Representatives of regional interfaith groups from throughout New Zealand participated in the National Interfaith Forum, held in Dunedin in the last weekend of June. People from a diverse range of faiths and beliefs came together over three days to deepen their mutual understanding, respect and cooperation, and celebrate our ‘unity in diversity’. The group Stated its Read more
While New Zealand is becoming less religious overall, there’s greater diversity to the country’s religious make-up, according to the latest census. Most people who consider themselves religious identify as being Christian, however other religions are growing. The three that saw the biggest increase in followers between 2006 and 2013 are Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism. Meanwhile, the Read more
New Zealand-based journalism academic is looking for more discussion of the role of the media in promoting diversity, and more cooperation among New Zealand organisations to promote responsible and equitable reporting in a multicultural society Verica Rupar knows first hand the power of the media to foster cultural and religious diversity – or to fan Read more
Edwina Pio, Auckland University of Technology’s Business and Law School, has become New Zealand’s first Professor of Diversity. Her expertise relates to work, ethnicity and religion, primarily focussing on ethnic minorities and migrants. Edwina has a PhD in Buddhist Psychology, a Master’s degree in Psychology and a double Bachelor’s degree – one in Psychology and Read more
Anjum Rahman will never forget watching a man wave his fists in front of her as she drove down a street. She hadn’t done anything wrong – the Muslim mum-of-two was just wearing her headscarf. Instances of verbal abuse followed the intimidating experience, as some Kiwis reacted angrily to Muslim protests about cartoons published in Read more
The 2011 New Zealand Diversity Forum was held last Sunday and Monday. It was preceded by community events on Saturday. The theme of the conference, People in Harmony. Keynote speakers included Tainui Chief Executive Parekawhia McLean, Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon and Porirua City Councillor and community youth worker Fa’amatuainu Wayne Poutoa. A national youth diversity Read more