New campaign to celebrate Race Relations Day

Six Canterbury agencies have joined forces in a campaign to welcome the city's international student and migrant population, that was launched on Monday, March 17, the eve of Race Relations Day today.


The organisations are Christchurch City Council, University of Canterbury, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, the Human Rights Commission, NZ Police and Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT).


Canterbury is attracting an increasing number of overseas students and welcomes growing numbers of migrants choosing to reside in the city.


“There are more than 165 ethnic minorities living in Christchurch. They make a significant contribution to our community economically, socially and culturally – we need to open our eyes and understand the benefits that cultural diversity has to offer us all,” says Te RÅ«nanga o Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Mark Solomon.


To celebrate this diversity, Joris de Bres, Race Relations Commissioner, Rakiihia Tau the Upoko of Ngai Tuahuriri, the University of Canterbury Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Christchurch' s Deputy Mayor, Christchurch City, and Neil Barns, the CEO of CPIT, will all be attending the launch on Monday at the University of Canterbury.


The Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres said: ‘New Zealand is a culturally diverse nation. The importance of good communications and understanding between all communities cannot be understated.”

The purpose of this campaign is to raise awareness among Cantabrians and visitors alike of the region’s commitment to ensuring that every newcomer experiences the best of New Zealand hospitality and openness to diversity.


Deputy Mayor Norm Withers says: 'We are really grateful that international students come to Christchurch, bringing with them innovative ideas, new and rich networks from around the world and creating opportunities for new friendships.’


In addition to the promotion campaign, including posters and flyers being distributed around the region, University of Canterbury has created a new half time position devoted to encouraging international student involvement in UCSA and building bridges between international and domestic students.


Professor Scott Davidson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Student Services and International) says with students and staff from many different countries, Canterbury University has a long tradition of welcoming people of diverse cultures onto campus.

"As a good civic citizen, we are delighted to be able to make a positive contribution to ensuring that Christchurch is a city which welcomes newcomers of all ethnicities and cultures," he says.


Also contributing his support, CPIT CEO Neil Barns says international students and migrants add a wealth of experience and perspective to the city. “It is our aim to make our inner city campus a place where international students and migrants can feel at home, and use the experience of education to build relevant connections with our community.”


Staff support for international students and migrants is also available through international student services at University of Canterbury and CPIT, Settlement Support Christchurch, and through the website www.ccc.govt.nz/migrants .


Details of launch:

Monday 17 March

11:15am gathering for a 11:30am start

Study Room, University Students Association building, University of Canterbury