On this Race Relations Day, the Movement for Open Culture Aotearoa solemnly remembers the victims and survivors of the Christchurch Mosque terrorist attacks on March 15, 2019. We honour the courage and resilience of the Muslim community in the face of such horrific hatred and violence.
We also pay tribute to the tireless community activists who continue to advocate for anti-racist measures, challenge inequitable systems and enact change. Their work to confront bigotry and create a more just society inspires us all.
While New Zealand prides itself as an inclusive nation, we must acknowledge the painful truth that racism and discrimination still permeate our society. From casual prejudices and insidious micro-aggressions to overt acts of hate and marginalisation, far too many New Zealanders face barriers and injustice due to their race, ethnicity, or cultural background.
Racism is a corrosive force that degrades the very essence of what it means to be a Kiwi and a human being. It mocks the inherent dignity and worth of every person, breeding division and suffering within our communities. We cannot allow such an abhorrent mindset to persist.
Overcoming racism will require sustained and courageous efforts from all New Zealanders. The path ahead will be difficult, but we are committed to doing the hard work of building a truly equitable, inclusive, and just Aotearoa – one that genuinely upholds the partnership values of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and honours the inherent mana of all people, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Racism diminishes us all. A better nation is possible, but only if we have the determination to create it together.
We would love to hear how you are celebrating Race Relations Day and promoting unity in your community. Please share your stories and inspiring examples with us, as we collectively work to make Aotearoa a shining beacon of cultural understanding and harmony.
The Movement for Open Culture Aotearoa is an initiative of the Waikato Intercultural Fund of Momentum Waikato, with the aim of offering New Zealanders the opportunity to donate towards growing the funding capacity available to groups working to oppose racism and build an intercultural nation.
Please consider donating to the Waikato Intercultural Fund, so we can grow the income available to be granted to groups working to combat racism in our society.
To find out more, and check out the MOCA keep-cup you get when you donate, visit momentumwaikato.nz/waikatointerculturalfund.