WEBINAR: A Vision for Race Relations
The Race Relations Commissioner will provide some background to the history of Race Relations Day. He will speak about the importance of ensuring human rights values and the principles of Aroha, Manakitanga, Kaitiakitanga and Tino Rangatiratanga are embedded in the approach we take to developing a New Zealand human rights lens for social inclusion.
He will address the roots of inequality that began with colonisation and its impacts as well as the significance of Te Tiriti and the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in framing a way forward for harmonious relations.
He will also speak about the recent events that have shaped race relations in New Zealand and present his vision for future race relations and a harmonious New Zealand.
During his talk he will share some of his experiences and insights both as former Mayor of Gisborne and as the Race Relations Commissioner regarding the key challenges ahead and how we might address them together.
★ MENG FOON ★
Race Relations Commissioner – NZ Human Rights Commission
Meng Foon has taken up the appointment of Race Relations Commissioner, after 24 years at the Gisborne District Council.
Mr Foon was elected as a councillor in 1995 and in 2001 he was elected Mayor, a role he held for 18 years. He is one of a handful of people of Chinese descent to have become a mayor in New Zealand. He is fluent in English, Siyip and Te Reo Māori. As of 2019, he is still the only mayor in New Zealand who is fluent in Te Reo.
He is a member of a number of community organisations including the Ngā Taonga a nā Tama Toa Trust, the New Zealand Chinese Association, Aotearoa Social Enterprise Trust. He has released a musical number, Tu Mai, he has been chair of Gisborne/Tarawhiti Rugby League since 1989, and was a member of the New Zealand Rugby League Board.
Mr Foon is responsible for leading the work of the Human Rights Commission in promoting positive harmonious race relationships.
Justice Minister Andrew Little said the following of Mr Foon’s appointment - “He has an outstanding record as a relationship builder and walks comfortably in the pākehā world, the Māori world, the Chinese community and other communities making up New Zealand. Race relations is a priority area for the Human Rights Commission. We need to continue to break down barriers to racial and ethnic equality in New Zealand society. This is an exciting appointment to a role that presents enormous challenges but tremendous possibilities.”
★LIVESTREAM DETAILS ★
Here the links you need to participate on Saturday. Please register so we can keep you up-to-date with any changes or notices.
Livestream: http://bit.ly/decol2020-livestream
Discussion/Q&A on Te Tiriti-based Futures Facebook group: http://bit.ly/decol2020-discuss
