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It is a privilege to present this Annual Report as Chief Executive of the Ministry for Ethnic Communities.
The work reflected in this report was delivered under the leadership of my predecessor, Mervin Singham. I acknowledge Mervin's contribution to establishing and growing the Ministry, and the strong foundations that have enabled us to continue supporting New Zealand’s Ethnic Communities and providing advice to government.
This report comes at a time of significant change for New Zealand.
Over the past decade, Ethnic Communities have grown by 78% and now make up more than 22% of our population. This is not simply a demographic story. It is a story about the pace of change that is reshaping our communities, workplaces, economy and public institutions.
At the same time, New Zealand is navigating increasing geopolitical uncertainty, rapid technological change, growing pressures on social cohesion, and new questions about how communities connect, participate and thrive. These trends are not occurring in isolation. They are influencing one another in ways that will shape the country we become.
As I have travelled across New Zealand and met with community leaders, businesses, faith organisations, researchers and public sector leaders, I have been struck by two things. First, the scale of significant contribution being made by Ethnic Communities across every part of our society, bringing skills, ideas, connections and leadership. Second, the pace of change that is occurring and the opportunity it presents for all communities.
For the Ministry, this year has reinforced an important lesson. Our greatest value lies not in the number of activities we deliver, but in the insights we bring as the Government's chief advisor on ethnic diversity and inclusion. Our role is to ensure the experiences, aspirations and challenges of Ethnic Communities are visible in decision-making, and that New Zealand is well placed to realise the opportunities that diversity creates.
Our contribution is presented in this report.
This year, the Ministry continued to strengthen New Zealand's understanding of Ethnic Communities through data, evidence and research. Our work highlighted an estimated $87 billion economic contribution, while also deepening understanding of issues ranging from business ownership and employment to justice, safety and youth mental health. Together, evidence like this helps government, communities and businesses better understand the pace and impact of demographic change and make informed decisions about the opportunities and challenges ahead.
The year also reinforced something communities have long understood: lasting progress is strongest when communities themselves help shape the solutions. The Harmony Accord, developed by leaders from Jewish and Muslim community organisations, demonstrated what is possible when communities build through dialogue, understanding and shared responsibility. Its success attracted international interest, but its real significance lies closer to home. It showed that social cohesion is not something government can create on behalf of communities. It is built through relationships, trust and leadership between and within communities themselves.
That same principle is reflected across much of our work. Whether supporting emergency preparedness, improving access to information and services, strengthening resilience to foreign interference, or investing through the Ethnic Communities Development Fund, our role is often to help create the conditions for communities to succeed. The strongest and most resilient communities are those equipped with the information, networks and confidence to respond to challenges and seize opportunities for themselves.
We also continued to support economic opportunity and participation. Initiatives such as Ethnic Xchange brought together ethnic entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors and government to strengthen connections and explore trade opportunities for growth. Combined with our work to support ethnic women entrepreneurs and increase participation in public sector governance, these efforts help ensure Ethnic Communities can contribute fully to New Zealand's economic and civic life. Supporting that contribution is not only important for communities themselves, but for New Zealand's future prosperity and success.
As I reflect on the year, I have become increasingly convinced that sustained focus matters.
For a Ministry of our size, impact comes not from doing more, but from making a distinctive contribution where we are uniquely positioned to add value. This year's work has reinforced the importance of social cohesion and better data and evidence. These are areas where our community relationships, insights and evidence allow us to make a distinctive contribution that extends beyond the Ministry itself.
On behalf of my colleagues across the Ministry, I would like to thank the community leaders, businesses, faith and research organisations, and partners across government whose expertise, commitment and trust make this work possible. The work described in this report reflects their commitment as much as our own.
The opportunity ahead is significant, and it will only be realised through the continued leadership, partnership and contribution of those who work alongside us to help build a more cohesive, resilient and prosperous New Zealand for everyone.
The Ministry is proud to play its part in this important work.
Pratima Namasivayam
Chief Executive
Ministry for Ethnic Communities – Te Tari Mātāwaka
2025/26 Highlights
Harmony Accord – Advancing social cohesion through trust and dialogue
The Harmony Accord brought together Jewish and Muslim community organisations to address the impacts of global conflicts through dialogue, cooperation and shared leadership. In doing so, a platform has been created for practical action for community organisations to reinforce New Zealand's social cohesion and resilience.
Ethnic Xchange 2025 – Driving economic growth through global connections
Ethnic Xchange 2025 connected ethnic businesses with investors, government and global networks to unlock trade, investment, and partnership opportunities, strengthening their contribution to New Zealand’s long-term economic growth and prosperity.
Community Resilience to Foreign Interference Hub – Useable resources
Communities were supported to build resilience to foreign interference through trusted information, tools and resources, including 14 resources in 31 languages alongside the delivery of community workshops.
Data and Evidence – Visibility of diversity
We jointly published new research showing Ethnic Communities contributed $87 billion to New Zealand's GDP (22%), providing compelling evidence of their growing contribution to New Zealand's economy.
Investment in Community-Led Initiatives – Funding for communities
Through the Ethnic Communities Development Fund, we processed a record 718 funding applications, distributing $4.2 million to 484 community projects that will strengthen participation, leadership, inclusion and community capability.
Emergency Management Bill – Strengthening community preparedness
We provided community perspectives and insights to inform the development of the Emergency Management Bill, helping strengthen government emergency management responses and enhancing preparedness across Ethnic Communities.
Faith Leaders Forums – Strengthening social cohesion across faith communities
The Faith Leaders Forum fostered trusted relationships and collaboration between government agencies and faith leaders on issues affecting their communities.