Saturday, February 15, 2025

Ethnic Communities ministry launches first strategy

The Ministry for Ethnic Communities has released its inaugural strategy, setting out the actions it plans to take to achieve better wellbeing outcomes for ethnic communities.

Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities, Priyanca Radhakrishnan said the strategy sets out the initial pathway towards creating a more cohesive Aotearoa New Zealand where everyone feels safe, valued, heard, and can participate fully.

“There are specific and persistent barriers that some of our communities face in Aotearoa New Zealand, whether it be accessing government services, securing employment, and being paid equitably for the work they do,” said Ms Radhakrishnan.

“Incidents of discrimination, including racism, is a stark reality in schools, in places of work and daily life.

“Some of our communities have significant untapped potential, whether it is valuable skills sets, entrepreneurialism, global experiences and international connections which can help invigorate Aotearoa New Zealand, diversify our economy and add to the richness of our culture.”

The Minister said that in response to the draft strategy released for feedback last year, communities were clear that they wanted to belong, to contribute and be seen as strong contributors to Aotearoa New Zealand’s growth. The Strategy has been finalised to give effect to that feedback, she said.

Ms Radhakrishnan said the Ministry will deliver on its strategy by working in partnership with other government agencies community organisations, local government and the private sector to lift the wellbeing of New Zealand’s ethnic communities.

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