ARMS Trust Receives NZ Diversity Award
23 August 2012
The Auckland Regional Migrant Services (ARMS), along with 11 other community groups, received a New Zealand Diversity
Award for their outstanding contribution and efforts in promoting cultural diversity in New Zealand on Monday 20th of
August.
The ARMS Trust was acknowledged for its proactive work with newcomer communities, Tangata whenua, and service providers
in strengthening race relations in Auckland.
The award was jointly presented to ARMS by Race Relations Commissioner, Joris de Bres, and ARMS’ Patron, Mayor Len
Brown.
ARMS Chief Executive, Dr Mary Dawson said, “We are extremely delighted to be recognised for our work across the region
in promoting cultural diversity and positive race relations”.
ARMS is Auckland’s leading agency supporting newcomers, through coordination and collaboration with host community
organisations. Partnering with other organisations, ARMS also runs special projects, such as a Multicultural Playgroup
for refugee and migrant families, Treaty Education workshops for newcomers, and cultural orientation programmes such as
visits to the Ngati Whatua o Orakei Marae.
ARMS Patron, Mayor Len Brown applauded ARMS for their perseverance in fostering cultural diversity.
He added “I am proud to be a Patron of ARMS, they have done outstanding work within the newcomer communities in
Auckland. We are a city of migrants – be it from the great Maori migratory voyages across the Pacific, our European
colonial forbears to more recent arrivals from around New Zealand and the world. Services like this are a vital part of
Auckland being an inclusive and liveable city.”
ARMS warmly acknowledges the contributions of its former and current staff, board members, volunteers, and funders
especially Immigration NZ, in supporting the vision of a diverse inclusive and vibrant Auckland.
ends