Ethnic Communities
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Muslim community gathers to celebrate Eid

Members of the Muslim community will gather at Parliament tonight in a celebration of the Islamic festival of Eid ul-Fitr (Eid), Minister for Ethnic Communities Judith Collins says.

Judith Collins Ethnic Communities
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Minister for Ethnic Communities, Judith Collins, will tomorrow address the annual EPIC NZ (Ethnic People in Commerce) conference at Sky City Convention Centre which will bring together New Zealand’s ethnically diverse business community.

EPIC NZ will strengthen the links between government and the ethnically diverse business community, while providing valuable insights into digital disruption, innovation, and how to succeed in an ever changing global economy.

Judith Collins Ethnic Communities
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Muslim New Zealanders will today celebrate the Islamic festival Eid ul-Fitr following the sighting of the new moon and will come together to celebrate at Parliament next week, Minister for Ethnic Communities Judith Collins says.

Eid ul-Fitr, is celebrated by Muslims all over the world when the fasting month of Ramadan is completed.

Judith Collins Ethnic Communities
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Ethnic Communities Minister Judith Collins has today announced the appointment of eight Trustees to the Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust. 

The Trust aims to create a heightened understanding of the Chinese community within New Zealand and to strengthen the unique identity of Chinese New Zealanders.

Judith Collins Ethnic Communities
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Minister for Ethnic Communities, Judith Collins congratulates the 62 groups receiving $520,000 from the new Ethnic Communities Development Fund.

The contestable Fund is aimed at improving New Zealand’s social cohesion and supporting the development of established and emerging ethnic communities.

Projects were considered in three categories: cultural events, leadership development and social cohesion.

Cultural events included those for Chinese New Year, Diwali and an African film festival.

Judith Collins Ethnic Communities
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Ethnic Communities Minister Judith Collins will welcome members of the Chinese community to mark the most important festival on the Chinese calendar at Parliament tonight.

“Chinese New Year is the biggest and most important festival in the Chinese calendar, and is fast becoming very popular among the wider New Zealand society. It is a time to celebrate with family and to take stock before moving forward.

Judith Collins Ethnic Communities
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Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has welcomed the move by the Federation of Islamic Associations to stand down the Imam at the centre of hate speech allegations.

“FIANZ has this morning permanently stood Dr Anwar Sahib down from his position as the Secretary of its Religious Advisory Board.   I believe that is the right thing for the organisation to do,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“New Zealanders are tolerant and peaceful people who reject anti-Semitic and misogynist speeches. As a nation we reject intolerance.”

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Ethnic Communities
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Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has condemned anti-Semitic speeches by an Auckland Muslim cleric and says there is no place in New Zealand for such intolerance.

“Anti-Semitic attacks of the kind made by Shaykh Dr Mohammad Anwar Sahib at an Auckland mosque, and online, are offensive and insulting. The comments are way out of step with New Zealand’s egalitarian values,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Ethnic Communities
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Local Government and Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga leaves for China today to discuss issues across both portfolios.

“This is an opportunity to further strengthen New Zealand’s relationship with China and reinforce the important ties between the peoples of China and New Zealand,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Local Government Ethnic Communities
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Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has welcomed Chinese Language week, which starts today.

“China is one of New Zealand’s largest trading partners.  Our trade relationship with China has nearly tripled over the past decade to $23 million in the June 2016 year,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“In order to build relationships with trading partners it is important that we better understand the culture and language. It is also important when you are trying to build social and political ties.”

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Ethnic Communities
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Minister for Ethnic Communities Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has announced the opening of the funding round for the new Ethnic Communities Development Fund (ECDF).

“The new contestable fund provides $520,000 annually to enable ethnic communities to be stronger, more cohesive and resilient. It is important that all ethnic people have a sense of belonging and participation in New Zealand,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

The priorities of the fund are to support leadership development, social cohesion and cultural events.

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Ethnic Communities
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Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says Language Line has logged more than half a million calls to its telephone interpreting service.

“This is a significant milestone for the service.  Since it began in 2003 Language Line has helped more than half a million people with little or no english get access to essential services,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Language line is funded by the Immigration levy and costs just over $800,000 a year to operate.

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Ethnic Communities
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Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says Muslim New Zealanders today celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, the end of Ramadan.

As New Zealand’s diversity increases, it is important we recognise and acknowledge the many cultures and religions within New Zealand.  They all contribute to a strong, inclusive and prosperous nation,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Ethnic Communities
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Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga today announced the new Ethnic Communities Development Fund (ECDF).

“It is important that all ethnic people have a sense of belonging and participation in New Zealand and that we foster communities that are inclusive and value diversity,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“The ECDF replaces the Settling In fund and is designed to better support the ongoing and often long-term settlement process for people and communities.”

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Ethnic Communities
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Hon Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, Minister for Pacific Peoples and Ethnic Communities, says this morning’s tree planting ceremony on One Tree Hill / Maungakiekie is an historic event.

“One Tree Hill is an iconic New Zealand landmark recognised internationally,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“It is a significant step forward to see these trees restore some of the history and pride back to the city of Auckland.”

Mr Lotu-Iiga accompanied Mayor Len Brown, local elected representatives, iwi and local people at the ceremony.

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Ethnic Peoples Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga congratulates the recipients of Queen’s Birthday Honours who have served their ethnic communities.

"The achievements of these remarkable people will inspire a new generation of young people to serve their ethnic communities,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“The efforts of these outstanding people ensure people of diverse cultures keep their heritage alive while also contributing to New Zealand society.”

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Ethnic Communities
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The Minister for Ethnic Communities, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, has remembered the special relationship between New Zealand and Nepal on the anniversary of the first ascent of Mt Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.

“Today marks the 63rd anniversary of the ascent of Sagarmāthā (Mount Everest). Our two countries started on a special journey on 29 May 1953 when the two men famously, in the words of Sir Edmund, ‘knocked the bastard off’,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Ethnic Communities
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More than 400 delegates from around New Zealand and overseas have gathered in Auckland for the 5th EPIC conference today.

“New Zealand’s economy is largely dependent on international trade.  Our increasing diversity brings significant benefits to our regional and economic growth with international connections, innovative thinking, and increased trade and investment,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

New Zealand is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world.   

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Ethnic Communities
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Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga is meeting with the Filipino community in Winton today.

“The Filipino community is heavily involved in our dairy sector in the south. Forums like this give us an opportunity to talk about issues, opportunities and challenges,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“The Filipino community in Southland has expanded dramatically in the past decade.  From 57 people in 2006 to 582 people now.  That’s equivalent to 921.1% growth.

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Ethnic Communities
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Minister for Ethnic Communities Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga hopes to see an increase in language celebrations following the release today of Heritage and Community Language Celebration guidelines.

“The languages we speak link us to our culture and heritage.  Celebrating our language helps preserve our cultural links while also supporting our sense of belonging as a New Zealander,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Ethnic Communities
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Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga will this evening host an event at Parliament to celebrate the 2016 Chinese New Year.

“The Year of the Monkey is said to be a year that will bring opportunities and inspiration,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“What makes New Zealand such a great place to live is the way in which we share and celebrate each other’s cultures and traditions.

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Ethnic Communities
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Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says he is looking forward to celebrating Chinese New Year with communities around the country.

“2016 is the Year of the Monkey, the ninth animal on the Chinese zodiac calendar. New Zealand’s Asian communities, and the wider community, look forward to the lunar new year with much excitement,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“It is a time for renewal, for families to come together and for celebration.”

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Ethnic Communities
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A total of $315,820 in funding has been approved for 48 applicants from not-for-profit organisations working with refugees and migrants, Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga announced today.

The money comes from the Office of Ethnic Communities’ Settling In fund, which is available for projects or initiatives that seek to support successful settlement for refugee and migrant communities in New Zealand. 

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Ethnic Communities