There is one set of actions I would like to share a bit more about. This is a cross-Government set of actions, significant enough to have its own review process. These proposed actions form the Employment Action Plan. Part of the Government's wider Employment Strategy, its key aim is to improve employment outcomes for former refugees, recent migrants and ethnic communities by developing actions which address well-known barriers.

We know from our conversations over many years, that employment is a key priority for ethnic communities. Many of you have advocated for greater support in this area. This Action Plan has been developed in response. It is a joint plan by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Ministry of Social Development. 

With the economic cost of COVID-19 having an impact, especially in Auckland, employment issues are more important than ever.

As with our wider strategy we want the Employment Action Plan to be driven by the needs and views of those it is intended to help. It is important to get it right.

With that in mind we are seeking feedback on the draft Action Plan through an online survey and email submissions. 

You can find more information and the survey on our website. It is open until 31 October 2021. We would love to hear from you. 

Since the process started, we have heard strongly that we need to support communities from surviving to thriving in employment. We have also heard that many people have experienced discrimination in applying for jobs, face barriers in getting their overseas work experience and qualifications recognised in New Zealand and, that employers and the private sector play an important role in promoting diversity in recruitment and in the workplace.

However, we also know that our ethnic communities comprise a highly-skilled and highly-motivated workforce who have incredible value, expertise and experience to contribute.

That is why every voice matters – we want the Action Plan to help create a future where everyone is in meaningful and gainful employment.

After the survey closes, we intend to finalise the Action Plan and publish it by the end of the year.

You can still have your say on our strategy

Many of you have already got involved in shaping our overall Ministry strategy. We have heard from more than 150 of you over the past 3 weeks and I want to thank everyone who has given us feedback.

Many of you have told us that you are happy to see that what you have been telling us over the years is captured in our draft strategy. You have used words like 'inspiring', 'empowering' and 'genuine'.

We have also heard that in some parts, we could be more ambitious. For example, you have challenged us to think deeply about how we reflect our relationship with the tāngata whenua and how we embed the principles of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi in what we propose to do.

Others want us to be clearer on how our actions will support senior members in the community.

Some have asked us to think about the needs and aspirations that the super diverse communities we serve have in common.

You can still take part in the online sessions we are running. You will find the schedule of Zoom events, and how to sign-up on our website.

The online survey is still open as well and available 24/7. 

I hope you will take the time to have your say on our strategy and the Employment Action Plan. Please help share the details with the communities you work with and are part of. The more perspectives we have, the better.

Take care of yourselves.

Ngā mihi nui

Mervin Singham
Chief Executive, Ministry for Ethnic Communities