Media release

23 April 2013

Racism – Does It Impact On Auckland As A Diverse City?

The Ethnic Peoples’ Advisory Panel (EPAP) of the Auckland Council is hosting a mini-conference on racism on Saturday 27th April at AUT University.

The focus of the conference is to find out the extent to which racism impacts on Auckland’s ability to be a diverse and inclusive city. One of the outcomes of the conference will be to provide solutions to racism in employment as this is said to affect a large number of Auckland’s ethnic communities.

“We need to address the issue of racism and how it affects employment opportunities, and to action solutions.” says Dr Camille Nakhid, Chair of the Ethnic Panel.

The conference is one of the first public speaking engagements for the newly appointed Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy who is confirmed as the keynote speaker.In addition to Dame Devoy, Mayor Len Brown will also address the conference.

“Your name, skin colour and accent do affect your employment opportunities,” says Rev. AmailHabib, the Deputy Chair of the Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel. Rev Habib wants Aucklandersfrom ethnic as well as mainstream communities to join in the vibrant conversations about this important issue.

It is expected that around150 participants will be in attendance to discuss an issue which is not usually talked about openly.

The conference is sponsored by Auckland Council and the venue is sponsored by AUT’s School of Social Sciences and Public Policy. The Conference will take place from 9 a.m. to 2p.m. at the Sir Paul Reeves Building (WG), 2 Governor Fitzroy Place, Auckland City.

Members of the media are welcome.

ENDS

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