Media Release

14 March 2008

Race Relations Day 2008

March 21 is observed around the world as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This year Race Relations Day falls on Good Friday, so the official day of celebration will be Tuesday 18 March.

What does ‘Race Relations’ mean to New Zealanders and how can we celebrate it?  Three Ministry for Culture and Heritage websites have all you need to understand, participate in and celebrate race relations in New Zealand in 2008.

Want to know the history of Race Relations Day in New Zealand? Find out at http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/timeline.

The Classroom on NZHistory.net.nz has great activities for Level 4 and 5 Social Studies classes on the 2008 theme of ‘Finding Common Ground’ which will challenge and motivate young people to learn more about why we celebrate Race Relations Day.

Questions like “Who am I?” and “What is a New Zealander?” will guide students to celebrate the different languages, beliefs and cultures that create our unique nation: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/classroom/race-relations-day-classroom-activities.

www.TeAra.govt.nz has a wealth of information on Race Relations in New Zealand. A section on New Zealand Peoples reveals that in 2001, 18% of all children under 15 belonged to more than one ethnic group. And we’re getting less European by the day with European birth rates lower than those of other ethnic groups.

Our belief that we had ‘the best race relations in the world’ was tested when Māori and Pākehā began living in closer proximity from the 1950s to the 1970s. Te Ara tells of the fascinating tales of immigration, government and nation that have shaped our diverse corner of the world:

NZLive.com will keep people across the country posted about a range of events and activities before, during and after Race Relations Day: http://www.nzlive.com/ race relations events.

Taranaki, for example, will host WOMAD this weekend, a multi-ethnic extravaganza and an exhibition, We All Sit Under the Same Stars runs until 22 March in Hawera. All over the country there will be plenty of opportunities to get out and celebrate our diverse communities – from festivals and concerts to exhibitions and ongoing, inclusive events like the Otara Markets.

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