In this edition

• Chief Executive's foreword

• Deputy Chief Executive Update from Berlinda Chin
   
• Key updates:
  • New Zealand Harmony Accord
  • Ethnic Advantage 2025 conference
  • Executive Leadership Team roadshow
  • Future leaders programme
  • Minister’s engagement with community leaders and service providers
  • [Save the date] Upcoming Ethnic Xchange 2025
• Ethnic Communities Development Fund
  • Law changes for incorporated societies
  • Quarterly webinar
• Nominations Service
  • King's Birthday Honours 2025
  • Opportunity to serve on a public sector board or committee
• Coming together:
  • Race Unity Speech Awards
  • Vesak celebrations
• Highlights from our Ethnic Communities: 
  • Celebrating Africa Day
  • 2025 New Zealand Asian Well-being and Mental Health Survey Report
• Spotlight on other government agencies' initiatives: 
  • Ethnic Communities Violence Prevention programme (Ministry for Social Development)
  • Updates from Health NZ
    • Asian community services counties Manukau- now open on GETS
    • Yourlocaldoctor website is moving
  • Upcoming food Business Levy (Ministry for Primary Industries)

Chief Executive's foreword

This July marks four years since the establishment of our Ministry. A milestone that invites us to look back on how far we've come, and more importantly, to consider how we navigate what lies ahead.

Our Ethnic Communities are now the fastest-growing population in Aotearoa New Zealand. With that growth comes both strength and responsibility, and at times, the complexities of diverse realities.

In an increasingly volatile and complex world, marked by conflict, rising anti-migrant sentiment abroad, and disinformation that often targets the most vulnerable, our collective resilience is being tested. Communities with deep ties to places like Gaza, Israel, Iran, India, Pakistan, Ukraine and beyond are experiencing that pressure firsthand. We acknowledge the pain, fear, and uncertainty many are feeling, and we stand with you.

Now more than ever, we must protect the space for peace, tolerance, and unity. Social cohesion cannot be taken for granted. It must be nurtured through truth, inclusion, and the rejection of hate and division.

We’ve made meaningful strides. Just recently, Muslim and Jewish organisations came together to present the New Zealand Harmony Accord at Government House, a brave and timely statement that affirms a shared commitment to respect and peace, even in the most difficult moments. It’s a powerful example of what can be achieved when we choose social cohesion and peace over division and hate.

This newsletter also marks the return of our Ethnic Advantage Conference under the theme United Against Headwinds. It was a day of bold, honest conversations and a shared commitment to navigate the storms ahead, together.

You’ll also find stories that reflect the strength our communities: the recognition of outstanding ethnic leaders in the King’s Honours, the success of our Future Leaders Programme for young Muslim New Zealanders, and vibrant community celebrations including Africa Day, Vesak, and the Race Unity Speech Awards.

We are growing, both as a Ministry and communities. But growth must be matched with wisdom and strong commitment. The forces of misinformation, foreign interference, and polarisation thrive in silence and fear. We must counter these with visibility, data-informed decisions, and a community-led vision grounded in dignity, peace, tolerance and empathy.

From policymaking to local events, our work is powered by you, your stories, your leadership, and your courage. Thank you to everyone, our Ministry team, government colleagues, and community partners, who continue to shape this journey with hope and strength.

Let us continue to move forward, mindful of our future, united against division, and committed to building an Aotearoa where every community feels safe and can thrive.

Ngā manaakitanga,
Mervin Singham
Chief Executive, Ministry for Ethnic Communities

Deputy Chief Executive Update from Berlinda Chin

In particular, the Ministry hosted the fourth Ethnic Advantage Conference last month, as mentioned by our Chief Executive in his foreword. It’s a landmark event that brought together thought leaders, community champions, and senior policy makers to explore the unique strengths and contributions of our Ethnic Communities. The kōrero (discussion) was rich, the energy was high, and the insights shared will help shape our ongoing work in inclusive strategy and engagement. I am proud of my team’s contribution to bringing this conference to life with grace and confidence! A big thank-you to Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and Tech Mahindra for coming on board as first-time sponsors and committing to continuing this journey with us. You’ll find more details and beautiful moments from the event in the next section of this newsletter.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce the Ethnic Xchange Business Symposium, taking place on 14 November 2025 in Auckland. This event will spotlight the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation within our ethnic entrepreneurs, providing a platform for strategic dialogues amongst key sector leaders, learning from our international and local connections, and expanding further innovative collaboration. Ticketing goes live in early August, so keep an eye out and encourage your networks to join us for what promises to be a dynamic and inspiring day. Look out for later in this edition for a ‘save the date’ announcement about the symposium.

While the Engagement business unit is unable to attend every event that communities have invited us to, please know that we will always do our best to connect with you through our programmes, conferences, roundtables, forums, social media and newsletters. You can also get in touch with us through our team members or email us at info@ethniccommunities.govt.nz

As always, thank you to everyone who continues to support and contribute to our mahi (work). We remain committed to amplifying diverse voices and fostering partnerships that drive positive change.

Key updates: 

New Zealand Harmony Accord

On 22 July, leaders of Muslim and Jewish community organisations gathered at the Government House in Auckland, as Hon Mark Mitchell, Minister for Ethnic Communities, presented the signed New Zealand Harmony Accord to Governor-General Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro. The Accord shows their shared commitment to respect, understanding, and peace.

Over 70 people attended, including Race Relations Commissioner Dr Melissa Derby, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, Members of Parliament, faith and community leaders.

Watch this video that captures the spirit of the day. 

Click the button below to read the news item on our website.

Ethnic Advantage 2025 conference

Our Ethnic Advantage conference is back. This annual conference is one of our key platforms for connecting Ethnic Communities with decision-makers.

This year’s conference was held on 28 June at Auckland’s Aotea Centre. There were over 300 people from Ethnic Communities gathered under the theme ‘United Against Headwinds’ to explore diversity, leadership, and resilience.

Click the button below to view the images and highlight video of the day, and to find out more about the conference.  

Executive Leadership Team roadshow

From 11 to 14 June 2025, our Executive Leadership Team visited Auckland to connect with Ethnic Communities, academics, and sector leaders as part of a strategic roadshow. They met with a wide range of organisations to listen, learn, and strengthen partnerships that support inclusive, evidence-based initiatives.

Click the button below to find more about the engagement.

Future leaders programme

The programme provided a unique opportunity for participants to hear firsthand from key senior public service officials, community leaders, academics and media veterans. We received positive feedback on their journey through the programme and the difference it made in their confidence to engage in civic participation.

Click the button below to find more about the engagement.

Minister’s engagement with community leaders and service providers

On 5 April 2025, more than 150 leaders and representatives from New Zealand’s Ethnic Communities met with Hon Mark Mitchell, Minister for Ethnic Communities. The meeting was a chance for the Minister to share his priorities for the Ethnic Communities portfolio, which he took on earlier this year. It was also an opportunity for leaders and service providers to share their concerns, challenges and hopes directly with the Minister.

Click the button to read our news item on the Minister’s Meeting with ethnic service providers.

[Save the date] Upcoming Ethnic Xchange 2025

We are pleased to announce the official date for our 2025 business symposium. Ethnic Xchange 2025 will be held at Cordis, Auckland on Friday, 14 November.

If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, innovator or investor – mark this date in your diary as you will not want to miss this event! Our inaugural business symposium, held in October last year, was a full house, and we expect this year’s event to also sell-out.

Registrations for this year’s symposium will open in early August. Follow us on our social media channels for updates about Ethnic Xchange, including the official ticket launch.

Ethnic Communities Development Fund

Law changes for incorporated societies

These new law changes mean all incorporated societies in New Zealand must re-register by 5 April 2026 under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. Reregistering your society ensures it remains a legal entity, keeping you eligible for opportunities like the Ethnic Communities Development Fund.

Learn more and start your reregistration process at the Companies Office website.

Quarterly webinar

We hosted another interactive webinar in May. More than 50 participants from various ethnic community organisations across the country attended.

Attendees learned about the Fund’s application process and received some guidance on using AI in creating applications.

We're planning to host another webinar at the end of August—keep an eye on our social media channels for updates. If you have any questions, feel free to email the team at ECDF@ethniccommunities.govt.nz

Nominations service

King's Birthday Honours 2025

It was great to see the recognition of outstanding ethnic leaders in the King’s Honours this year. Check out our latest Nominations newsletter to find out the full list.

Opportunity to serve on a public sector board or committee

Would you like to contribute your governance knowledge, skills and experiences to the strategic direction, decision-making and success of public sector companies, entities, or committees?

We always look for people with the right skills and experiences to join our database. If you're interested, click the button below to visit our website to learn more about the requirements and what's involved. 

Coming together

The Race Unity Speech Awards

We are proud to have sponsored the Awards since 2009 and honoured to present the Vision Award again this year.

This year’s National Champion, Jordyn Joy Pillay from Ormiston Senior College, also received our Vision Award for her inspiring ideas on making cultural diversity part of everyday school life—not just special occasions.

Click the button below to watch Jordyn’s speech.

Vesak celebrations

We joined the 2025 Vesak celebrations at Wat Dhammaprateep in Wellington. This event formed part of the wider social cohesion kaupapa (purpose) launched that same day, ‘Together in Aotearoa’. Our Chief Executive, Mervin Singham, and acting Deputy Chief Executive, Berlinda Chin, joined the celebrations. They celebrated compassion, connection, and belonging across cultures and faiths.

Click the button below to read the story and see images.

Highlights from our Ethnic Communities

Celebrating Africa Day

We joined Africa Day celebrations in Auckland in May.

Every year, African Communities Forum Incorporated (ACOFI) hosts a vibrant event on Auckland’s waterfront. We are proud to support this event through our Ethnic Communities Development Fund.

Click the button below to view the images and read the highlight of the day.

2025 New Zealand Asian Well-being and Mental Health Survey Report

The 2025 New Zealand Asian Wellbeing and Mental Health Survey provides detailed information for Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Korean and other Asian people as well as information on Asian New Zealanders by age, gender and location. The independent survey contributes to a growing evidence base on Ethnic Communities’ lived experience in New Zealand. Expanding this evidence base is crucial to our work as the government’s chief advisor on ethnic diversity and inclusion in New Zealand.  

We were pleased to help make this survey possible through funding from our Ethnic Communities Development Fund.

Read the full Asian Family Service’s report: 2025 New Zealand Asian Well-being and Mental Health Survey Report - Asian Family Services 

Spotlight on other government agencies' initiatives

Ethnic Communities Violence Prevention programme (Ministry for Social Development)

Ethnic Communities Violence Prevention continues to strengthen the evidence base for preventing family and sexual violence in ethnically diverse communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. Following key initiatives completed by June 2025, the programme has been extended to June 2026.

To learn more about the research projects and the overall evaluation findings, or to get in touch with the team, email us at ecvp@msd.govt.nz.
 
For information about the work programme, visit their website: Ethnic Communities Violence Prevention Programme.

Updates from Health NZ

Asian community services Counties Manukau – now open on GETS

A new funding opportunity is now open on the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) for community organisations to support Asian tamariki (children) and their whānau (families) in Counties Manukau. Funded through Budget 2022, this initiative aims to grow culturally appropriate mental health services for children up to intermediate age who are experiencing—or at risk of—moderate to severe mental health challenges.

Find full details and apply via Asian Community Services Counties Manukau – GETS Listing.

Yourlocaldoctor website is moving

As part of Health New Zealand’s website consolidation project, the yourlocaldoctor website has now moved. From Monday, 28 July, all content from yourlocaldoctor has been integrated into Health New Zealand’s national website.

You can find more information on their website consolidation project.

Email websiteconsolidation@tewhatuora.govt.nz for all other queries or to provide feedback on the project.

Upcoming food Business Levy (Ministry for Primary Industries)

We’re sharing this update because we know that many ethnic businesses, particularly in the food industry, may be impacted by this upcoming levy.

Starting 1 July 2025, a new Food Business Levy will apply to registered food businesses under the Food Act 2014. Introduced by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), this levy helps fund essential food safety services such as education, system oversight, and regulatory improvements 

Learn more and access guidance on their website: Food Business Levy FAQs.

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