All in Public Affairs
The 2026 Race Unity Speech Awards brought together inspiring young voices from across the country to explore how racial prejudice can be overcome and unity strengthened. Read about the national finals, view photos from the event, and watch the winning speech here.
Race Relations Day is 21 March 2026, and friends are invited to use this opportunity to consider ways to contribute to conversations about unity in diversity, including at regional gatherings for the Race Unity Speech Awards.
Key details for the 2026 Race Unity Speech Awards open to all senior high school students.
A new UN report highlights the systematic persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran, documenting restrictions on education, livelihoods, and freedom of belief.
The Office of Public Affairs is inviting expressions of interest for 2–3 part-time interns to contribute to its work in social media, public discourse, and civil society/government relations.
"Exploring Sacred Spaces" is an initiative that fosters interfaith dialogue and contributing to building a more harmonious and united society.
The Office of Public Affairs hosted Auckland's "Our Story Is One" concert on 6 July. The event highlighted the ongoing persecution of Bahá’í women in Iran through powerful performances and narratives.
The visit of the Mayor and a Council member to the Hamilton Bahá'í Centre highlights how Bahá'í institutions can strengthen ties with local government and acquaint them with community-building endeavours.
The Race Unity Speech Awards have catalysed regional initiatives, such as the Taranaki Race Unity Hui. Students in the region have taken practical steps to promote unity in diversity.
On the weekend of 4-5 May, senior secondary students from across Aotearoa delivered powerful speeches and joined with others in a hui to consult on solutions for a racist-free New Zealand.
A webinar organised by the New Zealand Bahá'í Office of Public Affairs will focus on the human rights situation in Iran regarding freedom of religion or belief.
The Office of Public Affairs celebrates the lasting impacts of the Speech Awards as a platform for young voices to foster unity and inclusion.
The Office of Public Affairs invites artistic contributions to the ‘Our Story is One’ exhibition set for March 2024.
A report on Aotearoa’s national commemoration, held in Christchurch to launch the #OurStoryIsOne campaign.
Six Year 12 and 13 students delivered powerful and riveting speeches around the theme ‘Awhihia te Rito -Nurture the Young’, at this year’s Race Unity Speech Awards national finals.
UPDATED 16 June 2023: Actions are being taken throughout Aotearoa by communities and individuals in support of the campaign marking 40 years since 10 Bahá’í women were hanged in Shiraz, Iran, and honouring the broader struggle for gender equality in that country.
The Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs shares information about the #OurStoryIsOne Campaign, starting in June, and the office explains how the friends in Aotearoa might contribute to it.
An endeavour to combat prejudice in Aotearoa, initiated by the Bahá’í community, celebrates more than two decades of growing influence.
An event held at Victoria University of Wellington attracted government officials and highlighted the escalating repression of the believers in Iran through a documentary film and panel discussion.
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.
