Tūi Tūi Tuituiā

Preparing for international human rights events in 2014

The next United Nations World Conference on Indigenous Peoples will be held in New York in 2014. Commissioner Karen Johansen and Te Huia Bill Hamilton attended a Pacific preparatory meeting which brought together representatives of indigenous peoples from across the Pacific region. Indigenous rights issues and strategies in the Pacific were discussed and delegates agreed key topics that would be tabled for discussion at the World Conference.

Commissioner Johansen was also invited to speak at the Galdu Research Centre on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at its 10 year anniversary seminar in Norway. The Centre is dedicated to increasing the knowledge and understanding of Sami and other indigenous peoples' rights. Commissioner Johansen spoke about the efforts being made in Aotearoa New Zealand to advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples.

In 2014, Aotearoa New Zealand will submit its sixth report on the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment and Punishment (CAT). The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will also consider New Zealand’s first report, submitted in 2012.

Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Māori, as the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand, face unique challenges many of which are shared by indigenous peoples around the world. In order to address the marginalisation and discrimination of indigenous people, their individual and collective rights are set out in the United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

The Declaration provides an internationally agreed framework for protecting and managing indigenous rights. It recognises the right of Māori to land, natural resources, culture, values and traditions as well as the right to pursue their development in keeping with their own needs and aspirations. Many articles of the UNDRIP intersect with the articles of the Treaty, providing scope to support the Treaty and strengthen its role in upholding indigenous rights.

During 2013, the Human Rights Commission promoted public awareness of the UNDRIP, through facilitated discussion and advice for whānau, hapū, iwi and government agencies on ways to implement it in policy and practice. The Commission is also engaging with iwi leaders about developing a monitoring mechanism to ensure the New Zealand Government’s commitment to the Declaration is translated into action. The need to promote the UNDRIP was also backed up by the United Nations in its Universal Periodic Review report (January 2014) which recommended that Aotearoa New Zealand do more to ensure that the Declaration is implemented.

The Commission’s Tūhonohono project continued to work closely with Māori communities to build human rights capacity and leadership. In 2013, the project focused on communities in Kaitaia, Hokitika, Wairoa and Queenstown supporting Tangata Whenua to incorporate human rights into their everyday lives. In Wairoa, the community marked the first year of its 2040 Reorua vision – a commitment to protecting the right to language by becoming a fully bilingual town by 2040.

To raise awareness of the UNDRIP and its relationship to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Commission produced a new poster in collaboration with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. The poster is designed by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa tutor Rongo Tuhura and incorporates artwork by students, Patrick Sullivan, Antonette Brighton and Brigitte Salzman. The poster is available in te reo Māori and English.

Businesses urged to respect indigenous rights

Business interests in mining and water have implications for the rights of Tangata Whenua as indigenous people. These include the right to have their heritage and relationship to the environment protected, as well as to pursue their own priorities in economic, social and cultural development.

Confronted with commercial plans for mining, gas exploration and commercial use of water, some hapū and iwi are challenging what is happening in their rohe. They are using human rights treaties and declarations, specifically the Treaty and the UNDRIP to support their submissions.

In March 2013, the people of Parihaka sent a written statement to the United Nations, energy and gas corporations and the Government, declaring their displeasure and non-consent to the mass expansion of exploratory surveying and drilling around their papa kainga and coastal reserves.

Ngāti Haua Whānui took action against plans for oil and gas drilling near Mount Taranaki and Ngāti Hau led protests opposing exploration for gold and silver in the Puhipuhi Hills. Ngā Ariki Kaiputahi and Te Whānau-a-Apanui also raised ongoing concerns about exploration for oil and gas off the East Coast of the North Island.

The conflict between commercial interests and protecting indigenous rights is reflected internationally. In an effort to make sure that businesses exercise social responsibility and respect human rights, the United Nations introduced the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in 2011.⁵ Also known as the Ruggie Principles, they inform businesses on how to operate within a human rights framework and to respect the communities they operate in.

To complement the Ruggie Principles, the United Nations consulted on draft international guidelines to support respect of indigenous people’s rights by the private sector.⁶

The Commission continues to work alongside Tangata Whenua to push for government and businesses to fulfill their responsibilities and meet these international principles.

If you want to find more about indigenous rights and how to rights apply them, contact [e-mail].

Mahi rerenga kētanga – Action on diversity

Ethnic diversity inspires hundreds of exciting events

In 2013, positive race relations were promoted by dedicated individuals and groups taking action to foster harmony and celebrating different cultures. Thanks to their energy and commitment, Aotearoa New Zealand’s vibrant diversity was reflected in many community events and activities throughout the country.

Participation in the New Zealand Diversity Action Programme continued to flourish. Two hundred and fifty two local, regional and national organisations delivered over 740 diversity projects including cultural performances and festivals, educational workshops, family days, sports and outdoor education programmes, interfaith dialogues and migrant support programmes. Organisations participating in the programme included Māori and Pacific groups; as well as other ethnic and multi-ethnic community groups; faith groups, schools, local and central government; libraries and museums; businesses and refugee and migrant support organisations.

Key dates such as Waitangi Day, Chinese New Year, Race Relations Day, Matariki and Diwali continued to be important platforms for promoting community cohesion.

Manawatū Multicultural Council and Nelson Multicultural Council both celebrated 20 years of supporting local communities. Across the country, affiliates of the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils held lively and popular events including regional festivals and celebrations in Southland, Timaru, Dunedin, Christchurch, Marlborough, Tauranga, Auckland and Whāngārei.

The Office of Ethnic Affairs organised EthnicA conferences in Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington, enabling groups to engage in cutting-edge debate on leadership and cultural diversity. A conference on racism was hosted by the Auckland Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel with around 200 people meeting to discuss how racism impacts on Auckland’s ability to be a diverse and inclusive city.

Outward Bound Trust marked its 10th year of running the Southern Cross: Connecting Kiwi Cultures programme. Edwina Pio from Auckland University of Technology’s Business and Law School became Aotearoa New Zealand’s first Professor of Diversity, due to her research into ethnic and religious diversity in the workplace.

Detailed information on the organisations that participated in Te Ngira, the New Zealand Diversity Action Programme, and the activities held in 2013, is available at: www.hrc.co.nz/race-relations/te-ngira-the-nz-diversity-action-programme.