March 22, 2023
Foon tracks half century of race progress
Yesterday was Race Relations Day, marking the anniversary of New Zealand ratifying the United Nations Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination in 1972.
Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon says Aotearoa has come a long way since then.
“I think as a nation we’re growing. It’s good that we can actually debate, without fear or favour, the issues regarding race relations in Aotearoa, and I’m pleased that I’m in this position right now to facilitate and to support and illuminate the stories that are coming through our communities,” he says.
Mr Foon says the battle for official recognition of te reo Maori which started about the same time set the country on the path to wider acceptance of Maori within society which has been beneficial for the nation.