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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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.