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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.

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.”

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.

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.

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

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.   

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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. 

The first group of graduates from a government initiative to nurture future ethnic leaders will gather at Parliament tomorrow.

Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says the event recognises high-potential young ethnic leaders.

"We set up the Young Leaders Programme to cultivate skills, talent and connections and encourage young ethnic leaders to pursue careers in the state sector. This is a further step in creating greater ethnic diversity in leadership positions in government."

Minister for Ethnic Communities Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says he is looking forward to Diwali, the ancient Hindu festival celebrated in New Zealand each year.

Diwali festivities begin this weekend in Auckland, with events including live music, dance, food and art. Events around the country will be held over the next three weeks.

Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has welcomed new statistics which show New Zealand will become more ethnically diverse in the future.

Figures released by Statistics New Zealand today show that across New Zealand, ethnic diversity is projected to increase over the next two decades.

“New Zealand prides itself on being a welcoming and ethnically harmonious country. We have a high standard of living and we offer a safe haven for those fleeing conflict elsewhere in the world.

Not-for-profit organisations working directly with refugees and recent migrants can apply for Settling In funding from today, Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has announced.

The Settling In fund is a contestable funding round administered by the Office of Ethnic Communities to help local communities support the successful integration and participation of people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. 

More than 1000 people a week are now using the telephone interpreter service Language Line, Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says.

Over the last year, almost 56,500 phone calls were made to access Language Line, which allows non-English speakers to communicate with organisations across the public, private and not for profit sectors confidentially and free of charge.

Ramadan has begun and Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga wishes all Muslims in New Zealand the best for the holy month.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is regarded as the time in which the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. To mark this event, Muslims around the world fast for a month.

Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga will hold an evening community forum for residents of central Auckland tomorrow.

"The forums will give us opportunities to discuss the issues and challenges facing our ethnic communities," Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

"We will also focus on how we can help New Zealand move forward together economically, socially and culturally by working closely to inform government policy and practice.

Today is a chance for all New Zealanders to join African communities around the world in celebrating Africa Day, Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-liga says.

Africa Day will be celebrated with an event involving a diverse range of ethnic groups at Parliament this evening.

“I am delighted to join with New Zealand’s African communities to mark this significant occasion,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga will hold a nationwide series of evening community forums, beginning in Taupo tonight.

"The forums will give us opportunities to discuss the issues and challenges facing our ethnic communities," Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

"We will also focus on how we can help New Zealand move forward together economically, socially and culturally by working closely to inform government policy and practice.