Message from New Zealand Prime Minister for the Race Unity Speech Awards and Hui

7 May 2019

MESSAGE TO THE BAHÁ'Í COMMUNITY FOR THE RACE UNITY SPEECH AWARDS AND HUI

I would like to pass on my warmest wishes to everyone taking part in this year’s Race Unity Speech Awards and Hui.

Over the past eighteen years, the Race Unity speech Awards have provided young people with a space to deepen their understanding of race relations issues, and share their views on how we can all help to promote unity in Aotearoa.

Following the tragic events in Christchurch, this year’s Race Unity Speech Awards and Hui hold even greater significance. We need to think deeply and carefully about our country’s rich and precious diversity, and what we need to do to remain an inclusive, multicultural country. Thanks to the New Zealand Bahá'í community and Human Rights Commission for leading this wonderful initiative, and the New Zealand Police for their support of this event.

I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the significant contributions made by New Zealand’s small, but deeply committed Bahá'í community.

I wish you all the best for this year’s Race Unity Speech Awards and Hui, and I am sure the event will inspire thoughtful, open and positive discussion.

Alláh-u-Abhá.

Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern

Prime Minister