A message from Anusha Guler, Executive Director of the Office of Ethnic Communities, on the 2021 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development:
This day is an opportunity for us to reflect and take pride in our own cultural identities. More importantly, it is an opportunity to come together, celebrate and learn about each other’s cultures.
Aotearoa New Zealand is a wonderfully diverse country, home to over 200 ethnicities that speak more than 170 languages. Our diverse communities come from a rich variety of geographies and cultures and bring with them a wide range of valuable perspectives and experiences.
The work we do at the Office of Ethnic Communities is all about ensuring these communities are strong, active, and connected to each other, to the wider society, and to Government. We are putting in the mahi to build an inclusive society that makes the most of this wonderful diversity. When our communities thrive, the whole country thrives with them.
On this Day for Cultural Diversity, I invite you to connect with each other, take pride in sharing your culture, and join us in our efforts to make Aotearoa New Zealand a more inclusive place for all.
