Latest news with #MinistryforEthnicCommunities
Scoop
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
New Zealand's Harmony Accord: A Global Example For Interfaith Unity
New Zealand has once again demonstrated authentic global leadership by hosting the signing of a groundbreaking Muslim-Jewish Harmony Accord — a first-of-its-kind initiative held at Government House in Wellington, backed by the Governor-General and the Race Relations Commissioner. As a Muslim who has lived in Aotearoa for more than 24 years, I wholeheartedly endorse this accord. I have raised four children in this country — free from fear, discrimination, or restrictions on our religious practice. This is a testament to New Zealand's values, respect, diversity, tolerance, and an unwavering commitment to peaceful coexistence. The recently signed accord, as reported by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, is not just symbolic — it is practical, actionable, and urgently needed. It establishes a mutual commitment between Muslim and Jewish communities to foster understanding, speak against hate, and build stronger interfaith ties. This accord carries even more profound significance when viewed through history. For generations, Muslims and Jews have been caught in cycles of hatred, mistrust, and political tension. The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in particular, has fueled decades of pain, injustice, and mass suffering — especially for Palestinians living under occupation, siege, and displacement. While this harmony accord cannot directly resolve international disputes, it represents a powerful symbol of what is possible when communities choose peace over blame, dialogue over silence. It sends a clear message to the world: Muslims and Jews can unite in mutual respect, even while acknowledging deep and painful histories. Steps like these have the potential to inspire broader healing and reconciliation, both locally and globally. But I believe this initiative can and should go further. We must expand the accord into a comprehensive national interfaith framework, welcoming all faiths — including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Baháís and others. Every belief system that calls Aotearoa home deserves to be seen, heard, and protected in the spirit of inclusion and shared humanity. At the same time, we must be vigilant about protecting New Zealand's unique social harmony. All international political, religious, or ethnic conflicts must remain outside the fabric of New Zealand's domestic society. While we stay globally informed and compassionate, we cannot allow imported hatred, historical grievances, or ideological extremism to disrupt the peace we have so carefully cultivated. New Zealand's geopolitical, cultural, and moral position is different. We have a rare opportunity to serve as a global model, not through rhetoric but action. This accord is not just a document. It is a declaration of hope, unity, and courage. Let us build on it. Let us lead.
Scoop
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
New Zealand's Muslim And Jewish Organisations Join As Signatories To The Harmony Accord At Government House
Press Release – Office of Ethnic Communities This Accord is about enabling diverse perspectives to co-exist and mutual respect still afforded even through challenging times, says Mervin Singham, Chief Executive of the Ministry for Ethnic Communities. Today, leaders from New Zealand's Muslim and Jewish organisations gathered at Government House in Auckland to present the New Zealand Harmony Accord to the Governor-General, the Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro. This landmark agreement affirms their shared commitment to promoting understanding, rejecting hate, and strengthening social cohesion in New Zealand. 'This Accord is a powerful statement of unity, courage, and compassion,' says Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand. 'It reminds us that dialogue, even when difficult, is the foundation of a peaceful and inclusive nation. I commend those who have worked so tirelessly to bring this vision to life.' 'To the leaders here today, you have my deepest respect. Your commitment to dialogue, to mutual respect, and to standing together in difficult times is something we can all learn from. Thank you for your leadership and for the example you have set,' says Hon Mark Mitchell, Minister for Ethnic Communities. More than 70 guests attended, including Members of Parliament, senior faith leaders, and community representatives. Participants and guests at the ceremony included Race Relations Commissioner Dr Melissa Derby, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, Juliet Moses (President of the New Zealand Jewish Council), Ibrar Sheikh (President of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand), Phillip Green (Jewish Community Security Group), Avigail Allan (Dayenu), and Salman Momin, Member for New Zealand, (The Aga Khan Council for Australia and New Zealand). This Accord is about enabling diverse perspectives to co-exist and mutual respect still afforded even through challenging times,' says Mervin Singham, Chief Executive of the Ministry for Ethnic Communities. 'It speaks to the everyday New Zealander who believes in respect, dignity, and belonging. 'The Ministry recognises that the journey toward consensus has been challenging, especially in today's global climate where tensions and emotions run high,' says Mervin. At this stage, the Accord has begun with national organisations ready to lead efforts to strengthen relationships within and between communities, with the vison that other organisations who wish to participate can join over time, ensuring it remains inclusive, evolving, and enduring. 'That these Jewish and Muslim organisations in New Zealand have come together to sign this Accord is a powerful testament to their shared commitment to dialogue. Very importantly, the Accord does not take away respective organisations' right to advocate for what they believe in,' says Mervin. The Ministry supports a range of initiatives that promote social inclusion, including funding through the Ethnic Communities Development Fund and a national behaviour-change campaign to promote empathy and respect. Notes: The New Zealand Harmony Accord was signed by: o The New Zealand Jewish Council o The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) o The Holocaust Centre in New Zealand o Dayenu o His Highness the Aga Khan Council for Australia and New Zealand o The Jewish Community Security Group • The Accord can be accessed on the Ministry for Ethnic Communities website: • The Harmony Accord outlines a set of shared values and commitments, including: o Rejecting all forms of hate, extremism, and discrimination, including antisemitism and Islamophobia o Fostering trust, leadership, and safety within and between communities o Promoting pluralism and interfaith respect o Supporting education and dialogue to challenge prejudice and foster understanding o Standing together in times of both celebration and challenge
Scoop
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Jewish And Muslim Communities Unite To Combat Hate In Harmony Accord
The New Zealand Jewish Council has today signed the New Zealand Harmony Accord, alongside Muslim community leaders, as a step toward strengthening understanding and addressing Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate and extremism. The Accord, which was spearheaded by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, aims to lay a foundation for constructive interfaith dialogue and cooperation based on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. The New Zealand Jewish Council signed the Accord on behalf of its affiliated communities: the Auckland Hebrew Congregation, the Progressive Jewish Congregation of Auckland, the Waikato Jewish Association, the Wellington Jewish Community, the Wellington Progressive Jewish Congregation, the Nelson Jewish Community, the Christchurch Hebrew Congregation, and the Southern Lakes Jewish Community. 'This Accord represents an opportunity to work together more intentionally in confronting rising hate,' said Juliet Moses, President of the New Zealand Jewish Council. 'Antisemitism has significantly increased in New Zealand over the past two years, fuelled by global tensions and a concerning spread of disinformation and polarisation.' By signing the Harmony Accord, the Jewish and Muslim communities are affirming a shared intention to engage across differences. 'Islamophobia and Antisemitism stem from many of the same root causes, fear, ignorance, and the tendency to dehumanise 'the other',' said Moses. 'We hope this Accord can be a first step toward deeper understanding and stronger relationships.' The Accord outlines shared principles of trust, safety, education, and pluralism, and commits signatories to continued dialogue and collaborative initiatives. It also proposes the formation of a Leadership Council to help guide its implementation and offer a joint response mechanism during times of stress or division. 'We are hopeful this can be the beginning of a constructive and sustained conversation,' Moses said. 'There is much work to be done, but this could be a meaningful step in the right direction.. We look forward to supporting each other, and to show that there is a better path forward, not just for our communities, but for all New Zealanders.'
Scoop
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Student's Rallying Call For Unity: ‘I'm Tired Of Discrimination'
Article – Mary Afemata – Local Democracy Reporter Rather than settling for cultural weeks and symbolic gestures, Pillay called for student voice panels in schools, co-designed curriculums that reflect Aotearoas true diversity, and spaces where young people feel safe and heard. The teenage winner of the Race Unity Speech Awards has used her platform to lay down a challenge to those in power. 'Diversity should be more than just a moment,' Pillay said. 'Diversity is everything… All of this, it means nothing if we cannot practise what we preach.' Jordyn Joy Pillay, a Year 12 student at Ormiston Senior College in Auckland, won the title of national champion and the Tohu Whetumatarau – Ministry for Ethnic Communities Award for Vision. The finals were hosted by Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae at Manukau Institute of Technology's Ōtara campus. Pillay was chosen as the winner over the weekend after competing with six female finalists. 'Diversity should be more than just a moment,' Pillay said. 'Diversity is everything… All of this, it means nothing if we cannot practise what we preach.' Rather than settling for cultural weeks and symbolic gestures, Pillay called for student voice panels in schools, co-designed curriculums that reflect Aotearoa's true diversity, and spaces where young people feel safe and heard. 'I am so sick and tired of the same discrimination that forced me, a new migrant just two years ago, to spend my lunchtime in the school toilet just to avoid the hateful comments.' Chief Children's Commissioner Dr Clare Akhmad served as master of ceremonies, guiding the audience through a morning of bold, solutions-driven speeches by rangatahi. Akhmad said the rangatahi had not simply delivered performances, but presented a roadmap for decision-makers. 'And what I saw was that the messages of the rangatahi, they really were resonating and so now I really hope that they are taken forward in real action,' she said. 'Too often our mokopuna don't have a say in the decisions that affect their daily lives,' she added. 'Local councils, schools and government agencies need to be creating pathways for youth to participate, even before they are eligible to vote.' She said platforms like the Race Unity Speech Awards help build that bridge. But the responsibility now sits with those in positions of power. Minister for Ethnic Communities Mark Mitchell, Race Relations Commissioner Dr Melissa Darby, NZ Police Deputy Chief Executive Jill Rogers and Police Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo were among those present. Dr Darby said race unity helped to strengthen democracy. 'The broader the voices, the more diverse, and I guess the more opportunities we give and ensure that people have to have their voices heard, the better it is for all of us.' Her comments echoed Pillay's message, that it was time to stop treating inclusion as a campaign and start treating it as everyday governance. Jessica Tupai, last year's Race Unity champion and now Youth MP for Wellington Central, said the competition helped her build the confidence to engage with government. However, many of her peers are still being left out. 'It's not that we don't care about politics. It's often that no one explains it in a way we can understand or access,' she said. 'Go to the schools. Talk with us, not at us.' She said Pacific and Māori youth are often burdened with leadership responsibilities within their own communities but are still overlooked in formal civic spaces. 'We are orators. We are storytellers. Sharing our voice is how we give back.' Minister Mark Mitchell also acknowledged the critiques and said the government was listening. 'Words are easy, but actions matter,' Mitchell said. He acknowledged the powerful ideas shared by finalists, including pitches for virtual reality education and more culturally inclusive teaching, and said they deserved serious consideration. Pillay ended her speech with a call for unity, not just in principle but in practice. 'I am the ocean. I am us. We are the ocean. Together we mean much. For my strength is not that of an individual, but rather that of the collective.'
