Focus area 5: Recognise, value and celebrate Aucklanders' differences as a strength

Auckland is becoming increasingly diverse. Our diverse communities encompass a broad range of differences in addition to ethnic and cultural diversity. Diversity is a resource and adopting a positive approach is the first step in realising its benefits. Acknowledging, respecting and embracing differences are part of treating diversity as strength.

As our population grows and changes, it is important that we continue to nurture and support our diverse community identities. We must also tap into the skills and talents of all our citizens and create the conditions for everyone to fully participate in society.

Increasing social and cultural differences pose both challenges and opportunities.

​​Multicultural refers to a society that contains several cultural or ethnic groups that may not interact. We need to encourage intercultural approaches, where cultures exchange and interact constructively, and there is universal respect for human dignity.

To be the Auckland that New Zealand needs it to be, it is essential that we support all our people to achieve their social, economic and cultural potential and fully capture the benefits of diversity. One such benefit is when new skills and talent help the economy to prosper.

Auckland's organisations, whether large or small, all have an important role to play in supporting diversity. People need to see themselves reflected in the organisations they come into contact with. Diversity in organisations, particularly at senior levels, enhances creativity, innovation and financial performance.

Auckland is a gateway to New Zealand. There is more we can do to welcome and include new people from other places and cultures. Successful settlement involves empowering people to participate in the social, economic and political life of Auckland.

How this can be done

Our rich diversity provides an opportunity to model a cohesive and inclusive society in which all groups can thrive. Ways by which we can achieve this are:

• actively building trust between communities by promoting interaction, inclusion and shared values
• providing opportunities for communities to express and celebrate their language and culture and share it with all Aucklanders
• supporting organisations that provide settlement services and programmes that assist with migrant settlement
• adapting governance structures, institutions and services to the needs of a diverse population
• providing opportunities for our diverse communities to participate in decision-making
• supporting initiatives by organisations to better reflect our diversity
• proactively addressing discrimination and prejudice against minorities.

Related information

• Library engagement with homeless people
• Creating a community-led physical activity space in Grey Lynn
• The Southern Initiative.