The government has launched a new Ministry for Ethnic Communities today with Mervin Singham appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the new Ministry.
Welcoming the launch the Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities Priyanca Radhakrishnan said, “This is the first time in its history that New Zealand has had a Ministry and Chief Executive solely focused on improving outcomes for our ethnic communities, which make up nearly 20 per cent of our population.”
“Our Government wants to ensure that New Zealand is a place where everyone feels safe, valued, heard, and has a sense of belonging.
The Government committed to establishing the Ministry last December, as part of its response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch masjidain on 15 March 2019.
The Ministry will continue to deliver the functions of the Office of Ethnic Communities, but will also look to build additional functions and influence across the public sector.
Earlier, the government also announced Mervin Singham, the current Executive Director at Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State care and in Faith-based care as the new Chief Executive Officer of the new Ministry of Ethnic Communities.
A small commemorative event was organised in the precinct of the New Zealand parliament earlier today with several members of diverse ethnic communities, members of parliament and Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan attending the event.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern sent a video message