The Human Rights Commission has welcomed New Zealand’s first city to join the Human Rights Commission’s anti-racism campaign: Give Nothing to Racism.
“Racism starts small but so too does hope. Prejudice starts in our everyday lives and it’s up to each and every one of us to make a stand,” said Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy.
“Porirua’s stand is about leadership, mana and identity and we proudly stand with the people and the children of Porirua. In particular we’d like to acknowledge the leadership of Porirua Mayor, Mike Tana.”
“Giving racism nothing means not letting it spread. Whether it’s on our Facebook feed, on the sideline of our child’s rugby game or at our workplace.”
The campaign also sparked the imagination of staff and children at Porirua’s Holy Family Primary School who launched their own video in which they asked educators to make the effort to say their names properly.
“These courageous and clever youngsters show us what standing up for your own human rights is all about. They are barely 10-years-old and they’re already seasoned human rights advocates,” said Dame Susan.
“Like those celebrities who are already on board, they are awesome New Zealanders.”
Launched in June by New Zealander of the Year Taika Waititi with a hard hitting, yet hard case video www.givenothing.co.nz , so far the campaign has reached almost 5 million people. A line up of well known Kiwis from diverse backgrounds – such as All Black Captain Kieran Reid, fashion designer Karen Walker and writer Witi Ihimaera – backed the campaign by recording their own video memes.