and enjoyed an authentic Indian lunch to celebrate Diwali, the annual Hindu Festival of Lights.
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