What We Do
A collaboration of people across the country committed to building a socially inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our Vision
This project was developed around the powerful and beautiful concepts of connection, kinship and belonging. It is about an Aotearoa New Zealand founded on the partnership of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, that provides a place for all.
Belonging is a human need that improves mental well-being and physical health. It is fulfilled by trust, friendship, social connections, a giving and receiving of love, compassion and kindness.
Our vision is of a collaboration of people across the country committed to building a socially inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand.
To achieve this vision, the development of a Strategy for Belonging and Inclusion will bring diverse groups together in a way that will empower communities to build and strengthen actions at the regional and local level.
Our Mission Statement
“To build a social movement that creates lasting change by enabling each person and community to claim their place in Aotearoa New Zealand, while recognising the right of others to do so too.”
Our Guiding Principles
We are committed to the principles of Te Titiri o Waitangi: Partnership, Participation, Protection
We are open to ideas and opinions from anyone who is interested in promoting diversity and inclusion in Aotearoa New Zealand
We don’t presume to share others’ hurt but we acknowledge it
We behave with humility and compassion
We listen and act
We are transparent
We learn from feedback
We embrace challenges
What Success Looks Like
The Strategy for Belonging and Inclusion will be based in evidence and evaluated, including a focus on lived experience and knowledge held by diverse communities. This will build our understanding of what works, and make sure our actions are truly achieving change.
While more work must be done to understand the best approaches, we can say with confidence that some things need our urgent attention.
We must combat online hate, on social media and the mainstream media. We must ensure every person feels safe from racism, discrimination and violence. We must make sure every person feels respected, with the right to have their voice heard.