The ways in which government agencies can better support Aotearoa New Zealand's Muslim communities were the focus of a hui between Muslim community leaders and government agency officials hosted by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities on February 10.
Those who attended in person and via ZOOM included representatives from the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, the Shia community, the Hazera Afghan Association, the Sri Lankan Muslim community and government departments such as Corrections, Health, the New Zealand Police and others. The hui was a great opportunity for a frank and engaging discussion and in doing so, these community leaders contributed significantly to building a better, more cohesive and inclusive New Zealand for all New Zealanders.
The hui was a great opportunity for a frank and engaging discussion.
Mervin Singham, Chief Executive of the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, facilitated the session. After the hui, Mr Singham reflected that, by coming together, listening intently to one another and sharing our perspectives respectfully, community leaders and key officials can make a positive difference in the lives of many in our ethnic communities. They have given us a gift through their experiences to shape a safer, more productive and inclusive New Zealand for all New Zealanders.
This hui will be followed up by further engagements which are currently being developed.
To see more pictures from the hui, please visit our Facebook page.