RACE UNITY HUI 2023

What are Race Unity Hui?

The National Race Unity Hui provides 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.

In 2023 the Hui took place on Saturday 17 June at Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae, Manukau Institute of Technology in Ōtara, Auckland.

In the morning, 22 rangatahi gave their speeches in the national semi-finals.

In the afternoon, the Office of the Children’s Commissioner’s (OCC) Participation and Engagement team (Mai World) facilitated a session with mokopuna and their support people to design solutions to eliminate racism in Aotearoa New Zealand. The voices heard in these sessions contributed to work that the OCC has already done for the Ministry of Justice and the National Iwi Chairs Forum, and form part of the OCCs report amplifying mokopuna voices addressing racism. The sessions included whakawhanaungatanga, kawa setting, games and korero space, generating positive, powerful, and bright solutions to drive out the darkness that is racism.

Three regional Hui have also been held in Taranaki, Rotorua and Hamilton. This provided rangatahi an opportunity to contribute to the national conversation about race with their peers and local community.

The contributions of young people who attend the Hui are shared as widely as possible:

The ideas discussed at the Hui are spread on social media, and can be picked up by the news media, using videos featuring interviews and footage from the day.
Some years a 'Youth Statement' presenting the views of Hui participants is developed and promoted via social media and is discussed with representatives of government, the media, and civil society.

What can the Race Unity Hui achieve?

We want to help Aotearoa make progress in eradicating racism and injustice from society. The Hui can help do this by:

Creating spaces for young people and their supporters to express their views and deepen their understanding of race relations issues in Aotearoa.
Helping young people's voices be heard by influential New Zealanders and the general public.
Engaging participants so they leave the Hui with new ideas, new friendships, and new energy for their contribution to race unity in Aotearoa.

Who can attend the Race Unity Hui?

All people aged 15-30 are welcome to join in the Hui. A diverse group of young people attend – from high school students to university students, to young professionals and more.

Race Unity Hui are also open to older adults who are supporting young people in their efforts to transform society, such as parents, teachers, lecturers, mentors and youth workers.

YOUTH STATEMENT FROM 2023

Confronting racism with justice and unity

Read statement

Testimonials

“I enjoyed being a part of such a moving and motivational experience”

“Through competing and attending the conference, I have met so many great people, it has opened my eyes to new perspectives. I have been made aware that the issue of racial unity is – on a wider scale – unity of the society we live in, and reached an understanding of just how important unity is.”

… thank you for making this opportunity available to all of us …and thank you for showing me the multitude of ways we can make change in our society.”

“..it would be good to extend the days to a week for this sort of important event.”

“Thanks for such a wonderful opportunity! It’s been a great honour and because of it I have gained more confidence in my everyday life! Thank you!”

“Keep doing what you’re doing, you have no idea how incredible this experience that you have provided for us is!”

“Thanks for an amazing experience. I hope to be back next year, fingers crossed!”

“Amazing event! Thank you so much; I went away inspired and equipped to do my bit towards achieving a racially diverse NZ”

“Everything was awesome!”

“I enjoyed taking part in the intriguing and thought-provoking workshops. I found then really stimulating”

“The whole experience was fantastic… I really enjoyed listening and comparing all of the different viewpoints on how we can improve and enhance Race Relations in Aotearoa.”