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Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins will open New Zealand’s first Muslim World Forum in Auckland tomorrow and says it’s an example of our nation’s world-leading approach to building harmonious relations.

“This Forum is a fantastic opportunity for the Muslim community to reflect on its journey so far and discuss its future contribution to New Zealand,” Ms Collins says.

Judith Collins will attend the APEC Women’s Leadership Forum in China this week – ‘Championing innovation through inclusive leadership’.

The Forum, hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, brings leaders in politics, business and civil society together to discuss current challenges and opportunities facing professional women.

“It’s an honour to be invited to this year’s APEC Women Leaders Forum,” Ms Collins says.

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins will travel to Sydney tomorrow to address the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Women’s Conference.

The Conference is part of the GOPIO Biennial Convention and provides opportunity for women of Indian ethnicity to network and address current, critical issues confronting women of all ages globally.

“All women, including those of Indian descent, have played and will continue to play an important role in New Zealand’s story,” Ms Collins says.

Registrations are now open for New Zealand’s first Muslim World Forum and Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins is encouraging Kiwis of all ethnicities to take part.

“The Forum provides a fantastic opportunity for New Zealanders who are interested to connect, explore contemporary issues and celebrate New Zealand’s diversity,” Ms Collins says.

“Participants will have the chance to discuss challenges the Muslim community may face and find solutions to support Muslim Kiwis to be active and engaged members of New Zealand society.”

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins will host Diwali celebrations at Parliament tonight and says the event is one of many examples of New Zealand embracing Indian culture.

“It’s a privilege to be hosting this evening’s Diwali celebration for our Indian community. It’s especially significant that the event will be held at Parliament, New Zealand’s decision making centre,” says Ms Collins.

New Zealand businesses could learn from the diversity of the New Zealand-China relationship, Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins told an assembly at Chinese National Day celebrations last night.

“Diversity gives the New Zealand-China relationship real strength, and it gives me great confidence that our partnership will continue to expand and thrive,” Ms Collins says.

Marking the start of Islam Awareness Week, Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins has today announced plans are underway for an official Muslim forum to be held in November.

Good afternoon

It’s a pleasure to be here today to officially open the Ethnic People In Commerce Conference for 2013.

It’s fantastic to see so many of you turn out to support today’s event!

And it’s great to see so many familiar faces.
For those who attended last year’s conference, I’m sure you’ll agree EPIC NZ is a wonderful networking opportunity for all New Zealand’s ethnic and mainstream business leaders.

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins has today announced the Government’s plan to extend the Office of Ethnic Affairs’ Language Line telephone interpreting service to private sector organisations.

Language Line currently offers immediate access to interpreters speaking 44 languages to help people who speak little or no English communicate with government agencies.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.