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Leading the way - A Year in Review 2012 - 2013

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The Office of Ethnic Affairs has been involved with a great many government and community projects and events between April 2012 and June 2013, helping to develop leadership in our communities. This booklet highlights our work and achievements in 2012 / 2013. It also contains links to in-depth information if you would like to find out more.
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LEADING THE WAY A YEAR IN REVIEW 2012–2013
Transcript
Page 1: Leading the way - A Year in Review 2012 - 2013

LEA

DIN

G T

HE

WAY

A YEA

R IN

REV

IEW

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2–201

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CONTENTS

A FOREWORD BY OUR MINISTER 1

A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR 2

WELCOME 3

SECTION 1: THE WORLD STAGE 4

SECTION 2: LEADERSHIP IN BUSINESS 6

SECTION 3: LEADERSHIP IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR 10

SECTION 4: PARLIAMENTARY EVENTS 14

SECTION 5: LEADERSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY 16

SECTION 6: YOUNG LEADERS 24

SECTION 7: WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP 26

WL14032

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A FOREWORD BY OUR MINISTER

It is an honour and a privilege to be the Minister for Ethnic Affairs.

We know New Zealand’s ethnic communities are a great source of skill, experience, and innovation and will continue to play an important role in boosting our country’s economic performance and enriching our social landscape.

The Office of Ethnic Affairs (OEA) plays a key role in connecting our ethnic and mainstream communities. They help ethnic and mainstream businesses network to increase their business and trade opportunities in New Zealand and overseas while also encouraging our ethnic communities to participate in all aspects of life in New Zealand.

I acknowledge the dedication and enthusiasm of the Office of Ethnic Affairs team who work hard to support our priorities for the Ethnic Affairs portfolio.

Key achievements for 2012/13 include very successful EPIC and EthnicA conferences, the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the New Zealand Institute of Management (NZIM), and the recently announced decision to extend Language Line services to the private sector. These achievements all contribute to making New Zealand the best little country in the world.

I congratulate the Office of Ethnic Affairs on its achievements over the past year and look forward to further innovative progress in 2013/14.

Hon Judith CollinsThe Minister for Ethnic Affairs

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A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR

Another hugely successful and busy year has slipped by. We take a moment to note some important milestones and celebrate the achievements of 2012/2013.

The Office of Ethnic Affairs has worked over the past 12 years to promote the benefits of ethnic diversity for New Zealand, and to support the many diverse communities that have made New Zealand home.

The groundwork that we have put into raising awareness and building connections is slowly but surely starting to pay dividends.

In March 2012, I had the opportunity to profile the work we are doing in New Zealand, together with the Minister for Ethnic Affairs, at an international forum focused on the elimination of racial discrimination. The opportunity to represent New Zealand at the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) in Geneva provided us with an opportunity to report on the work that is being done in New Zealand to tackle racial discrimination and inequality.

I was also part of a New Zealand delegation led by the Minister for Ethnic Affairs which attended the Alliance of Civilisations meeting in Vienna this year. The meeting offered an opportunity to discuss ways to build global platforms for bridging the divide between cultures.

It is immensely satisfying to see the work that we are doing recognised in the international arena, and the discussions we participate in will better inform the programmes we run in New Zealand.

Building on the Leadership theme in 2013, the Office of Ethnic Affairs team has worked hard to deliver a series of successful conferences, workshops and meetings for ethnic communities.

It has been heartening to see the growing levels of participation and enthusiasm from our stakeholders. We are seeing a positive shift in the way ethnic communities are engaging with each other as well as with government.

Mervin SinghamDirectorThe Office of Ethnic Affairs

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The Office of Ethnic Affairs has been involved with a great many government and community projects and events between April 2012 and June 2013, helping to develop leadership in our communities.

This booklet highlights our work and achievements in 2012/2013. It also contains links to in-depth information if you would like to find out more.

The booklet is divided into seven areas.

1 The World Stage Our participation in global forums and committees on ethnic affairs

helps showcase New Zealand’s social harmony.2 Leadership in business We provide key networking platforms to connect New Zealand’s

ethnic and mainstream businesses.3 Leadership in the public sector We provide celebrations and programmes that connect our

ethnic communities with government and improve government responsiveness to the needs of those communities.

4 Parliamentary Events Parliamentary events hosted by the Minister for Ethnic Affairs

celebrate significant festivals of our larger ethnic community groups, acknowledging their contribution to New Zealand society.

5 Leadership in the community The EthnicA conferences and Ethnic Leaders Forums help build

leadership capability in ethnic communities.6 Young leaders We are using forums and engagement programmes to support the

development of young leaders.7 Women’s leadership We support women as leaders of change both in their communities

and in wider New Zealand society.

Please contact us if you have any questions or comments (see the back page for details). Together we’ll help New Zealand society grow stronger and more prosperous.

WELCOME

Our achievements

We welcome your feedback

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SECTION 1: THE WORLD STAGE

New Zealand is one of the most diverse countries in the OECD and our diversity is projected to increase significantly over the next 10–15 years. The story we are able to tell at international events about our diversity is strikingly positive.

As a small, independent nation, we recognise the importance of cultivating strong regional and international connections. Enhanced interdependence – in economic and other ways – will be a powerful force for ensuring a peaceful and cohesive region.

We are committed to participating in global efforts such as the Alliance of Civilisations that seek to bridge the divide between cultures and cultivate intercultural cooperation and understanding.

Because we have a strong human rights record and a successful model of social harmony, New Zealand is able to contribute leadership to global and regional dialogues about diversity issues and social cohesion.

Responsible Leadership in Diversity and Dialogue, February 2013

The Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Hon Judith Collins, led the New Zealand delegation at the global forum in Vienna. Director Mervin Singham was a member of the delegation.

The Alliance of Civilisations is a global platform for intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation that was established in 2005 through the efforts of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Prime Ministers of Spain and Turkey.

As New Zealand’s focal point for the Alliance, the Office of Ethnic Affairs issued an update to New Zealand’s Plan of Action to Support the Alliance of Civilisations in February 2013. You can find the Plan of Action at http://www.unaoc.org/wp-content/uploads/New-Zealand-updated-Plan-of-Action-2013.pdf

Alliance of Civilisations 5th Global Forum

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The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Reporting to the committee, February 2013

The Minister of Justice, Hon Judith Collins, led the New Zealand delegation that reported to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) in Geneva in February 2013. Director Mervin Singham was a member of the delegation.

The United Nation’s 175 member countries are required to report periodically on what they do to eliminate racial discrimination. The Committee is a panel of 18 independent experts elected by the convention’s member states. It last reviewed New Zealand in 2007.

You can read more about New Zealand’s report to the Committee at www.unog.ch/unog/website/news_media.nsf/(httpNewsByYear_en)/222BAEE0F4A878B8C1257B1A004BCB18?OpenDocument

You can read the committee’s report at www.unog.ch/unog/website/news_media.nsf/(httpNewsByYear_en)/222BAEE0F4A878B8C1257B1A004BCB18?OpenDocument

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SECTION 2: LEADERSHIP IN BUSINESS

EPIC NZ

In 2012/2013, we worked to provide leadership to business through the EPIC NZ conferences, the Ethnic Diversity Management Partnership, the Intercultural Awareness and Communications Programme, and knowledge workshops for local migrant business people.

New Zealand’s future is increasingly affected by our global connections, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. A number of our largest ethnic communities at home are also culturally or ancestrally linked to our economy’s strategic trading markets. This offers us a unique advantage in building strong, sustainable relationships internationally.

In 2012, China, Japan and Korea collectively accounted for more than $11 billion in exports, and were three of our top five trading partners. The communities of Chinese, Korean, and Japanese-New Zealanders accounted for nearly 200,000 people in 2006, and that number is expected to have grown significantly to date. With more than 170 ethnic groups in New Zealand, there is great potential to grow our international trade connections.

The Office of Ethnic Affairs is working alongside central and local government agencies and the private sector to build the capacity and networks of both ethnic and mainstream business communities to help build economic growth. We believe that New Zealand can be a world leader in this area through the mutual engagement and collaboration of our diverse business communities.

In 2012/2013, we worked to provide leadership to businesses through a variety of programmes, including the EPIC NZ database and conferences, knowledge workshops for migrant business people, and expanding the outreach of our Ethnic Diversity Management and Intercultural Awareness and Communications programmes.

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Ethnic People in Commerce – EPIC NZ

This booklet introduces the initiatives within the EPIC NZ Project. It includes profiles of individuals who have utilised their diverse backgrounds, knowledge, and skills to succeed in business in New Zealand.

www.epicnz.co.nz

The EPIC NZ website was further developed in 2013 through stronger technology and enhanced design features. The database, which enables members to search for and communicate with potential business partners, has continued to grow, reaching nearly 430 registered members at the end of the 2013 financial year.

The EPIC NZ conferences (May and June 2013)

Held in both Auckland and Wellington, the conferences attracted approximately 600 participants, under the theme ‘The Power of Connections’. This was more than double the attendance from the 2012 conference and maximum capacity. The conferences:• offeredvaluabletipsfromsomeofNewZealand’smostsuccessful

business leaders and entrepreneurs• showcasedexamplesofbusinesseswhichhavesuccessfullyutilised

the connections of ethnic business people in New Zealand for overseas trading

• facilitatednewbusinessconnectionsandnetworks.

The Auckland event was delivered alongside strategic partner ANZ, with Air New Zealand and Techroom/Biz CSI also coming on board as sponsors. Key speakers were Dr Privahini Bradoo, CEO of BlueOak and World Economic Forum Global Young Leader; Christopher Luxon, CEO of Air New Zealand; Tenby Powell, Convenor of the government-appointed Small Business Development Group; and Tim Baxter, CEO of DHL Express New Zealand and Pacific Islands.

The Office of Ethnic Affairs worked with the China and New Zealand Business Council to hold the inaugural event in Wellington. The conference featured Mai Chen, Managing Partner, of Chen-Palmer New Zealand Public and Employment Law Specialists and Mitchell Pham, Managing Director of Augen Software.

“Powerful connections traverse huge distances in geography, huge time lapses and generations, and huge diversity in ethnicity”

Dr Privahini Bradoo, CEO BlueOak

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SECTION 2: LEADERSHIP IN BUSINESS CONTINUED

Connecting the Regions – Hawke’s Bay, May 2013

The Office of Ethnic Affairs once again worked with ANZ and Economic Development Agencies New Zealand (EDANZ) to host a visit to encourage investment in high-growth regional industries.

For the first time, the Office welcomed 10 international delegates from Sichuan and Chengdu provinces in China, alongside three Auckland business entrepreneurs, for the visit to Hawke’s Bay to meet representatives of the food and wine industries. The delegates also met with Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers and Councillor Kevin Watkins to learn about economic development opportunities in Hastings.

After a visit to Matahiwi Marae to share a hangi, the delegates finished the formal part of their visit at the EPIC NZ Conference in Auckland.

Workshops

Following on from the workshop series of the previous year, the Office of Ethnic Affairs partnered with Westpac, Auckland Council, and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) to explore the knowledge needs of migrant business people.

About 20 migrant business people attended a workshop and networking opportunity in March. The workshop looked at services and funding opportunities for migrant business owners and the challenges migrant business people face.

HAWKES BAY WELCOMES THE DELEGATION

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Ethnic Diversity Management Partnership with New Zealand Institute of Management

Office of Ethnic Affairs signed a strategic partnership with the New Zealand Institute of Management on 30 November 2012, as part of its ongoing work in Ethnic Diversity Management in the workplace.

The partnership will help New Zealand businesses harness the experience, talent and the ideas that people from multiple cultural backgrounds bring into their organisation. This can be done through management capacity building and organisational development strategies.

NZIM now delivers a leadership training course that incorporates the Office of Ethnic Affairs Intercultural Awareness and Communications training programme as well as NZIM’s own specialist tools. NZIM’s course is a blend of online and face-to-face learning, and was launched in June 2013.

Enhancing Workplace Skills

Employment diversity will be one of management’s critical strategic issues over the next twenty years.

Kevin Gaunt, NZIM CEO

Intercultural Awareness and Communications Programme

Intercultural Awareness and Communications (IAC) Training for Trainers Programme

This programme continues to grow as the Office of Ethnic Affairs prepares more champions to deliver the IAC training. Training for Trainers sessions (T4T) encourage sharing of subject matter expertise as well as facilitation skills, thus ensuring the programme reaches a wider audience. To date the IAC programme has reached more than 930 people in New Zealand. This year, new training organisations came from the health, academic and security sectors.

NZIM PARTNERSHIP

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SECTION 3: LEADERSHIP IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

By providing advice to government on ethnic diversity issues, the Office of Ethnic Affairs plays an important role ensuring government’s responsiveness to the needs of ethnic communities.

More speedy and effective interpreting services

Communication that works brings answers and solutions. Nearly a hundred agencies now use Language Line telephone interpreting service.

Language Line has hosted professional development seminars to ensure professional interpreting standards are maintained.

As a result of the Language Line service, migrants can settle more effectively and contribute their expertise and resources to enliven the country’s economy.

With the way cleared by a Cabinet decision, Language Line is poised to spread its wings.

Ground work is already under way which will see Language Line making a planned expansion into the private sector.

For more information about Language Line, see: www.languageline.govt.nz

Improving government responsiveness

Language Line

MANAGER DIANA

CLARK CUTS A

BIRTHDAY CAKE AT

THE ETHICS SEMINAR

IN AUCKLAND TO

MARK A DECADE OF

INTERPRETING.

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16000

14000

12000

10000

8000

6000

4000

2000

0

2007/2008 2008/2009 2010/20112009/2010 2011/2012 2012/2013

Enquiries to the Advisory team

In 2012/2013, we responded to 12,870 enquiries: well over our estimate of 11,000–12,500.

Ethnic communities primarily seek advice on access to government services, civic processes, and internal community issues related to the activities and operations of their charities or associations. They also seek advice on business connections, group capability building and interfaith issues.

Government departments seek advice on accessing ethnic communities for the purpose of including them in processes, programmes and policy development.

Providing advice to the public sector

The Office of Ethnic Affairs is frequently asked to provide policy advice about ethnic diversity and ethnic communities to other government agencies. We work with officials from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on immigration and settlement policy issues. We contribute to inter-agency work such as the New Zealand Inc Strategies and the Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families. A key way we provide advice is through the compilation of information which is disseminated through the Office of Ethnic Affairs’ website.

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SECTION 3: LEADERSHIP IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR CONTINUED

CAROLYN RISK

COLIN MACDONALD AND WIFE PAULA AND MERVIN SINGHAM

Race Relations Day

We also maintain a database of ethnic New Zealanders who are suitably qualified to be considered for appointment to a number of government boards, committees and advisory groups, including those of Crown companies.

If you’re interested, have a look at: http://ethnicaffairs.govt.nz/story/are-you-interested-helping-make-decisions-public-sector

Charity art auction

An innovative way to celebrate Race Relations Day in Wellington resulted in two paintings from a charity art auction finding new homes with members of the Executive Leadership team of the Department of Internal Affairs.

Organised by the Language Line team at the Office of Ethnic Affairs, the auction raised $14,400 for charity.

A group of local artists, from a range of ethnic backgrounds, donated a total of 12 artworks for the auction. This included a painting by the Director of the Office of Ethnic Affairs, Mervin Singham, who is an established artist as well as a public servant.

Chief Executive Colin MacDonald took a shine to the mixed medium painting titled ‘Eternity’ and made a successful bid for it.

The former Strategy and Governance Deputy Chief Executive Carolyn Risk also made a winning bid and took home a street scene of Wellington by J K Reed DFA, one of New Zealand’s leading landscape watercolourists.

Two other paintings were won at auction by the former Governor-General, Sir Anand Satyanand.

Among the pieces auctioned was a painting that was created on the evening by well-known Wellington artist Stan Chan who specialises in Chinese brush painting.

Mervin Singham says it’s the first time the Office of Ethnic Affairs has done something like an Art Auction.

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“An art auction allows us to celebrate the diversity of art in New Zealand and at the same time provides artists an opportunity to give back to the community,” Mervin says.

“I want to commend Diana and the Language Line Team for this initiative. It was innovative and different to what we normally do. It took courage and tenacity to pull this off. I know Diana and her team did a lot of work to get out there, obtain the art works and muster the enthusiasm needed to make people want to come and bid for the works.”

Guests at the auction included the Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Hon Judith Collins, and representatives from the art world, Diplomatic Corps, the business sector, and government departments.

The money has been donated to the charity nominated by the winning bidder.

SIR ANAND AND LADY SUSAN SATYANAND ENJOY THE AUCTION WITH COLIN AND PAULA MACDONALD

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The Minister for Ethnic Affairs hosts a number of parliamentary events in recognition of the significance of diverse communities and their contribution to New Zealand society.

These events celebrate important events in the calendars of several of our large ethnic community groups. These parliamentary occasions are greatly valued by communities who travel from across the country to take part. The celebrations also recognise that events such as Diwali and Chinese New Year are to be enjoyed and shared by all New Zealanders.

Chinese New Year – Year of the Water Snake, February 2013

Chinese New Year is an important traditional Chinese holiday, also known as the Spring Festival. It is commonly celebrated in countries with large Chinese communities.

The Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Hon Judith Collins, hosted the Chinese New Year celebration to celebrate the contributions the Chinese community makes to New Zealand society and to showcase

Chinese culture, traditions and heritage. Over 200 representatives from Chinese communities, government agencies and business sector attended the celebration. During his speech at the event the Prime Minister, Rt Hon John Key, highlighted the New Zealand Inc China Strategy and acknowledged the importance of the New Zealand bilateral relationship with China.

Africa Day, May 25 2013

Africa day was celebrated for the first time in the New Zealand Parliament. Africa day signifies Africa’s independence, unity and freedom and 2013 highlights the golden jubilee celebrations of 50 years for the African continent. Around 50 people attended this celebration hosted by the Minister, Hon Judith Collins.

EMILY MWILA AND ACCOMPANYING GUITARIST DON FRANKS

PERFORMING AT THE AFRICA DAY CELEBRATION

SECTION 4: PARLIAMENTARY EVENTS

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Diwali, November 2012

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated around the world and has become a well-established part of New Zealand’s cultural calendar. Interfaith Youths made the Rangoli for this year’s Diwali celebrations. The Rangoli is traditionally used in South Asia to decorate the floor on a festival day and on special occasions, such as to welcome the guests. It is a symbol of warm Hindu and Indian hospitality.

In 2012 around 200 people attended the celebration of Diwali at Parliament.

Eid-ul-Fitr, August 2012

The Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Hon Judith Collins, hosted the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration reception at Parliament. The Prime Minister, Rt Hon John Key, gave an address that was heard by over 130 invited guests. The guests were government officials and members of the Muslim community, the interfaith community, and the diplomatic corps.

The President of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, Dr Anwar Ghani, spoke about the positive contributions the Muslim community makes to New Zealand.

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SECTION 5: LEADERSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY

Building leadership capacity of ethnic communities has been a priority of the Office in the 2012/2013 fiscal year. The Ethnic Leaders’ forums carried out in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch provided skills-based training to improve the leadership capability of ethnic leaders, enhance their knowledge about New Zealand civil society and develop their capacity to operate effectively, particularly in the areas of business, politics, advocacy and lobbying, the arts, philanthropy and public services. This programme also provided ethnic leaders a platform to connect with each other to address common ethnic issues. There are more than 170 ethnic groups currently living in New Zealand, making this country truly a multicultural country. While the proportion of population that identifies as ethnic has steadily grown over the years, ethnic people’s participation, engagement and leadership in civil society, politics and local government have not reached their full potential. When ethnic communities have a voice and opportunity to demonstrate leadership in civil society there are clear benefits across the whole society. These include rapid settlement, better integration, and better economic, and social outcomes for the entire nation. Bringing public service together with community leaders

As government policies and directions change, it is important to ensure that communities are kept informed. A series of meetings in Hamilton brought people working in government together with ethnic service providers. This enabled discussion about the issues for developing communities and an awareness of the opportunities and constraints in a changing environment.

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The EthnicA Conferences are our flagship events.

The conferences seek to:• encouragebolddebateaboutethnicdiversityissues• inspirenewwaysofthinkingandacting• createamajoropportunitytobuildconnections. More information about this year’s EthnicA conferences can be found at: http://ethnicaffairs.govt.nz/events/ethnica-conferences-2013

Community taking the lead – EthnicA in Christchurch, April 2013

Sir Mark Solomon Ngai Tahu Chairman shared his vision that the simplest way to get an improved understanding of other cultures is to start a dialogue. “We look different but all people respond to good manners, and conversation.” He also spoke about his inspirational journey as a vibrant community leader.

Sisters are doing it for ourselves

People from ethnic communities, businesses, and government agencies listened to Dr Rosanne Hawarden, Joanna Norris, and Sina Wendt-Moore talking about women’s roles in leadership.

EthnicA

SIR MARK SOLOMON

FEZEELA RAZA, PRINCIPAL ADVISOR OFFICE OF ETHNIC AFFAIRS, DR ROSANNE HAWARDEN, DIRECTOR COMPUTER

SUPPORT ENZED LTD, JOANNA NORRIS, EDITOR OF THE PRESS AND SINA WENDT-MOORE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF

LEADERSHIP NZ INC.

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SECTION 5: LEADERSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY CONTINUED

Raising strong voices

The Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Hon Judith Collins, closed the conference by acknowledging the importance of ethnic diversity and asking ethnic New Zealanders to be a strong voice in the decision-making process of our country.

Visions for leadership – EthnicA Auckland, April 2013

The opening by The Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Hon Judith Collins, was followed by Mai Chen’s keynote address. (Ms Chen is a public law specialist and author.)HON JUDITH COLLINS

Multicultural meltdown or getting it right?

An interview between Mervin Singham and Professor Colleen Ward, considered claims that multiculturalism had failed, particularly in Europe. It posed the question: is New Zealand heading for a multicultural meltdown or are we evolving towards a more stable and inclusive version of a multi-ethnic society?

MAI CHEN AFRICAN ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

The day was punctuated by fantastic performances from the Japanese Tamashii Taiko Drummers, African war dances by the African Arts and Entertainment Group, and songs from talented soprano Maggie Ding.

Mai Chen explored the challenges and opportunities of leadership in New Zealand for communities as well as individuals.

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DR ANWAR GHANI

Intense question and answer session

Ethnic diversity is one of Auckland’s defining features. We have over 170 different ethnic groups, giving Auckland the label of ‘super-diverse’ We also know about 40 per cent of our residents were born overseas. We asked the Mayor of Auckland, His Worship Len Brown, to address some of the complex challenges and opportunities that this diversity brings. Specific questions put to the Mayor included: How can we better integrate diverse communities? How do we maintain cultural differences while still promoting social harmony and how do we optimise the economic benefits of migration for our city?

Other sessions looked at different aspects of leadership: • leadershipincultureandthearts• leadershipinsocialmedia• howyoungpeopleshowtheyarereadytolead.

Tightropes and Triumphs – leading in the Muslim community

Leadership within a group is always complex and challenging. For leaders like Dr Anwar Ghani, satisfying both the needs of his own Muslim community and the wider New Zealand community has involved a careful balancing act. The Office of Ethnic Affairs Director, Mervin Singham, talked with Dr Ghani about his growth as a leader and how he has dealt with the challenges.

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SECTION 5: LEADERSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY CONTINUED

Leading with Passion – EthnicA in Wellington, May 2013

Keynote Speaker John Allen talked about creating magic and energy in the 21st century and said authentic leadership from within communities is one of the keys to progressing ethnic community interests in New Zealand. ”Our country is built on connections and we need to leverage off our existing diversity to enhance international connections”. Said Mr Allen.

In his session titled ‘Spotlight on the world’s coolest little capital’ Wellington City Council Deputy Mayor, Ian McKinnon, talked about respect, rejoicing in diversity and not forgetting the importance and role of the family. Mr McKinnon stated, “One recognises diversity for the richness and strength it brings to a community rather than the respective divisions” that exist.

“Our country is built on connections.”

John Allen, Chief Executive and Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Along with panel discussions there were also workshops about youth leadership, art and culture and how to get the best from social media. The audience was entertained with vibrant West African dance, Nimba and Moringa Dance and Drummers, comedian and vocalist Ji Ye Sung, and the Indonesian Angklung Bamboo players.

JOHN ALLEN

JI YE SUNG

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Governance and Growing Your Non Government Organisation, March 2013

Following on from the successful 2011 Korean Non Government Organisation (NGO) Fair fifty participants from diverse NGOs listened to speeches by Parliamentary Private Secretary for Ethnic Affairs, Melissa Lee, and Chinese New Settlers Service Trust (CNSST) Executive Director, Jenny Wang. After the plenary, people talked in groups to find solutions to issues facing the growing Korean NGO sector. Key issues discussed included good governance, developing organisational capability and strategic planning, building leadership, project management, funding, publicity, and risk management.

Second Korean NGO Forum

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SECTION 5: LEADERSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY CONTINUED

The Ethnic Leaders Forum (ELF) started from a need for people to work together after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes with the aim of inspiring, growing, and promoting leaders.

The ethnic leaders forums aim to build the capability of ethnic leaders, discuss mutual concerns on issues affecting ethnic communities, encourage opportunities for civic participation and support leaders to influence change.

Auckland, Wellington, and Hamilton have also now used the ELF model to inspire and develop community leaders by:• givingnewandexistingethnicleaders,womenandyoungpeople

the opportunity to take part and grow their leadership knowledge and skills

• assistingethnicleaderstoengageinandleadcivilsociety• improvingthecapacityandcredentialsofELFasaleadershipgroup• buildingstrongandresilientcommunities. The Office of Ethnic Affairs’ focus on leadership has been very well received by the participants. The 2013/2014 programmes will be expandedtoincludeadvancedleadership,women’sleadershipand youth leadership.

Ethnic Leaders Forum Wellington

Two Wellington Ethnic Leaders Forums were held in March and June 2012.

The forums offered an opportunity for discussions as well as hands-on training and information sharing. The forums brought together new and existingethnicleaderstoprovideanopportunitytochallengetheirownperspectives on leadership, as well as to inspire and equip them with tools and resources to help them work within their respective communities.

Topics covered at the ethnic leaders forums in 2012 included:• Capacitybuilding–CommunityOperations,Departmentof

Internal Affairs• Governanceinacommunityorganisation–Jo-EllaSarich,Rainey

CollinsLawyers• Civicparticipation–ToniWeirandRobertPeden,Electoral

Commission• CrowdFunding–AnnaGuenther,PledgeMe• InspiringYoungleaders–ArishNaresh,whowasselectedfromover

3,500participantstorepresentNewZealandatthe5thViennaGlobalForumorganisedbytheUnitedNationson‘responsibleleadership’

• Understandingfinancesinyourcommunity–DrPushpaWood.

Ethnic Leaders Forum

What happens when ethnic communities have a voice and a chance to show leadership?• Rapidsettlement.• Betterintegration.• Bettereconomicand

socialoutcomes.

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Ethnic Leaders’ Forum Auckland

The Auckland Ethnic leaders forum was held in June 2012 and had participants from different ethnic communities such as China, India, Korea, Africa, Bangladesh and the Philippines.

Some of the topics covered related to:• visionaryandeffectiveleadershipmodels• understandingandaddressinghumanrightsissuesandhowthese

affect ethnic communities• inspiringcommunitybasedleadershipinitiatives.

The aim of the forum was to provide clear direction on good governance within a community organisation as well as encourage stronger civil society engagement. The day was filled with stimulating discussions and created a platform for strong collaboration.

Ethnic Leaders Forum Hamilton

In Hamilton, ethnic leaders heard inspiring presentations from Dr Assil Russell, a finalist in the 2013 Young New Zealander of the Year competition; Martin Gallagher, an experienced City Councillor and former MP; and Ree Varcoe from Social Angels. They discussed voting in elections, social enterprises, family violence, and running organisations, and undertook media training from trainer, Allison Webber.

The first ethnic leaders forum in Hamilton – titled Changing the World Together – was designed around motivating and enabling change. The sessions were planned to give a mix of community and government perspectives on enabling change by highlighting community change agents as well as how to engage government in change.

ETHNIC LEADERS FORUM WORKSHOP

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SECTION 6: YOUNG LEADERS

We held two forums to help develop the future leaders of our communities and our nation.

Young Leaders Auckland

In mid-August 2012 we launched a Young Leaders pilot programme in Auckland in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth Development, delivering nine months of intensive leadership training to 10 talented ethnic youth. The programme was aimed at building leadership potential and improving knowledge for participants about how to succeed within government. Selected from a pool of over 100 applicants, the participants were aged from 16 to 24 years and represented Chinese, Somali, Sierra Leonean, Iraqi, Afghani, Korean, Indian, and Thai/Cambodian heritages.

Training modules included leadership, advocacy and public speaking, machinery of government, intercultural awareness, project management and delivery, and media training. One of the important components was an individually tailored job shadowing programme whereby participants gained hands-on work experience working alongside senior staff within a number of government departments.

In addition, the participants benefited from numerous networking opportunities including the opportunity to meet British Foreign Secretary William Hague during his visit to New Zealand in January, an opportunity to meet Japanese youth delegates from the Ship for World Youth, and various other opportunities to attend events and conferences. The pilot concluded with a trip to Wellington on June 8, where the participants toured Parliament and visited the Beehive to receive their completion certificates.

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Second Korean Youth Career Forum

Career Planning Forum, September 2012

As part of its ongoing youth engagement programme, the Office of Ethnic Affairs held a career planning forum for Korean youth in Manukau.

The event was attended by 40 young people. It included training sessions on career decision-making, writing an effective curriculum vitae, talking to parents about career aspirations, and developing positive relationships with peers. There were also talks and advice from successful young Korean role models about how they entered their chosen careers.

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New Zealand women are becoming more ethnically diverse, with the numbers of Asian and Pacific women growing the most rapidly. We cannot maximise the benefits of our nation’s ethnic diversity without unlocking the leadership potential of ethnic women.

The Ethnic Women’s Leadership Training Programme is designed to develop leadership capability so that ethnic women can be the agents for change in their communities and the wider New Zealand society.

Two days of intensive training

Sixteen women from over 10 ethnic groups worked with experienced trainers. They learnt about governance and leadership, women on boards, women’s leadership, diversity management, media responsiveness, civic participation, and women in action. They took away a range of information to help them continue to develop as leaders. Speakers have included: Hon Judith Collins, Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Marisa Fong of Professionelle Foundation, Rosslyn Noonan - Human Rights and Organisational Development Consultant and Sina Wendt-Moore of Leadership NZ.

New Ethnic Women’s Leadership Network

The women created this new network during the programme. The network meets regularly, so women can share their experiences and support each other as their leadership skills grow.

Nomination information for board opportunities

The attendees learnt about how women can express interest in being appointed

to governance boards in New Zealand. The Ministry of Women’s Affairs runs a special website which provides governance advice, tools, and information drawn from the expertise of its staff and experienced women directors: www.mwa.govt.nz/women-on-boards

Enhanced Ethnic Women’s Leadership Training Programme

SECTION 7: WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

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Other leadership opportunities

Find out about other leadership opportunities for ethnic women: ethnicaffairs.govt.nz/story/ethnic-women-leadership-project#opportunities

Building on the success of the current programme the women’s leadership programme will be extended to encompass more regions and a wider range of women. The focus of the programme will be on encouraging women to play more influential roles in New Zealand through civic activities at a local and national level. The Office of Ethnic Affairs will also facilitate networking opportunities with professional leadership organisations.

The Office of Ethnic Affairs is committed to collaborating with other organisations to enhance ethnic women’s visibility and to promote the socio-economic contributions they make to New Zealand.

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Published in 2013 by the Office of Ethnic Affairs46 Waring Taylor StreetWellingtonNew Zealand

All rights reserved. For all enquiries contact the publisher.Copyright © The Office of Ethnic Affairs 2013ISBN 978-0-478-35575-8 A year in review 2012–2013

Phone: +64 4 494 0546Email: [email protected]: www.ethnicaffairs.govt.nz

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