Ministry for Ethnic Communities: Difference between revisions
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=== Overview === |
=== Overview === |
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The |
The government decided to form the Ministry on 2 December 2020 and formally came into existence on 1 July 2021. The origins of the Ministry stem from the Office of Ethnic Affairs, which was established as one part-time officer within the Department of Internal Affairs in 1995. The first permanent director of the Office started in 2004.<ref name="Anon. z946">{{cite web |title=History of the Ministry for Ethnic Communities |url=https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/assets/AboutUs/History-of-the-Ministry-for-Ethnic-Communities-v2.pdf |access-date=16 April 2024}}</ref> The Office was renamed to the Office of Ethnic Communities in 2015.<ref name="Herald 2015 i500">{{cite web |last=Herald |first=NZ |date=2 March 2015 |title=Office of Ethnic Affairs renamed |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/office-of-ethnic-affairs-renamed/IXG4B6VZDTQLCVKK3QCGTNNBWE/ |access-date=16 April 2024 |website=NZ Herald}}</ref> |
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The elevation of the Office of Ethnic Communities to a standalone |
The elevation of the Office of Ethnic Communities to a standalone ministry was a recommendation of the Royal Commission into the Christchurch mosque terror attacks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-01 |title=Ministry for Ethnic Communities set up: A first for New Zealand |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/445903/ministry-for-ethnic-communities-set-up-a-first-for-new-zealand |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528232102/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/445903/ministry-for-ethnic-communities-set-up-a-first-for-new-zealand |archive-date=2023-05-28 |access-date=2023-11-12 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}}</ref> |
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===Headquarters=== |
===Headquarters=== |
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The |
The ministry is based in the Grant Thornton building in Wellington, with regional offices in Auckland and Christchurch.{{citation needed|date= May 2023}} |
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== History == |
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=== Overview === |
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The Ministry of Ethnic Communities was established in July 2021. However, it has evolved through various developments since 1995. It is currently one of the youngest Ministries in the public sector.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Ministry for Ethnic Communities {{!}} Ministry for Ethnic Communities |url=https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/resources/corporate-publications/bim-nov23/bim-the-ministry/ |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz}}</ref> |
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=== Timeline === |
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'''1955:''' The Ethnic Affairs Desk was set up at the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), with 0.5 full-time equivalent (FTE).<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Appendix A - History of the Ministry {{!}} Ministry for Ethnic Communities |url=https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/resources/corporate-publications/bim-nov23/bim-appendix-a-history-of-the-ministry/ |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz}}</ref> |
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'''2001:''' The Office of Ethnic Affairs was established with 6 FTE. New offices were opened in Auckland and Wellington.<ref name=":0" /> |
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'''2002:''' An office in Christchurch was added along with one extra staff member. The Nominations Database and website were set up.<ref name=":0" /> The first Ethnic Perspectives policy advice was published by the Minister of Ethnic Affairs at the time, Chris Carter, appointed as Minister in August 2002. He said the policy provided "useful information about ethnic diversity in New Zealand, the role of government departments, and guidelines to develop policies and services that are more responsive to ethnic communities."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ethnic Perspectives In Policy guide launched {{!}} Beehive.govt.nz |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/ethnic-perspectives-policy-guide-launched |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=www.beehive.govt.nz |language=en}}</ref> |
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'''2003:''' Two extra staff members were added.<ref name=":0" /> Language Line was established to aid communication between ethnic New Zealanders and government agencies, such as the [[Accident Compensation Corporation]] and the [[New Zealand Police|Police]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Language Line has won permanent funding commitment {{!}} Beehive.govt.nz |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/language-line-has-won-permanent-funding-commitment |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=www.beehive.govt.nz |language=en}}</ref> |
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'''2004:''' The first permanent Director of the Office joined. Recruitment for extra staff commenced.<ref name=":0" /> |
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'''2011:''' EPIC (Electronic Purchasing in Collaboration), an electronic resources database, launched a programme connecting New Zealand businesses with ethnic community members to strengthen language and cultural skills for overseas trade.<ref name=":0" /> |
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'''2014:''' Major restructure combining functions. More staff were added.<ref name=":0" /> |
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'''2015:''' Organisation renamed Office of Ethnic Communities. More staff were added. Ethnic Communities Development Fund (ECDF) was set up.<ref name=":0" /> |
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'''2016:''' Second restructure reverting to the old model. Intercultural e-learning programme launched.<ref name=":0" /> |
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'''2019:''' [[Christchurch mosque shootings|Christchurch terror attacks]]. Extra engagement staff were added. ECDF funding increased. Language Line replaced by Ezispeak, managed by the [[Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment|Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment]] (MBIE).<ref name=":0" /> |
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'''2020:''' Extra staff were added. Multi-lingual Information Network was set up. Executive Director reporting to the Chief Executive of the [[Department of Internal Affairs]]. Creation of Ministry for Ethnic Communities announced.<ref name=":0" /> |
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'''2021:''' New Ministry for Ethnic Communities launched.<ref name=":0" /> |
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=== '''Influencing Policy''' === |
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Following the Christchurch terror attacks, the Ministry's recommendations from the [[Royal commission|Royal Commission of Inquiry]] were implemented. The Ministry also worked alongside the [[Ministry of Health (New Zealand)|Ministry of Health]] on [[COVID-19]] efforts to improve diversity, inclusion, and reduce ethnic pay gaps in the public sector. It worked to strengthen relationships with [[tangata whenua]] and increase the understanding of [[te ao Māori]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us {{!}} Ministry for Ethnic Communities |url=https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/about-us/#our-journey |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz}}</ref> |
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'''Recommendation 30''' |
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Before the establishment of The Ministry for Ethnic Communities, a Royal Commission of Inquiry recommended that the Government explore various organisational structures for an agency dedicated to ethnic communities and multiculturalism.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://christchurchattack.royalcommission.nz/the-report/executive-summary-2/summary-of-recommendations/ |title=Summary of Recommendations |date=2020-12-08 |publisher=Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch masjidain on 15 March 2019 |access-date=2024-05-23}}</ref> The proposal emphasised the need for a tailored organisational design that would include the responsibilities of the existing Office of Ethnic Communities. The envisioned Public sector agency would undertake the following key functions: |
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* Provide advice to the government and Public sector agencies on priorities and challenges affecting the wellbeing of ethnic communities. |
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* Gather and utilize data to analyze, monitor, and assess Public sector initiatives aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of ethnic communities, determining necessary actions and their prioritization. |
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* Create an evaluation framework with performance indicators to measure the impact and effectiveness of government policies and programs on the wellbeing of ethnic communities. |
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This recommendation underscores the rationale behind the Ministry's creation, highlighting the government's commitment to supporting ethnic communities through informed and strategic policy-making. |
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== Development Funds == |
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In accordance with The Ministry's strategic priorities, community organisation's receive an annual allocation of $4.2 million from the Ethnic Communities Development Fund (ECDF) for projects that promote ethnic communities. <ref>{{cite web |title=Ethnic Communities Development Fund Policies |url=https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/funding/ethnic-communities-development-fund/about-the-fund/ethnic-communities-development-fund-policies/ |website=Ethnic Communities |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=17 May 2024}}</ref> |
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Ensuring equitable and accessible government services for ethnic communities is a top priority for the Ministry for ethnic communities. Additionally, they have focused on uniting and uplifting ethnic community groups as well as developing diversity and the inclusion of ethnic communities in society. Prioritizing also includes lowering employment barriers for ethnic communities and enhancing economic outcomes.<ref>{{cite web |title=About the Ethnic Communities Development Fund |url=https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/funding/ethnic-communities-development-fund/about-the-fund/ |website=Ethnic Communities |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=17 May 2024}}</ref> |
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In order for communities to receive the funds, funding criteria must be met. |
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For example, Projects must take place in New Zealand, be well-designed, benefit ethnic communities, and have a clear timetable. Some examples of projects that are accepted are Commemorations/Holidays, language, and faith-based projects if it’s not promoted by the Ministry. Projects such as food distribution, operational costs, and translation funds are not accepted, but that could change based on different circumstances. Individuals, capital works, ongoing salaries/administration, completed projects, debt servicing, and commercials are also not funded.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ethnic Communities Development Fund Policies |url=https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/funding/ethnic-communities-development-fund/about-the-fund/ethnic-communities-development-fund-policies/ |website=Ethnic Communities |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=17 May 2024}}</ref> |
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The Project for Former Refugee and Ethnic Migrant Research Coordinator by Tangata Whenua, Community and Voluntary Sector Research Centre Incorporated in Wellington received partial funding of $21,600 in March 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=March 2024 ECDF Successful Grants |url=https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/assets/ECDF/March2024ECDF-Successful-Grants.pdf |website=Ethnic Communities |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=17 May 2024}}</ref> |
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This funding may look at issues highlighted in a 2023 report by Community Research, which found high unemployment and welfare rates among New Zealand's former migrants. Specifically, the employment rate for former refugees who had been in New Zealand for five years or more was slightly over 40% between 2012 and 2017, significantly lower than the national average of almost 65%. This means that these former refugees face various demographic, economic, and social challenges that hinder their integration.<ref>{{cite web |title=We Want to Contribute: Former Refugees' Perspectives and Aspirations on Economic Integration |url=https://communityresearch.org.nz/research/we-want-to-contribute-former-refugees-perspectives-and-aspirations-on-economic-integration/ |website=Community Research |access-date=17 May 2024}}</ref> |
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Another successful recipient is an organization called Voice of Aroha. |
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They received partial fundings of $25,000 in March 2024 as well.<ref>{{cite web |title=March 2024 ECDF Successful Grants |url=https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/assets/ECDF/March2024ECDF-Successful-Grants.pdf |website=Ethnic Communities |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=17 May 2024}}</ref> Their aim is to amplify diverse perspectives and share experiences from Wellington's communities, provide a platform for former refugees to be heard and foster a more inclusive society in New Zealand. And highlight and celebrate stories of refugees and their contributions to the country.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://voiceofaroha.org.nz/about-us/ |website=Voice of Aroha |access-date=17 May 2024}}</ref> |
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==List of chief executives== |
==List of chief executives== |
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| align=center | '''1''' || Mervin Singham || || July 2021<ref>{{cite news |date=30 June 2021 |title=Chief Executive, Ministry for Ethnic Communities appointed |work=[[Public Service Commission (New Zealand)]] |url=https://www.publicservice.govt.nz/news/chief-executive-ministry-for-ethnic-communities-appointed/ |url-status=live |access-date=2023-05-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509063011/https://www.publicservice.govt.nz/news/chief-executive-ministry-for-ethnic-communities-appointed/ |archive-date=2023-05-09}}</ref>|| present |
| align=center | '''1''' || Mervin Singham || || July 2021<ref>{{cite news |date=30 June 2021 |title=Chief Executive, Ministry for Ethnic Communities appointed |work=[[Public Service Commission (New Zealand)]] |url=https://www.publicservice.govt.nz/news/chief-executive-ministry-for-ethnic-communities-appointed/ |url-status=live |access-date=2023-05-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509063011/https://www.publicservice.govt.nz/news/chief-executive-ministry-for-ethnic-communities-appointed/ |archive-date=2023-05-09}}</ref>|| present |
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==Ethnic Communities Graduate Programme== |
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The Ministry for Ethnic Communities initiated the Ethnic Communities Graduate Programme in their ongoing commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the New Zealand public sector. Launched in July 2021, the programme has been designed to provide graduates of all ages<ref>{{Cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions {{!}} Ministry for Ethnic Communities |url=https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/programmes/ethnic-communities-graduate-programme/frequently-asked-questions/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz}}</ref>, who have ethnically diverse backgrounds, with the opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of New Zealand<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ethnic Communities Graduate Programme {{!}} Ministry for Ethnic Communities |url=https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/programmes/ethnic-communities-graduate-programme/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz}}</ref>. |
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The Ministry of Ethnic Communities encourages graduates who meet this following criteria to apply for the Ethnic Communities Graduate Programme<ref>{{Cite web |title=Information for applicants {{!}} Ministry for Ethnic Communities |url=https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/programmes/ethnic-communities-graduate-programme/information-for-applicants/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz}}</ref>: |
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- Those who identify as Middle Eastern, Latin American, African, Asian, or Continental Europeans; |
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- Have obtained a bachelor’s or post-graduate level qualification in New Zealand or overseas within the last 2 years; |
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- Have the right to live and work in New Zealand; and |
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- Are seeking their first employment opportunity in the New Zealand public service. |
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The Ethnic Communities Graduate Programme serves as a dynamic platform that provides select graduates with unique opportunities for professional growth, experiential learning, and community engagement. Graduates are employed by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities and are then seconded into one of the many public service agencies that are participating in the programme for 18 months<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ethnic Communities Graduate Programme {{!}} Ministry for Ethnic Communities |url=https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/programmes/ethnic-communities-graduate-programme/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz}}</ref>. The agencies that participated in the third and most recent intake of graduates were Inland Revenue, Ministry of Transport, New Zealand Customs Service, New Zealand Intelligence Community, New Zealand Police, and Te Kawa Mataaho – Public Service Commission<ref>{{Cite web |title=Information for applicants {{!}} Ministry for Ethnic Communities |url=https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/programmes/ethnic-communities-graduate-programme/information-for-applicants/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz}}</ref>. The agencies that participate each year are subject to change. |
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The overarching goal of the Ethnic Communities Graduate Programme is to directly address the low representation of ethnically diverse employees and the barriers they face to obtaining employment in the public sector. This programme ensures that the public service continues to reflect the diversity of the people they serve<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shanya Fae Beltran {{!}} Ministry for Ethnic Communities |url=https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/programmes/ethnic-communities-graduate-programme/graduate-profiles-2/shanya-fae-beltran/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz}}</ref>, as in 2018, ethnic minority groups made up 16.6% of the New Zealand population<ref>{{Cite web |title=EHINZ |url=https://www.ehinz.ac.nz/indicators/population-vulnerability/ethnic-profile/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=www.ehinz.ac.nz}}</ref>. Throughout the graduate programme, the Ministry for Ethnic Communities provides comprehensive support to both the graduates and the managers that are hosting them<ref>{{Cite web |title=Further action to improve diversity in the Public Sector {{!}} Beehive.govt.nz |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/further-action-improve-diversity-public-sector |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=www.beehive.govt.nz |language=en}}</ref>. |
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Working in a graduate position like this allows individuals to be immersed in the intricate workings of public service, gaining insight into policy development, research methods, community outreach strategies, and project management practices. |
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== Ethnic communities data == |
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The Ministry for Ethnic Communities gathers, examines and displays an array of data focused on the ethnic groups residing in New Zealand to inform and enhance its initiatives for New Zealand's diverse and ever-growing ethnic groups. The Ministry leverages this data in a number of different channels with some of the key points as follows: |
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'''Ethnic Communities Data Dashboard''': Collaborated in partnership between the Ministry of Ethnic Communities and Statistics New Zealand, this informative tool spawns from data collected from the 2018 Census. It highlights clear and comprehensive information at the ready becoming an interactive tool about ethnic groups across Aotearoa New Zealand. Detailing such topics as religion, language at national and regional levels and, of course, ethnicity and ethnic makeup. The Ethnic Communities Data Dashboard is a vital and crucial tool in aiding understanding the demographic constructions and needs of these groups and communities. With this dashboard issues and areas of concern that have the possibility of becoming overlooked now become much more highlighted. [https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/assets/Carousel/9b55276b85/DataDashboardimage.jpg] |
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'''Analytics, Evaluation, and Monitoring''': The Ministry for Ethnic Communities fostered a vital function to aid in enhancing its insights and data capabilities. This dedicated function reinforces the Ministry in relaying evidence-informed policy advice which they can then use to assist in monitoring the results and outcomes of its established programs for ethnic communities. |
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'''Research and Evaluation''': The Ministry collaborates on studies initiatives, consisting of the Ethnic Research Aotearoa, to acquire and make use of information correctly. These collaborations aim to provide a strong evidence base that can affect policy choices and enhance provider shipping for ethnic communities. This additionally consists of discussions and insights from occasions just like the Ethnic Research Hui Aotearoa, which focuses on bridging ethnic voices and public policy through information-pushed insights.[https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/assets/Resources/87bf8b1ea9/EthnicityDataOnlineDemographicOverview.pdf] |
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The commitment from the Ministry to harness data as a foundational component in their work illustrates how they use it effectively. With it, they have the opportunity to reform old and establish new programs and policies that are not only responsive to but also reflective of the needs of New Zealand's ethnic communities. |
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The diverse population of New Zealand is supported by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities' efforts from their focus on data-driven decision-making. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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Revision as of 13:37, 23 May 2024
| Māori: Te Tari Mātāwaka | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1 July 2021 |
| Jurisdiction | New Zealand |
| Headquarters | Grant Thornton Building, 215 Lambton Quay, Wellington 6011 |
| Employees | 84 FTE staff (30 September 2022)[1] |
| Minister responsible | |
| Agency executive |
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| Website | www |
The Ministry for Ethnic Communities (Māori: Te Tari Mātāwaka) is an advisory agency to the government on ethnic diversity and inclusion in New Zealand society. The agency provides information, advice and services to ethnic communities, and gives out funds to support community development and social cohesion.
Function
Overview
The government decided to form the Ministry on 2 December 2020 and formally came into existence on 1 July 2021. The origins of the Ministry stem from the Office of Ethnic Affairs, which was established as one part-time officer within the Department of Internal Affairs in 1995. The first permanent director of the Office started in 2004.[2] The Office was renamed to the Office of Ethnic Communities in 2015.[3]
The elevation of the Office of Ethnic Communities to a standalone ministry was a recommendation of the Royal Commission into the Christchurch mosque terror attacks.[4]
Headquarters
The ministry is based in the Grant Thornton building in Wellington, with regional offices in Auckland and Christchurch.[citation needed]
List of chief executives
Chief executives of the Ministry for Ethnic Communities are:
| No. | Name | Portrait | Term of office | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mervin Singham | July 2021[5] | present | |
See also
References
- ^ "FTE employees by department". Annual Report. Department for Ethinic Communities. 30 September 2022. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
- ^ "History of the Ministry for Ethnic Communities" (PDF). Retrieved 16 April 2024.
- ^ Herald, NZ (2 March 2015). "Office of Ethnic Affairs renamed". NZ Herald. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
- ^ "Ministry for Ethnic Communities set up: A first for New Zealand". RNZ. 1 July 2021. Archived from the original on 28 May 2023. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
- ^ "Chief Executive, Ministry for Ethnic Communities appointed". Public Service Commission (New Zealand). 30 June 2021. Archived from the original on 9 May 2023. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
External links
| International | |
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| National | |