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In this edition
- Chief Executive's foreword
- Key highlights:
- Ethnic Evidence: The first Ethnic Communities Indicators Report
- Our inaugural Regional Initiative for Ethnic Communities Empowerment event
- New resource on our website: Becoming a translator or interpreter for government agencies
- Ethnic Xchange wrap-up
- Update from our Ethnic Communities Development Fund (ECDF):
- ECDF's first successful webinar and the upcoming quarterly series
- Grant Management System update
- Coming together:
- Being Seen initiative
- Diwali celebration at Parliament
- Highlights from our Ethnic Communities:
- The birthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji event
- Spotlight on other government agencies' initiatives:
- Enhancing voter turnout among Ethnic Communities
- Have your say on the Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill
- Gender pay gap toolkit
- Protect yourself and your loved ones from whooping cough
Chief Executive's foreword
Kia ora koutou,
As we approach the end of 2024, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on what has been a meaningful and productive year for our Ministry and the communities we serve.
This final 2024 edition of the Ethnic Voices newsletter is a snapshot of the progress we have made together during the last quarter. It has been a year of embracing change while maintaining stability.
In 2024, we faced numerous challenges, such as changes in public service, budget constraints, and shifting government
priorities. Some of the global challenges impacted our communities and the work we do at the Ministry as well.
Despite these challenges, we made significant progress toward our mission: serving our Ethnic Communities and fostering a New Zealand where everyone feels valued, included, and empowered. We couldn’t have achieved this without strong community participation.
This year has been a landmark one for us. The release of the Ethnic Evidence report marks a significant step forward in bringing visibility to the experiences and contributions of Ethnic Communities in New Zealand.
It provides data and insights to support evidence-based policy development to address challenges and highlight opportunities for Ethnic Communities.
The Ethnic Xchange Symposium, which will now become an annual event, brought together thought leaders, changemakers, and community voices to spark bold ideas and pathways for economic inclusion. Ethnic Xchange strongly highlighted the significant economic contributions ethnic people make to New Zealand. We can be proud of our achievements in our country.
Our Being Seen engagement series, Diwali celebrations, and inaugural Regional Initiative for Ethnic Communities Empowerment event, further demonstrated the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening relationships and nurturing understanding across New Zealand.
Through these initiatives—and many others outlined in this newsletter—we have not only amplified the voices of our Ethnic Communities but also worked to ensure they are reflected in the policies and priorities of our nation.
Looking ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be another significant year. We will continue building on the foundations we have laid this year, including expanding opportunities for engagement, strengthening partnerships, and delivering resources and funding that empower communities to thrive.
I want to thank our community leaders, advocates, and supporters for the passion and dedication you bring to advancing ethnic diversity and inclusion in New Zealand. It is truly impressive to witness! Your input, energy, and collaboration have been instrumental in our collective achievements this year.
I thank our government partner agencies for their ongoing collaboration, shared expertise, and commitment to advancing the wellbeing of New Zealand’s Ethnic Communities. Their partnership has been instrumental in the successes we’ve achieved this year.
I sincerely thank my team at the Ministry. Despite the challenges we faced in 2024 on the national and international levels, we have been able to deliver and continue to support our communities in the best way we could.
As we celebrate the end of this year, I want to acknowledge communities who have connections to the unfolding crises in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan. These events serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by many globally and their impact here in New Zealand. Please know that our thoughts are with you, your families, and your loved ones abroad during this difficult time.
Lastly, I encourage you to stay connected with us in 2025, whether through participating in the upcoming ECDF webinars, providing feedback on key initiatives, or joining us at next year’s Ethnic Xchange symposium. We are stronger when we work together, and the progress we have made is a testament to the power of collective action.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership, trust, and commitment.
Ngā mihi nui,
Mervin Singham
Chief Executive
Happy holidays from our Ministry.
Key highlights
Ethnic Evidence: The first Ethnic Communities Indicators Report
On Monday, 9 December 2024, we celebrated the official launch of our Ethnic Evidence report in the Grand Hall of the New Zealand Parliament.
This report is the first of its kind. It brings together data and evidence to show how New Zealand’s 1.1 million Ethnic Community members are doing across economic, social, and cultural domains.
The indicators in this report draw on over 120 measures organised around three key outcomes based on our Strategy:
- Ethnic Communities’ contribution to New Zealand’s economy
- Ethnic Communities’ access to public services
- New Zealanders valuing diversity and including Ethnic Communities in all areas of public life
Find out more about the Ethnic Evidence report on our website.
Ethnic Evidence report
Our inaugural Regional Initiative for Ethnic Communities Empowerment event
On Thursday, 28 November 2024, we held our inaugural Regional Initiative for Ethnic Communities Empowerment (RIECE) event in Palmerston North. It brought together 47 representatives from ethnic community organisations and local service providers.
RIECE is all about building stronger relationships with Ethnic Communities outside the big cities. It’s a chance for people to learn about our new direction, connect with other government agencies, and discuss the issues that matter most to them.
Group photo of attendees and the Ministry’s team at the inaugural RIECE event.
New resource on our website: Becoming a translator or interpreter for government agencies
Last month, we added a new resource to our website for anyone interested in becoming a translator or interpreter for New Zealand government agencies.
Most government agencies don’t hire translators or interpreters directly. Instead, they work with translation and interpreting
agencies that provide these services. If you are looking to get involved, our new webpage explains what you need to do and what qualifications you may need to have
Learn how to become a translator or interpreter for government agencies on our website.
Ethnic Xchange Symposium 2024 wrap-up
In the last newsletter, we shared an update about our inaugural Ethnic Xchange symposium and confirmed we will be hosting it again in 2025.
We have since established a dedicated Ethnic Xchange hub on our website where you can find information about the event, links to news coverage, view photos and read our Ethnic Xchange 24: Key Insights and Pathways to Action report.
A screenshot of Ethnic Xchange event page on our website.
Update from our Ethnic Communities Development Fund (ECDF)
ECDF's first successful webinar and the upcoming quarterly series
ECDF has launched a webinar series aimed at educating our Ethnic Communities about how to apply for funding. Our new webinar series educates Ethnic Communities about how to apply for the Ethnic Communities Development Fund.
The first webinar on 13 November was well-received by participants.
A total of 43 people from different ethnic community organisations across New Zealand attended and received valuable tips for making strong applications.
Starting in 2025, the ECDF team will host a webinar every three months. These online events will be open to anyone who is interested in learning more about the ECDF, its funding, and the application process.
The next webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, 26 February 2025. Please keep an eye on our social media channels for more details. If you have any questions, feel free to email ECDF@ethniccommunities.govt.nz
If you are interested in applying for ECDF, please visit the funding page for more information and to check your eligibility.
Grant Management System update
Our ECDF application process now requires two-factor authentication (2FA) as an extra security measure to protect your personal information. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security method that needs two forms of ID to access resources and data.
From 7 December 2024, you must use 2FA to access the Grants Management System and submit your application online. This extra verification step helps us to protect your sensitive information.
Each time you log into RealMe, you’ll need a new code from an authenticator app or text message. If you already use 2FA for other RealMe services, no action is needed. Otherwise, you’ll need to set up 2FA.
For instructions and support on using 2FA, please check Help – RealMe first, or contact RealMe on 0800 664 774. The ECDF team is available for support as well. Email us at ecdf@ethniccommunities.govt.nz
Coming together
Being Seen initiative
Our recent Being Seen engagement series brought people together to explore what it means to belong, and some of the barriers that impact one’s sense of belonging. We partnered with the Pan Asian Screen Collective for this unique and innovative initiative, which used film as the foundation for engagement.
The Being Seen sessions included the screening of four curated films made by Pan-Asian New Zealand filmmakers. The films explored cultural identity, racism, isolation and inclusion – themes which many people from New Zealand’s Ethnic Communities can relate to.
The screenings were followed by facilitated group discussions. This was a chance for people to share their experiences, concerns and hopes in a safe space, and for us to better understand some of the barriers to social cohesion.
Participants engaged in presenting their discussions at the Being Seen event.
Diwali celebration at Parliament
On 4 November, Hon. Melissa Lee, Minister for Ethnic Communities, hosted a special Diwali celebration at Parliament, marking the Festival of Lights and recognising the contributions of New Zealand’s Ethnic Communities.
The event brought together over 200 guests, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, Her Excellency Neeta Bhushan (High Commissioner of India), and members of Parliament. The evening featured performances, cultural blessings, and speeches celebrating unity and diversity.
Image of Lighting of Diya at the Diwali event at Parliament.
Highlights from our Ethnic Communities
The birthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji event
Malcolm Foo, our Deputy Chief Executive, Strategic Engagement and Stakeholder Insights, joined the Sikh community, ministers, and diplomatic corps last month to commemorate the birthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The celebration also included representatives from diverse faith and community groups.
Malcolm delivered a speech recognising the importance of the anniversary to the Sikh community, acknowledged Sikhs’ long history in New Zealand, their involvement in our communities, and the roles they play in interfaith collaboration and dialogue.
Thank you to the event organisers, Ekta NZ, Wellington Sikh Sangat and Wellington Punjabi Sports and Cultural Club.
Image of the attendees for the Celebration of the birthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji event
Spotlight on other government agencies' initiatives
Enhancing voter turnout among Ethnic Communities
Trust and participation in New Zealand's democracy are important aspects of belonging and participating in our society. With 1 in 5 people in New Zealand being part of an Ethnic Community, their civic participation is crucial to a cohesive, well-functioning society.
Yet Ethnic Communities vote at comparatively low rates. The New Zealand General Social Survey 2021 noted that Asian people were less likely to have voted than other ethnic groups, while another recent report, "Local Government Voters 2022" (Local Government New Zealand), found that Asian voter turnout was 38% compared to European (63%), Māori (53%), and Pasifika (50%)".
Our Deputy Chief Executive (Strategic Engagement), Malcolm Foo, gave a presentation at the 2024 Taituarā Electoral Officers' pre-election training at Parliament. The session aimed at helping electoral officers understand the needs of the Ethnic Communities to improve their participation in New Zealand's democracy. Other panellists spoke for the youth and Māori vote to an audience of almost 100 electoral officers from around the country.
Image of the panel discussion at the 2024 Taituarā Electoral Officers' pre-election training at Parliament.
Have your say on the Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill
In November 2024, the Government introduced the Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill to strengthen New Zealand’s criminal justice response to foreign interference and espionage.
The Bill is part of a wider cross-government work programme intended to counter foreign interference from any country.
We have collaborated with the Ministry of Justice to translate support materials into 24 different languages to help our communities understand the Bill and make a submission.
Find out the translated information on our website.
Find out more about the bill on Ministry of Justice website.
Gender pay gap toolkit
The Ministry for Women launched a toolkit that supports all organisations, regardless of their size or sector, to measure, understand, and take action to close their gender pay gap.
The toolkit includes an online calculator, a downloadable customised action plan, and supporting guidance and resources.
Addressing and helping to narrow the ethnic pay gap and ethnic women’s pay gap has always been part of our strategic priority to improve economic outcomes for our Ethnic Communities.
This initiative promotes fairness and inclusion for all Kiwis, including our diverse Ethnic Communities.
Close gender pay gap banner
Protect yourself and your loved ones from whooping cough (pertussis)
Health agencies have confirmed that New Zealand is now in the early stages of a whooping cough epidemic, with a nationally coordinated response now in place.
Whooping cough is very infectious and spreads through coughing and sneezing. It can be very serious for babies, children and older people.
Get professional help quickly if you or your loved ones have bad coughing or make a ‘whooping’ sound.
If you need advice, contact your doctor, nurse, local pharmacist or healthcare provider, or call Healthline for free anytime on 0800 611 116.
Find out more about what to do.
Watch our immunisation video resource, which is available in 19 languages in addition to English.
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
