Young speakers foster mature awareness of race unity
Secondary students from around the motu poured their hearts out on the issue of racism and discrimination in Aotearoa at the national Race Unity Speech Awards semi-finals, finals and National Race Unity Hui in Auckland on the weekend of 17-18 June. The activities provide a welcoming space for young people and their supporters from around Aotearoa New Zealand to build a shared vision of the future of race relations in our nation.
The MC for the programme on Sunday, Mava Moayyed, created a warm and welcoming tone to the day. A team of dedicated friends prepared delicious meals that ensured all participants - whether parents, teachers, students or supporters - were all well nourished throughout the weekend.
The senior students delivered dynamic and riveting speeches around the theme “Awhihia te Rito — nurture the Young” at the beautiful Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae at the Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) in Otara, Auckland. One of the finalists delivered a powerful oratory completely in te Reo Māori, captivating the entire audience for the duration. The generosity of MIT has continued for a number of years as their contribution to this kaupapa.
The Race Unity Speech Awards and Hui are initiatives of the New Zealand Bahá’í community, in partnership with several other organisations, including the New Zealand Police; the Ministry of Ethnic Communities, Diversity and Inclusion; the Human Rights Commission, and the Hedi Moani Charitable Trust. See the list of partners on the raceunity.nz website. The generosity of sponsors and the hard work of the Office of Public Affairs in ensuring the success of this annual national flagship activity is warmly acknowledged. The service of the team who represent the Faith in coordinating the project was recognised by one of the collaborators from the wider community addressing a coordinator of the Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs as follows:
I spoke to you at the start of the day today and said how impressed I was with your efficient organisation of this event, but as the day unfolded I realised just how much work you must have done to reach the superb standard of your event management. It was such an honour to be part of it and of course I am just thrilled with the final results. What a change you have made for all those families that have participated in stages of the competition. I spend much time all over the country judging and assessing public speaking but I have not experienced anything of this grand calibre that is so uplifting. The day looked effortless but that is only because of all the work and energy that many people have put into it.
Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, Suzanne Mahon, was quoted in a Scoop article, saying that the overall winner, Esther Sovincet and indeed all six finalists, were outstanding examples of rangatahi contributing valuable insights into an important discourse for Aotearoa’s collective well-being.
“In offering their thoughtful speeches, they are helping to spread an antidote to the hatred that is an all too common denominator to the onset and escalation of conflict.”
Further information is given in the attached two media releases.
Race Unity Speeches Special Awards — “Rangatahi continue to challenge Aotearoa on racism at Race Unity Speech Awards 2023”
RUSA National Champion 2023 — “Kiwi-Nigerian shares riveting testimony on racism in Aotearoa”
These facts and statistics give an indication of the success of the event:
Sunday's attendance for the National final was approx 140. This included senior figures from government and government agencies. Attendance at the preceding semi-finals, on the same weekend, was over 110.
Attendance for the Saturday afternoon hui was approximately 50. The hui was facilitated by the Office of the Children's Commissioner. They prepared sessions that will continue to advise the NAPAR (National Action Plan Against Racism) project, asking the rangatahi for their ideas for solutions towards eradicating racism in Aotearoa.
A new trophy had been commissioned as the previous shield was full after 22 years. This carving of an upright waka depicts humanity traversing together the ocean of life and striving for an elevated consciousness of our oneness. It was blessed prior to the announcement of the national champion.
An article in the Manawatū Standard featured a finalist from the area, Leo Mwape, who received the Tohu Manaakitanga — Manukau Institute of Technology award for manaakitanga (care and hospitality) and the Tohu Whetumatarau — Ministry for Ethnic Communities award for vision.
