The process of developing ‘guidelines’ for religious diversity in the workplace has now begun with members of the Working Group and Reference Group meeting to discuss the terms of reference.

The Human Rights Commission is undertaking the development of ‘guidelines’ jointly with the Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) Religious Studies Programme. The Human Rights Commission receives a steady flow of enquiries and complaints regarding accommodating religious practices in the workplace.

The Working Group members comprise people directly involved in workplace issues: Department of Labour, Business NZ, AUT School of Business, NZ Council of Trade Unions, and the Human Rights Commission. The Reference Group represents significant religious and belief groups in New Zealand. Members include: Rev Richard Randerson; Dr Anwar Ghani; Glyn Carpenter, Verpal Singh; Amala Wrightson; Manuka Henare; Dr Rajiv Chatuvedi; Andrew Geard; Paddy Payne and Stephen Goodman.

The consultation process involves three elements:

• a small working group to develop a draft for public consultation. T
• a reference group to provide input to the working group on terms of reference, feedback on the first draft and feedback on the final draft.
• a public consultation through the Religious Diversity Network and employment networks.

The Working Group will prepare the initial draft ‘guidelines’ for the Reference Group to provide feedback on before it goes out for public consultation.