Consultations: Pacific Languages strategy and Ethnic Ministry strategy

Consultation on draft Ministry for Ethnic Communities Strategy

The Ministry for Ethnic Communities is asking for feedback on their draft strategy.

The Ministry has identified four strategic priorities based on conversations with ethnic communities earlier this year. The draft strategy sets out a roadmap of actions to work towards those priorities. The Ministry is inviting feedback from ethnic communities and anyone with an interest in lifting the wellbeing of ethnic communities, including those who deliver services and support for ethnic communities.

You can give feedback through an online survey, by emailing the Ministry or participating in an online zoom session. See the Ministry's website for a list of dates and times for upcoming zoom sessions.

The closing date to give feedback is 5 November 2021.

The Ministry for Ethnic Communities is also consulting on the Former Refugees, Recent Migrants and Ethnic Communities Employment Action Plan.

Update: The Education and Workforce Committee opened an inquiry into migrant exploitation. The closing date for submissions is 3 February 2022. The inquiry will consider the frequency and scale of exploitation of migrant workers in New Zealand.

Consultation on the Pacific Languages Strategy

The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is asking for feedback on the draft Pacific Languages Strategy.

The Ministry has put together a draft Pacific Languages Strategy to help support an increase in the use of Pacific languages in Aotearoa. Data from Census 2013 compared to Census 2018 shows that the proportion of speakers of Pacific languages in Aotearoa has declined.

The draft strategy and feedback form are available in 9 Pacific Languages:

• Cook Islands Māori (Kūki ‘Āirani Māori)
• Fijian (Vosa Vakaviti)
• Kiribati (Te taetae ni Kiribati)
• Niue (Vagahau Niue)
• Rotuman (Fäeag Rotųam)
• Samoa (Gagana Samoa)
• Tokelau (Te Gagana Tokelau)
• Tonga (Lea Faka-Tonga)
• Tuvalu (Te Gana Tuvalu).

Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio said:

“These are all language groups with diverse and different needs, strengths, and challenges, and each group deserves a tailored approach.

“I urge everyone in our Pacific communities to lead the shaping of these approaches by giving feedback on the Pacific Languages Strategy.

“Let’s talk about our languages and the best way to collaborate for their wellbeing, which is such a cornerstone for our overall wellbeing."

The closing date to give feedback is 12 November 2021.

Related media

Milestone launch of Pacific Languages Unit, Beehive media release, 27.11.2021