ABOUT US

Nelson Multicultural Council Inc.

…began in 1993 to promote and preserve the interests of the ethnic groups throughout the Nelson Tasman region. A Co-ordinator and a Field Worker are employed by the Nelson Multicultural Council to carry out the day-to-day work of supporting migrants and promoting positive race relations.

What is a multicultural Council? A council is a group of people representing their organisation or people who have a common interest. In the case of the Nelson Multicultural Council, it is a group of people representing their ethnic communities who share the goals and aspirations of the society.

Any ethnic group, society, organisation or individual is eligible to become a member of the Council. Members do not need to have been born overseas; they can be first, second and third generation New Zealanders. Some members, who don’t identify with any one particular cultural group, become involved for the greater good of the community .

The Committee of the Nelson Multicultural Council meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 2 Bridge Street, Nelson. All members are welcome to come along and share in what we do.

Aims & Objectives

• To promote and protect the interests of the diverse cultural communities in the Nelson Tasman region.

• To raise the consciousness amongst these communities of the status of the Maori people as Tangata Whenua and their rights under the Treaty of Waitangi.

• To assist Government and local Government agencies consult with the ethnic groups of our area.

• To provide a forum for diverse communities to share experiences and friendships.

• To enable diverse cultural communities to give each other mutual support and strength to deal with issues which affect them all and to speak with one voice on those issues.

• To protect the democratic rights of the ethnic groups to participate in decisions which affect them.

• To enable the ethnic groups to openly express their commitment to New Zealand while at the same time, protecting their cultural heritage and identity.

• To promote the Nelson Tasman Region as a multicultural society.

• To create opportunities for the general public of the Nelson Tasman Region to gain greater understanding and respect for people of other cultural origins to themselves.

• To encourage institutions which provide services to the public to acknowledge, reflect and respond to the cultural diversity of New Zealand.

Principles for Unity in Diversity in New Zealand All New Zealanders…

• Will have commitment to New Zealand and share responsibility for furthering our national interest.

• Will be able to enjoy the basic right of freedom from discrimination on the basis of race, religion, age, gender or disability.

• Will enjoy equal life chances and have equitable access to and an equitable share of the resources which the Government manages on behalf of the community.

• Will have the opportunity to fully participate in society and in decisions which directly affect them.

• Will be able to develop and make use of their potential for New Zealand’s economic and social development.

• Will have the opportunity to acquire and develop proficiency in English and languages other than English and develop cross-cultural understanding.

• Will be able to develop and share their cultural heritage.

•  NGO (non-government organization)
•  non-profit
•  registered charity
•  incorporated society
•  member of the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils