Dunedin Multi-Ethnic Council president Dr Luxmanan Selvanesan said the Dunedin City Council had earlier helped organise much of last year’s programme.
"This year we’ve been empowered by the DCC to carry out this work," he said.
"We’ve got a strong programme, and it’s done by us and by the community and by the volunteers."
One activity that did take place last year was a planned opening function at the Araiteuru marae, which, coincidentally, took place the day after the March 15 attacks.
"That day [March 16] was very significant — the whole community came together at the marae," Dr Selvanesan said.
Dunedin’s latest nine-day programme of events starts at 10.30am on March 14, also at the marae, with an opening powhiri, inviting everyone from all ethnicities and cultures to "celebrate inclusive diversity".
Dr Selvanesan and his wife Dr Carthika Luxmanan both have University of Otago doctorates and he works in private sector research.
He remembers earlier tougher times when, as a university student, their Pine Hill house was destroyed in a "devastating" fire in June 2008, and the strong community support they received.
Now he is keen to give back, including as a member of the organising committee for the week.
Among the planned events is a Dunedin Youth Council Race Unity gathering at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, including cultural performances and discussions on race, on Tuesday, March 17 (4pm-6pm).
New Zealand Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon, community leader and former refugee Guled Mire, and Araiteuru Marae leader Tania Williams will speak at a Race Relations Week Forum at the marae at 6.30pm on Thursday, March 19.
An Octagon street party will be hosted by the multi-ethnic council and the Dunedin Fringe Festival from noon on Saturday, March 21, to celebrate International Race Relations Day.
The overall programme will end with Kotahitaka Day and closing celebrations, at the Dunedin Railway Station, from 1pm on Sunday, March 22.
