New Zealand’s 12th Diversity Forum focused on the future

The Human Rights Commission’s 12th Diversity Forum, “Future Focus: Te Anga Whakamua” will get underway at Te Papa Tongarewa tomorrow. More than 400 people from across New Zealand will be taking part.

“Our forum is about celebrating diversity, cementing positive race relations and talking about what kind of country and future we want,” said Race Relations Commissioner, Dame Susan Devoy.

“Our keynote speaker is Australian human rights advocate and lawyer, Deng Adut. His unforgettable story of humanity in the face of inhumanity is both humbling and inspiring.”

In the afternoon Dame Susan will launch the first leg of New Zealand’s inaugural, nationwide anti-racism campaign.

“It’s called That’s Us because it’s about the kind of people we want to be as well as the kind of country we want our kids growing up in: it’s about New Zealanders,” said Dame Susan.

“We will be calling on Kiwis to share their stories.”

Deng’s speech and the That’s Us launch will be live streamed on the Commission’s Facebook Page

Other speakers include:

Tayyaba Khan – Changemakers Refugee Forum, chief executive

Dr Chris Sibley – NZ Attitudes and Values Study, Auckland University

Raveen Annamalai – Multicultural Council, President

Mike Bush – NZ Police Commissioner

Lizzie Marvelly – Activist, musician, writer

Peter Hughes – NZ State Services Commissioner

Dr Te Ahukaramu Charles Royal, Nga Manu Atarau Director, Te Papa Tongarewa

Vanisa Dhiru – VP National Council of Women

Professor Colleen Ward, Victoria University’s Centre for Applied Cross Cultural Research

Mark Ngan Kee – NZ Chinese Association

Ian Long – NZ Rugby, Public Relations Director

Te Ariki Te Puni, Race Unity Speech winner 2016

Tayo Agunlejika - Multi Ethnic Football

Dai Phonevilay and Dal Philavong – “Taste Lao”, finalists My Kitchen Rules

Pinamin Owusu-Banahene, African Fashion Festival NZ

Guy Ryan – Inspiring Stories Trust

Paora Ammunson – Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union, chair

Pearl Robin – Tech Tank

Adorate Mizero, documentary filmmaker

Inspector Tracy Thompson, NZ Police Community patrollers

Ma deva Vedanta

The forum is proudly sponsored and supported by NZ Police, Te Papa Tongarewa, NZ National Commission for UNESCO and Victoria University’s Centre for Applied Cross Cultural Research.

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