Media Release Immediate

Successful Forum builds bridges with African community

More than 100 people attended New Zealand’s first national African Forum which was held on Saturday in Auckland.

Entitled UBUNTU, which broadly means ‘humanity to others’, the Forum was organised by the Office of Ethnic Affairs (OEA) to provide a common platform for addressing issues and thereby building a stronger and more resilient African community in New Zealand.

Mervin Singham, the Director of OEA, says he was pleased with the number of people who visited the Alexandra Park venue to discuss how African people can unite to tackle some of the challenges and opportunities faced by African migrants in New Zealand.

Speakers included the Hon Judith Collins, Minister for Ethnic Affairs, who said the Forum “laid the foundation for building a successful future for African New Zealanders and New Zealand society as a whole”.

"New Zealand's African communities bring a great deal of energy and diversity to our shores," Ms Collins says.

"The majority of African people migrate here because they want to make better lives for themselves and their families - but also because they want to make a positive contribution to New Zealand.

"This Forum gave African communities the opportunity to connect with each other and share ideas about how to best harness their potential and build a successful future for all African people in New Zealand."

It is believed around 15,000 people of African origin live in New Zealand, most in Auckland and many from different ethnic groups.

Mr Singham says the word UBUNTU aptly summed up the spirit of the Forum.

“It’s about empowering the African community to address critical issues and help raise their significance as a community. This helps to more fully integrate the community, gives them a stronger sense of belonging and inclusion and helps to build a better New Zealand for all of us.”

Other speakers included Dr Muhammed Musa from Canterbury University, Dr Mustafa Farouk from the Hamilton Ag Research Institute and Chris Jones, Hon Consul to Botswana and CEO of Mobilis.

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