Ministry for Ethnic Communities

02/06/2026

Congratulations to the 178 individuals who were recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List, including those from our Ethnic Communities.

We applaud and acknowledge the recognition of your hard work, achievements, and long-standing services to our communities and to New Zealand. Your contributions help to strengthen wellbeing, connection and inclusion for many people.

👉 Check out the full list in RNZ’s coverage: https://bit.ly/4dLxUER

Six new knights and dames are amnog 178 recipients on the holiday list for honours.

29/05/2026

More than 130 students from across Aotearoa New Zealand took part in the 2026 Race Unity Speech Awards (Race Unity Aotearoa), sharing thoughtful ideas about identity, belonging and inclusion.

We have supported the Awards since 2009, helping create space for young people to share their voices, experiences and ideas.

At the national finals in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), our Strategic Programme Lead, Anahita Oei, spoke on behalf of the Ministry and presented the Ministry for Ethnic Communities Award for Vision to Amanjot Singh of Hastings Boys’ High School.

Held under the theme Whakarongo kia mārama (listen to understand), this year’s speeches showed how rangatahi are leading conversations on empathy, understanding and stronger communities.

👉 Read the full story on our website: https://bit.ly/3RAvLDm

The data needs of Ethnic Communities are the focus of a new relationship agreement between Stats NZ and the Ministry for Ethnic Communities.

28/05/2026

Today we acknowledge the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh - a sacred observance for members of the Bahá’í community that marks the passing of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, on 29 May 1892.

The day is observed through prayer, quiet reflection, and devotional readings. Many Bahá’í communities gather in the early hours of the morning commemorate Bahá’u’lláh’s passing.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, the Bahá’í community has made long-standing contributions to social cohesion and inclusion, including efforts to counter racism through establishing the first Race Unity Speech Award (Race Unity Aotearoa), and its work with the Hedi Moani Charitable Trust.

At the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, we acknowledge important cultural and faith observances alongside the contributions Ethnic Communities make to a more inclusive Aotearoa.

27/05/2026

عيد أضحى مبــارك

Eid Al-Adha Mubarak!

Today marks the start of Eid Al-Adha in Aotearoa New Zealand, celebrated by Muslim communities here and around the world.

It’s a time for prayer, reflection, and generosity, when people come together with family and friends to share kai (food) and support those in need. It also coincides with the pilgrimage of Hajj, which reflects devotion, equality, and spiritual connection.

Eid Al-Adha, also known as the Eid of Sacrifice, is one of the two main Eid celebrations in Islam. The other is Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.

We wish everyone celebrating a truly joyful and blessed Eid Al-Adha!

26/05/2026

Public consultation is open on proposed changes to shore-based shellfish harvesting rules in the Auckland Coromandel area.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is seeking feedback, and input from a broad cross-section of the community helps inform decision-making.

Information about the measures being proposed, including translated fact sheets, is available via the link below.

Submissions close at 5pm on 12 June 2026.

Please note: comments on this post do not count as submissions.

*CONSULTATION* We’re inviting feedback on proposed changes to recreational fishing rules for the Auckland and Coromandel area.

The proposals address ongoing community concerns about harvest pressure and the sustainability of shellfish and other marine life found in rocky shore areas and rock pools.

Fisheries New Zealand invites submissions from people who have an interest in these coastal areas and the marine life found there.

To find out more or have your say, visit: https://bit.ly/4d85N0W

The closing date for submissions is 5pm on Friday, 12 June 2026.

Please note that comments on this post to not count as submissions.

24/05/2026

Today we celebrate Africa Day by acknowledging our African communities and their contributions here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Observed each year on 25 May, Africa Day commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, when African nations came together to work towards independence, unity, and cooperation.

It’s time to celebrate the rich cultures, languages, histories, and contributions of our African communities, both globally and here in Aotearoa.

Have you been to an Africa Day event? Share your experience with us in the comments.

22/05/2026

Yesterday marked World Day for Cultural Diversity, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002.

It’s a time to celebrate the richness of cultures around the world and to recognise the importance of intercultural dialogue in supporting peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Here in Aotearoa New Zealand, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the many cultures, languages, and lived experiences that shape our communities and how they make us the unique nation we are.

At the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, we see every day how cultural diversity strengthens social cohesion. Supporting Ethnic Communities to feel included, connected, and able to thrive is at the heart of our work.

22/05/2026

Over the past week, we’ve shared conversations about social cohesion, community voice, public service, and the role we all play in building a more connected Aotearoa.

We’ll close the series with something equally important: leadership.

Because in times of division, uncertainty, and change, leadership matters.
Not just leadership that responds to immediate challenges, but leadership grounded in values that help bring people together.

In this clip, our Chief Executive Mervin Singham reflects on the three values that guide his leadership:
👉 Courage: to face difficult truths and drive meaningful change
👉 Compassion: not as weakness, but as one of our greatest strengths
👉 Tenacity: to stay the course when progress takes time

As Mervin says, “Compassion is not a weakness. It is a strength. It is the glue that binds everything.”

A fitting reflection to close a week of conversations about belonging, connection, and what it takes to build stronger communities.
▶️ Watch the clip below.
📽️ Watch the full interview here ➡️ https://bit.ly/4dxsyvE

20/05/2026

Much of the Ministry’s work is made possible through partnership, with our staff, community leaders, stakeholders, and the communities we work alongside every day.

In this clip, our outgoing Chief Executive reflects on the privilege of working with people committed to building stronger, more connected communities across Aotearoa.

Progress in this space is always collective.

19/05/2026

We’ve talked about what social cohesion looks like and why it matters.

So, who is responsible for building it? In this clip, our outgoing Chief Executive, Mervin Singham, shares a simple but important idea:
👉 Government can support
👉 But communities make it real

Because the strongest communities are built by people through everyday actions, conversations, and leadership. Social cohesion isn’t something that can be imposed. It’s something we all help create.

▶️ Watch the clip below.
📽️ Watch the full interview here ➡️ https://bit.ly/4dxsyvE