The Office of Public Affairs is pleased to share information about the 2026 Race Unity Speech Awards and Hui, an initiative that continues to offer young people across Aotearoa a vital platform for thoughtful, courageous discourse on social cohesion and racial harmony. Regional heats will take place between 23 and 28 March, followed by the Nationals weekend in Auckland on 9–10 May, which includes the hui, semi-finals, and national final.
This annual event reflects the New Zealand Bahá’í community’s commitment to addressing the urgent needs of society while learning alongside others in a spirit of humility. As the House of Justice reminded the friends, vigilance in avoiding contention must never lead to withdrawal from the many pressing concerns of this time, and Bahá’ís are instead called to seek “that precious point of unity where contrasting perspectives overlap and around which contending peoples can coalesce.” In this light, the 2026 theme—“Listen to Understand – Whakarongo kia mārama”—invites deep reflection on the transformative power of genuine listening to foster empathy, trust, and meaningful connection.
We attach the theme document here, as shared by the Office of Public Affairs.
