A message from Race Relations Commissioner
- secbpwnz
- Mar 21
- 2 min read
Aotearoa New Zealand is home to more than 200 ethnic groups, including Māori as tangata whenua, Pākehā as the first tangata Tiriti, and many more who now call this country home. Each of us bring our own language, beliefs, and cultural practices to enrich our communities and our country.
Many different groups hold celebrations to commemorate significant festivals and special days for their community, but seldom do we all come together to celebrate each other.
As Race Relations Commissioner, my vision for Race Relations Day is one where everyone comes together to celebrate who we are as a country, the contributions we have all made to its history and its future, and most importantly, the qualities and values that we share. Whether we have been here for generations or have recently arrived, we all belong and we are all welcome here.
I encourage schools, workplaces, community groups, and individuals to join me in elevating the profile of Race Relations Day to a national level. Together, let’s get to know people from different backgrounds, connect on our shared values and commonalities, and each contribute to harmonious relations between all groups who call Aotearoa New Zealand home.
The theme for Race Relations Day 2026 is ‘Whakarongo kia mārama – Listen to understand’
Since I started in this role, communities have consistently shared their desire to live in a more united Aotearoa New Zealand, where they are able to get to know people from different backgrounds and ethnic groups.
This theme invites all New Zealanders to share stories with each other, where we all commit to listening to diverse experiences and understanding backgrounds that may be different from our own. Stories have the power to unite or to divide, and it is my hope that by sharing a little of who we each are, fear and mistrust will diminish, and connection based on our commonalities and shared humanity will prevail.
How you can get involved!
Get in touch with Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission so we can send you posters and stickers to display in your schools, workplaces, and community spaces. Email infoline@hrc.co.nz
Share our digital posters on your website or social media (follow link below).
Download and print your own posters (follow link below).
Organise a shared kai/meal and invite people to share stories, bring special objects and wear traditional clothing and ornamentation from their culture.
In schools, share with children messages of what we have in common with one another, focusing on our shared humanity and unity alongside diversity.
Attend community events organised by groups like Multicultural New Zealand.Share the messages included here far and wide – together, we can make this vision a reality.
