Taranaki's action-oriented inspiring Hui
In the wake of the Race Unity Speech Awards, a regional Race Unity Hui was convened at Stratford High School on Wednesday 8 May, serving as a proactive step towards fostering greater unity and understanding in the Taranaki region. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from diverse backgrounds, including students from Te Pi'ipi'inga Mai i Rangiatea Kura Kaupapa Māori, marking a significant increase in engagement compared to previous years.
The essence of the hui was formed in the belief that each individual holds a responsibility in advancing race unity, starting from simple yet genuine gestures of connection like smiles and greetings. With this ethos in mind, students, accompanied by teaching staff and community mentors, embarked on various projects aimed at promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity.
Students from schools in the Taranaki region gathered to attend the Taranaki Race Unity Hui on 8 May 2024.
Projects in Action
Discussions at the hui resulted in the students dividing themselves into 7 groups, each choosing a different actionable project to collaborate on, based on their own interests and the skills of the accompanying adults.
Radio Broadcasts
One group dedicated themselves to radio broadcasts, recording snippets featuring themselves and fellow students introducing their backgrounds and endorsing the message of unity. These recordings now adorn the airwaves between programmes, with plans underway to develop regular cultural showcases.
Journalism
Students undertaking journalism initiatives embarked on a journey of cultural exploration, interviewing and photographing individuals from diverse backgrounds about their cultural heritage. Their efforts will culminate in a book to be shared with primary school children, fostering understanding and empathy from a young age.
Community Murals
Collaborating with local police representatives, another group embarked on creating murals representing the diversity of cultures within Taranaki. Divided into sections corresponding to different districts, the panels will each have a border of quotes in different languages. They will be mounted together most likely at Ngāmotu in New Plymouth, where there will be a ceremony to unveil them. The long-term plan is that they can be taken to other communities around the maunga, and will serve as visual testaments to unity and diversity.
Cultural Days at School
Students from New Plymouth Boys’ High School brainstormed ideas to infuse their school calendar with more cultural celebrations. Teaming up with peers from Te Pi'ipi'inga Mai i Rangiatea Kura Kaupapa Māori, they aim to host cultural days showcasing diverse traditions and culinary delights from various cultures.
Fundraising and Cultural Promotion
Te Pi'ipi'inga Mai i Rangiatea Kura Kaupapa Māori students ingeniously fused their efforts to promote race unity with fundraising endeavors for an upcoming trip to Rarotonga. Plans include participation in multicultural events and showcasing their cultural heritage through performances and activities.
School Ceremonies and Cultural Awareness
Students from Ōpunake High School proposed innovative additions to their school’s cultural landscape, including flag-raising ceremonies honouring diverse heritages and cultural mufti days featuring traditional attire. Their initiatives seek to embed cultural awareness across various facets of school life.
As the hui came to an end, the strong bond among the students spoke volumes about the impact of their collaborative work. Their projects not only highlighted the importance of building connections and friendships but also illustrated how small acts of kindness can strengthen unity.
The achievements of the Taranaki Hui demonstrate the effectiveness of community-driven efforts in fostering race unity. As these projects continue to develop and make an impact locally, they serve as inspiring examples for others, encouraging them to join in the journey towards greater understanding and solidarity.
A post hui report, provided by members of the Bahá’í community of New Plymouth, acknowledges the support and encouragement from various people across the three district councils in Taranaki and from the two Members of Parliament residing in New Plymouth in the lead-up to the hui, as well as the support and encouragement from the wider Bahá'í community and friends. This report also acknowledges the students who attended, noting that they deserve a huge vote of thanks and congratulations, as without their ideas, vision, creativity, determination, and dedication, the day would not have flowed as it did, nor would there be these seven exciting projects to report on and to watch as they each develop over time.
