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In this edition
Chief Executive's foreword
- Key updates
- In-person governance sessions
- March 15 remembrance events
- Nominations Service
- Congratulations to New Zealand Royal Honours recipients
- How to write a nomination for a New Zealand Royal Honour
- Coming together
- Lunar New Year at Parliament
- Eid at Parliament
- Race Unity Speech Awards 2026
- Highlights from our Ethnic Communities
- Holocaust Remembrance Day events
- Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the New Zealand Indian Central Association
- Nowruz celebration at Parliament
- Kiwi-Indian Excellence Awards 2026
- Spotlight on other
government agencies' initiatives
- Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand: All-of-Population Suicide Prevention Community Fund
- Get Ready: NEMA’s emergency preparedness resources
- Matariki Herenga Waka - For Everyone
Chief Executive's foreword
Kia ora koutou,
Welcome to the first 2026 edition of Ethnic Voices.
2026 marks a year of significant global change. Events unfolding overseas are felt here by all New Zealanders. For many Ethnic Communities, global conflicts such as those in the Middle East are deeply personal, affecting whānau connections and wellbeing.
At the same time, global pressures, including rising oil prices, impact the cost of living for everyone. In this environment, connection, resilience, and inclusive leadership matter more than ever.
Over the first quarter, it has been a privilege to engage directly with many of you through our Executive Leadership Team roadshows, ‘Ministry for Ethnic Communities: 5 years on,’ held in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. Across six sessions with over 170 participants representing community and business organisations, we shared open, honest, and forward-looking discussions. Together, we reflected on the Ministry’s journey over the past five years, what we have built together, and the foundations we are laying for the future.
In each session, we listened carefully. I was encouraged when communities shared that the Ministry’s work is valued, that it is making a tangible difference, and that they feel increasingly represented at decision-making tables. We also received feedback on things we can do better. Your insights, aspirations, and evolving challenges continue to shape the direction of our work.
In a moving moment, one participant, with tears in her eyes, shared how much value she found in being in the same room with others who shared her concerns and hopes about the future. She felt less isolated. It was clear that the sessions served to connect diverse communities at a time when building bridges is becoming more important. It was tremendously uplifting to experience the resilience of communities during a period of significant challenge.
Critical to our Kaupapa are the moments that bring us together. This edition celebrates community and national events, including Lunar New Year and Eid at Parliament, the Race Unity Awards, and significant milestones, including the 100th anniversary of the New Zealand Indian Central Association. We also reflect on important moments of remembrance, including the March 15 commemorations and the Holocaust Remembrance Day, and highlight initiatives across government that support community wellbeing, including suicide prevention efforts. These activities are so much more than events. They help connect people and build understanding across diverse communities in our country.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple yet powerful goal: to support connected, thriving, and resilient Ethnic Communities who feel they belong, are economically empowered, and are actively engaged in shaping Aotearoa New Zealand. When our communities thrive, Aotearoa New Zealand thrives.
In these challenging times, optimism matters. Please engage, collaborate, and lift each other up. Recognise your collective power, and use it wisely. Share leadership with women and young people and play your role in ensuring they are at the forefront of decision-making. In this election year, I encourage you to participate positively and actively in our democratic processes. Your voice matters, and your participation will shape the future of our communities and our country.
Building an inclusive and cohesive society is hard work and a long game. It requires courage, persistence, and a willingness to work together, even when doing so is difficult. Across the country, I see communities stepping up, building bridges, and driving meaningful change. These efforts will permeate through generations to come and be experienced by those who will never know us. It is a legacy worth pursuing.
As I look ahead to the coming months and my tenure concluding in June, I do so with confidence in the strength of our Ethnic Communities. Thank you for the role you continue to play in shaping a stronger, more inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand. Our country would not be what it is, without you.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Mervin Singham
Key updates
In-person governance sessions
We have launched a new series of free, in-person governance sessions for people from Ethnic Communities who want to deepen their understanding of public sector governance in Aotearoa New Zealand. After a strong response to our Auckland session, the next event will be held in Wellington on Tuesday, 21 April, with another session coming to Christchurch on 14 May.
Read more about the governance series in our news article.
Registrations are now open for the Wellington session on 21 April. Seats are limited.
March 15 remembrance events
A few weeks ago, communities in Christchurch and across Aotearoa New Zealand came together to remember the 51 Shuhada (martyrs) and all those affected by the March 15 terror attacks.
Seven years on, remembrance events, including the Unity Summit 2026, the March 15 remembrance service and the Christchurch Civic Memorial Service, brought people together to reflect and reaffirm our shared commitment to unity and inclusion.
Nominations Service
Congratulations to New Zealand Royal Honours recipients
Congratulations to the members of our Ethnic Communities who were recognised in the New Year Honours, announced at the end of last year, with a New Zealand Royal Honour. These recipients have made a significant and positive contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand, and in some cases also internationally, and are valued members of our Ethnic Communities. You can read the full list of recipients on DPMC’s website.
How to write a nomination for a New Zealand Royal Honours
We want to see more people from Ethnic Communities recognised for the positive difference they make. To support this, we’ve created a simple guide: How to write a nomination for a New Zealand Royal Honour, to help individuals and community organisations put together a nomination.
Anyone can nominate someone. The nominee’s contribution must be significant and have made a positive impact at the local, regional, or national level. You can read the full guide on our website.
New Zealand Royal Honours are awarded by the King and announced each year on New Year’s Day and the King’s Birthday in June.
Coming together
Lunar New Year at Parliament
In February, we gathered at Parliament to welcome the Year of the Horse and celebrate Lunar New Year. The event brought together Ethnic Communities, community leaders and members of the public to celebrate together and share their traditions and culture. It was a chance to recognise the strength and diversity of our communities.
Eid at Parliament
More than 200 people came together at Parliament to celebrate Eid al‑Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Hosted by the Minister for Ethnic Communities, the event brought Ethnic Communities, Members of Parliament, faith leaders and the diplomatic community together to reflect on unity, compassion and connection.
Race Unity Speech Awards 2026
The Race Unity Speech Awards are underway around Aotearoa. This year’s theme, Listening to Understand (Whakarongo kia Mārama) gives rangatahi (young people) a chance to share their views on race relations and unity in our communities. Finalists will advance to the national semi-finals in Auckland, in May.
We are proud to sponsor the Vision Award, which recognises a speaker with strong insight and leadership. You can follow updates on the Race Unity Speech Awards website.
Highlights from our Ethnic Communities
Holocaust Remembrance Day
Communities across Aotearoa came together recently to mark the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. One of the initiatives supported through our Ethnic Communities Development Fund brought people together to learn, reflect and honour survivors and their whānau (family). You can read the full story on our website.
Photo credit: Simon Woolf
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the New Zealand Indian Central Association
The New Zealand Indian Central Association recently marked its 100th anniversary with a Centenary Curtain Raiser in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
The event brought together community leaders and supporters to reflect on NZICA’s long history of advocacy and service, and to launch a year of celebrations. Our Director for Strategic Programmes, Garry Gupta, represented the Ministry. The evening highlighted the contributions of Life Members and high achievers and featured cultural performances and a wearable art tribute.
Nowruz celebration at Parliament
Our team was pleased to attend the second annual Nowruz Parliament event, hosted by the Welcome Academy Trust and led by Dr Hero Modares. Berlinda Chin, our Deputy Chief Executive for Strategic Engagement and Stakeholder Insights, represented the Ministry and joined Ethnic Communities from across Aotearoa New Zealand to mark this important celebration of renewal and connection. The evening featured a traditional Haft Seen table, moving performances, and reflections on the values that Nowruz brings to life. You can read more about the event in our social media post.
Kiwi-Indian Excellence Awards 2026
The Kiwi-Indian Excellence Awards 2026 were recently held in Ōtautahi Christchurch to celebrate the achievements and contributions of our Kiwi-Indian community across Aotearoa New Zealand. Our Engagement Specialist, Candy Wu Zhang, represented the Ministry. Community leaders, Members of Parliament and other guests joined the Canterbury Punjabi Association to recognise excellence in business, community service, leadership, arts and entrepreneurship. Winners were acknowledged for their mahi and the positive impact they make in their communities.
Spotlight on other government agencies' initiatives
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand: All-of-Population Suicide Prevention Community Fund
The Mental Health Foundation offers the Support Fund (Suicide Prevention Community Fund) to help community groups deliver safe and positive mental health activities. The Support Fund is open to groups that want to strengthen wellbeing and connection in their communities. You can find more information on the Mental Health Foundation website.
Get Ready: NEMA’s emergency preparedness resources
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is encouraging communities to prepare for the recent extreme weather affecting Northland and Auckland. Their Get Ready website has clear information in 14 languages about what to do before, during and after an emergency. It also explains how to make a household plan and how to stay safe during storms and floods. People can choose their language from the menu at the top of the page. NEMA also reminds communities to check MetService, local Civil Defence Groups and the media for the latest updates during emergencies.
You can also find information developed for Ethnic Communities about the support available during disasters and emergencies on our Disaster and Emergency Support Hub.
Matariki Herenga Waka – For Everyone
Te Rā Aro ki Matariki, our national Matariki public holiday will be acknowledged on Friday 10 July 2026. This year’s Matariki theme, Matariki Herenga Waka — For Everyone, highlights unity, inclusion, and the shared heritage of all people who call Aotearoa New Zealand home.
The nationally broadcast Matariki hautapu-ā-motu (a cultural initiative by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa) will be held at Takaparawhau by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, continuing their tradition of welcoming all to celebrate the Māori New Year.
The theme reflects Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland as the country’s largest and most diverse city – a place of arrival and belonging for many cultures – and encourages everyone, across the country, to come together, share knowledge, and look ahead.
Learn more about Matariki and look out for new resources to support your community’s celebrations at Matariki.com.
Photo credit: Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
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
