The second edition of the Ethnic Advantage Conference took place in Christchurch on Saturday, 03 December 2022. Organised by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, the flagship conference was hosted at Chateau on the Park, a DoubleTree by Hilton, Christchurch.
Ethnic Advantage is a series of annual conferences designed to open channels of dialogue with communities, foster bonds with them, recognise their achievements, and ensure that their concerns are properly considered when government policy is being made.
The conference, which ran from 9:00 am to 4:15 pm, featured a number of panel discussions and sessions designed expressly to raise awareness of various concerns, including cultural competency, gender diversity, funding advice, and more. There were also few cultural performances showcasing the talent of Christchurch’s ethnic communities.
The event began with Mihi Whakatau (a welcome) by Te Taumata Tapu o Ngai Tuahuriri. This was followed by a video message from Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities, Priyanca Radhakrishnan.
While apologising for not being physically present at the conference, Minister set the tone of the conference, saying, “I believe it’s important for us to have annual forums(like this) to discuss concerns, aspirations and opportunities for our communities to strengthen relationships and to both inspire and be inspired. Aotearoa New Zealand, is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse countries. I firmly believe that this is a source of strength. Our government is committed to celebrating diversity, taking tangible steps to improve inclusion and to supporting others to strengthen social cohesion.
“It’s about ensuring that diverse communities can thrive and turn our diversity into a competitive advantage. Dialogue is necessary. It’s essential to get us to where we want to be and it is important that we have safe spaces to have those conversations. This conference is one platform that promotes constructive dialogue leading to equitable outcomes for our communities.”
Mervin Singham, Chief Executive of the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, welcomed the guests and shared a childhood anecdote about the philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, celebrating the beauty that comes from imperfection. Singham praised Christchurch for its resilient community and the city’s contribution to diversity and inclusion in New Zealand.
“Thank you to the Christchurch community for showing us beauty in the face of adversity. you have faced challenges more than any other place in NZ over the past two decades. The Christchurch earthquake and mosque attacks have tested you and raised your sense of resolve about what type of community we all want to be in NZ. You look like what unity in diversity looks like in action.
“The name of these conferences highlights that ethnic diversity is something we should treasure in New Zealand. Ethnic diversity brings with it huge advantages for the country. It creates economic, social and cultural enrichment for the country.”
Abbas Nazari, a former Afghan refugee who fled the Taliban in 2001, featured as the event’s keynote speaker. Nazari was one of more than 400 asylum seekers who were saved in the Indian Ocean while attempting to reach Australia by the Norwegian container ship, the MV Tampa. Nazari and his family relocated to New Zealand after being denied asylum in Australia. Nazari discussed his struggles and journey from being a refugee to being a bestselling novelist and a Fulbright scholar.
A panel discussion titled “For Health’s Sake” had Abbe Anderson, National Director Commissioning for Health New Zealand, Aroha Metcalf, General manager, Maori Health Authority participating with Singham moderating the discussion. During the conversation, the health reform transformation and integration of ethnic diversity into the new health system were discussed. Anderson talked about her experiences working within health systems in three countries and her vision for a more inclusive health system in NZ.
There were several sessions that included Home & Away, Being Culturally Competent in Bi-Cultural Aotearoa, Rainbow Voices, Funding Tips & Tricks and Coming of Age.
The second panel discussion of the day was on the “Cultural Quotient” and featured renowned Stand-up comedian Pax Assidi, music producer Yee Yang’ Square’ Lee and photographer Janneth Gil. The discussion was moderated by Shirley Wright, manager at Christchurch Resettlement Services.
A refugee with Iranian heritage, Assidi has established himself as one of the most engaging comedians and brings a unique perspective to his comedy that is universally appealing.
Assidi said having a sense of pride in our cultural diversity should guide parents in encouraging their children to follow their dreams and channel their ancestral heritage.
“We will be doing ourselves a disservice if we don’t allow our children to tap into their creative potential that has existed for centuries.”
Assidi entertained the audience with a performance.
Sheryl Chand, a grade 12 student from Masterton, spoke next, advocating for a united approach to tackle racism and restore unity, as well as ending academic streaming at schools. A joint National Champion for the Race Unity Speech Award, Chand has also received the Manukau Institute of Technology’s Tohu Manaakitanga Award.
Various Indian faces were present representing the community, including Surinder Tandon, Archna Tandon and Manish Pandey who himself has an inspiring journey as a migrant and has long been a champion of the Indian community.
The conference successfully brought together diverse people and groups, encouraged greater understanding between different cultures, and inspired action towards creating a more inclusive society.
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