For the first time in 22 years, two speakers have been named joint national
champions in the annual Race Unity Speech Awards.

Chief judge NZ Police Deputy Commissioner Wally Haumaha says it was
impossible to choose a single national champion.

“There comes a time like this when you can’t separate two winners, and of
course two very powerful speeches that both deserve recognition.”

Joe Howells of Kerikeri High School and Sheryl Chand of Solway College in
Masterton are the unprecedented joint champions of the Race Unity Speech
Awards, which have been held every year since 2001.

Sheryl Chand’s speech was full of powerful and practical suggestions for
dismantling racism, including abolishing academic streaming in schools.

“Research last year found that the practice of academic streaming in
schools was discriminating and racist. Streaming often increases racial
segregation within schools and it damages students’ acceptance of racial
differences and general positive interactions between racial groups.

“We cannot just stop here. We must align our laws, policies and
institutions with the underlying oneness and interdependence of all human
life.

Sheryl called for institutional change using a powerful whakataukī:
“tūngia te ururua, kia tupu wharitorito te tupu o te harakeke – burn off
the undergrowth, so that the new flax shoots may grow.”

Joe Howells’ speech called for all New Zealanders to work together to
eradicate racism, like the fingers of one hand.

“When fingers are broken, too busy oppressing the other, how can we weave
our united future? How can we live in harmony or expect to grab a hold of
greatness? We can’t.

“To be able to move forward in our society we need to respect all cultures,
embrace diversity and learn from one another. All aspects of our hand working
in unison with respect and aroha. Aotearoa is known for being a nation of
pioneers… Why don’t we become the first to eradicate racism?”

Joe and Sheryl spoke alongside five other high school students in the
national final at Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae at the Manukau Institute of
Technology’s Ōtara campus this morning.

Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities and Minister for
Youth Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan was there to listen and learn from the
talented young speakers.

“I come here to learn” says the Minister, “I learn so much from the
words of our rangatahi.”

Minister Radhakrishnan has supported the Race Unity Speech Awards every year
since 2018, when she served as a judge at the National Final. The Minister
sees the Awards as a great example of the kind of diversity and inclusion
that we need to create across all sectors of society.

“We need to take tangible steps to make our spaces more inclusive so that
people of different backgrounds feel safe to share their perspectives and
experiences.

“That’s the beauty of these Awards – they show us the true value of
diversity.”

Deputy Commissioner Haumaha echoed Minister Radhakrishnan’s comments on
learning from the speakers.

“It is important that we hear the voices of our young people and their
concerns as the future of this country. My role in Police is to foster in the
name of strong Iwi and Community Partnerships, with a strong focus on
prevention. I also have a responsibility for the Youth Portfolio, so I get a
lot out of listening to these bright young people at the annual Awards."

The New Zealand Baha’i community has organised the Race Unity Speech Awards
for 22 years. Bahá’í community spokesperson Huti Watson says this
year’s theme – Ngā matimati nō te ringa kotahi – The fingers of one
hand – highlights just how false and harmful racism is.

“What use is a hand without a thumb, or a bird with only one wing? This is
how racial prejudice and injustice can cripple a whole society.”

“If we truly understand the oneness of humanity, then it’s clear that
everyone has to play their role in dismantling racism. It’s not a Māori
problem, or an immigrant problem – this is everyone’s problem to solve
together.”

About the Awards

· The New Zealand Bahá’í Community established the awards
after the tragic death of race relations advocate and Bahá’í Faith member
Hedi Moani.

· The Race Unity Speech Awards are organised by the New Zealand
Bahá’í Community, a religious community concerned with promoting the
oneness of humanity at the local, national and international levels.

· The Speech Awards are sponsored by the NZ Police (principal
sponsors), the Human Rights Commission, Foundation North, Manukau Institute
of Technology, the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo
Māori, Speech New Zealand and the Hedi Moani Charitable Trust and Studio
Marque.

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