Ministry for Ethnic Communities

07/08/2026

🚢 Have your say by 5pm on Friday, 25 September 2026.

is proposing important changes to the rules for the design, construction and equipment of domestic commercial vessels (commercial boats and ships that operate within New Zealand). These rules are also known as the 40-Series Rules.

The proposed changes are available here: https://bit.ly/3TFJJ7Y

If you, or someone you know, work in the maritime sector or are interested in these proposed changes, we encourage you to have your say.

There will be online information sessions on the following dates:
• 17–21 August 2026
• 7–11 September 2026

To attend an online session, please email [email protected]

Your feedback will help ensure a range of voices and experiences are considered in government decision-making.

At the Ministry, we encourage our Ethnic Communities to participate in government consultations and have their voices heard.

DCE (40 Series) Package 3

06/08/2026

Our leadership roadshows in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch brought together community, faith and business leaders, as well as young people, to discuss the issues facing New Zealand’s Ethnic Communities in a rapidly changing world.

Designed as a two-way conversation, the roadshows gave communities the opportunity to engage directly with the Ministry’s leadership team and share the issues they believe should be prioritised. Participants also valued the opportunity to connect with one another, build new relationships and explore ways to collaborate across communities.

📸 View the event albums:
• Wellington: https://bit.ly/4wKXOzu
• Central Auckland: https://bit.ly/45b60wY
• South Auckland: https://bit.ly/4wcuEZ8
• Christchurch: https://bit.ly/4w7QP2x

06/08/2026

06/08/2026

Marking a significant shift in how New Zealand approaches community resilience.

Today, we're proud to launch the Community Resilience to Foreign Interference Hub (the Hub), a new online platform providing trusted information, practical resources and tools to help communities understand foreign interference and respond in ways that work for them.

One of the strongest defences against foreign interference is informed, connected and confident communities. The Hub has been developed with communities in mind and informed by their experiences.

By launching the Hub, our Ministry is advancing New Zealand's approach to community resilience.

🔗 Explore the Hub: www.crfi.govt.nz

13/07/2026

It was a privilege for our Chief Executive, Pratima Namasivayam, to attend the New Zealand Muslim Association (NZMA) Awards in Auckland this weekend.

The evening celebrated volunteers whose dedication helps strengthen NZMA and the wider community.

From teaching and mentoring young people, to supporting families through bereavement, to strengthening the systems and organisations that support community life, the stories shared throughout the evening highlighted the extraordinary contribution volunteers make—often behind the scenes and with little public recognition.

One particularly moving moment recognised members of the funerals team, who support families through bereavement. As one award recipient observed, "The smallest coffins are the heaviest coffins." It was a powerful reminder that while grief is universal, communities are strengthened by volunteers who step forward to care for others through life's most difficult moments. Their service often goes unseen, yet its impact is lasting.

As New Zealand's oldest Muslim organisation, NZMA has, for generations, brought people together, creating places where people can connect, contribute, and belong.

Congratulations to all the award recipients recognised for their service and thank you to NZMA Inc for its ongoing contribution to communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

09/07/2026

Matariki is the Māori New Year. It begins when the Matariki star cluster rises in the early morning sky in mid-winter.

This year’s theme is Matariki herenga waka – Matariki is a mooring place for all canoes. It highlights inclusion and belonging for everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Today, Matariki is celebrated across the country, with many people taking part by learning about its meaning, sharing kai (food), telling stories, and spending time together.

There are many events that bring people together to celebrate Matariki and the diversity of our communities. You can find events near you and how to take part by visiting https://www.matariki.com/.

Keen to know what Matariki means in your own language? This year, the Matariki principles have been translated into a range of ethnic languages commonly spoken in New Zealand, including Afrikaans, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), French, Hindi, Spanish, and Tagalog.
• Multilingual Matariki Principles (web version): https://bit.ly/4goJ4Bh
• Multilingual Matariki Principles (print version): https://bit.ly/4gpVXuQ

Mānawatia a Matariki (celebrate Matariki).

09/07/2026

We're pleased to share that the Ministry has supported the establishment of the new Ethnic Business Organisations Alliance.

Leaders from 15 ethnic business organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand came together last week to formally establish an Alliance, creating a stronger, more coordinated voice for ethnic business organisations to engage with government.

This milestone builds on our ongoing engagement with ethnic business communities and strengthens collaboration across the sector.

👉 Read more about what happened, why it matters and what’s next: https://bit.ly/4wckNn7