No images? Click here
In this edition
Chief Executive's foreword
- Deputy Chief Executive update from Fleur Murray
- Key updates
- Ethnic Xchange 2025: Almost four weeks to go!
- Supporting ethnic entrepreneurs: Highlights from our Business Roundtables
- Bringing the Regional Initiative for Ethnic Communities Empowerment to the South Island
- New suite of Ethnic Communities’ evidence released to support New Zealand's growth
- New resources released to support Ethnic Communities to stay safe from foreign interference
- New look to our online resources section
- Ethnic Advantage: Voices from the stage and beyond
- Ethnic Communities Development Fund
- Important update for the Fund
- Upcoming webinar
- Nominations Service
- Recent board appointments
- Coming together
- Celebrating Diwali
- Supporting mental wellbeing through community and creativity
- New Zealand Chinese Language Week
- Celebrating connection and collaboration at the Welcoming Communities National Hui
- Highlights from our Ethnic Communities
- Multicultural New Zealand Annual Conference
- Kiwi Ismaili Muslims shine at Global Encounters Festival 2025
- From sunset to unity: A mural of cultures
- Spotlight on other government agencies' initiatives
- Refugee survey by Immigration New Zealand
- Career Navigator by Career New Zealand
- Changes to welcome visitors from China by Immigration New Zealand
Chief Executive's foreword
Kia ora koutou,
Not long ago, I met a young woman who had just arrived in Aotearoa. She told me that every morning she practised saying ‘kia ora’ to her neighbours in the mirror before leaving home. It wasn’t the words she found difficult; it was finding the courage to feel like she belonged in a place where everything was still new.
That small story captures one of the reasons our Ministry exists. Imagine, for a moment, moving to Japan, Turkey, or Brazil, navigating new streets, new systems, new traditions. That’s what thousands of newcomers experience when they arrive here, hoping that Aotearoa will one day feel like home.
Our role is to help build that bridge, to stand alongside them until ‘kia ora’ feels natural, until connection replaces uncertainty. We do this through our partnerships across the system and our work as the government’s chief advisor on ethnic diversity.
But as the world changes, so do the challenges. Conversations about diversity and inclusion are evolving rapidly, and at times, they can feel volatile or uncertain. It can seem as though we’re walking into strong winds.
Yet even in those headwinds, there’s hope. Because when genuine intention meets sincere effort, peace and unity always find a way through. I’ve seen it in communities that come together after tragedy, in businesses that welcome new migrants with open doors, and in people who keep showing up for one another even when it’s hard.
That spirit is at the heart of this edition of Ethnic Voices.
After helping New Zealand’s Muslim and Jewish community organisations come together to sign the New Zealand Harmony Accord, we’re now supporting the establishment of the Harmony Accord Leadership Council, a bold step toward lasting understanding and connection.
I’m especially delighted that Ethnic Xchange 2025 is selling fast! This response shows how deeply people want to come together: to discuss, as a nation, the issues we face; to celebrate our diversity; and to collaborate for a better present and future. It’s also a clear sign that we’re designing and delivering platforms that genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of our communities; spaces where connection, dialogue, and collective action can thrive.
We’re also strengthening platforms that bring people together, like Ethnic Advantage and Ethnic Xchange, and releasing new evidence to help all of us better understand the experiences of Ethnic Communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
And, as part of our commitment to safety and trust, we’re introducing new resources to help communities stay informed and resilient against foreign interference.
These stories remind me that even in uncertain times, we can choose optimism. Not a blind optimism, but one built on action, courage, and collaboration. Because every act of connection, every shared effort, brings us closer to an Aotearoa where everyone truly belongs.
So, let’s keep moving forward with courage, determination, and hope.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Mervin Singham
Deputy Chief Executive Update from Fleur Murray
Kia ora koutou,
We have released the 2024/25 Annual Report, providing a comprehensive overview of our work over the past year. The report reflects our commitment to transparency and accountability in the use of public resources. It highlights the outcomes achieved in collaboration with Ethnic Communities, government agencies, partners and stakeholders across
New Zealand.
Among this year’s milestones is the release of the Ethnic Evidence report, a first for New Zealand. This report offers the most detailed picture to date of how our 1.1 million ethnic community members are faring across health, employment, business, justice, safety, and income.
We also hosted the inaugural Ethnic Xchange symposium, which brought together over 300 participants from diverse backgrounds to explore the economic contributions of Ethnic Communities and discuss practical ways to remove barriers. As the Chief Executive mentioned in his foreword, preparation is underway for our second Ethnic Xchange event, which is selling fast, to be held in Auckland on 14 November 2025.
The Ethnic Communities Development Fund (the Fund) remains a cornerstone of our support for community-led initiatives. In 2024/25, the Fund awarded $4.2 million to projects representing African, Asian, Continental European, Latin American, Middle Eastern, and other communities.
I’m also pleased to welcome Scott Fisher, the new Director of the Fund. Scott brings extensive experience and will join the upcoming Fund webinar to engage directly with our communities.
Demand for the Fund continues to grow. In the previous funding year, we received applications totalling nearly $30 million; more than seven times the available funding. This surge in funding proposals reflects the scale of innovation, creativity and need within Ethnic Communities, but also presents challenges. We remain focused on ensuring the funding process is fair, transparent, and delivers the greatest possible impact.
Looking ahead, we encourage applications that focus on improving access to government services and supporting economic participation; areas that can deliver long-term benefits for communities. We have also updated the Fund’s Terms and Conditions to reinforce political neutrality and ensure appropriate recognition of Ministry support, enhancing trust and clarity in how public funding is administered.
As we move forward, we remain committed to enabling communities to thrive, and we thank all those who have contributed to this year’s achievements. We look forward to continuing our shared efforts to build a more cohesive, inclusive, connected, and equitable New Zealand.
Ngā mihi,
Fleur Murray
Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate Services
Key updates
Celebrating Diwali
On 13 October, the Banquet Hall of Parliament came alive with light, colour, and celebration for Diwali 2025, the Festival of Lights.
The event marked a moment of reflection and joy, symbolising hope, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness.
It also honoured the rich cultural heritage and invaluable contributions of New Zealand’s Indian, Southeast Asian and wider Ethnic Communities.
Read more about the celebration on our website.
View photos from the event on our Facebook album.
We are also celebrating Diwali with our Ethnic Communities across the country. Keep an eye on our social media channels to stay updated.
Ethnic Xchange 2025: Almost four weeks to go!
We have been busy preparing for our second annual business symposium. Ethnic Xchange 2025: Expanding Ethnic Enterprises (EX25) is designed to support the growth of ethnic entrepreneurs, innovators and businesses by focusing on global trade and connections, innovation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and investment.
Speakers include business experts, ethnic entrepreneurs, high commissioners and senior government officials.
View the full programme and discover all the speakers.
Many thanks to our valued sponsors and partners Xero, KPMG New Zealand, AUT and Auckland Business Chamber.
Supporting ethnic entrepreneurs: Highlights from our Business Roundtables
As part of our ongoing programme to support better economic outcomes for our Ethnic Communities, we hosted two business roundtables to support ethnic entrepreneurs and inform Ethnic Xchange 2025.
The first one was held on 21 August at KPMG Auckland. Over 60 ethnic women entrepreneurs, leaders, and researchers gathered to discuss barriers in funding, culture, language, and representation.
On 15 September in Christchurch, we organised the second roundtable, with the focus on ethnic businesses in tourism, hospitality, and film. Speakers shared insights on cultural storytelling, cuisine, and screen tourism.
Find out more about the roundtables on our website:
Ethnic women entrepreneurs united by shared experiences
Role of Ethnic Businesses in Hospitality, Tourism and Screen sector
Images from the Ethnic Women Entrepreneurs Business Roundtable.
Images from the Christchurch Ethnic Business Roundtable.
Bringing the Regional Initiative for Ethnic Communities Empowerment (RIECE) to the South Island
On 29 July, we held our third RIECE forum in Invercargill, which was the first in the South Island. It brought together 60 stakeholders from Ethnic Communities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), service providers, and government agencies to discuss how to attract and retain migrants in Southland.
New suite of Ethnic Communities' evidence released to support New Zealand's growth
We have released a suite of evidence to guide better decisions across government, business, and communities.
These resources offer fresh insights into:
- Ethnic business barriers and opportunities
- Ethnic pay gaps in Aotearoa New Zealand
- Justice and safety experiences fact sheet
- Ethnic business demographics fact sheet
- Interactive dashboard updated with 2023 Census data
New resources released to support Ethnic Communities to stay safe from foreign interference
Aotearoa New Zealand is facing growing challenges from foreign interference.
To help communities stay safe, informed and supported, we have just released four new resources in multiple languages.
The new resources for communities include:
- Doxing
- Online abuse and harassment
- Examples of foreign interference
- Information on New Zealand Government agencies
In July, as part of the Ethnic Advantage 2025 conference, the Ministry hosted a panel discussion about foreign interference.
A video of the panel session is also available to watch.
Explore the full set of resources and learn more about foreign interference.
New look to our online resources section
Our online resources section has a fresh new look to help you find what you need more easily.
Explore guides, reports, multilingual videos, and data about Ethnic Communities in Aotearoa New Zealand and learn how to nominate someone for a Royal Honour or make a government submission, all in one place.
Ethnic Advantage: Voices from the stage and beyond
In June, our Ethnic Advantage conference brought together over 300 leaders and changemakers under the theme: United Against Headwinds.
Want to know how it went and what we discussed? Hear directly from some of our speakers and participants, such as Andrew Hampton (New Zealand Security Intelligence Service),
Sarah Stuart-Black (New Zealand Red Cross), Ireen Rahiman-Manuel (ImpactDev360), and community leaders and participants.
Many thanks to our valued sponsors AUT and Tech Mahindra.
Ethnic Communities Development Fund
Important update
We’ve updated our website with new guidance on political neutrality and communications. Funded projects must remain politically neutral, and all communications should clearly acknowledge the Ministry’s support.
Upcoming webinar
Join our next webinar on Wednesday, 26 November, 4–5 pm (Zoom).
In this session, you'll hear from Garry Gupta, our Director of Strategic Programmes. Garry will share his experience applying for the Fund in a previous capacity. He will be available to answer questions following the presentation.
Register using this link. We hope to see you then.
Nominations Service
Recent board appointments
Anushiya Ponniah
Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand Te Poari Whakaora Ngangahau o Aotearoa
Raymond Tan
Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand Te Poari Whakaroa Ngangahau o Aotearoa
Farib Sos
Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board Te Poari o ngā Kaimātai Whatu me ngā Kaiwhakrato Mōhiti
Dr Valarie Tan
Human Rights Review Tribunal
Dr Valarie Tan
Ministerial Advisory Group to provide advice on the Crown's approach and response to recommendations from the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry.
Dr Edwina Pio
Southern Health and Disability Ethics Committee
Dr Vivien Verheijen
Primary Care Dataset Governance Group (PCDGG) by Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand
Visit our Nominations Service page if you have governance experience and would like to learn more about serving on a public sector board.
Coming together
Supporting mental wellbeing through community and creativity
As part of our commitment to supporting mental wellbeing in Ethnic Communities, our Chief Executive, Mervin Singham, recently joined Ekta New Zealand Inc for a powerful performance by Ravi the Poet in Wellington. The event highlighted the importance of storytelling, art, and community connection in breaking stigma and encouraging healing.
New Zealand Chinese Languages Week
From 31 August to 6 September, we celebrated the Chinese languages and culture across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Watch this video from Berlinda Chin, our Chief Advisor to the Chief Executive and Acting Deputy Chief Executive for Strategic Engagement and Stakeholder Insights, as she reflected on the week and invited everyone to celebrate in their own way.
We have also supported screenings of 'Her Story' in four cities, a powerful film that highlights women’s experiences in urban China and the value of cultural inclusion.
Celebrating connection and collaboration at the Welcoming Communities National Hui
We recently presented at the Welcoming Communities National Hui in Auckland, hosted by Immigration New Zealand. The event brought together coordinators from across the country to share ideas on building inclusive communities for newcomers.
Highlights from our Ethnic Communities
Multicultural New Zealand 36th Annual General Meeting
We joined the Multicultural New Zealand 36th Annual General Meeting, held on 20 September in Wellington.
The panel discussion, 'Investing in Social Cohesion: A Legacy for Future Generations,' highlighted that genuine social cohesion begins with open conversations and long-term, community-led approaches.
Pancha Narayanan, President of Multicultural New Zealand, emphasised the importance of community voice, sustainable funding, and genuine partnership with government.
Fiona Thomson, our Director of Analytics, Monitoring, and Evaluation, represented the Ministry on a panel moderated by Marion Kerepeti-Edwards, Vice President of Multicultural New Zealand. Fiona joined Kuia Peggy Wahataua Luke-Ngaheke (Te Atiawa) and Andrew Coster, Chief Executive of the Social Investment Agency. The panel discussion underscored the need for trust, collaboration, and smarter, outcome-focused funding. They agreed on the importance of using data and evidence to understand what’s working, and what’s not, for communities.
Fiona noted that social cohesion starts with each of us and that Multicultural New Zealand plays a vital role in fostering honest conversations rather than being absorbed in social media.
Together, they reinforced that empowering communities to define and achieve their own outcomes is key to enduring social cohesion.
The discussion acknowledged that communities must be empowered as co-designers, not merely consulted. Questions from attendees reinforced the call for targeted, adequate funding, stronger partnerships, and shared decision-making to help communities thrive.
Kiwi Ismaili Muslims shine at Global Encounters Festival 2025
This year’s Global Encounters Festival (GE 2025) was held in Dubai from 20 to 27 July. It brought together thousands of young Ismaili Muslims from over 50 countries. The event celebrated culture, sport, and creativity.
Kiwi Ismaili Muslim youth were proud to be there. They brought their New Zealand identity and cultural heritage to the global stage.
From sunset to unity: A mural of cultures
Ubuntu African Society Bay of Plenty (UASBOP) and Linton Park Community Centre celebrated a mural unveiling in Rotorua in September 2025, honouring African contributions to New Zealand and cultural unity. The artwork, launched on 20 September 2025, fosters a connection between tangata whenua, African communities, and the wider society.
Spotlight on other government agencies' initiatives
Refugee survey
Immigration New Zealand is running the first-ever Refugee Survey, open until 10 December 2025, to better understand the lived experiences of former refugees and their families.
If you are, or someone you know, from a refugee background (former refugees) and aged 16 or older, who has settled in New Zealand within the past five years, this survey is for you.
Career Navigator
Career New Zealand has launched Tahatū Career Navigator, a refreshed platform replacing the long-standing careers.govt.nz site. Tahatū offers updated tools and guidance to help people explore career pathways, upskill, and plan for the future. It’s now live and available at tahatu.govt.nz
Changes to welcome visitors from China
From 3 November 2025, people with passports from China can visit New Zealand from Australia without a visa. Instead of applying for a visa, if they have a valid, eligible Australian visa, they will be able to travel to New Zealand on a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZETA) and stay for up to three months.
Read more about what you need to know on Immigration New Zealand’s website.
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
