Portfolio: Ethnic Affairs

Speaking notes to New Zealand Indian Central Association Women’s Conference

Beehive — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 21:16:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Namaste, good morning. It’s a pleasure to here today at this New Zealand Indian Central Association Women’s Conference, especially as you celebrate your ten year anniversary. Congratulations. I hope you leave today’s forum, encouraged and inspired to reach your full potential and achieve your goals. I thank the Women’s Committee of the New Zealand Indian Central Association, not just for your efforts in organising today’s event, but for your dedication and hard work as leaders. ...

Address to EthnicA Christchurch 2013

Beehive — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:38:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Good afternoon. It’s great to be here in Christchurch for the first of the three EthnicA events happening around the country. It’s fantastic to see so many of you turn out today to support this conference. I acknowledge and thank you for participating and hope that you all leave today inspired to lead by example, not just in your own communities, but as role models for all of New Zealand. ...

New Zealand celebrates Race Relations Day

Admin — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 21:46:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins says this year’s Race Relations Day gives all New Zealanders opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate our nation’s ethnic diversity. “The theme for Race Relations Day 2013 is ‘My Dream for Aotearoa’,” Ms Collins says. “I want a New Zealand where every citizen is respected, valued and treated fairly. Regardless of a person’s race, colour or ethnic background, every New Zealander deserves a fair go.” ...

Collins welcomes UN report on racial discrimination

Admin — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 01:44:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Justice and Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins has welcomed the latest report of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on New Zealand’s progress at tackling racial discrimination and inequality. Ms Collins presented to the Committee on behalf of the New Zealand Government at a two-day meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, on 21 and 22 February. ...

Collins to present Earthquake citations in London

Admin — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 22:53:00 +0000

Judith Collins | ACC

During her visit to London next week, Judith Collins will present New Zealand Police citations to members of the United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police Service who helped with the Canterbury Earthquake response in 2011. “The 2011 Canterbury Earthquake Citation is a unique award that recognises the unwavering spirit, actions and outstanding contribution of those who worked on the ground in Christchurch during the 2011 state of emergency,” Ms Collins says. ...

Collins to host Chinese New Year celebration

Admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 20:22:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins will welcome members of New Zealand’s Chinese communities to Parliament tonight to mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year. Ms Collins says the function will be a colourful display of Chinese culture and tradition, and will acknowledge the close relationship between New Zealand and the People’s Republic of China. “Tonight we mark the beginning of the Year of the Snake and recognise the significant contribution our Chinese communities make to New Zealand,” Ms Collins says. ...

NZ embarrassed by Prosser’s comments

Beehive — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 03:30:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Justice, and Minister Responsible for the Human Rights Commission, Judith Collins says comments by New Zealand First MP Richard Prosser are extremely disappointing and may cause international embarrassment for New Zealand. “New Zealand values diversity and prides itself on being an inclusive society. ...

Collins supports ethnic women into leadership

Admin — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins has today spoken to women at The Ethnic Women's Leadership Programme in Auckland about the importance of making the most of every opportunity offered to them in New Zealand. "Our country has an excellent reputation when it comes to women being treated as equals," Ms Collins said. ...

MOU enhances ethnic workplace management

Admin — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 23:56:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins has welcomed the signing of an MOU between the Office of Ethnic Affairs and the New Zealand Institute of Management (NZIM) to improve the management of our ethnically diverse workplaces. Ms Collins says the agreement will help New Zealand businesses to manage and promote ethnic diversity in the workplace more effectively. “New Zealand’s diversity is a very positive force. It has helped us create connections that span the globe, broadened our horizons and enhanced our entrepreneurial spirit,” Ms Collins says. ...

New-look website embraces social media

Beehive — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 03:27:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins has congratulated the Office of Ethnic Affairs (OEA) team for its innovative new website at www.ethnicaffairs.govt.nz. “The new website is an excellent example of how agencies can harness new technologies and social media to educate, inform and connect ethnic Kiwis,” Ms Collins says. ...

Minister welcomes NZ’s first ASEAN Festival

Administrator — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 22:52:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins says tomorrow’s inaugural Association of South East Asian Nations Festival is a welcome addition to New Zealand’s cultural calendar. “The ASEAN Festival gives us great opportunity to recognise and celebrate the significant contribution our Southeast Asian neighbours make to our nation,” Ms Collins says. ...

Diwali festival lights up Parliament

Beehive — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 00:29:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins is looking forward to hosting members of New Zealand’s Indian community at Parliament tonight to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. Ms Collins says the festival’s growing popularity in New Zealand reflects the appeal of Indian culture as much as it does our vibrant Indian population. “Diwali showcases India’s colour and energy and allows members of the Indian community to share their story with us,” Ms Collins says. ...

African Forum, a first for New Zealand

Admin — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 04:58:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins says New Zealand’s African communities have a great contribution to make to our country, ahead of tomorrow’s inaugural African Forum in Auckland. The forum, hosted by the Office of Ethnic Affairs, will identify and explore issues affecting African communities in Zealand – including our nation’s economic and trade connections with Africa. “New Zealand’s African communities bring a great deal of energy and diversity to our shores,” Ms Collins says. ...

Minister to visit China

Admin — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 23:12:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Justice Minister and Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins will travel to Beijing tomorrow to meet with a range of Ministers and influential political leaders to discuss New Zealand’s growing relationship with China. While in Beijing, Ms Collins will meet with the Minister of State Ethnic Affairs and officials at the State Council Office for Overseas Chinese Affairs and the Ministry of Justice. ...

Address to the EPIC NZ Business Conference

Admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 21:50:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Good morning and welcome to the EPIC New Zealand Conference. It is my pleasure to be here this morning. I’d like to acknowledge the Office of Ethnic Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise for organising today’s forum. Thank you to the ASEAN New Zealand Combined Business Council, the New Zealand China Trade Association, the India New Zealand Business Council and ANZ Bank for your participation and support – your assistance is greatly appreciated. ...

Forum unlocks EPIC economic potential

Beehive — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:17:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Minister for Ethnic Affairs Judith Collins says New Zealand’s ethnic businesses have a significant contribution to make to our nation’s economy, ahead of tomorrow’s Ethnic People in Commerce New Zealand (EPIC NZ) Conference. The Conference is organised by the Office of Ethnic Affairs with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. It will focus on ways to support and tap into the potential of our small and medium sized ethnic businesses. ...

Minister to address Auckland EthnicA 2012

Beehive — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 01:46:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins will tomorrow acknowledge the contribution ethnic people make to our country at the first of four EthnicA conferences to be held around New Zealand. Ms Collins said our migrants and ethnic communities bring an extraordinary amount of talent and skill to our shores, and we must harness their potential. "The Government recognises the important role ethnic and migrant communities play in boosting our country’s reputation and economic performance. ...

Minister welcomes Year of the Dragon

Admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:09:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins will join members of the Chinese community to mark the most important festival on the Chinese calendar this evening. Ms Collins will welcome Chinese community and business leaders, artists, academics, diplomats and students from around the country to Parliament to celebrate Chinese New Year. “Tonight’s event will showcase the rich culture and heritage of our Chinese New Zealanders as they share their story with the wider community through arts and entertainment," Ms Collins said. ...