The Ministry's Indicators Report: Ethnic Evidence was launched in the Grand Hall at Parliament, on Monday, 9 December 2024.
This landmark publication is the first of its kind, spotlighting the contributions, challenges, and lived realities of our 1.1 million Ethnic Community members.
With over 85 participants, including senior public sector officials, Members of Parliament, community leaders, and researchers, the launch celebrated a major milestone in bringing the available data together as a more holistic view of what Ethnic Communities are doing in New Zealand.
Hon. Melissa Lee, Minister for Ethnic Communities, unveiled Ethnic Evidence, describing it as a key tool for shaping inclusive policies and services.
“The first step is often the most difficult. It's the one that sparks change. It sets the direction we have chosen to go. And the direction we have chosen is towards better evidence and visibility for our Ethnic Communities, said Minister Lee during her address.
A first for New Zealand
Ethnic Evidence is the first comprehensive report about Ethnic Communities in New Zealand, consolidating data across more than 50 indicators and 120 measures.
It provides an overview of how Ethnic Communities are doing across economic, social, and cultural domains, filling critical gaps in understanding their experiences and contributions.
The report aims to support policy developers in developing evidence-based solutions to address challenges and highlight opportunities for Ethnic Communities.
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private sector organisations will be able to use the data to target things they are interested in finding more about or getting value out of.
Accompanying the report, the Ministry also released an interactive data visualisation and self-service data tool, which is available on the Ministry's website. This tool will allow anyone to go behind the charts in the report and interact with the data to analyse further, visualise and share it with others.
Mervin Singham, Chief Executive of the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, described the report as a “change agent”. He added:
“Ethnic Communities are at the heart of New Zealand’s success. This report is a testament to their contributions and a reminder of the work we must continue to do to ensure they thrive. By putting the evidence front and centre, we are laying the foundation for meaningful, long-term change.”
Panel discussion
The event featured a panel discussion on the importance of evidence and data in policy making and community engagement. Panellists included:
- Professor Edwina Pio ONZM, a leading voice on social cohesion and diversity
- Dr James To, National Secretary of the NZ Chinese Association
- Aphra Green, Deputy Chief Executive, Policy, Data and Insights at the Social Investment Agency
- Pratima Namasivayam, Deputy Chief Executive, Advisory, Analytics and Ministerial at the Ministry for Ethnic Communities
Panellists explored the report’s findings, the challenges in collecting robust data, and how it can be used to create more inclusive government policies and services.
Reflecting on the report, Dr James To said, “I’d love to see government working towards relationships based on long-term trust, confidence and exchange. We know that our communities are ready and willing for that opportunity to do their part.
“The media also have a role to play in growing awareness of what is happening – and it’s great that we are seeing more stories about New Zealand’s evolving demography and diverse communities in our mainstream news.”
Driving change through data
Attendees welcomed the report’s insights, which align with government frameworks such as the Treasury Living Standards Framework and enable government agencies to design policies and services that reflect the realities of Ethnic Communities.
Key highlights of the report included:
- A comprehensive overview of ethnic diversity, covering Asian, Continental European, Middle Eastern, Latin American, and African communities.
- Data revealing gaps in access to housing, health services, and employment opportunities.
- Evidence of Ethnic Communities’ significant contributions to New Zealand’s economy and society.
As New Zealand continues to grow as a diverse nation, Ethnic Evidence provides a critical resource for understanding and addressing the needs of its communities.
Summing up the vision for the report, Mervin Singham said, “This report challenges us to not only celebrate diversity but to act on it. It’s a call to make New Zealand a place where every voice matters and every community has the opportunity to thrive.
“I hope this report will bring real change for Ethnic Communities – empower them to realise their full potential and be recognised as the critical contributors they already are in our country.”
Read the report here: https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/assets/Resources/MECEthnicEvidenceReport2024.pdf
Find out more about our communities in the data here: https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/our-communities/our-communities-in-the-data
View photos of the launch event here: Facebook album.
Read RNZ’s coverage here:
