In this edition

• Chief Executive's foreword

• Deputy Chief Executive update

• Key highlights:
  • Strengthening connections across New Zealand: ELT roadshows
  • Our 2023/24 Annual Report
• Update from our Ethnic Communities Development Fund:
  • Impact of new Incorporated Societies Act 2022 on eligibility for ECDF Funding
• Celebrating together
  • Honouring outstanding women leaders: Women in Governance Awards
  • Diwali 2024: A message of light and togetherness 
• What's on: 
  • Join Being Seen: Celebrating diverse stories that inspire
  • Sign up for the next Nomination Service webinar

Chief Executive's foreword

Celebrating the success of the Ethnic Xchange Symposium

The Ethnic Xchange Symposium, which I mentioned in my previous message, was an initiative that brought together over 300 participants and 27 speakers from across New Zealand. The focus was building on the contributions that ethnic businesses make to New Zealand’s economy.

It's not often that we see four ministers, senior government officials, mainstream businesses, Kiwi-ethnic businesses, and community organisations all in the same room. 

The energy was electric and full of optimism. There was a clear shared vision for building a more inclusive and dynamic economy for Aotearoa and removing impediments to active participation of ethnic businesses in our country.

One of the wonderful things about Ethnic Xchange was observing so many meaningful connections forming between individuals and organisations from diverse backgrounds. 

Everyone brought unique personal and professional perspectives to the table, making the Symposium a space for open dialogue where fresh ideas were welcomed.

The support from our community was overwhelming, with many describing the event as "inspiring," "thought-provoking," and "empowering." One businessperson told me that he was proud that ethnic businesses were being featured as strong contributors to New Zealand’s economy at a time when boosting our country’s productivity was becoming more critical.

This is just the beginning—I'm looking forward to the continued conversations and collaborations that will stem from this event. Lastly, a report is being written that will provide an overview of the symposium, highlight the themes that emerged, dive deeper into the discussions that took place, and, where appropriate, propose actions for the Ministry to consider.

Release of our 2023/24 Annual Report

In addition to the Symposium's success, I am proud to share our Ministry's Annual Report for 2023/24.

This report outlines the progress we've made towards our priorities and the impact of our initiatives across New Zealand's communities. From supporting Ethnic Communities to fostering inclusive leadership, we have been working hard to build a more equitable society where everyone can thrive.

The Annual Report is a testament to our commitment to transparency and accountability. It highlights the steps we took over the past year to ensure that community voices are heard at every level of decision-making. 

I encourage you to explore the report and learn more about our achievements and our vision for the year ahead.

Looking ahead

As we reflect on our combined efforts and the successes we have achieved together, I am optimistic about the future. In December, we will launch the first-ever Ethnic Communities Indicators Report in New Zealand. This report will improve the visibility of Ethnic Communities in existing data. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for more information. 

I want to congratulate our Kiwi-Indian community on their ongoing vibrant displays of Indian culture through the many Diwali events they host. Fantastic celebrations this year! Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating.

With the support of our government partners, community leaders, and business stakeholders, we will continue to build on these foundations, striving for a more inclusive and connected Aotearoa.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our journey so far. Your dedication and passion are what drive us forward.

Ngā mihi nui,

Mervin Singham
Chief Executive

Update from Deputy Chief Executive, Strategic Engagement and Stakeholder Insights:

Connecting with our Ethnic Communities

Participants learned that “the average export goods value for ethnic businesses is more than double the New Zealand average.” And this is only part of the picture: one in five New Zealand businesses is ethnic owned. There is a good story to be told of the value that ethnic businesses generate, and more to be done to tap into that potential.

Our Ministry is now working quickly to channel this energy with a new programme for economic development within Ethnic Communities. 

We plan to run forums around the country in collaboration with businesses and the government to help ethnic businesses build active connections and break down barriers to success.

As Finance Minister Nicola Willis said, “We need [ethnic businesses] to lead the way in demonstrating to other New Zealand businesses where value lies and where those opportunities are.”

In parallel, we continue our focus on improving social outcomes for Ethnic Communities. To this end, we will also be visiting different regions around the country to engage directly with you. 

To make the most of your valuable time with us, we plan to invite relevant government agencies to these forums to address your most pressing challenges. 

We call this new programme the Regional Initiative for Ethnic Communities Empowerment (RIECE), which will be anchored by an annual Ethnic Advantage conference. We hope to see many of you at these forums.

I am committed to the social and economic empowerment of Ethnic Communities and am pleased to step into the role of Deputy Chief Executive (Strategic Engagement and Stakeholder Insights) to work on our mission… with you.

Malcolm Foo
Deputy Chief Executive, Strategic Engagement and Stakeholder Insights

Ethnic Xchange 2024 session 3: Taking the leap – inspiring stories from ethnic entrepreneurs.

Watch this highlight video to see how the Symposium unfolded and visit our website to learn more about our Ethnic Xchange24: The start of something special | Ministry for Ethnic Communities

View photos from the Symposium on our Facebook page: Ethnic Xchange 2024 album

Key highlights

Strengthening connections across New Zealand: ELT roadshow

Our Executive Leadership Team (ELT) recently connected with nearly 200 community leaders and stakeholders across New Zealand through an engaging roadshow. These events gave the ELT a chance to share updates on the Ministry's work, recent changes, and our commitment to achieving real impact for communities.

These roadshows created a meaningful two-way conversation. Community leaders shared valuable insights, asked questions, and offered ideas for building stronger connections and collaboration across communities. We're excited to keep building on these connections and appreciate everyone who took part.

Read the full recap: Executive Leadership Team meets with community stakeholders | Ministry for Ethnic Communities Ministry's

Executive Leadership Team engages with Wellington's Ethnic Communities | Ministry for Ethnic Communities

A group photo from the ELT roadshow in Wellington, 25 September 2024.

Our 2023/24 Annual Report

Despite these challenges, there’s much to celebrate. Among our achievements, we hosted the first-ever Ethnic Research Hui and held the second Ministerial Business Roundtable. We also developed essential multilingual resources for both public service and our communities. 

We invite you to read through both the 2023/24 Annual Report and our Strategic Intentions 2024-2028. Read the documents here:

• Annual Report of the Ministry for Ethnic Communities - Te Pūrongo ā-Tau a Te Tari Mātāwak 2023/24 
• Strategic Intentions 2024-2028 – Ngā Takune Rautaki 

We look forward to the year ahead and the continued journey with our Ethnic Communities. 

Update from our Ethnic Communities Development Fund (ECDF)

Impact of new Incorporated Societies Act 2022 on eligibility for ECDF Funding  

The new Incorporated Societies Act 2022 came fully into force in October 2023, replacing the original 1908 Act. This new law requires all groups that are ‘incorporated societies’ and wish to retain that status to seek re-registration under the new Act by April 2026.  

Whether you re-register or not may impact your eligibility for grant funding and how much you can apply for. 

Eligibility for ECDF funding may be affected if you do not retain your incorporated society status. 

Any Ethnic Community organisation or group may apply for ECDF funding; however, grants over $10,000 are generally only approved for organisations that are legal entities. These include incorporated societies. 

It’s important that you work through what is required under the new Act and the implications if you currently hold incorporated society status. 

Read more information on the Registrar of Incorporated Societies’ website: Law changes for incorporated societies | Incorporated Societies. 

We are happy to answer your questions on the implications for ECDF funding. Please send your query to ecdf@ethniccommunities.govt.nz

Celebrating together

Honouring outstanding women leaders: Women in Governance Award

We proudly sponsored the Women in Governance Awards for the second consecutive year, focusing on the Ethnic Governance Leadership category. This award honours women who show great leadership and dedication to promoting gender equity and diversity. 

Congratulations to Ranjna Patel, who won the Ethnic Governance Leadership Award for her contribution as a governance leader nationally and regionally and for her drive for greater gender diversity and gender equity over many years.  We extend our congratulations to the other finalists. We are proud of you all.

Find out more about the Women in Governance Awards: Women In Governance Awards: Chartered Governance Institute New Zealand

Women in Governance Awards 2024, Gala Dinner 2024. Credit Norrie Montgomery.

Diwali 2024: A message of light and togetherness

Happy Diwali from all of us at the Ministry for Ethnic Communities. As we celebrate the Festival of Lights, we recognise this special time as an opportunity to honour the diverse traditions and vibrant communities that enrich Aotearoa, New Zealand. 

May this Diwali bring peace, prosperity, and joy to you and your whānau.  Watch this video message from our Chief Executive wishing everyone a Happy Diwali. Diwali 2024

Happy Diwali message from our CE. 

What's on

Join Being Seen: Celebrating diverse stories that inspire

We believe in the power of visual arts to unite communities and spark meaningful conversations. 

In partnership with the Pan-Asian Screen Collective, we recently hosted Being Seen, an inspiring event that brought Auckland's Ethnic Communities together to view a series of short films by Pan-Asian New Zealand filmmakers. 

The films explored themes of belonging, faith, language, culture, resilience, and more, prompting thought-provoking discussions on what makes Ethnic Communities thrive in New Zealand.

After the screening, participants shared reflections on belonging and community. Here are examples of what belonging means to them: 

• "Being accepted while maintaining your own identity on your own terms." 
• "Cultural expression without harassment." 
• "Seeing visibility of ethnic people in leadership levels."

The event provided a welcome space for shared dialogue, especially during times when global and local issues have heightened anxiety and stress levels. 

We're excited to bring more screenings to Auckland's neighbourhoods soon:

• 2 November - West Auckland
• 16 November - North Shore
• 30 November - Southeast Auckland

Join us in celebrating diverse stories and perspectives! Register your interest to attend any of these free screenings via this link: Being Seen 2024 - Registration of Interest

The first Being Seen event. 

Sign up for our upcoming Nomination Service webinar

Expanding ethnic representation on public sector boards and committees is a key focus for our Ministry. 

We’re thrilled to congratulate Ian Olan on his appointment to the Plumbers and Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board, and Pengbo Jiang on his appointment to the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.

Join us for the ‘Successfully navigating the public sector board application process: Insights from two new appointees’ webinar. As part of the webinar Ian and Pengbo will share their experiences with the application process, offer insights, and discuss what excites them about their new roles. 

Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions. 

• Date: Thursday, 21 November 2024
• Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm
• Sign up for the webinar here.

Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights into navigating the public sector board application process.

Stay up to date and connect with us! 

Check our website and social media below.

Contact Us

You can reach out to us by email at info@ethniccommunities.govt.nz.

Take care of yourselves, your families, loved ones and wider communities.

Ngā mihi nui,
Ministry for Ethnic Communities