I was born in Malaysia and arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand as a young student 35 years ago. Back then, I never thought  I would end up a Chief Executive. This is an amazing country that truly affords people opportunities to participate and succeed in all levels of life, no matter where they come from.

I have had the privilege to work in a number of leadership roles in the public sector. This includes being Chief Mediator at the Human Rights Commission, and the head of the Office of Ethnic Affairs when it first came into being. Most recently I have been Executive Director, Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions. I studied law at Auckland and Canterbury Universities. Outside of work art is my passion. I describe it as my healer and best friend. 

At the launch event yesterday I talked about the strengths of Aotearoa New Zealand and the opportunities it provides for people of all ethnicities. I also acknowledged the fact that not all is well. We, like many other countries continue to face challenges with ethnic diversity. The Christchurch Mosque Attacks raised and continues to raise the abhorrent spectre of white supremacy. In the face of the fear created by Covid-19, racism and discrimination against Asian communities arose again. Rising inequalities risk further problems emerging in this space. In Government, we know our policies and services can be improved to meet the needs of ethnic people. And dealing with these challenges that erode our society needs all of us to have a commitment to building a strong and inclusive nation that draws upon diversity as a strength.

I see the role of the Ministry for Ethnic Communities as helping build that strong and inclusive nation. The Ministry will be the Government’s chief adviser on ethnic communities, ethnic diversity and the inclusion of ethnic communities in wider society.

We know that many of the issues that are important to ethnic communities, like health, education, employment and justice, are managed by different government agencies. One of my first jobs will be to meet with other public sector chief executives, and make sure they understand and respond to the needs and perspectives of diverse communities. We will be bridge builders between ethnic communities and the government.

The priorities of ethnic communities are the priorities of the new Ministry. Our mandate comes from the communities we serve and that is the way it should always be.

I do not underestimate the task at hand. But I do see genuine recognition across Government that change is needed. It is an opportune moment for the Ministry for Ethnic Communities to come into being.

I must acknowledge the huge effort that has gone into getting a new Ministry in place. I would particularly like to thank Anusha Guler who has led the Office of Ethnic Communities so well over the last year. I am delighted to say she will be remaining with us as we embed the new Ministry.

It is only my second day in the job. I am sure you will understand it will take a little time to get my work programme in place. I promise to keep you updated with how things are going.

Ngā mihi nui

Mervin Singham
Chief Executive, Ministry for Ethnic Communities