Race Relations
Te Ngira: The NZ Diversity Action Programme
Click the photo to watch a short video about the Diversity Action Programme
The New Zealand Diversity Action Programme brings together organisations taking practical initiatives to:
- Recognise and celebrate the cultural diversity of our society (diverse)
- Promote the equal enjoyment by everyone of their civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, regardless of race, colour, religion, ethnicity or national origin (equal)
- Foster harmonious relations between diverse peoples (harmonious)
- Give effect to the Treaty of Waitangi (Treaty-based)
The Programme is facilitated by the Human Rights Commission on behalf of all participants.
Visit the Diversity Action Programme calendar of events to find out what activities participants are undertaking this year.
Who can participate?
Participation is open to any organisation that supports the vision of a diverse, equal harmonious and Treaty-based Aotearoa New Zealand and is taking practical steps towards it in their own organisation or in their own community – for themselves, for those they serve or deal with, or for those they live amongst.
In 2011 participating organisations included tangata whenua, ethnic, cultural and religious groups, ethnic councils, businesses, media, district, city and regional councils, government departments and agencies, research centres, educational institutions, health and social service providers, community service organisations, museums and galleries and advocacy groups.
How does an organisation become a participant?
An organisation becomes a participant by registering programmes or projects that support a diverse, equal, harmonious, Treaty-based Aotearoa New Zealand. You can register online to become a participant in the 2012 Diversity Action Programme. A profile of your organisation and your programmes or projects is posted here on the programme website. Your organisation can use the programme logo to brand your registered projects. Participation has to be renewed annually to continue.
What kind of programmes or projects qualify?
Any programme or project, large or small, that contributes to a diverse, equal, harmonious and Treaty-based Aotearoa New Zealand. Registered projects include:
- participation in events (e.g. Waitangi Day, Chinese New Year, Race Relations Day, Samoan Language Week, Masaryk, World Refugee Day, Maori Language Week, Diwali, and other national and cultural days) either within the organisation or in the community
- festivals, exhibitions, cultural performances and celebrations
- promotion of diversity in the workplace and catering for the diverse needs of clients and customers
- development of policies, programmes and strategies for diversity, equality, harmony and giving effect to the Treaty
- community consultation and participation
- assisting with the settlement of new migrants and refugees
- educational programmes, research and publications
- development and capacity building for diverse communities, including maintenance of cultures and languages and community wellbeing
- workshops, conferences, forums on issues relating to diversity, human rights and harmonious relations
- intercultural and interfaith dialogue and cooperation
Click here to view a list of Diversity Action Programme participants in 2012.
What does it cost?
There is no charge for participation. The only cost is what your organisation chooses to spend on your own projects for the greater achievement of your own goals.
What is the benefit?
Participation in the Diversity Action Programme provides:
- An annual focus on diversity outcomes for your own organisation
- Connection with other organisations that are seeking to do similar things in your sector and in your area or can help you to achieve your goals
- A relationship with the Human Rights Commission as facilitator of the Programme
- Positive profile and acknowledgment of your contribution to a diverse, equal, harmonious and Treaty-based Aotearoa New Zealand
- Information on good practice, new ideas and events, including a monthly electronic newsletter
- Networks for people interested in media diversity, religious diversity, language policy and refugee issues
- Forums on diversity issues, including the annual New Zealand Diversity Forum in August
Signature Events 2012
Chinese New Year: 23 January
Waitangi Day: 6 February
Race Relations Day: 21 March
Samoan Language Week: 27 May- 2 June
World Refugee Day: 20 June
Matariki: 21 Pipiri (21 June )
Maori Language Week: 23-27 Hongongoi (23-27 July).
Diwali: 13 November