Human Rights Commission

Extracts from the Human Rights Commission’s Annual Race Relations Reports: 2004-2010

2004

The growth of non-Christian religions in New Zealand has challenged employers, government agencies, schools and the community to accommodate religious diversity.  There was considerable public and media attention in 2004 to a court case in Auckland where the defence objected to two Muslim women wearing the burqa (covering their faces except for their eyes) whilst giving evidence as Crown witnesses. The judge called for submissions on the matter and ultimately decided to allow screens to be used to ensure that only the judge, counsel and female court staff were able to observe the witness’ face. There was also controversy about a Christchurch secondary school which provided a purpose-built prayer room for Muslim students.

 Following the first national interfaith forum held at Parliament in 2003, interfaith initiatives continued to grow.   There was a high level of cooperation between the Jewish and Muslim communities, as well as other faith groups, in response to the desecration of Jewish cemeteries in July and August, and the hate mail sent to Muslim families in September.  The Government sponsored a delegation of twelve New Zealanders to a regional dialogue on interfaith cooperation in the reduction of conflict in Indonesia in December.  Recommendations from the delegation included the establishment of both a regional and national framework for multi-faith cooperation, a mechanism for the Government to liaise with multi-faith groups, and the development of a national statement on religious tolerance.

The challenge of multiculturalism in faith communities was not just a matter for Christian churches, but also for other religions.  The Mt Roskill mosque in Auckland, for example, reported that it had 32 different nationalities amongst its members, making it perhaps the most multicultural local religious community in New Zealand.

2005

National Interfaith Forum

Delegates from interfaith groups throughout New Zealand met in Auckland from 11-13 February for the second national interfaith forum, hosted by the Auckland Interfaith Council. The forum considered the role of religions in resolving conflict, and how interfaith groups can work with governments regionally and nationally. This included continuing a process of regional interfaith dialogue with Asian and Pacific governments to address the causes of religious conflict, establishing a New Zealand process for ongoing dialogue at the regional and national level, creating a forum for dialogue between the government and interfaith groups and developing a national statement on religious tolerance.

National Interfaith Network Aotearoa New Zealand

A national interfaith network was established to facilitate cooperation and exchange between faith communities and government in New Zealand and in the Asia Pacific region in the furtherance of peace, security and harmonious relations. The network is facilitated by the Race Relations Commissioner and comprises networks of national and local religious communities and organisations, national and local interfaith groups, academics and others involved in religious studies, government agencies and local government and individuals with an interest in the issue. Its purpose is to provide opportunities for engagement within and between these networks at a variety of levels, to support and publicise groups that undertake interfaith activities, projects and programmes that contribute to religious tolerance, public understanding of religions and interfaith cooperation for peace, security and harmonious relations.

Forum on the Challenges of Religious Diversity

A forum on the challenges of religious diversity in the context of the New Zealand Diversity Forum in August drew a large attendance from throughout New Zealand and included a panel of leaders and representatives of a variety of faiths, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Baha’i. The keynote address by Professor Paul Morris of Victoria University is available at www.hrc.co.nz/forum. The emphasis of the workshop was on practical interfaith cooperation.

Islamic community

The small but growing New Zealand Islamic community has not experienced the degree of prejudice or harassment that has occurred in some other countries in the wake of terrorism and counter-terrorism associated with extreme Islamic groups. Following the London bombings in July, however, seven mosques and religious centres were vandalised in Auckland and there were a small number of other cases of individual harassment. A few weeks later, the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) proceeded with open days at mosques throughout the country for Islamic Awareness Week, which received a positive community and media response.

The Human Rights Commission published a report on Muslim Women, Dress Codes and Human Rights: An Introduction to Some of the Issues, drawing on international and local experience, including a District Court decision issued on 15 January concerning two witnesses wanting to wear a burqa in court (the report is available at www.hrc.co.nz ). As part of the Like Minds Like Mine destigmatisation programme, the Framework Trust organised two forums for Muslim women in Auckland in May and September under the motto of He Manu Korerokorero, Noho tahi mahi tahi: Building Bridges in Our Community. Alongside keynote speakers there was a panel of Muslim women presenters on women, Islam, education, health and cultural adjustment issues. The Office of Ethnic Affairs also held a “Building Bridges Forum” with 80 Muslim community representatives in November, to be followed by further workshops involving other faith communities in 2006.

FIANZ celebrated its 25th anniversary with an event at Parliament in November 2006, and published a history of the federation, its affiliates, and Muslims in New Zealand. A particular feature of the New Zealand Muslim community is its strong Pacific component, through migration from Fiji, where Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism have co-existed for a long time.

Publications

The Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand, in association with Bridget Williams Books, published a handbook called Last Words: Approaches to Death in New Zealand’s Cultures and Faiths. The New Zealand Police published A Practical Reference to Religious Diversity, to guide operational staff on the variety of major religions they will encounter in their work and the way these beliefs may impact on policing methods and police effectiveness. The booklet can be downloaded at www.police.govt.nz .

2006

The 2006 Census revealed that religious diversity in New Zealand had increased in the past five years. Those who identify themselves as Christians account for 53% of the population (2.1 million), but there have been significant increases in those who profess no religion (nearly 1.29 million, up from 1.02 million in 2001), Hindus (64,567, up from 39,798), Muslims (36,150, up from 23,631) and Buddhists (52,392, up from 41,634).

National Interfaith Forum

The third annual National Interfaith Forum was held at Parliament in February. The Forum brought together delegates from interfaith groups throughout New Zealand, as well as government officials, non-governmental organisations and members of the public. The theme for the Forum was “strengthening spirituality – a shared path to peace”. The Prime Minister, Helen Clark, opened the Forum by highlighting interfaith and intercultural activities in New Zealand which have contributed to resolving conflicts.

The Forum discussions focused on:

• The role of spirituality in a secular society
• The role of religion in building peace
• The role of the media in peace building
• The role of interfaith activities in building peace.

The Forum was preceded by a national women’s interfaith conference.

Interfaith Directory and Guide to Religions in NZ

A Directory of Interfaith and Ecumenical Activity in New Zealand was published by the Victoria University Religious Studies Programme in February as a contribution to the New Zealand Diversity Action Programme, supported by Asia New Zealand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The Directory will be updated annually and is available at www.vuw.ac.nz/religion .  Reed Books published Religionz: a Guide to Religions in New Zealand by Bronwyn Elsmore, containing summaries of 68 religions in New Zealand and brief summaries of 200 more.

Asia Pacific Dialogue on Interfaith Cooperation

A New Zealand interfaith delegation participated in the second Asia-Pacific Dialogue on Interfaith Cooperation in Cebu, the Philippines, in March. The New Zealand Government, along with Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, was one of the four sponsors of the event, which followed a similar dialogue in Yogyakarta, Indonesia in 2004.  The New Zealand Prime Minister was one of the keynote speakers at the conference, which was attended by delegations from 15 South East Asian and Pacific countries.  New Zealand led a workshop on the media and religious diversity, including a case study on the resolution of the controversy over the publication of the cartoons of the prophet Mohammed in February. Other issues addressed included interfaith co-operation for regional peace and security, human dignity, development and interfaith cooperation, and the part that education can play in promoting interfaith cooperation. The meeting adopted the Cebu Declaration on Regional Interfaith Cooperation for Peace, Development and Humanity, resolving to:

• hold further local, national and regional interfaith forums;
• promote the inclusion of values-based education and interfaith and intercultural understanding in educational curricula and charters;
• continue (initiate) a dialogue with the media; and
• promote pluralism, multiculturalism, peace education and interfaith understanding, cooperation and solidarity in faith communities.

New Zealand will host the next Asia-Pacific interfaith dialogue at Waitangi in May 2007.

Religious Diversity Forum

A religious diversity forum was held as part of the New Zealand Diversity Forum in August.  The theme was cooperation between faith communities and government for understanding, peace and security.  The forum, which was attended by Cabinet Ministers, senior government officials, local authorities and faith community representatives, considered the following topics:

• Education: Building tolerance, understanding and values in New Zealand’s secular education framework, focusing particularly on the new draft school curriculum.
• Community: Building positive local religious diversity, including programmes run by the Office of Ethnic Affairs, Family and Community Services, Auckland City Council, and the Human Rights Commission’s national interfaith network.
• The Nation: Developing a national statement on religious diversity, discussing the first draft of a statement prepared by Victoria University Religious Studies Professor Paul Morris.

Building Bridges

The Office of Ethnic Affairs conducted a Building Bridges programme to work with the Muslim community on a number of issues identified in consultation with the community. 

These included:

• Building relationships between Muslim and other New Zealand communities
• Helping facilitate dialogue on critical issues
• Promoting positive awareness and visibility of Muslims in New Zealand; and
• Developing capacity within the community to address these issues.

Activities included media training workshops, interfaith activities, and a youth leadership programme.

National statement on religious diversity

A revised draft of a national statement on religious diversity was released by the Race Relations Commissioner for public discussion in October following reference to an advisory panel of faith community and human rights representatives. Meetings were organised by city and district councils, faith and interfaith groups and others in November and December to discuss the statement.  The intent of the statement is to promote religious tolerance, to improve communication between government and faith communities, to affirm the right to freedom of religion, and to provide a framework for the development and maintenance of harmonious relationships within communities.  A preamble recognises the tradition of religious diversity starting with an assurance given by Lieutenant Governor Hobson at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, the contribution of Christianity to the nation’s identity, culture, beliefs, institutions and values, the development of international human rights standards on the freedom of religion and expression, and New Zealand’s increasing religious diversity.

The draft contained eight brief statements on the state and religion, the right to religion, the right to safety, the right of freedom of expression, recognition and accommodation, education, religious differences and cooperation and understanding. A revised statement incorporating public feedback will be developed early in 2007.

Interfaith Education Centre

A proposal for an interfaith centre in Auckland to promote interfaith education and dialogue was launched by the Abdul Rasheed Trust to commemorate longtime interfaith advocate Abdul Rahim Rasheed who passed away in October.

2007

National Interfaith Forum

The fourth National Interfaith Forum was held in Hamilton in February with the theme of Being together in faith: Kotahi ai ki roto i te whakapono. The annual Forum provides a space for discussion, debate and sharing of knowledge on issues of religious diversity and encourages and facilitates connections between people of different faiths. Topics of discussion included experiences of people of different faiths, public debate on broadcasting funding allocations and how they reflect religious diversity, the link between spirituality and the environment from a Māori perspective, and activities of interfaith councils and groups. The Statement on Religious Diversity was also a major topic of discussion. The forum resolved to endorse the Statement as a basis for further discussion around issues of religious diversity in New Zealand and urged communities to engage with the Statement as a means of promoting further dialogue and understanding.

Alliance of Civilisations Symposium

The Alliance of Civilisations initiative is a global effort to bridge divides between civilisations, co-sponsored by Spain and Turkey and launched by the Secretary-General of the United Nations in 2005. The Secretary General appointed a High Level Group of 20 members from a broad range of regions and backgrounds to oversee implementation of the programme.

The High Level Group published a report in November 2006. It was divided into two parts: the first focused on the political factors underlying tension between societies, particularly in the Middle East, while the second contained recommendations for action in four main areas:

• Ensuring that education gives people an accurate picture of other peoples and cultures
• Giving youth more opportunities to understand people from other countries and societies
• Encouraging the media to avoid stereotyping and overstating conflict and disagreement; and
• Developing migration policies which avoid creating either resentment or fear.

The report provides recommendations within these themes for practical action involving states (at the national, regional and local levels), as well as international organisations and civil society.

The Prime Minister convened a High-level Symposium in Auckland in May to discuss the report and consider its implementation in New Zealand and in the Asia-Pacific region. It was attended by Ministers, Chief Executives, community leaders and experts from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, and was the first regional meeting to be held anywhere to discuss the report. The Symposium supported the report, in particular its rejection of the ‘Clash of Civilisations’ theory,  but considered that its implementation needed to have regard to the particular context of the Asia-Pacific region, which differed in particular respects from that of Europe and North America. The Waitangi Regional Interfaith Dialogue, which took place the following week, offered an opportunity for a broader range of community leaders in the region to consider the outcomes of the Symposium.

Asia Pacific Regional Dialogue on Interfaith Cooperation

Faith community representatives from 15 South East Asian and Pacific nations met in Waitangi for three days in May for the third Asia-Pacific Regional Interfaith Dialogue. The two previous dialogues took place in Cebu, Philippines in March 2006 and Yogyakarta, Indonesia in December 2004. Representatives of a wide range of New Zealand faiths and denominations were able to attend.

The regional dialogue process is sponsored by the governments of Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand and the Philippines. The sponsoring governments were represented at the opening of the Waitangi dialogue by New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, and Andri Hadi, representing the Indonesian Foreign Minister who was unable to attend.

The theme of the Waitangi dialogue was Building Bridges, and discussion focused on practical actions to increase interfaith cooperation for peace, justice and security. The resulting Waitangi Declaration and Action Plan focused on actions relating to youth, education and the media, as well as strengthening cooperation between governments and faith communities. The New Zealand delegation identified six areas within the Action Plan of particular relevance to New Zealand. These were:

• Identifying clear points of contact within government for relations with faith communities and interfaith cooperation, including the interfaith network facilitated by the Human Rights Commission
• Strengthening interfaith dialogue and addressing concerns within religious communities, making use of the Statement on Religious Diversity 
• Establishing an Asia Pacific regional interfaith network and database.
• Education about religions, with a focus on developing resources for the new school curriculum which has a high-level focus on diversity
• Tertiary education institutions and religious diversity, including student exchanges, research and establishment of an Islamic Studies Centre
• The media and religious diversity, noting the work done by the Journalism    Training Organisation and the review of the Press Council.

Religion and Schools

Religion and Schools was the topic of the interfaith forum at the New Zealand Diversity Forum in August. The forum discussed teaching about religion in schools, and the provisions for religious instruction in primary schools. Speakers included Victoria University Religious Studies Professor Paul Morris, Auckland University Law Professor Paul Rishworth, Secretary of Education Karen Sewell, Human Rights Commission Principal Policy Analyst Sylvia Bell and a range of school representatives. It was noted that the new schools Curriculum would provide for students to learn about cultural diversity, including religious diversity. The Human Rights Commission provided a draft of Frequently Asked Questions about Religion in Schools, addressing the complexities for Boards of Trustees complying with the provisions of both the Education Act and the Human Rights Act and Bill of Rights Act in determining policies about religious instruction and observance in schools. The forum highlighted the need for:  

• further research into the actual choices made by boards of trustees in relation to the teaching of and about religion and religious observances within New Zealand schools
• guidelines on these issues, and
• teaching materials on religious diversity and more generally for teaching about religion.

International Council of Christians and Jews

The New Zealand and Australian Councils of Christians and Jews co-hosted the annual conference of the International Council of Christians and Jews in Sydney in July. It was the first time that the conference had taken place in this part of the world. The theme was Healing a Broken Earth – the Faiths Working Together. The hosts sponsored the participation of more than 40 young people, Christians, Jews and Muslims from New Zealand and Australia and organised a youth forum. A Young Abrahamic Leadership Council of Australasia (YALCA) was established by the youth delegates following the conference. Muslims speakers from Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh gave addresses and fully participated in developing a Jewish-Christian-Muslim trialogue alongside the now well-established Jewish-Christian dialogue. Victoria University religious studies professor Paul Morris was awarded one of the ICCJ 2007 Interfaith Gold Medals – Peace Through Dialogue, for his pioneering work in Jewish-Christian relations.

New Zealand Hindu Conference

The first New Zealand Hindu Conference was held at the Hindu Heritage Centre in Auckland in May on the theme of The contribution of the Hindu community to the national life of New Zealand. The conference was organised by the Hindu Council of New Zealand, a newly constituted group, and included workshops and presentations relating to the economy, environment, culture, social life and health. The Hindu Council’s other activities through the year included hosting a Matariki (Māori New Year) celebration at the Hindu Heritage Centre and a rangoli (Indian art form) workshop at Apumoana Marae, Rotorua, in order to develop stronger relationships with Tangata Whenua. The Hindu Heritage Centre also conducted te reo Māori lessons at the premises. The Hindu community is the second largest religious group in New Zealand after Christianity.

Building Bridges

Building Bridges is a programme coordinated by the Office of Ethnic Affairs (OEA) which focuses on integration, public awareness and dialogue relating to the Muslim community. The following initiatives were undertaken by OEA in 2007 in partnership with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand:

• Youth Awareness and Positive Dialogue:  a pilot project with schools to explore and raise awareness about Muslims among young people. The aim was to create an atmosphere for positive discussion and dialogue around Islamic belief and culture.
• Visibility: an educational resource which aims to create dialogue on the benefits and challenges of diversity. This resource will include material on the stereotyping of Muslims.
• Media: targeted training provided to Muslim community leaders and representatives. The training included prominent journalists and media representatives.
• Youth Leadership:  a training programme to develop the leadership potential of young Muslim New Zealanders. This programme included four sessions: identity and self-esteem, intergenerational conflict, civic participation and the New Zealand environment and connecting with it.
• Conference of Imams:  the first national meeting of Muslim religious leaders in November to discuss issues of leadership and integration.

Islam Awareness Week

Islam Awareness Week is an annual event organised by Federation of Islamic Associations New Zealand. It was celebrated in August with the theme of Unity in Diversity, recognising the many cultures from around the world that have come together under the banner of Islam. It aimed to increase New Zealanders’ awareness of Muslim diversity, beliefs, values and practices and to provide an opportunity to engage with Muslim communities throughout New Zealand. Events were held throughout the country, including lectures and exhibitions, story telling by Muslim women and Mosque open days for the public to experience Muslim culture. The annual Harmony Awards, which this year included an additional media category, were presented as an introduction to the week,.

My God Television Series

Pacific Crews Production Company produced a second ten part television series, My God, which screened on Television New Zealand from August to October 2007. The half hour programmes, hosted by Chris Nichol, explored and celebrated the spiritual diversity of New Zealanders. Each programme focused on the life and spiritual beliefs of one New Zealand personality. Participants were selected for their unique perspective on life, each representing one of New Zealand’s many and diverse religious groups. The programmes featured Hindu actor Raj Verma and All Black Bull Allen from the Destiny Church, Druid Chris Mullane, Anglican writer Jo Randerson, Helen Smith from the Church of Scientology, Christian Judge Andrew Becroft, Rationalist Dame Barbara Goodman, John Maihi from the Ringatu faith, Buddhist Joycelyn Foo and Unitarian Universalist Derek McCullough.

Interfaith Networks

The Human Rights Commission continued to facilitate a national interfaith network, Te Korowai Whakapono, producing monthly electronic newsletters on interfaith dialogue and cooperation around the country.

A new Interfaith Council was launched in Christchurch in April. It joined other Interfaith Councils that undertake activities and projects throughout the country. The Auckland Interfaith Council organised a series of public seminars on life cycles including the beliefs of different faiths about birth, youth, maturity, death and seasons. The aim was to provide a space for people of different faiths to discuss important events in people’s lives. Cities and regions that have interfaith Councils include: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Bay of Plenty, Hibiscus Coast, Waikato, Gisborne, New Plymouth, Kapiti, Nelson and Wanaka. There is also an Abrahamic Interfaith Group in Dunedin.

Speaking Tour by Dr Lois Wilson

When Freedoms Collide was the theme of a series of public meetings held in May during the visit to New Zealand of the Very Rev Hon Dr Lois Wilson, a Canadian specialist in human rights and religious diversity. The meetings provided an opportunity for interfaith discussions within the framework of human rights and coincided with the Asia Pacific Regional Dialogue on Interfaith Cooperation. Meetings took place in Orewa, Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Napier, Kapiti Coast, Dunedin and Christchurch. A highlight was a panel discussion on the Statement on Religious Diversity at the Auckland Cathedral which attracted over 300 people.

Statement on Religious Diversity

The Statement on Religious Diversity was completed in March, taking into account the discussion at the Hamilton Interfaith Forum and subsequent submissions. The Human Rights Commission, with the support of the New Zealand Commission for UNESCO, published Religious Diversity in New Zealand, a small booklet containing the Statement and some accompanying background and commentary from Professor Paul Morris reflecting the comments received during consultation on the Statement. The booklet was distributed in May and provided to delegates to the Alliance of Civilisations Symposium and the Waitangi Regional Dialogue on Interfaith Cooperation. Members of the Destiny Church staged a demonstration outside the Waitangi meeting to express their opposition to a reference in the Statement about the separation of church and state, arguing instead that New Zealand should be a Christian state.

Following publication, the Statement was used to promote further discussion on religious diversity by inviting faith communities and other organisations to endorse it. Endorsements were received from Soka Gakkai International of New Zealand, Bishops of the Anglican and Catholic Churches, the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary, the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, the Islamic Women’s Council, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of New Zealand, the Waikato Interfaith Council, the Auckland Council of Christians and Jews, the Wellington Council of Christians and Jews, the Council of Christians and Muslims (NZ) Inc., the Christchurch Interfaith Council, the New Zealand Council of Christians and Jews, the Methodist Church of New Zealand and the Auckland Interfaith Council.

The Human Rights Commission continues to seek endorsements as well as suggestions for amendment from faith communities and other stakeholders and the Statement will be reviewed in time for the 2009 New Zealand Diversity Forum.

Statement on Religious Diversity

New Zealand is a country of many faiths with a significant minority who profess no religion. Increasing religious diversity is a significant feature of public life.

At the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, Governor Hobson affirmed, in response to a question from Catholic Bishop Pompallier, ‘the several faiths (beliefs) of England, of the Wesleyans, of Rome, and also Māori custom shall alike be protected’. This foundation creates the opportunity to reaffirm an acknowledgement of the diversity of beliefs in New Zealand.

Christianity has played and continues to play a formative role in the development of New Zealand in terms of the nation’s identity, culture, beliefs, institutions and values.

New settlers have always been religiously diverse, but only recently have the numbers of some of their faith communities grown significantly as a result of migration from Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These communities have a positive role to play in our society. It is in this context that we recognise the right to religion and the responsibilities of religious communities.

International treaties including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights uphold the right to freedom of religion and belief – the right to hold a belief; the right to change one’s religion or belief; the right to express one’s religion or belief; and the right not to hold a belief. These rights are reflected in the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act and Human Rights Act. The right to religion entails affording this right to others and not infringing their human rights.

The following statement provides a framework for the recognition of New Zealand’s diverse faith communities and their harmonious interaction with each other, with government and with other groups in society:

1. The State and Religion

The State seeks to treat all faith communities and those who profess no religion equally before the law. New Zealand has no official or established religion.

2. The Right to Religion

New Zealand upholds the right to freedom of religion and belief and the right to freedom from discrimination on the grounds of religious or other belief.

3. The Right to Safety

Faith communities and their members have a right to safety and security.

4. The Right of Freedom of Expression

The right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media are vital for democracy but should be exercised with responsibility.

5. Recognition and Accommodation

Reasonable steps should be taken in educational and work environments and in the delivery of public services to recognise and accommodate diverse religious beliefs and practices.

6. Education

Schools should teach an understanding of different religious and spiritual traditions in a manner that reflects the diversity of their national and local community.

7. Religious Differences

Debate and disagreement about religious beliefs will occur but must be exercised within the rule of law and without resort to violence.

8. Cooperation and understanding

Government and faith communities have a responsibility to build and maintain positive relationships with each other, and to promote mutual respect and understanding.

Faith in Parliament

Parliament’s Standing Orders Committee considered a petition to amend the wording of the parliamentary prayer. The petition asked that the House continue to open its sittings with a prayer, but with wording that was not specifically Christian. The Speaker, Hon Margaret Wilson, who chairs the Committee, suggested a survey to determine if there was a mood among Members favouring a change. Seventy-four members or 84% of respondents said that the prayer should continue to be recited as it was at the beginning of each sitting. The Standing Orders Committee said the survey showed the prayer was a tradition that Members generally wished to retain in its current form.

Parliament continued to recognise faith communities and the events which are special to them. This included parliamentary functions to celebrate the end of Ramadhan (Eid) and Diwali.

Sikhs and Aviation

In a submission to a parliamentary select committee considering the Aviation Security Bill, the Sikh Centre said that Sikhs feared they would be unfairly targeted by security profiling as a result of the Bill. The submission followed a number of incidents involving Sikh airline passengers, including a Sikh man being removed from a Qantas flight in Queenstown and Sikh priests being required to deposit their swords with the pilot of an aircraft flying from Auckland to Hawkes Bay. The submission highlighted that Sikhs can be unfairly targeted because of a lack of understanding of the religious importance of the turban and the kirpan. The Sikh centre suggested protocols that could be adopted by relevant authorities and made offers of assistance for training. The Centre’s concerns were included in the Select Committee’s report back to Parliament, and the Civil Aviation Authority expressed its willingness to undertake an information campaign to avoid unnecessary confrontations, including the need for law enforcement officers to consider religious sensitivities when carrying out searches.

2008

Alliance of Civilisations: National Implementation Plan

A delegation from New Zealand attended the Alliance of Civilisations Symposium in Madrid in January. The Alliance of Civilisations is a United Nations initiative that aims to “improve understanding and cooperative relations among nations and peoples across cultures and religions and, in the process, to help counter the forces that fuel polarisation and extremism”. The alliance was established in 2005 on the initiative of the governments of Spain and Turkey. Working in partnership with governments, international and regional organisations, civil society groups, foundations, and the private sector, the alliance supports a range of projects and initiatives aimed at building bridges among diverse cultures and communities.

The New Zealand Government adopted a national plan to implement the alliance initiatives and to promote intercultural dialogue nationally, regionally and globally. The plan takes forward the four focus areas of the Alliance of Civilisations High Level Group’s report (published in November 2006): education, youth, media and migration.

The implementation plan supports existing and new initiatives that:

• promote trust and understanding between diverse communities by connecting people and organisations
• reduce polarisation between societies through joint pursuits and partnerships (including between government and civil society) that help give impetus to innovative projects
• build respect and understanding among cultures and empower voices of moderation and reconciliation, which can help calm cultural and religious tensions between nations and peoples
• provide access to information and resource materials drawn from successful cooperative initiatives, which could in turn be used by other institutions, organisations and individuals.

Existing initiatives identified in the plan were the government’s Connecting Diverse Communities programme, the Building Bridges Programme, the New Zealand Settlement Strategy and Action Plan, the Youth Exchanges Programme, the Intercultural Awareness and Communication Programme, and the Human Rights Commission’s Diversity Action Programme. New initiatives included an Islamic studies centre, media literacy and standards programme, strengthening the focus on religions and cultures in the school curriculum, and scholarships to promote religious understanding in the Asia-Pacific region. Contributions to a number of Asia-Pacific regional initiatives were also envisaged.

Asia-Pacific Regional Dialogue on Interfaith Cooperation

The fourth Asia-Pacific Regional Dialogue on Interfaith Cooperation was held in Cambodia in April on the theme of Interfaith Cooperation for Peace and Harmony. The first dialogue was held in the Philippines in 2004, the second in Indonesia in 2006 and the third in New Zealand in 2007. New Zealand is a co-sponsor of the dialogue with Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

The New Zealand delegation reported that the process of regional interfaith dialogue begun in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, in 2004 had undoubtedly contributed to stronger interfaith relationships both nationally and in the Asia- Pacific region, and to an increase in interfaith activities at the grassroots level, international exchanges, regional support for global interfaith initiatives and initiatives in education programmes both nationally and internationally. The delegation noted the growth in trust that was evident both between faiths and between national delegations over the course of the four dialogues, the increasing commonality of purpose and the focus on practical action. Religious tensions in the region have reduced over that period, and while the dialogue process might have only been one contributing factor, it had undoubtedly made a contribution.

The delegation recommended to the New Zealand Government and faith communities, that:

1. Efforts be continued to develop high-quality resources and standards to support the new provisions in the New Zealand curriculum relating to cultural and religious diversity and fundamental values.

2. Government officials be provided with a handbook and training on religious diversity, building on the work already done by the New Zealand Police in their A Practical Reference to Religious Diversity.

3. Religious leaders of standing be used to assist in resolving inter-communal conflicts within the region and collaborative regional religious networks be established to develop conflict resolution skills, practices and attitudes in areas of inter-communal conflict.

4. The recommendations in the Phnom Penh Action Plan be taken into account in the review of the National Implementation Plan for the Alliance of Civilisations.

5. The government consider hosting a meeting of government and faith community leaders and members of the Phnom Penh delegation to discuss existing and further initiatives in interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

Religious Diversity in the Pacific

A Pacific regional dialogue on religious diversity was proposed at a two-day meeting of Pacific academics, theologians, faith community leaders and community representatives, convened in Auckland in August. The meeting was a sequel to the Asia-Pacific Interfaith Dialogue in Cambodia, which involved representatives from Fiji, New Zealand and Australia. The Pacific delegations had felt that a more local Pacific dialogue was also desirable.

It was proposed that a further regional meeting take place in the Pacific in 2010 or 2011, to be preceded by further dialogue within and between faiths in the Pacific and Pacific communities in New Zealand.

The meeting acknowledged the reality of religious diversity in the Pacific and in New Zealand and the ongoing change that was taking place. Delegates identified the need to develop stronger connections with each other, to create spaces for dialogue, to broaden the conversation between and within faith traditions, and to support research and education about religions in the Pacific.

The meeting included Muslim and Christian delegates from Fiji, academics from Fiji, Samoa, Australia and New Zealand, and representatives of New Zealand Pacific religious communities. It was organised by UNESCO in conjunction with the New Zealand Human Rights Commission, the Auckland University Business School and the Victoria University Religious Studies Programme.

Other issues discussed included the development of a regional network, the need to focus on issues for women and children, the need for resources to support discussion of religious diversity, the need to address issues of social and religious exclusion and the possibility of developing a Pacific statement on religious diversity.

National Religious Diversity Network

Te Korowai Whakapono, the national religious diversity network facilitated by the Human Rights Commission, continued to grow. The Commission produced monthly electronic newsletters on developments in religious diversity and also continued to promote the national Statement on Religious Diversity. The statement provides a human rights framework for discussion on issues of religious diversity in New Zealand. Since the launch of the statement, it has received wide support from a variety of faith and interfaith organisations. Endorsements in 2008 included the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The network’s annual Religious Diversity Forum was held in August as part of the wider programme of the New Zealand Diversity Forum. The Victoria University Religious Studies Programme hosted the forum in conjunction with the Auckland Interfaith Council. The forum focused on discrimination, harassment and desecration, with the aim of establishing practical steps to ensure the safety of all New Zealanders of all religions. There was general agreement that the safety and security of religious minorities needs to be monitored and acknowledged with more research done in this area. The session identified the possibility for followup work with the police to improve engagement with faith based communities.

The forum also discussed New Zealand’s Plan of Action under the Alliance of Civilisations National Implementation Plan, and the draft guidelines on Religion in Schools being developed by Victoria University Religious Studies Programme, the School Trustees Association and the Human Rights Commission. The guidelines are due for completion in early 2009.

Interfaith Councils

There are regional interfaith councils in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Hibiscus Coast, Gisborne, New Plymouth, Kapiti and Nelson. Other interfaith specific groups include the NZ Interfaith Group, the Council of Christian and Jews (NZ) Inc, the Council of Christians and Jews (Auckland), Wellington Council of Christians and Jews, the Council of Christians and Muslims, the Dunedin Abrahamic Interfaith Group and the Rasheed Memorial Dawah Trust. Regional interfaith councils continued to undertake activities that contributed significantly to interfaith understanding and cooperation. For instance, in Christchurch, activities included interfaith tours to different houses of worship in the region and discussion meetings. In 2008, regional interfaith activities increasingly centred on issues of common concern. In Auckland, there was a series of interfaith panel discussions which focused on applying spiritual principles to societal problems such as environment issues. Dunedin hosted peace lectures exploring approaches to disarmament and conflict resolution. Waikato Interfaith Council found common ground with other Hamilton community groups by organising an event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Keeping Faith

The large-scale community exhibition which examined the role of religion and belief in the Waikato was successfully completed. The exhibition provided the opportunity for residents of the Waikato to learn about and explore the religions of their neighbours, co-workers and friends in a safe environment. It was the talk of the town when it opened and a newspaper about it was delivered to every household. A total of 50,562 people visited the museum during the show, which made the different faith traditions in the Waikato visible and meaningful to the community. The Statement on Religious Diversity was a central feature of the exhibition and the associated public programme.

Police and Faith Communities

Police undertook a number of initiatives to enhance cooperation with faith-based communities in 2008. Amaninder Singh Sandhu became the first Sikh New Zealand police officer to wear a turban on duty. The NZ Police and the Sikh Council of NZ had been working together since December 2007 on protocols around the turban. It was a historically significant moment for the Sikh community of New Zealand. In other activities, a panel discussion on Muslim youth and the police was hosted by the Ministry of Social Development, Settling In and the NZ Police at the NZ Diversity Forum in August.

Building Bridges

The Building Bridges programme aims to help New Zealand’s Muslim communities deal with the challenges of dispelling stereotypes, promote inter-ethnic discussions, and encourage civic participation and belonging in the post-September 11 environment. The programme was launched by the Office of Ethnic Affairs (OEA) in 2005 in conjunction with the New Zealand Federation of Islamic Associations (FIANZ). The priority themes for the Building Bridges work are:

• strategic leadership
• positive visibility
• media
• youth
• women.

In 2008, the Building Bridges programme focused on capacity building initiatives. This included youth leadership training and women’s response to family violence – Project Well-being. OEA also assisted with FIANZ’s stakeholder’s meeting at Parliament. A critical issues forum was held that hosted scholar Professor Tariq Ramadan.

Annual Ratana Convention

Thousands of Ratana Church supporters converged on Ratana Pa near Wanganui in January for the annual celebration of their prophet and founder, Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana. Leaders of other faith communities, including the Methodist, Anglican, Catholic and Presbyterian churches, attended to pay their respects, as did politicians, including Prime Minister Helen Clark, government ministers and Labour MPs, Leader of the Opposition John Key, a number of National MPs, and representatives of the Māori Party and New Zealand First.

National Interfaith Forum

The fifth National Interfaith Forum, organised by the Wellington Interfaith Council, was held at Parliament in March and opened by the Governor-General. The forum brought representatives of interfaith, faith, non-faith, government and human rights organisations together from around New Zealand. The theme was “Beyond tolerance – toward understanding and respect: challenges and opportunities”. The forum featured workshops, dialogues, celebration, meditation and prayer, and shared food and music. Workshops included “Bridging the gap, strexngthening local communities”, “Using education as a tool to bridge the gap”, and “Intra-faith and inter-faith, forging relationships”.

National Interfaith Youth Forum

The first National Interfaith Youth Forum was held in March. It focused on Creative Encounters Generating Change. Delegates endorsed the Statement on Religious Diversity, and supported activities to mark the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the development of a national youth interfaith network, and regional youth interfaith councils. The importance of developing educational resources on religious diversity was acknowledged, and youth input was sought into policy and legislative changes.

National Interfaith Women’s Forum

The women’s forum, held in conjunction with the National Interfaith Forum, included a number of presentations and workshops, and shared stories. Participants looked at both personal and strategic ways of supporting interfaith understanding. They supported more social interaction and planned activities between the annual forums, better use of existing interfaith directories, a more strategic approach to public relations, more information sharing and an expanded interfaith website.

Multi-Faith Conference, Auckland Univerity

The University of Auckland’s Maclaurin Chapel hosted a multi-faith conference in September on the theme of Uni-Diversity: The Challenges of Change. The conference addressed the challenges of religious diversity, including the place of religion in the public arena, and the accommodation of various religious practices in public institutions such as schools and universities. The conference programme included international and local speakers from a variety of perspectives and religious backgrounds, touching on issues such as perspectives on diversity, implications for universities, and multi-faith in the international context. University chaplains resolved to take the issue of religious diversity in universities further through their own association.

Federation of Islamic Associations New Zealand Stakeholders Forum

The Federation of Islamic Associations New Zealand, sponsored by the Office of Ethnic Affairs, launched its first New Zealand Stakeholders Forum in Wellington in June on the theme of Building Strong New Zealand Muslim Families. The focus of the forum was to bring together religious and community leaders and representatives of government and non-government organisations to discuss the challenges and opportunities that Muslim families face in raising strong families in the New Zealand context. Key themes discussed were: building a strong community; building strong families; building strong youth and women; and building healthy and educated communities. The Prime Minister gave the keynote address at the launch at Parliament.

Islam Awareness Week

Islam Awareness Week is an annual event organised by the Federation of Islamic Associations New Zealand. It was celebrated in August with the theme of Strong Families – Better Society. The purpose of the week is to increase New Zealanders’ awareness of Muslim beliefs, values and practices, and to tackle misinformation about their religion in a positive way. Activities during the week included Mosque open days, talks, video screenings and information displays (highlighting media stories) which allow insights into the Islamic way of life and the Muslim people who follow it. Each year, the Federation of Islamic Associations NZ presents a set of Harmony Awards to non-Muslim New Zealanders who have made outstanding contributions to the community during the week. This year, the Supreme Harmony Award went to Ann Dysart from Family and Community Services in the Ministry of Social Development.

2009

Alliance of Civilisations

A New Zealand government delegation participated in the second forum of the Alliance of Civilisations (AOC) in Aprilin Istanbul.The AOC was launched by Turkey and Spain in 2005, in response to concerns the rise of religious extremism and terrorism were causing a growing rift between different cultures and faiths.

New Zealand has been actively involved in the AOC, hosting an Asia-Pacific Regional Symposium in 2007 and participating in both global forums. Attendees in Istanbul in April included heads of state, ministers, business leaders, academics and civil society representatives.

Among priorities identified by the forum:

• Enlarging the global scope of the alliance and consolidating national plans and regional strategies for intercultural dialogue.
• Making education and youth top priority areas of action.
• Strengthening the role of civil society and the private sector in addressing cultural diversity and developing closer cooperation.
• Developing joint projects, especially through initiatives aimed at promoting better intercultural understanding and preventing mounting tensions and the rise of extremism. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) is the lead agency for the AOC programme, supported domestically by the Office of Ethnic Affairs.

Asia-Pacific regional dialogue on Interfaith cooperation

The fifth Asia-Pacific dialogue was held in Perth in October on the theme “Future faith leaders: challenges and cooperation”. The dialogues are co-sponsored by the governments of Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand and the Philippines. The Perth dialogue was attended by 14 countries in South East Asia and the Pacific. New Zealand’s delegation was led by the Minister of Ethnic Affairs, the Hon Pansy Wong, and comprised members of the Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh faiths and the Human Rights Commission. The Perth session focused on fostering interfaith projects, the development of future faith leaders, educational resources on religious diversity, involvement of faith community leaders in conflict resolution, and religious diversity and the media. Key practical follow-up actions for New Zealand were identified as:

• The development of an interfaith environmental project, to be recommended to the National Interfaith Forum in February 2010.
• A leadership development project for future interfaith leaders, to be discussed with the National Youth Interfaith Forum in February 2010.
• Teachers’ workshops to promote and develop curriculum resources on religious diversity.
• A workshop for faith leaders and media on religious diversity and the media, in conjunction with the 2010 New Zealand Diversity Forum.
• A commitment to involve more women in interfaith activities and future delegations.

Parliament of the World’s Religions

The fourth Parliament of the World’s Religions was held in Melbourne 3-9 December. Delegates from 220 religious, spiritual and philosophical traditions were present, from over 80 countries. The theme for the 2009 parliament was “Making a world of difference, hearing each other, healing the earth”. Priorities included global poverty, environmental change, youth education, spirituality and the arts, and reconciliation among Indigenous peoples. Hundreds of workshops, films and activities demonstrated the wealth of interfaith dialogue around the world, providing inspiration and challenges for those involved in interfaith dialogue in New Zealand.

Establishment of a UNESCO Chair at Victoria University of Wellington

New Zealand’s first UNESCO chair has been approved at Victoria University of Wellington. The Chair in Interreligious Understanding and Relations, Professor Paul Morris, will focus on religious diversity and dialogue in New Zealand and the Pacific. The position is part of a global network of chairs.

National Religious Diversity Network

Te Korowai Whakapono, the national religious diversity network, is facilitated by the Human Rights Commission and continues to grow. The Commission produced monthly e-newsletters on developments in religious diversity and interfaith activities and programmes that contribute to religious tolerance, public understanding and interfaith cooperation for security and harmonious relations. The network’s annual Religious Diversity Forum took place in Wellington in August, as part of the New Zealand Diversity Forum, with a focus on religious diversity in the workplace. A panel of employers and employees discussed issues and initiated the development of guidelines on religious diversity in the workplace. The guidelines will be completed in 2010. The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington, Most Reverend John Dew, launched the second edition of the Religious Diversity Statement at the Religious Diversity Forum. The statement has been endorsed by many groups, including the Salvation Army, Soka Gakkai International of New Zealand, Anglican and Catholic bishops, Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ), National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’is of New Zealand, Waikato Interfaith Council, New Zealand Council of Christian and Jews, Conference of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, the Sikh Centre and Hindu Council of New Zealand. The second edition includes an introduction by the Prime Minister, the Hon John Key. The Commission also launched its joint publication with Victoria University of Wellington: Religion in New Zealand Schools, Questions and Concerns, which followed discussion at the 2008 Religious Diversity Forum. The publication provides guidance to Boards of Trustees and school communities on how to accommodate religion in schools, consistent with the Education Act, the Bill of Rights Act and the Human Rights Act.

Interfaith activities

Interfaith activities in 2009 included:

• The Christchurch Interfaith Council held the inaugural Rafaa Antoun Memorial Lecture, delivered by Rev Dr Jonathan Inkpin on “Receiving the gift – sharing in diversity” in June. Rafaa Antoun died in December 2008 at the age of 42. She was active in many social, cultural, religious and political groups in Christchurch and beyond, in the field of ethnic, interfaith and women’s issues.
• The Wellington Interfaith Council hosted a session on grassroots interfaith activities at the New Zealand Diversity Forum. Recent case studies were presented, followed by a panel discussion on future grassroots interfaith activities.
• The Auckland Interfaith Council held a multi-faith service with a wide range of religions. A Charter for Compassion was launched in November at a meeting in Auckland organised by the Rasheed Memorial Trust, the New Zealand Jewish Council and the Union for Progressive Judaism. The charter is a short document reinforcing the importance of the golden rule: treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves. The charter is the brainchild of Dr Karen Armstrong, a former British nun who won the TED Prize in 2008 to grant “one wish to change the world”. Her wish was to bring together a group of leading inspirational thinkers from Judaism, Christianity and Islam to craft a Charter for Compassion based on the principles of universal justice and respect. Over 1000 people collaborated online to write the charter, which is being launched worldwide through a series of events and religious services.

Police and Faith Communities

The New Zealand Police launched a second edition of A Practical Reference to Religious Diversity. It covers seven major religious faiths, including Mäori spirituality, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism. The book provides information to help frontline police gain basic awareness and understanding of religious diversity.

It explains how religious beliefs and customs may impact on their role as police officers. A specialised workshop was held at the police college to train selected staff on Islam, and a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Federation of Islamic Association of New Zealand. The NZ Police once again supported the Bahá’i secondary schools Race Unity Speech Awards in March. The theme for the speech awards and the youth conference was “Good neighbours come from all races and cultures”. The competition, initiated by the NZ Bahá’i community in 2001, is held in support of Race Relations Day each year.

Building Bridges

Building Bridges is an Office of Ethnic Affairs project, in partnership with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand. The project aims to build capacity to foster a unique New Zealand Muslim identity.

Building Bridges activities in 2009:

• A Young Muslims Leadership Development Conference, in conjunction with Auckland University’s Islamic Studies Research Unit, was held in April. The conference was part of ongoing work aimed at promoting the positive integration of young Muslim New Zealanders in wider society, and encouraging training and leadership development.
• A forum on civic participation and belonging was held with the Muslim community in Christchurch. Its aim was to challenge and rethink concepts of civic participation and belonging in the Muslim community, and to explore the different ways these might be translated into policy and practice.

Discrimination & cultural misunderstanding

Cases of alleged discrimination and cultural misunderstanding reported in the media included:

• A Muslim woman was barred from entering the Hastings District Court because she was wearing a headscarf. She lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission. The judge involved indicated he had made a mistake and the Chief District Court Judge reassured the Muslim community that judges are sensitive to the Bill of Rights provisions against discrimination.
• People refused entry into Cosmopolitan clubs because of rules about no headwear included a Muslim woman wearing a burka and Sikh men wearing turbans. One case was still the subject of a complaint with the Human Rights Commission at the end of 2009.
• A dispute between neighbours and monks in Wainuiomata was settled in last-ditch mediation before a council hearing. Four Buddhist monks set up the Wat Dhamma Prateep monastery on a three-acre lifestyle block. Visitors driving to the property along a shared private road prompted a complaint from a neighbour to the Hutt City Council. The council deemed the house a place of assembly, requiring resource consent, which cost the monks $3000. The monks and neighbours agreed no more than 12 cars could enter and leave the property a day and the monks must give two weeks’ notice of larger gatherings to the neighbours
• Discussion forums were held in Auckland and Hamilton about the role and perception of Muslims in the New Zealand media. Participants in Auckland included Muslim media, the Broadcasting Standards Authority, Mäori Television, Radio New Zealand and Radio Live. The discussion focused on learning to work with the media, countering misrepresentation, the role of youth, the plurality within the Muslim community and freedom of speech. Guests at the Hamilton forum included the editor of the Waikato Times, and academics from Waikato University and Wintec.
• An online directory of New Zealand Muslim women’s organisations was launched.

National Interfaith Forum

The sixth National Interfaith Forum was held in February by the Auckland Interfaith Council. It was attended by over 200 people at various religious venues around Auckland. The goals for the forum were to bring people of different faiths together to learn about interfaith activities around the country, to consider important questions of interfaith infrastructure, and to be spiritually uplifted. A semi-formal email network was established among local interfaith groups, for consultation and connectedness.

Women’s National Interfaith Forum

The keynote speaker at the fourth Women’s National Interfaith Forum in February was Dr Maureen Sier, from Scotland. The 100 participants included women from Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Latter Day Saints, Bahá’í, Jewish, Zen Buddhist and Muslim backgrounds. The forum was the largest gathering of women to have taken place at a Women’s Interfaith Forum in New Zealand.

National Youth Interfaith Forum

The second National Youth Interfaith Forum was held in Auckland in February. Participants shared aspects of their religions and explored issues, such as interfaith communication, common values and beliefs, and environmental concerns faiths can contribute to solving.

Hindu Council of New Zealand

The Hindu Youth Foundation, a division of the Hindu Council of New Zealand Inc, organised the first NZ Hindu Youth Conference in Auckland in May. The theme was

“Living in modern New Zealand with traditional values”. The New Zealand Hindu Students Forum for university students was launched during the conference. The first Hindu elders conference was held in October and was attended by over 160 delegates. The aim was “to facilitate and empower the community so Hindu elders live with confidence and are productive and participating citizens of New Zealand”.

Events and workshops

The Ministry of Social Development’s Settling In programme hosted a workshop on ”Understanding Islam from a rights perspective” at the New Zealand Diversity Forum in August. The workshop addressed the knowledge gap of Muslim women, human rights advocates, academics and policy makers in relation to policymaking, women’s rights and fundamental liberties.

The theme of Islam Awareness Week 2009 was “Al-Mizan – finding a balance in life”. This annual event, organised by FIANZ, is a week of information and activities to increase awareness of Islamic beliefs, values and practices, and to tackle misinformation in a positive way. It provides an opportunity to engage with Muslim communities around New Zealand.

The Rasheed Memorial Da’wah Trust organised a workshop on “Islamic/Muslim cultures, a primer for service providers”. This was a response to the growing Muslim community and the complications and potential impact a lack of awareness can have on service provision for Muslim clients. Seventy people from over 40 organisations attended. The University of Auckland ran a symposium on Islam to explore and discuss aspects of Islamic religion and culture and the challenges faced.

FIANZ held the first National Muslim Convention in Auckland. The aim was to establish an annual event for Muslim New Zealanders, to come together as families, socialise with Kiwi Muslims and participate in sports, religious activities, meetings and forums. The theme for the convention was “Building strong New Zealand Muslim families”.

Research and resources

Asia New Zealand published The Crescent Moon: The Asian Face of Islam in New Zealand. Written by Adrienne Jansen, the book includes interviews with Muslims of Asian descent in New Zealand and photographs by Ans Westra. It was launched with an accompanying exhibition at Pätaka Museum, in Porirua, in February.

A further series of “My God” was broadcast on Television New Zealand. The 10 profiles of well known New Zealanders of different faiths was produced by Pacific Screen and fronted by broadcaster Chris Nichol. DVDs of previous series were released. The Wellington City Libraries has developed a visual resource as part of its engagement with the Muslim community. “Our place, your place” talks about what Wellington City Libraries has to offer new Muslim communities. The DVD was directed and produced by Helen Donnelly, and gives a brief history of the Muslim community in Wellington and New Zealand. The University of Auckland’s Network for Islamic Studies (NISA) was upgraded to a research unit. The Islamic Studies Research Unit (ISRU) represents staff and students whose research and teaching intersect with the study of Islam (e.g. history, philosophy, theology, etc). NISA aims to develop a resource base for students, academics and professionals interested in researching or learning more about the cultures and politics of Muslim societies.

The Centre for Applied Cross-cultural Research at Victoria University of Wellington undertook research on “Being Muslim in New Zealand”. It examined attitudes of New Zealanders towards Muslim immigrants, major issues confronting Muslim youth and how well Muslim youth integrate and adapt in New Zealand. The study found while young Muslims in New Zealand faced threats to their development, their adjustment was within a supportive context.

Pearson Education published Discovering Diversity: How Diverse Values and Beliefs of World Religions are Shaping Our Identity, by educationalist Jocelyn Armstrong. It is a textbook for Level 5 Social Studies, examining Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. It looks at the beliefs and values underpinning these religions, including stories and traditions.

Complaints about Discrimination to the Human Rights Commission

In the past three years, the Human Rights Commission has received 249 complaints on the grounds of religious and/ or ethical belief. Approximately half (53 per cent) were complaints from people alleging specific incidents of discrimination because of their religion. Thirty eight per cent of complaints were of a more general nature, and included 33 relating to employment. These included enquiries from employers about accommodating the religious requirements of their staff or potential employees, and complaints from people who were asked about aspects of their religious belief during job interviews. In a number of these cases, the issues involved the person not being of a certain religion (for example, non-Catholics working in Catholic schools), rather than discrimination because of their specific religious beliefs.

More complaints of discrimination on the grounds of religious belief were received from Muslims than any other group. (Muslim 34, Christian 26, Sikh14, Jewish 13).

Appearance

The most common complaints from Muslims related to appearance. Nine complaints related to headscarves, burkas or hijabs, six of which were received in 2009. One involved a group that was asked to leave a restaurant in a club because one of them was wearing a burka and would not remove it when asked. The club agreed to mediation and the matter was successfully resolved. Three matters involved problems experienced by people wearing headscarves in the workplace. The complainants were provided with information to assist them in resolving the matters independently. A further matter, relating to the treatment of a shop employee, is in progress. The case of a Muslim woman barred from the Hastings District Court because she was wearing a headscarf received media attention. The Race Relations Commissioner contacted the Chief District Court Judge and the Federation of Islamic Associations to discuss the issue. The Chief District Court judge issued a statement, affirming judges are aware of the Bill of Rights Act provisions on discrimination and that the judge concerned had made a genuine error. The Human Rights Commission facilitated a meeting with the complainant, the president of FIANZ and the Race Relations Commissioner at the first National Muslim Convention. One other complaint related to a Muslim school boy who was required to shave for school. This matter is still in progress. Although the number of complaints from Sikhs was much lower than from Muslims, the majority of these also related to appearance. Eleven of the 14 complaints from Sikhs were about turbans; the other three complaints were about wearing ceremonial daggers, or kirpans. One matter involving a taxi driver prohibited from wearing a turban was successfully resolved via mediation.

Holy days and prayer

Six complaints were received in 2009 from people saying their observance of religious days was not accommodated by their workplace. Four were from Christian religions, one from a Seventh Day Adventist and one from an unspecified religion.

Religious diet

Ten complaints in the last three years related to the accommodation of religious diet: five Islamic, five Jewish and eight related to prison inmates. Three of the 10 complaints were received in 2009, all relating to prison inmates.

Karakia and prayer in school and workplace settings

Fourteen complaints in the last three years were about karakia and/or prayer in workplace or school settings. Five of these related to the recitation of Christian prayers in Council meetings, one of which is still in progress. Two complaints in 2007 related to the same council and were successfully resolved by the complainants themselves. Three complaints in 2007 and two in 2009 related to workplace settings, including educational establishments. Four of these involved karakia in the workplace, and the fifth involved a person of a different religious belief forced to participate in a Christian observance at work. Three complaints related to educational settings and the recitation of karakia in schools. One further complaint was received from a prison inmate who complained he was required to sing a waiata that had references to God, which he objected to as an atheist.

2010

Review of human rights: freedom of religion and belief

One chapter of Human Rights in New Zealand 2010 – Ngä Tika Tangata o Aotearoa summarised the right to religion and belief: New Zealand has no State religion, and church and State institutions are separate. In legislation and policy, the State respects freedom of thought, conscience and religion. There are few constraints on the freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs. The right to freedom of religion and belief is incorporated in New Zealand law, and New Zealand generally complies with and exceeds international standards. Some challenges remain in relation to accommodation of differences in religion and belief in practice, particularly in balancing the right to freedom of expression with the right to freedom of religion and belief, as reflected in a number of high-profile incidents. Maintaining respect for all religions and beliefs and all rights-holders requires continual work, particularly in developing relationships of mutual respect and recognising that there is equal right to religion and to ethical belief. The report identified a number of areas for action, which appear at the end of this chapter.

National religious diversity network

The Human Rights Commission continued to facilitate a national religious diversity network, Te Korowai Whakapono, as part of the New Zealand Diversity Action Programme. The Commission produced a monthly electronic newsletter on religious diversity and encouraged faith communities and other organisations to undertake religious diversity projects. The network’s annual forum was held as part of the New Zealand Diversity Forum in Christchurch in August.

Religion in the workplace

The Commission worked with the Victoria University Religious Studies Programme to develop guidelines on religion in the workplace, arising from discussion on the topic at the 2009 religious diversity forum. A working group was established with representatives from the Department of Labour, Business NZ, the AUT School of Business, the NZ Council of Trade Unions, and the Human Rights Commission. They were helped by a reference group of members of diverse religious and belief groups. The guidelines are expected to be published in early 2011.

Religious diversity forum

Around 100 people attended the network’s annual religious diversity forum in Christchurch in August, on the topic of ‘religion and the media’. An overview was given by the head of Victoria University’s religious studies programme, Professor Paul Morris, and Professor Jim Tully of Canterbury University’s journalism school. This was followed by a panel discussion of representatives of media and faith communities. After the forum, a working group will be established in 2011 to develop a statement on religion and the media.

Teaching diversity

The New Zealand National Commission for the UN Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) held two workshops on teaching diversity, one in Wellington in May and the other at the New Zealand Diversity Forum in August. The workshops considered the educational resources currently available on religious and cultural diversity and identified the gaps. The focus was on competencies required to teach diversity in schools and the need to ‘teach the teachers’. Outcomes of the workshops included:

• support for workshops on diversity education for principals and school trustees
• a call for professional development and resources for intermediate and secondary teachers involved in religious and cultural diversity education
• agreement to develop a network to share resources, best practice and information, which the Faculty of Education at Victoria University will host.

Religious workers

Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman agreed to review existing immigration rules for religious workers (such as ministers of religion). This came after extensive lobbying from religious communities about the difficulty for religious workers of gaining permanent residency in New Zealand. Under existing rules, religious workers are evaluated against general-skills categories to qualify for permanent residence. Religious workers have struggled to fulfil requirements set for skilled employment and employment experience, remuneration, qualifications, English language and age. Religious workers from Asia have been particularly disadvantaged. The alternative to permanent residence is a three-year work permit. But many religious organisations see this as unsuitable, as they want to keep their religious workers in the long term. Immigration New Zealand has been tasked with the review and a final decision is expected by mid-2011. Currently, about 300 religious workers are granted work permits out of 177,361 temporary work permits issued annually.

Swapping public holidays

The Holidays Amendment Act 2010, passed in November, enabled workers and employers to agree to transfer public holiday entitlements from the standard statutory date (e.g. Christmas Day or Good Friday) to another working day – for example, to observe a day of greater religious or cultural significance to them.

Row over shechita

In June, the Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry issued a new commercial animal-slaughter code, making it compulsory for abattoirs to stun all animals before slaughter. In effect, the new code banned ‘shechita’, the kosher slaughter of animals. Shechita calls for the blood to be drained from the animal before it is killed, in a way intended to be painless. Also the animal must not be harmed in any way, such as being stunned before the blood is drained. The practice is a religious tenet and dietary requirement for the preparation of kosher meat. Previously, the commercial animal-slaughter code had exempted shechita. Members of the Jewish community filed legal proceedings against the ban. The Crown Law Office negotiated on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, and the parties agreed to allow shechita in the interim before the case was decided in the High Court. Court proceedings were set to begin in November, but the case was adjourned when the Government agreed to allow the shechita of poultry. Negotiations were ongoing in relation to lamb. The interim orders granted when the lawsuit was first filed, enabling the shechita of lamb, will continue until the court hearing resumes and makes a ruling.

Building bridges

The Office of Ethnic Affairs (OEA) and the Federation of Islamic Associations (FIANZ) have worked together on the Building Bridges programme since 2005. The programme aims to build respect, inclusion, empowerment and participation between Muslim communities and other communities in New Zealand. As part of the programme, the OEA held a second ‘Muslims and the Media’ forum in Auckland in April. Its aims were to build the relationship between the media and Muslim community, provide information about how the media works, and create a mechanism to identify and address stereotyping of Muslims in the media.

The Building Bridges programme expanded to the South Island for the first time in 2010. A diverse group of Muslim community members began collaborating on projects with the OEA.

The OEA also facilitated a visit by Farah Anwar Pandith, the US Special Representative to Muslim Communities, in December. While in New Zealand, Mr Pandith chaired forums on Muslim engagement in the 21st century and Intercultural Relations for New Zealand and the Pacific’, held by Victoria University’s Professor Morris. A notable feature of the forum was the reports from delegates who attended the Asia-Pacific Regional Dialogue on Interfaith in Perth. There was also an update on the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO’s initiative to promote the teaching of religious diversity in schools. The forum established a committee to develop a constitution for a national interfaith council for further discussion. An informal network of youth interfaith leaders was strengthened at the National Interfaith Youth Forum. The group aims to promote robust discussions around:

• the practical importance of the interfaith movement
• whether a national network would hinder the natural establishment of local youth multi-faith groups
• the best approaches for reaching out to young people
• developing leaders
• establishing an interactive website or some form of publication
• deciding on a name, mission and future direction.

Faith in Parliament

In July, the NZ Buddhist Council presented Parliament with a special edition of the Dhammapada – a versified Buddhist scripture traditionally ascribed to the Buddha. The NZ Buddhist Council compiled the special edition specifically for this occasion. It included a transcription of the original Pali text, a Chinese translation to represent the first Buddhists to arrive in New Zealand, and an English version translated by a New Zealand-born monk, Venerable Ajahn Munindo, abbot of Amaravati Monastery in England. The Dhammapada is bound in rimu wood, representing the heart of the forest. Parliament continued the practice of marking major religious festivals. In October, Parliament hosted an Eid celebration as well as a Diwali event.

Alliance of Civilizations

The third forum of the Alliance of Civilizations (AOC) was held in May in Rio de Janeiro. New Zealand was represented by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Office of Ethnic Affairs. The forum, attended by more than 3000 participants from government agencies, civil society, international organisations, business and academia, enabled New Zealand to reaffirm its commitment to the AOC objectives and showcase some of its work relevant to the AOC framework. The AOC was launched by Turkey and Spain in 2005 in response to concerns that a rise of religious extremism and incidents of global terrorism were causing a growing rift between people of different cultures and faiths. The AOC works to support interfaith and intercultural initiatives aimed at building cooperation and respect for other cultures and faiths. It also aims to help counter the forces that fuel polarisation and extremism.

National Interfaith Forum

The annual National Interfaith Forum was hosted by the Christchurch Interfaith Council for the first time in February; on the theme of ‘Keeping faith in the modern world’. More than 150 people attended the event and the associated forums for women and youth. The programme included the official inauguration of the ‘UNESCO Chair of Interreligious and Intercultural Relations for New Zealand and the Pacific’, held by Victoria University’s Professor Morris. A notable feature of the forum was the reports from delegates who attended the Asia-Pacific Regional Dialogue on Interfaith in Perth. There was also an update on the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO’s initiative to promote the teaching of religious diversity in schools. The forum established a committee to develop a constitution for a national interfaith council for further discussion. An informal network of youth interfaith leaders was strengthened at the National Interfaith Youth Forum. The group aims to promote robust discussions around:

• the practical importance of the interfaith movement
• whether a national network would hinder the natural establishment of local youth multi-faith groups
• the best approaches for reaching out to young people
• developing leaders
• establishing an interactive website or some form of publication
• deciding on a name, mission and future direction.

Catholic bishops establish interfaith committee

The New Zealand Catholic bishops established a Committee for Interfaith Relations. Its functions include building relationships with people of other faiths in New Zealand, networking with other interfaith groups, and educating Catholics on the church’s stance on interfaith relations. The committee encourages people to be involved however it suits them, such as working on community building projects or extending hospitality to new arrivals in New Zealand.

Local interfaith activities

The Auckland Interfaith Council organised a series of public lectures on ‘Journeys of faith’. The Rasheed Memorial Dawah Trust organised workshops for service providers to Muslim clients.

In February, the Hindu Council of New Zealand continued its engagement with Mäori and people of other faiths by celebrating the Holi Festival at Te Papaiouru Marae in Ohinemutu Village, Rotorua.

Over Easter weekend in April, Hibiscus Coast Hospice organised a three-day, 40km trail from Riverhead to Puhoi, visiting Hare Krishna, Buddhist and Christian landmarks.

In July–August, the Mercy Spirituality Centre held a series of six interfaith talks, with speakers from various religions.

In July, the Christchurch Interfaith Council’s annual Rafaa Antoun Memorial Lecture was given by Hassan Haji Ibrahim, on ‘Building bridges between Muslim and non-Muslim communities in New Zealand’.

In August, the Federation of Islamic Associations organised Islam Awareness Week, including mosque open days in various centres.

In October, a number of faith communities observed the interfaith Week of Prayer for World Peace. The Islamic Resource Centre at Auckland University hosted a symposium on Christian, Jewish and Muslim perspectives on the Holocaust.

In November, the Auckland Interfaith Council hosted a celebration on the theme of gratitude, featuring sacred words and music. More than 200 people attended. Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at held an interfaith symposium. This supported their founder’s call for a new “conference of religions”. The first of these conferences was first held in India in 1896. A digital story-telling project in Auckland, on women and faith, culminated in the production of films about eight women of diverse faiths and ethnicities. The project was a collaboration between the former Auckland City Council and production company MICToi Rerehiko. The Ministry of Social Development’s ‘Settling In Project’ and the Bridge builders’ Trust ran a workshop on ‘Muslim women and New Zealand women’. The Dunedin Abrahamic Interfaith Group and the Otago University Centre for Theology and Public Issues jointly hosted a lecture by a former British MP, Rt Hon John Battle, on ‘From fear to respect: Why building healthy interfaith relationships matters’.

Discrimination and harassment Turban apology

A Sikh businessman who was refused service at a golf-club bar because he was wearing a turban received a written apology. Supermarket owner Kharag Singh, 45, was refused service at the Aviation Country Golf Club bar in Manukau City. After an exchange of emails, Aviation Manager Peter Walsh wrote to Mr Singh apologising for any embarrassment caused, saying: “This will never happen here again.”

It’s just not cricket

New Zealanders were urged to learn more about the Muslim faith after New Zealand Cricket had to apologise for providing scones containing pork at the Under-19 World Cup Cricket Tournament, attended by a team from Afghanistan. Anwar Ghani, president of the Federation of Islamic Associations, said he expected greater awareness in a country that sold halal products to the world. In December, the Wellington Interfaith Council held a multifaith celebration of unity through music, song and poetry at St Andrews on the Terrace.

Cossie Club says ‘no’ to turbans

The Manurewa Cosmopolitan Club voted to maintain its policy forbidding the wearing of headwear on its premises. At the club’s annual meeting, a majority of members voted to maintain the ban, which includes turbans. The vote was prompted by an incident in 2009 when Age Concern volunteer Karnail Singh was refused entry to the club, to receive an award for his community work, because he was wearing a turban. The Human Rights Commission mediated between the complainant and the club, and the club agreed to raise the issue with members at its annual meeting. After the decision to maintain the ban, several faith and interfaith groups, including the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Committee and the Waikato Interfaith Council, expressed their support for the Sikh community by writing to the club. The Sikh Council decided to take their unresolved complaint to the Human Rights Review Tribunal.

Armed Offenders Squad call-out for praying Israeli

When an Israeli tourist on the inter-island ferry performed a Jewish prayer ritual in December involving tying two small leather prayer boxes (‘tefillin’) to the bicep and forehead, the ferry crew mistook him and his companion for terrorists. The captain called the police, and the armed Police Special Tactics Group was mobilised. No one had asked the men for an explanation, and for the remaining three hours of the voyage the crew simply observed them. On arrival in Picton, they were forced to the ground by armed police and searched before being taken away for questioning. They were later released without charge. The Race Relations Commissioner described the response as an unfortunate overreaction prompted by an exaggerated fear of terrorism.

Lutheran church vandalised in Feilding

A neo-Nazi and his accomplice smashed nine windows of a Feilding church on Easter Sunday in what was described as a rage of hatred towards Christianity. The two men, who claimed to hate Jesus, the Church and Easter, smashed nearly $4000 worth of windows of the Lutheran Church on King St in the early hours of 4 April.

Objection to workplace karakia

The Human Rights Commission mediated between an employee and his employers over karakia in the workplace. The employee worked for a company that held pöwhiri to welcome newcomers to the organisation. An aspect of each pöwhiri was the karakia – a prayer or blessing. The employee objected to having to be present for a ceremony that involved religion, and felt religion had no place in the organisation. Through mediation it was agreed that the employee could opt out of attending any events that included religious content. The organisation said it did not promote the Christian religion but intended to continue with pöwhiri as a useful process in itself and an acknowledgment of the culture of most of its staff and the community where the company was located.

Credo and Quest in Whangarei

An exhibition of New Zealand art on the theme of religion and spirituality, Credo and Quest, opened at the Whangarei Art Museum in November. Drawing on works by major New Zealand artists from galleries throughout the country, the exhibition traversed Greek mythology, traditional Christian imagery, Mäori spirituality, Buddhism, Baha’i and Hinduism. The artists were described as reflecting “a new Aotearoa emerging from the monoculture of early missionary values towards a new inclusive Christianity and a nation of many religions”.

The exhibition included works by Tony Fomison, Colin McCahon, Philip Clairmont, Michael Illingworth, Robert Ellis, Robin White, Ralph Hotere, Darcy Nicholas, LJ Steele, Charles F Goldie, Edward Bullmore, Kura Te Waru Rewiri, Sandy Adsett, Alexis Hunter, Julia Morrison, Anna Starr, Mathew Couper, Prakash Patel, Anne Nobel, Shigeyuki Kihara, Margaret Thompson, May Smith, Jeffrey Harris, Nigel Brown, Tony Lane, Garth Tapper, David Sarich, Shahriar Asdollahzadeh, John Reynolds, Janet Green, Grant Bareon, Heather Straka, Jim Allen, Louis White, Laurence Aberhart, Adele Younghusband, Scott McFarlane, Ellen Smith, Buck Nin and Jin Ling. It included photography, ceramics, painting, installation and moving image, sculpture, lightbox works and printmaking.

Discrimination & cultural misunderstanding

Cases of alleged discrimination and culturalmisunderstanding reported in the media included:

• A Muslim woman was barred from entering the HastingsDistrict Court because she was wearing a headscarf. Shelodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission. The judge involved indicated he had made a mistake and the Chief District Court Judge reassured the Muslim community that judges are sensitive to the Bill of Rights provisions against discrimination.
• People refused entry into Cosmopolitan clubs because of rules about no headwear included a Muslim woman wearing a burka and Sikh men wearing turbans. One case was still the subject of a complaint with the Human Rights Commission at the end of 2009.
• A dispute between neighbours and monks in Wainuiomata was settled in last-ditch mediation before a council hearing. Four Buddhist monks set up the Wat Dhamma Prateep monastery on a three-acre lifestyle block. Visitors driving to the property along a shared private road prompted a complaint from a neighbour to the Hutt City Council. The council deemed the house a place of assembly, requiring resource consent, which cost the monks $3000. The monks and neighbours agreed no more than 12 cars could enter and leave the property a day and the monks must give two weeks’ notice of larger gatherings to the neighbours

Complaints to the Human Rights Commission

The Commission received 71 discrimination complaints in 2010 on the grounds of religious or ethical belief. This was slightly up from 67 in 2009, 57 in 2008 and 69 in 2007. Forty-four of the complaints were about discrimination against someone of a specific religion, spirituality or belief system. Most commonly cited were Islam (18 complaints), Christianity (nine) and atheism (five). Other religions had three or fewer complaints.

Appearance

As in previous years, a prominent theme of complaint by or about Muslims related to appearance issues. The Commission received six complaints about Muslim dress or facial hair. It also received four other beliefs-related complaints about headwear and four about jewellery (including taonga).

Corrections

Most complaints (eight) about corrections facilities concerned Muslim inmates. Issues cited included doublebunking and strip-searching, which conflicts with Muslim belief.

Employment

The most common area of complaint (19) was employment. No particular denomination predominated, but various Christian beliefs were the most common. Fourteen complaints related to discrimination based on religious or ethical belief, and five were about being subjected to the beliefs of others in the workplace.

Human rights review: areas for action

The Commission’s five-yearly review of human rights identified the following areas for action on religion and belief:

Guidelines

Developing guidelines for respecting diversity of religion and belief in domains such as the workplace, media, universities, health services and the criminal justice system.

Teacher training and support

Providing training and support for teachers; further educational resources about religion and belief to support the school curriculum; and information to aid public understanding.

Immigration policy

Amending immigration policy so leaders of religious groups in New Zealand can take up or retain their positions in their communities.

Lines of communication

Establishing clear lines of communication, both nationally and locally, between the Government and communities of religious and ethical belief, as well as structures to support them.