Human Rights Commission
Media Release
Embargoed until awards announced 6.30pm, Monday 24 August 2009
 

Council lauded for diversity work

The Nelson Multicultural Council has won a national award for its outstanding contribution to race relations. The organisation has been named as one of 12 recipients of the Human Rights Commission’s annual New Zealand Diversity Action Awards.
The awards will be presented by the Governor-General at the New Zealand Diversity Forum in Wellington tonight (24 August).

The council organises social activities and support services for new migrants, produced the booklet Useful Tips for Migrants and an educational DVD for former refugee families on child nutrition and oral health.

They were also one of the driving forces behind the landmark report on racist incidents in Nelson, launched in August 2009.

Nelson’s diversity comes alive with public events run by the multicultural council, such as the annual Race Unity Festival, Global Family Fun Day, and they also support the Global Football Festival and the International Kai Festival on Waitangi Day.

This year the council received a TrustPower community award in recognition of the contribution volunteers have made to the community.

Other recipients of Diversity Awards were: Manurewa Marae, New Coasters, PEETO - The Multicultural Learning Centre, Nelson Multicultural Council, FAGASA, Whanganui Regional Museum, Centre for Asian Health Research and Evaluation, Umma Trust, Wellington City Libraries, and New Zealand Chinese Association Auckland.

A special award went to the British Council for their contribution to Race Relations Day and the flagship event People in Your Neighbourhood.

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