Human Rights Commission
Media release
 
16 August 2009
 
Diversity Forum 2010 

Do Asian communities feel safe in Christchurch? Can social media contribute to social change? How is religion portrayed in the media? Is sport in New Zealand inclusive of all ethnic communities? Are Māori adequately represented in local government?

Experts, communities and educators will attend workshops, panels and forums to discuss these and other questions at the annual Diversity Forum, in Christchurch, 22-23 August.

Three keynote speakers will address the plenary session on Monday morning to share their own journeys with diversity. This year’s guests are Melbourne digital designer Mia Northrop, Christchurch Polytech Institute of Technology’s (CPIT) Māori and Pacific director, Hana O’Regan, and Australia’s Disability Discrimination and Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes.

Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres will open the Diversity Forum’s plenary and later help to present the annual diversity awards, on Monday evening.

“The awards are a chance to give groups and individuals recognition for their contributions to diversity in New Zealand. Their efforts inspire others in the wider community,” says Mr de Bres.

Winners in past years have included the Christchurch Art Gallery, “Tagata Pasifika”, Whanganui Regional Museum, Asia NZ Foundation, Outward Bound and the New Plymouth District Council.

Background

Mia Northrop started the Vindaloo Against Violence project after a spate of attacks against Indians in Australia. In February this year, 17,000 people turned up at 400 Indian restaurants in Australia to show solidarity for the Indian community. Ms Northrop is hosting the Social Media for Social Change forum session.
 Graeme Innes is a lawyer, mediator, company director and has been a human rights practitioner for almost 30 years. He was the first Chair of Vision Australia, Australia's national blindness agency and in 1995 was made a Member of the Order of Australia.

Hana O’Regan is as a member of The Māori Language Commission - Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori. Her masters thesis on Māori tribal identity development became the basis of her book, Ko Tahu Ko Au – Kāi Tahu Tribal Identity, published in 2000. In June 2009, Ms O’Regan was appointed Kaiārahi at CPIT.
 

Find out more about the Diversity Forum 2010 or register for the Forum on the Commission’s website.

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