A social media campaign, #myidentity, was launched today to increase well-being, connection and racial harmony by encouraging New Zealanders to share their stories about their unique identities, be it a race or ethnic origin, a gender, a religion, a sexuality, an (dis) ability, an occupation, etc.

The launch included never seen before videos of Hon Carmel Sepuloni, Minister for Social Development, Disability Issues and Associate Minister for Arts Culture Heritage, and Pacific Peoples; and Hon Julie Anne Genter, Minister for Women, Associate Minister of Health and Transport, talking about their identities. Both Ministers spoke at the campaign launch today, which was officially launched by the Governor-General of New Zealand, Rt Hon Patsy Reddy in front of an audience of 200 attendees.

Superdiversity Centre for Law, Policy and Business Chair, Mai Chen, said “there are over 40 other videos from prominent New Zealanders who have shared their #myidentity stories including Capt Pete Bethune (Founder of Earthrace Conservation), Dr Hinemoa Elder (tertiary education academic and former television presenter), Ian McInnes (CEO, Tear Fund), Melanie Higgins (Consul-General, US Consulate Auckland), Alison Taylor (CEO, Centre for Social Impact), Diane Maxwell (Retirement Commissioner), Hon James Shaw (Co-Leader of the New Zealand Green Party and Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Statistics and Associate Minister of Finance), Priti Ambani (Co-Founder of The Next Billion), Mele Wendt (Consultant and Board Director), Alexia Hilbertidou (Founder of GirlBoss New Zealand), Rob Hennin (Chief Executive, nib New Zealand), Scott Pickering (Chief Executive, ACC), Ete Eteuati (actor and comedian), Vanisa Dhiru (President, National Council for Women), Riahn Hoani (nib New Zealand) and the Head Girl of Manurewa High School”.

“The website www.myidentitychallenge.com will be launched allowing all New Zealanders to add their stories”, said Ms Chen. This will encourage greater connection and understanding in our families, workplaces, schools, neighbourhoods, schools and hospitals. With the growing diversity in New Zealand and Auckland in particular, it is important to ensure we better understand who we are working with, serving and relating to. We don’t all look the same and we can’t assume we know the other person’s background. A person’s identity affects how they think and act. The campaign should grow economic and social capital in helping us to better understand who we are as New Zealanders.

ENDS

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