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: www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz

• 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

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