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In this edition
Chief Executive's foreword
- Key updates
- Helping communities navigate differences together – New Community-Led Mediation Programme
- Our new Community Resilience Hub is here to support communities against foreign interference
- New Ethnic Business Organisations Alliance established with Ministry support
- Ethnic Communities gain insights into public sector governance and board appointments
- Stats NZ and the Ministry for Ethnic Communities collaborate under a new relationship agreement
- Supporting Ethnic Communities to contribute to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy
- New online resources for engaging with government
- Cultural capability resources: Discover the Intercultural Capability Resource Hub
- Ministry roadshows put communities at the centre of the conversation
- Highlights from our Ethnic Communities
- Delivering skills, confidence and job pathways for Queenstown communities
- Congratulations to King's Birthday Honours recipients
- Spotlight on other government agencies' initiatives
- Electoral Commission: Get ready for this year’s general election
- New NZSIS report highlights foreign interference affecting communities
- A new online hub for Women’s Health launched
- Support for New Zealand Defence Forces veterans
- Citizenship by grant process announcement
Chief Executive's foreword
Kia ora koutou,
Having contributed to Ethnic Voices in my previous role as Deputy Chief Executive, it is a privilege to now write to you for the first time as Chief Executive, and I am delighted to do so.
The past three months have been both busy and rewarding. They have given me the opportunity to see our work from a different perspective and spend time listening to the people and organisations we serve.
My heartfelt thanks to the more than 200 community leaders, faith groups, businesses, young people and organisations who met with me across Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch. I know how much volunteer time and energy you already invest in supporting your communities, and I am always grateful when you choose to spend some of that time with the Ministry.
What I've heard has been both encouraging and challenging. While experiences differ across our communities, a common message has emerged. Ethnic Communities are ambitious for their future, keen to contribute, and looking for opportunities to participate more fully in the decisions that affect them.
Ethnic Communities make an enormous contribution to New Zealand's economic success, social fabric and resilience.
While the Ministry is small, our focus is clear: helping ensure that Ethnic Communities are heard, understood, and able to contribute fully to New Zealand's future. In practice, that means:
- bringing strong evidence and community insights into government decision-making,
- empowering communities to build on their own strengths and leadership, and
- strengthening connections between communities and between communities and government.
Many of the stories in this edition reflect that focus. You will read about our new relationship agreement with Stats NZ to strengthen data and evidence. This helps ensure Ethnic Communities are counted in government decision-making. You will also read about our work to ensure Ethnic Communities' voices are reflected in the development of the Ministry of Health's Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
You'll also see examples of communities building leadership, creating opportunities for young people, strengthening businesses, and increasing participation in New Zealand's civic life.
What connects these stories is a shared belief that lasting progress comes from working together, with communities, government and other partners each playing their part. Government has an important role to play, but enduring change is built through the leadership that already exists within our communities.
Thank you for the contribution you make every day. I look forward to continuing the conversation with many of you in the months ahead.
Ngā mihi,
Pratima Namasivayam
Chief Executive
Key updates
Helping communities navigate differences together – New Community-Led Mediation Programme
The Ministry, in partnership with His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Australia & New Zealand, will hold two information sessions in Auckland on 14 and 15 October 2026 about a new Community-Led Mediation Pilot Programme, planned to launch in February/March 2027.
The pilot draws on the experience of the Ismaili Conciliation and Arbitration Board (CAB), which has used a community-based approach to mediation in Australia. The pilot in New Zealand will explore how trusted people within communities can be equipped with the skills and support to help navigate differences constructively, preserve relationships and strengthen communities’ ability to respond to conflict.
The information sessions will explain how community-led mediation works, what participation in the pilot could involve, the role and support of community champions, and how interested communities can get involved.
Registration closes on 12 October 2026. Please register for one of the events here.
Our new Community Resilience Hub is here to support communities against foreign interference
Communities across New Zealand now have a dedicated platform to access trusted information on foreign interference with the launch of the Community Resilience to Foreign Interference Hub.
Developed with communities in mind and informed by their experiences, the Hub reflects a growing recognition that Ethnic Communities are not simply affected by foreign interference; they are essential partners in strengthening New Zealand's resilience.
The Hub brings together information, resources and tools to help communities understand risks and respond in ways that work for them. Most resources are available in 31 languages to ensure they are accessible to diverse communities across New Zealand.
The Hub also reflects an evolution in the Ministry's role. Historically, our role has been to share information and connect communities with government. The Hub reflects a broader ambition: helping build the foundations that enable communities to respond to complex challenges themselves.
The Hub can be accessed at www.crfi.govt.nz.
Read more about the launch of the Hub at New Community Resilience Hub marks a significant shift in New Zealand's approach to foreign interference.
New Ethnic Business Organisations Alliance established with Ministry support
With the Ministry's support, leaders from ethnic business organisations across New Zealand came together to establish the new Ethnic Business Organisations Alliance.
The Alliance brings ethnic business organisations together to strengthen collaboration and provide a more coordinated way to engage with government, supporting the continued growth and contribution of ethnic businesses to New Zealand's economy.
Read more about what happened on the day and what’s next in our full news article.
A group photo from the ethnic business organisations event in Auckland with the Ministry representatives.
Ethnic Communities gain insights into public sector governance and board appointments
We organised three governance learning sessions in Auckland and Christchurch in person, with the Wellington session delivered online due to severe weather.
These governance sessions were delivered as part of the Ministry’s Nominations Service. The speakers shared real experiences, honest advice, and information on what board readiness looks like in public-sector governance.
Read and view photos from our news page.
Caption: A group photo for the speakers and Ministry representatives - Auckland governance session
Stats NZ and the Ministry for Ethnic Communities collaborate under a new relationship agreement
Stats NZ and the Ministry have signed a relationship agreement reinforcing their commitment to working together on key data and statistics initiatives that support the needs of Ethnic Communities, including planning and designing the next census.
Read the full media release on our website.
Supporting Ethnic Communities to contribute to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy
We worked with the Ministry of Health to ensure Ethnic Communities could share their views on the development of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2036.
The strategy has been informed by feedback and ideas shared during Ministry of Health consultation meetings, including with representatives from Ethnic Communities. We would like to thank everyone who contributed their time, expertise and perspectives to help shape this important work.
Read the strategy: Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026–2036
New online resources for engaging with government
We have updated our guides and how-to information to help you contact and engage with the government. This includes information on Making a Submission to Government, requesting information under the Official Information Act and Voting in the New Zealand election.
You can also download the free Govt.nz app, which makes it easier to connect with government services securely and quickly, all from one place.
Cultural capability resources: Discover the inter-cultural capability resource hub
Building inter-cultural capability is one small but important step towards greater acceptance, belonging, inclusion and ultimately stronger social cohesion. Our Intercultural Capability Resource Hub offers a range of practical tools, guides and learning resources designed to help individuals and organisations build confidence in working across cultures.
We encourage you to explore these free resources, use them in your workplace and community and share them with your networks. Visit the Intercultural Capability Resource Hub: Inter-cultural capability resource hub.
Communities at the centre of conversations
Our Chief Executive, Pratima Namasivayam, led the Ministry’s leadership team at roadshows across Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch, hearing directly from Ethnic Communities and sharing the Ministry’s strategic direction.
More than 200 community, faith and business leaders, including young leaders, took part in the roadshows to discuss the issues facing New Zealand’s Ethnic Communities in a rapidly changing world.
Designed as a collective conversation, the roadshows gave communities the opportunity to engage directly with the Ministry’s leadership team and share the issues they believe should be prioritised. Participants also valued the opportunity to connect with one another, build new relationships and explore ways to collaborate across communities.
View the event albums:
Group photo – Christchurch
Group photo - central Auckland
Group photo - south Auckland
Group photo - Wellington
Highlights from our Ethnic Communities
Delivering skills, confidence and job pathways for Queenstown communities
A community-led programme in Queenstown is helping people gain skills, confidence and stronger connections, with support from our Ethnic Communities Development Fund.
Led by the Japanese Family Society of Queenstown, the initiative provides practical workshops and training that support employment opportunities and wellbeing for local families.
This work aligns with our strategic priority to improve economic outcomes for Ethnic Communities. It helps people build skills and move into work, while also benefiting a wider range of people across all communities.
Read the full story on our website: Delivering skills, confidence and job pathways for Queenstown communities
Children taking part in a hands-on weaving activity
Diverse community participants taking part in a group movement activity in a community hall
Congratulations to King’s Birthday Honours recipients
We are incredibly proud to celebrate members of New Zealand’s Ethnic Communities recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, as well as those whose honours specifically recognise their service to ethnic, migrant and refugee communities.
These honours recognise leadership and service across many areas of New Zealand life, including community service, health, education, governance, business and the screen industry. They reflect the significant contributions Ethnic Communities and their leaders make across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Mrs Archna Tandon JP, ONZM
For services to Ethnic Communities and women
Mr Rodney Wong, ONZM
For services to business and the community
Dr Shuchi Kothari, MNZM
For services to the screen industry
Ms Sumati Govind, MNZM
For services to governance and the community
Dr Udayangani Kumudu Sriya Samarakkody, MNZM
For services to Paediatric Surgery and the Sri Lankan community
Associate Professor Chai Hop Mary Low, MNZM
For services to accountancy education
Dr Luk Sun Chin, MNZM
For services to health and harness racing
Dr Shanthi Selvakumar, KSM
For services to migrant and refugee communities
Mrs Vijeshni Rattan JP, KSM
For services to the community
Mrs Agnes Abuel-Guda JP, KSM
For services to the Filipino community
Mr Ravindran Annamalai, KSM
For services to Ethnic Communities
Their achievements demonstrate the breadth of leadership, professional excellence, volunteering and community service across New Zealand’s ethnic communities.
We warmly congratulate all these recipients and acknowledge the families, organisations and communities who have supported and celebrated their contributions.
Read the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet's full publication to learn more about their contributions.
Spotlight on other government agencies' initiatives
Electoral Commission: Get ready for the 2026 General Election
The Electoral Commission is encouraging New Zealand people to enrol early for the 2026 General Election, which will be held on Saturday 7 November, with advance voting starting on 26 October.
For this election, you need to be enrolled before voting starts. You will not be able to enrol at a voting place, which is different from the last two general elections.
Enrol by 4 October to have your name included on the printed electoral roll and receive an EasyVote card by email or post, making voting faster and easier. You can still enrol after 4 October, before enrolment closes on 25 October, but you will need to make a special vote.
Enrol or update online | Vote NZ
Enrol, check or update your details at vote.nz, call the Electoral Commission free on 0800 36 76 56, or text your name and address to 3676 to receive an enrolment form.
Information in more than 30 languages
The Electoral Commission has enrolment information available in more than 30 languages, as well as accessible formats including Audio, Braille, Easy Read, Large Print and New Zealand Sign Language.
The Commission encourages you to share these resources with your community, including through workplaces, community centres, places of worship, schools and local noticeboards.
Help deliver New Zealand’s General Election
The Electoral Commission employs more than 22,000 people in an election year and is looking for people from communities across New Zealand to work in voting places.
Visit the Electoral Commission careers website to find out more and apply: Careers Home - Electoral Commission
New NZSIS report highlights foreign interference affecting communities
The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) has released its 2026 Security Threat Environment Report, providing its latest assessment of the national security threats facing Aotearoa New Zealand.
The report says New Zealand is experiencing the effects of an increasingly unstable global security environment, including foreign interference, espionage, insider threats, terrorism and violent extremism.
NZSIS assesses that Ethnic Communities in New Zealand are being unfairly targeted by foreign states and their proxies, seeking to limit the democratic rights and freedoms they enjoy as New Zealanders.
Foreign interference has no place in New Zealand. Everyone in New Zealand has the right to feel safe, be respected, and express their opinions and beliefs freely.
The findings in the report reinforce the importance of communities knowing how to recognise foreign interference, protect themselves and seek support if they have concerns.
The NZSIS report also points communities to the Community Resilience to Foreign Interference Hub. As highlighted earlier in this newsletter, the Ministry’s new Community Resilience to Foreign Interference Hub brings together trusted information, practical resources and tools that help communities understand risks and respond in ways that work for them.
Read the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service 2026 Security Threat Environment Report: New Zealand's Security Threat Environment 2026.
Learn more about the Community Resilience to Foreign Interference Hub: www.crfi.govt.nz
A new online hub for Women’s Health launched
The Ministry for Women, in collaboration with Health New Zealand, has launched a new online Women’s Health Hub to make it easier for women to find trusted health information and support at every stage of life.
The hub brings together practical tools, guidance for health appointments, and short videos from healthcare providers on common health topics, helping women better understand and care for their wellbeing.
We encourage you to explore the hub and share it within your networks so more women can access reliable information and take action for their health: Visit the Women’s Health Hub or learn more on the Ministry for Women website.
Support for New Zealand Defence Forces veterans
Veterans’ Affairs is encouraging all eligible veterans to get in touch and ensure they receive the assistance they are entitled to. Assistance may include healthcare, rehabilitation, financial support, and services to help maintain wellbeing.
Veterans’ Affairs is particularly keen to hear from veterans and families from Ethnic Communities, as many people may not be aware that they are eligible for support.
To learn more, visit the Veterans’ Affairs website: www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz
If you are a veteran, you can check your eligibility for support here: www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz/eligibility/check-your-eligibility/
Citizenship by grant process announcement
Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has announced a future change to the citizenship by grant process, with a citizenship test to be introduced from late 2027. There’s no change to the current citizenship process.
More details about this future change are available at the New Zealand Government website: Citizenship test.
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
