From awareness to action - be an Upstander
Published on 20 March, 2025
ABOVE: The Waikato Intercultural Fund team in October 2023.
Waikato Intercultural Fund statement on Race Relations Day 2025
On this day, the Waikato Intercultural Fund committee and its Movement for Open Culture Aotearoa (MOCA) calls on our community not just to commemorate, but to commit to meaningful change.
While this Day offers a moment for celebration of our diverse communities, we must acknowledge an uncomfortable truth - racial discrimination, micro-aggressions and prejudice occur in our communities every day. These incidents may not always make headlines, but they profoundly impact the lives and wellbeing of those who experience them.
Beyond passive awareness
The Waikato Intercultural Fund is held by Momentum Waikato, the region’s community foundation, and managed by a committee of determined volunteers from the local community.
Our purpose extends beyond promoting awareness. We actively encourage and empower the peoples and communities of the Waikato to embrace an intercultural worldview that transforms our daily interactions. True inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands conscious action.
The question we must all ask ourselves is: When confronted with discrimination, will we be mere bystanders or courageous upstanders?
The power of being an ‘Upstander’
Being an ‘Upstander’ means refusing to remain silent in the face of injustice. It means having the courage to:
speak up when we witness racist comments or behaviour
challenge harmful stereotypes, even when uncomfortable
support those experiencing discrimination
educate ourselves and others about cultural differences
hold our institutions accountable for inclusive practices.
When we choose to be Upstanders, we transform momentary discomfort into lasting change. Every act, however small, contributes to creating a community where diversity is not just tolerated but genuinely valued.
Real connections, real change
The Waikato's strength lies in its rich cultural tapestry—from tangata whenua to our newest arrivals. Each community brings invaluable perspectives that enrich our collective experience. However, these contributions cannot flourish in an environment where discrimination persists unchallenged.
The Waikato Intercultural Fund team believes in creating spaces where genuine, fruitful human relationships can develop across cultural boundaries. When we truly connect with one another -listening to lived experiences, sharing our traditions, and acknowledging our shared humanity - we build the foundation for a society where racism has no place.
A call to action
This Race Relations Day, the Waikato Intercultural Fund asks all Waikato residents to move beyond passive participation.
Please commit to at least one concrete action you will take to be an Upstander in your daily life.
We particularly challenge our community leaders, educators, employers, and policymakers to examine how their practices either perpetuate or dismantle discriminatory systems. Meaningful change requires institutional commitment alongside individual courage.
The journey forward
Creating an inclusive Waikato where everyone belongs is ongoing work. It requires acknowledging when we fall short, celebrating our progress, and continuously striving to do better. It means recognising that discomfort is often the price of growth.
The Waikato Intercultural Fund remains dedicated to supporting this journey - providing resources, creating connection opportunities, and amplifying diverse voices that speak up for justice and speak out against division and hate. We stand ready to partner with individuals and organisations committed to being Upstanders.
As we mark Race Relations Day 2025, let us remember that our region's greatest strength lies not in our sameness, but in our diversity - and in our collective willingness to stand up for one another, today and every day.
For more information about Waikato Intercultural Fund, please visit our website or contact us directly.
