Ten steps to strengthen our
cultural diversity
From the Forum at Parliament
Diario Filipino No. 28/Dec 2004
Develop a Network
There are many people and organisations that share a vision and a concern for harmonious relationships in a diverse and inclusive New Zealand. To increase their effectiveness, share their experience and provide mutual support, they need to be connected, informed and recognised. A combined network of people and organisations will help to achieve this.
Establish a Forum
The internet provides a cost-effective means to give people access to an ongoing forum for the exchange of ideas and to a rich source of information. An electronic forum, information pages and a web-portal to new and existing sites about New Zealand�s diverse communities will be an important resource to support public awareness.
Create a Centre
There is an ongoing need for research, education, information resources and advocacy on cultural diversity. While there are many researchers spread through our educational and research institutions, there is no recognised national centre for the study and promotion of cultural diversity. A New Zealand diversity centre or institute that is able to lead research, inform debate, and connect people in different institutions and organisations would make a major contribution.
Conduct a Conversation
Public debate on race relations, the Treaty of Waitangi, measures to achieve equality, our national identity, hate speech and the fragility of our human rights in the absence of a written constitution have led to the call for a process to address these issues. A structured public conversation about our constitutional, legislative and institutional framework to protect human rights including diversity is required, whether it is through a commission of enquiry, parliamentary select committee enquiries or other means.
Focus on Education and Youth
Our children are our future. Schools have a vital role to play in educating our youth on diversity and tolerance, through the formal curriculum, school activities, and programmes to combat bullying, harassment and racism. A review and reform of the school curriculum to ensure that civics, values, languages, histories and cultures are part of the core curriculum and that there are high quality resources to support it is an investment in our future.
Foster diversity in the media
Much of what we learn about others is from the media. By the competitive nature of television, radio and print media the focus is often on the spectacular or the sensational, and there is a risk that the media will feed stereotyping and prejudice. Our media need to reflect and promote the diversity of our society, both through greater diversity in the mainstream media and through the strengthening of Maori, Pacific and other ethnic media to give voice to all New Zealanders. Journalist recruitment and training should support this purpose, and good practice should be recognised.
Support the successful settlement of refugees and migrants
Arrival in New Zealand is not the end of the migration process, it is the beginning. The first phase of a national refugee and migrant settlement strategy has recently been announced, and this needs to be followed by settlement plans for every local area. Settlement plans developed by local authorities in conjunction with iwi, migrant, community and business groups, as well as health, education, police and other government service providers, will provide the basis for successful settlement of migrants including acceptance by the local community.
Celebrate diversity
The celebration of our diversity enables us to reach out to one another, to appreciate each other, and to value our diverse cultures and communities. There are many such celebrations already � Waitangi Day, Pasifika, Race Relations Day, Matariki, St Patrick�s Day, the Chinese New Year, Diwali, and other religious, cultural and national days. Cultural diversity through the arts is another important form of celebration. Increased central and local government support for communities, artists and performers will strengthen our diversity and enrich our society.
Connect with our heritage
New Zealand is rich in natural and cultural heritage, and connecting with our heritage through conservation and enjoyment is an important component of developing our national identity and sense of belonging. Supporting the involvement of ethnic communities in historic, cultural and natural conservation provides an opportunity to put down roots, contribute to our environment, and to connect to the heritage of all New Zealanders. We need to tell our diverse stories about our land and our history in New Zealand.
Promote dialogue
Information and education alone is not enough. People need to meet face to face, experience diversity and discuss issues with people who differ. Communities need to reach out to each other. Dialogue and exchange between people of different views, cultures and faiths is the glue that will hold us together and enrich us all.