Hon Pansy Wong
Minister for Ethnic Affairs
1 November 2009
Media Statement
New Zealand praised as international leaders
New Zealand has been praised as international leaders in social harmony at the fifth Asia-Pacific Regional Interfaith
Dialogue in Perth, Australia.
Ethnic Affairs Minister Pansy Wong led the strong New Zealand delegation, which became the centre of media attention at
the press conference, with journalists from Asia asking questions about our strong interfaith reputation.
“They were particularly interested in our country’s integration of Muslim communities and the harmony that exists within
and beyond New Zealand’s many religious and ethnic communities,” Mrs Wong says.
“The Interfaith Dialogue provided us with a platform to provide an insight into our multicultural, interfaith and
inter-generational practices that ensure faith followers of all persuasions can not only stay true to their religion,
but also participate in all aspects of Kiwi life.
“We are a country with a successful model for social harmony that is based on the celebration of our mult- racial and
faith communities. The Interfaith Dialogue provided an excellent opportunity for us to discuss ideas and facilitation
practises, as well as serious issues, including preventing the marginalisation and radicalisation of our interfaith
community.
“New Zealand appreciates that social harmony isn’t something that always comes naturally, it is something that we have
to work at and countries throughout the Asia Pacific are interested in how this occurs.”
ENDS