Diversity, inclusion and ethnic communities

​Professor Edwina Pio, our University Director of Diversity was invited to Parliament by the Honourable Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities for a Parliamentary Diwali celebration.

"It is admirable that we now have a ministerial portfolio that is larger than just ethnic communities as in previous years, but that encompasses diversity and inclusion," said Professor Pio.

Edwina said the celebration was important as every 1 in 20 New Zealanders is now of Indian ethnicity.

^{Professor Edwina Pio and the Honourable Priyanca Radhakrishnan}

A report produced by the Waitakere Indian Association on the economic contribution of New Zealand Indians was showcased at the event.

It highlighted the $10 billion contribution of Indians to the economy in 2019, and other interesting statistics.

Indians make up 5% of the population in 2019, with a high proportion of those under 5 and in the 20-40 age group. 65% of Indians live in Auckland, followed by 9% in Wellington.

Indians are more likely to be highly qualified and employed, with 72% of Indians of working age at work, compared to 65% of the total population of working age.

Diwali is known as the festival of lights and is a time of reflection. "Diwali has a deep meaning for every individual as it signifies bringing light to our hearts and minds as we seek to become more inclusive of our diverse communities," Professor Pio said.

^{Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon and Professor Edwina Pio}

^{Date: 9/12/2020 4:30 p.m.
Author: Anya Imandin}