Special Event
Protagonists and supporters of the Race Unity Speech Awards (RUSA) celebrated more than two decades of this endeavour in a special event at Parliament in April 2023. The awards are spearheaded by the Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs and the New Zealand Police.
The event at Parliament was co-hosted by the Minister of Police, the Honourable Ginny Andersen, and Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities, the Honourable Priyanca Radhakrishnan. Over 250 guests filled the Banquet Hall of the Beehive for the occasion.
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of New Zealand was represented by its Secretary, Mrs Suzanne Mahon, who said that the kaupapa is one of the Bahá’í community’s contributions towards eliminating prejudice and fostering unity in Aotearoa.
Youth were prominent at the evening as it was essentially their celebration - a celebration of 21 years of elevating their voices, and of their thoughts and ideas permeating our communities and reaching people of influence in Aotearoa. Guests also included senior government officials, chief executives of many agencies, community representatives, civil society organisations, members of Parliament, previous national champions and regional representatives of the Race Unity Speech Awards.
An article about the occasion – Sound of voice, not of silence – has been published by the Police in the “Ten One” magazine.
A media release provides further information about the occasion. 21 years of advocating for a more united Aotearoa
Also a special publication featuring most of the national champions of the first 21 years and our partners is available. Speaking for Unity - Reflecting on 21 years of the Race Unity Speech Awards
(L-R) Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon, Minister for Police Ginny Andersen, Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster, Member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Aotearoa Suzanne Mahon, Deputy Police Commissioner Wally Haumaha and Race Unity Speech Awards National Coordinator Bev Watson (at podium).
Photos
Video
The playlist for the whole evening is available here.