The day people crossed racial borders

Communal harmony and reaching out to others in the society are expressions that are more heard than experienced and although New Zealanders are largely tolerant, there is an element of indifference and apathy that sets people apart.

With so much lip service rendered to multiculturalism and a seamless society, there is at least one occasion in a year when every community (well almost) gets together to mark the Race Relations Day.

While the actual day falls on March 21, most events are held over weekends to enable wider participation of communities.

The ceremony held in Papatoetoe on March 19 had the markings of one spirit and one community, propagated internationally with ‘It is about us” theme.

Political and social heavyweights were present at the event held at the Papatoetoe Town Hall, pledging to work together for the common good. Among them were Race Relations Commissioner Joris De Bres, Manukau City Deputy Mayor Gary Troup, Members of Parliament Ross Robertson, Dr Ashraf Choudhary and Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Human Rights Commission Facilitator (Interfaith Network) Rohan Jaduram Manukau City Council Senior Policy Advisor Rina Tagore and National Council of Women President Christine Rattray.

ISSO Swaminarayan Hindu Temple Priest Ravindra Joshi initiated the prayer to commence the programme with the Papatoetoe based Revelation for Restoration Samoan Church and St Georges Church Priest Dawn Slater.

Participants in the cultural programme included Christine Knock from the Girls Brigade, Judy Chen from New Zealand Kadhampa Society, Cambodian Youth Trust and the Pacific Spice (Tongan Group)

-With reporting by Nimi Bedi, Community Advisor, Papatoetoe