The Office of Public Affairs will have funding to employ a full time programme manager to help deliver and further evolve the Speech Awards and Hui. This position needs to be filled with urgency.
All in Public Affairs
Others' in Their Own Land - Film Screening and Panel Discussion
A special film screening of the documentary 'Others' in Their Own Land is taking place in Wellington on 29 September, with a panel discussion of Iranian human rights advocates. The Office of Public Affairs urges the friends to attend and invite contacts who work or live in the Wellington region.
Ngā Rangatahi o Māramatanga — Youth Leadership Council
Ten young people, including two Bahá’ís, have committed themselves to promoting respect for New Zealand’s diverse faith communities by serving on the new youth interfaith body in Aotearoa.
Health promoter animated by Bahá’í principles
Mr Sione Tu’itahi has gained recognition from his professional peers, demonstrating the power of the Teachings to positively influence social discourse and action, when deeply imbibed and applied in one’s work.
Speech awards: ‘Ngā matimati nō te ringa kotahi’
Profound speeches on race unity offered by high school students have generated considerable public interest.
Contributions to race relations win recognition from the Crown
Mrs Bev Watson was invested with the New Zealand Order of Merit on 28 May 2022, for services associated with her work for the Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs over many years.
Race Unity Hui foster hope amongst youth
Youth participants in these hui find their resilience strengthened through conversations about race, identity, diversity and unity.
How we can help to defend the targets of hate
A panel discussion on 13 September will look at the situation of the Bahá’ís of Iran and how a climate of propaganda, disinformation, and hatred can be addressed effectively.
Countering hate speech against the friends in Iran
State-sponsored hate speech and disinformation against the Bahá'í community in Iran is on the rise. This article explains how the friends in Aotearoa can assist in combating the problem.
Race unity work brings Queen’s Birthday honour
Mrs Beverly (Bev) Watson has received recognition in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours, primarily for her many years of service to the cause of race unity in her work for the Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs.
Muslim leaders and government officials denounce Iran's persecution of Bahá'ís
Muslim communities, government officials, and parliamentarians worldwide have joined a growing outcry at the unjust confiscation of properties owned by Bahá'ís in the farming village of Ivel, north Iran.
Let’s talk about becoming better together
The New Zealand Religious Diversity Centre is hosting an online panel discussion series that offers interfaith perspectives on current issues. In the first session the panelists will explore new ways of being and doing after our pandemic lockdown.
Speakers hold fast to their vision of race unity
Extraordinary circumstances forced the Race Unity Speech Awards to go online this year. Participants responded with resolute hopes for the future of Aotearoa.
Race Unity Award speeches to be live-streamed 11-17 May
In the week from 11-17 May, Race Unity Speech Award semi-finalists and finalists are set to share their insights and demonstrate their eloquence to an appreciative online audience.
Speakers explore significance of the bicentenary
Listen to captivating speeches by Dame Robin White and Member of Parliament Priyanca Radhakrishnan at the national bicentenary celebration in Wellington.
Youth Diversity Forum welcomes Bahá’í input
80 diverse youth leaders from around the country gathered together to consult about the future of race relations in Aotearoa.
Video captures vibrant spirit of national bicentenary event
This video presents highlights of the bicentenary event held at Parliament Buildings on 22 October.
The Báb is honoured at Parliament Buildings
A national celebration event for the bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb occurred with great success on the evening of 22 October.
Prime Minister invites insights from race unity speakers
Gisborne Race Unity Speech Award participants joined other youth and two local Baha’is in a breakfast meeting hosted by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern recently.
BWNS: Encouraged by Prime Minister Ardern, New Zealand’s youth press to end racism
For nearly two decades, New Zealand’s Baha’is have been promoting a discourse on race unity through an annual process that brings together high school students from across the country.