Teaching diversity - why discuss diversity with schools and students?
Friday, 13 August 2010 19:42
A forum focusing upon the teaching of diversity issues and whether or not we should be discussing diversity in our schools and with our students is being hosted by the NZ National Commission for UNESCO as part of the NZ Diversity Action Forum 2010 in Christchurch this month.
More than half of all babies born in New Zealand last year were of Maori/Pacific, Asian or mixed heritage and it is vital that decision makers consider diversity in our classrooms and communities says NZ National Commission for UNESCO chair, Bryan Gould.
"New Zealand's demography is changing rapidly and teaching professionals, academics and decision makers must plan for the future now and work out how to move forward together," says Mr Gould.
The 2010 International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures provides an opportunity for New Zealand to re-address these issues and to give support to those charged with implementation of teaching diversity within New Zealand's new Education Curriculum. The UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity was adopted unanimously in the wake of the events of 11 September 2001: the UNESCO General Conference was the first major international forum to be held after those terrible events.
"The declaration saw member states reaffirm their conviction that intercultural dialogue is the best guarantee of peace: the cultural wealth of the world is its diversity in dialogue," says Mr Gould.
"Talking about diversity with schools and students is a discussion that we need to have in New Zealand."
Teaching diversity - why discuss diversity with schools and students?
Date: Monday 23 August 2010
Time: 3.30pm-5.30pm
Venue: Christchurch Convention Centre, 95 Kilmore Street, Christchurch
Past President of the British Academy & Cambridge Professor of Philosophy
Baroness O'Neill will be lecturing on the Two Cultures, Freedom of Speech and Trust and Trustworthiness at venues throughout New Zealand from the 15 - 23 September 2010. The lectures are free and open to the general public.
Maori Language Week - A success that all New Zealanders can share in
Tuesday, 03 August 2010 19:00
Maori Language Week 2010 has been an outstanding success with Maori and non Maori throughout Aotearoa New Zealand taking part says NZ National Commission for UNESCO chair, Bryan Gould.
“Maori Language Week in 1980 saw Maori march on parliament demanding that te reo Maori be recognised as an official language of New Zealand. At the head of the march were Maori leaders and academics including our own former UNESCO National Commissioner, Keri Kaa of Ngati Kahungunu and Ngati Porou,” says Mr Gould.
“Thirty years later, we have a thriving Maori immersion education system from kohanga reo right through to wananga or tertiary institutions. Maori Television has carved out a niche as one of the country’s heartland networks while iwi radio stations stretch across New Zealand.”
“Meanwhile mainstream New Zealand has also joined in and it is now commonplace to hear Maori on radio and television. Businesses, schools, universities, government departments, community groups and even engineers in communities throughout the country came together to celebrate te reo Maori this year.”
This year the NZ National Commission worked in partnership with the Human Rights Commission to host a forum on the relationship between the Maori language and the languages of the Pacific.
“New Zealanders from all walks of life celebrated Maori Language Week 2010 and this in itself is a milestone and a success that all New Zealanders can share in,” says Mr Gould.
A specialised agency of the United Nations, UNESCO is dedicated to the preservation of endangered languages with member states adopting the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity in 2001.
“Multilingualism promotes unity in diversity and international understanding. Obviously the message for us in Aotearoa New Zealand is that multilingualism: starts at home,” says Mr Gould.
Maori Language Week Forum
Wednesday, 21 July 2010 12:31
Te Reo Maori & Nga Reo O Moana-Nui-A-Kiwa
Maori Language & Pacific Languages Forum
Te Kahui Tika Tangata (Human Rights Commission) and Te Komihana Matua o Aotearoa mo UNESCO (UNESCO) are hosting a forum to look at the relationships between Maaori and Pacific languages and particularly their preservation in Aotearoa.
“E kore au e ngaro, he kakano i ruia mai i Rangiatea”
"A seed scattered from Rangiatea shall never be lost"
Who: Tangata Whenua and the Pacific Community
When: Thursday 29 July 4:15pm - 6:15pm
Where: The Human Rights Commission,
Level 1, 44 The Terrace, Wellington.
Video Conference available from Auckland and
Christchurch on request.
RSVP: Naomi Taylor, Human Rights Commission
04 471 6756 or
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Friday, 04 June 2010 19:49
Samoan language week an international success
Samoan Language Week has been a great achievement this year with thousands of people celebrating gagana Samoa here in New Zealand and around the world.
"With events taking place throughout New Zealand and stretching across the Tasman for the first time - at early childhood centres, schools, universities, sports clubs, churches, government departments and even parliament - the week has been a comprehensive success," says NZ National Commission for UNESCO chair, Bryan Gould.
"Gagana Samoa has been promoted widely on the internet with thousands joining Samoan Language Week's Facebook page. Samoan celebrities and MPs added their voices of support with Youtube messages and sporting heroes also came to the fore with the announcement early this week that the ARL, NRL and NZ Rugby League had joined as official partners."
"Incredibly we have been swamped with messages of support from Samoan people living all over the planet - Alaska, Kazakhstan, Japan, Sweden, Sudan and Brazil - many have celebrated the week in their own communities. This shows the power of the internet and the will of a people to celebrate their heritage - no matter where they may be living."
This year UNESCO worked alongside the Human Rights Commission and FAGASA (Fa'alāpotopotoga mo le A'oa'oina o le Gagana Sāmoa i Aotearoa) to help organise the week. A Samoan language phrasebook was launched in conjunction with the Ministry of Education - this is now available, free for people to download and use immediately. Mr Gould says UNESCO is committed to the preservation of languages as a vital component of linguistic and cultural diversity, multilingualism and quality education for all.
"The diversity of the world's cultures is our wealth and our future. We need to increase our investment in cultural diversity and dialogue for development."
"Language is an intangible treasure that we must all work to protect and celebrate."
Five "Samoan Language Champions" are being honoured at the weekend - people who have made an outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of gagana Samoa in New Zealand.
"It is because of these kinds of leaders that languages and culture will survive and flourish into the future," says Mr Gould.
"On behalf of UNESCO, I would like to pay tribute to their passion and commitment over the past forty years. Malo lava le soifua."
Another exciting initiative announced this week is the news that the Samoan Language Teachers Association (FAGASA) and the Maori Language Commission have joined forces to support gagana Samoa and te reo Maori.
"The support from Maori for Samoan Language Week has been fantastic: we now look forward to celebrating Maori Language Week from the 26th July to the 1st August with the support of the Samoan community," says Mr Gould.
As part of global events to celebrate the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures 2010, the forum aims to stimulate dialogue around the unique contribution Pacific people make to the curatorial sector, in particular when working with Pacific arts, culture and communities.
Currently there are very few Pacific curators and the forum will be a first of its kind in bringing together curators, academics, artists and cultural commentators to dialogue around the issues surrounding our marginalised presence in the wider visual arts world.
The forum will focus on dialogue and action, discussing strategies to increase our presence and build depth into the understanding of what Pacific curators offer to Pacific art projects.
A publication will be produced as a supporting resource, with content including a directory of Pacific Curators within
New Zealand. It is expected to be a valuable resource locally, regionally and internationally.
Samoan Language Week 2010
Sunday, 11 April 2010 21:37
"O le Tātou gagana Sāmoa I Niu Sila"
"Our Samoan language in NZ"
Samoan Language Week was first promoted by Radio Niu FM as part of a series of Pacific language weeks leading up to Māori Language Week. Since 2007 it has been promoted in schools by the Association for the Teaching of Samoa in Aotearoa, FAGASA Inc , Faalapotopotonga mo le Aoaoina o le Gagana Samoa i Aotearoa. In 2009 FAGASA and the Human Rights Commission partnered with other organisations to extend the week to the wider New Zealand community. In 2010, FAGASA Inc and Te Taura Whiri i te reo Maori (Maori Language Commission) have joined forces to promote both Samoan Language Week and Maori Language Week. English, Maori and Samoan are the three most spoken languages in New Zealand.
International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures 2010
Wednesday, 24 March 2010 12:48
The goal of the International Year is to make the rapprochement of cultures the hallmark of all policy-making at local, national, regional and international levels, involving the greatest number of relevant stakeholders.
In New Zealand, our first activities to celebrate the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures were:
the launch of the UNESCO Chair of Inter-religious Understanding and Relations at Victoria University, Wellington; and
preparatory work towards a workshop on interfaith in the Pacific Region.
UNESCO Chair in Inter-religious Understanding and Relations for Victoria University
Wednesday, 24 February 2010 12:53
A UNESCO Chair in Inter-religious Understanding and Relations has been established at Victoria University of Wellington.
New Zealand’s first UNESCO Chair has been awarded to Professor Paul Morris, Victoria University’s Programme Director for Religious Studies. A key participant in the New Zealand Diversity Action Programme, Professor Morris wrote the National Statement on Religious Diversity.
“Inter-religious understanding and relations is fundamental to our key goal which is to promote peace and justice in New Zealand and the Pacific,” says NZ National Commission for UNESCO chair, Bryan Gould.
“Our warm congratulations to Victoria University and particularly, Professor Morris.”
The "UNESCO Chair In Interreligious And Intercultural Relations – New Zealand" is an educational, research and policy activity that will be based at Victoria University’s Religious Studies department. The launch of the UNESCO Chair took place at the 7th National Interfaith Forum, "Keeping Faith in the Modern World" in Christchurch. Professor Morris will be delivering an address entitled "What’s religion got to do with it? - Sustainable futures and faith".
UNESCO Chairs in Interreligious and Intercultural Relations were established in 1995 to provide in-put drawn from an understanding of religious and cultural diversity to UNESCO programs and polices; and to conduct research in this area and to engage in policy debates in their region.
In his position as UNESCO chair, Professor Morris will engage in and publish research on religious change in New Zealand and the Pacific since 1990 and the relationships between religious communities. He will act to foster links between scholars in the region with related research interests. Engaging with governments on the impact of religious and cultural change and the need to explore new models of social cohesion will also be a key focus. Professor Morris will also develop and maintain a regional database of religious groups and communities including research resources.
Deborah Willis, Pro Vice Chancellor, Humanities and Social Sciences, Victoria University; Rosemary du Plessis, Chair Social Sciences Sub Commission, Paul Morris, UNESCO Chair of Interreligious Understanding and Relations.
Wednesday, 10 February 2010 14:11
Kiwi Holocaust Survivors focus of new DVD FOR ANNE FRANK DIARY EXHIBITION
The testimonies of New Zealand’s own Holocaust survivors will be the subject of a poignant DVD that will accompany the Anne Frank Travelling Exhibition this year.
The DVD was produced with support from the NZ National Commission for UNESCO. It has been made by experienced film director, Anna Cottrell and AC Productions, with skilful interviewing by renowned journalist Ian Fraser.
“By learning about some of the world’s darkest times, young New Zealanders can learn to value the importance of tolerance and freedom in a just society. Education is our best safeguard to ensure these horrors are not repeated,” says NZ National Commission for UNESCO chairman, Bryan Gould.
“The stories of our own people, other New Zealanders, who survived the Holocaust need to be heard and learnt from.”
The Anne Frank travelling exhibition will reach New Zealand for the first time this year.
“This simple diary kept by a young girl who was murdered in the Holocaust has become one of the world’s most well-known, powerful and treasured examples of tolerance education,” says Mr Gould.
“In 1946 when UNESCO’s constitution came into force, New Zealand was the second country to step forward to sign it. We did so, in the aftermath of that tragic conflict and with the horror of the Holocaust fresh in our minds, so that the instinct for peace and for a common humanity should take hold in the minds of new generations.”
Last year, UNESCO included the manuscripts of Anne Frank in its Memory of the World Register, the World Heritage List for documents. This inventory contributes to the preservation of precious documents from archives and collections, including libraries throughout the world.
The exhibition will be launched at Te Papa on Wednesday 10th February 2010 and will tour New Zealand throughout the year.
Please visit the website below for more information.
Historical Waterworks Building wins Heritage Award
The Waterworks Building and its associated engineer’s cottage located on the grounds of the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) in Auckland has won the 2009 UNESCO Asia Pacific Award of Merit. The building was designed by William Errington in 1875 with the purpose of bringing water from the Western Springs Reservoir to Auckland. By 1928 the source of water had changed, and the building fell into disuse. It became part of the Museum in 1964. By 2000 there was a pressing need for conservation, as the roof was leaking and sectors of the cornices had collapsed, with vegetation encroaching upon the structures. There was an added intention of restoring the Scottish-made beam engine pump machinery to full working order. In its hey day the Waterworks engine pumped two million of waters a day from the Western Springs Lake to homes throughout Auckland. It is the first time a New Zealand building has won this award.
Please visit our UNESCO Bangkok office for more information:
Writer, academic and Māori language pioneer, Kāterina Te Heikōkō Mataira (Ngati Porou) has won the prestigious Linguapax Award 2009 for her lifelong work to revive the Māori language. In the seventies Ms Mataira co-developed, alongside the late Ngoingoi Pewhairangi, the Te Atārangi community based programme of Māori language learning which trained native speakers of Māori to teach their language. This philosophy underpinned the establishment of the kura kaupapa Maori movement. Linguapax is an annual award bestowed upon leading linguists and researchers by the Linguapax Institute based in Barcelona, Spain. Linguapax is a non-governmental organisation set up by UNESCO and dedicated to the global preservation and promotion of linguistic diversity. This is the first time a New Zealander has been honoured with this award.
Thursday, 20 August 2009 17:06
NZ Diversity Forum 2009
From 22-24th August 2009, Wellington will host the 2009 NZ Diversity Forum. The forum unites flaxroots community representatives, volunteers, central and local government officials, media, academics, health professionals, language advocates, sports people, librarians, teachers, artists, museum staff, faith groups, employers, worker and young people to talk about practical ways cultural diversity can be fostered and all New Zealanders can enjoy equal opportunities and live in harmony. Events are hosted by organisations that are part of the NZ Diversity Action Programme, an initiative sponsored by the Human Rights Commission/Te Kahui Tika Tangata. The main venue is Te Papa, however events are taking place at locations around Wellington city. The NZ National Commission for UNESCO is hosting a forum on Pacific Languages in New Zealand 2: the future of Pacific languages. Contact person:
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Monday, 03 August 2009 17:07
Migrating Kitchens Exhibition, Te Pataka Museum, Porirua
For many migrating families, traditional foods from home are a way to celebrate unique cultural identity and heritage: these are also a tasty reminder of home! The Migrating Kitchen Exhibition is on again at Te Pataka Museum in Porirua, in which people are invited to step inside the kitchens of immigrant communities who have made Aotearoa New Zealand their newest home. The first Migrating Kitchen Exhibition at Te Pataka was held in 2007 with families from Samoa, Burma, Greece, China, Russia and Somalia sharing their stories, recipes and foods. This year families from Afghanistan, Chile, the Cook Islands, India, Italy and Zimbabwe showcase their favourite foods. The NZ National Commission for UNESCO is pleased to support the Migrating Kitchens Exhibition for another year.
