A voluntary group that has made a major contribution to settling migrants into North Otago last night received a New Zealand Diversity Award, one of 12 presented at the New Zealand Diversity Forum in Auckland.
The Waitaki Multicultural Council was formed in 2008 and now supports more than 50 migrant communities in the region, culminating in a multicultural concert on Race Relations Day.
The awards, now in their sixth year, are made for outstanding and inspirational contributions to diversity action, Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres said yesterday.
"Over this time, more than 60 organisations, including museums, supermarkets, volunteer and community organisations have made, and continue to make, highly significant contributions to race relations and cultural diversity in Aotearoa," he said.
This year's recipients had all enhanced and embraced diversity within their respective organisations and communities and made impressive steps towards a more harmonious New Zealand, Mr de Bres said.
The Waitaki Multicultural Council had developed activities for children, youth, and community and social gatherings, including a women's group that educated, promoted fun and brought people together.
With a strong volunteer base, the group embraced the opportunity to participate in a diversity action programme, promoting cultural diversity, racial harmony and newcomers' access to positive settling-in experiences.
It also offered the Settling In (Migrant Services) and Newcomer services, working closely with, and being supported by, the Ministry of Social Development.
It was one of only two organisations in the South Island to receive the award this year.
