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AEN is about connecting and communicating, in the year since we began, there have been some great connections made. We often hear anecdotes of how AEN has linked people and created opportunities for its members. This page highlights some of the achievements and outcomes that members have noted.

AEN provides a vehicle for individuals and communities to explore their relationships in a safe environment. At the core of AEN's ethos is the idea that we all have a lot in common, more than you might think. Each ethnic group faces similar struggles to maintain their unique identity whilst achiving understanding in the wider community. We can all work together toward a multicultural New Zealand in which we are confident of our own identities and and knowledgeable about those around us. I've made some good friends on AEN, and made useful contacts as well. I frequently forward AEN emails to off-list friends and colleagues whom I think might be interested.
Dave Moskovitz

I have heard from five persons known to me and all of them are members of AEN. It is still ‘early days’ but definitely it is rapidly widening its reach. Quite a few of them told me that they eagerly wait for my posting on the network with regards to the contents of the week’s programme. It’s just a matter of time before you get to see a torrent in tribe. I congratulate Ruth and Andy for establishing such a fine platform of communication.
Syed Akbar Kamal

It's great to see this network growing and growing! I've found it useful and it's fabulous that different groups are able to communicate directly this way. I'd like to invite anyone with news and/or interesting stories about Asian individuals and/or groups in New Zealand to contact me, for coverage on National Radio's (Radio New Zealand) weekly report 3.30pm, Tuesdays. May I just say that by "Asian' I mean from anywhere in the vast continent! Great work, everyone and Ruth especially, for starting this - keep the info flowing!
Suzanne Schokman, National Radio

I recently became part of this network and would like to say, it is good feeling to see the spirit of dialogue and frank discussions. It is great learning and humbling experience. Keep the good work and thank you Ruth for the facilitation.

...I am finding the information passed through AEN really interesting and helpful as well - both for work and personal interest - its a well worthwhile initiative.
Manisha Bhikha

I take a look at the network every day and think it is a great platform for people to air their views and engage themselves into constructive discussion.

Media Mentions

Thanks to Charles Mabbett, AEN has had a mention in the Asia-NZ Foundation March newsletter. The discussion we had about the organisation called the White Crusaders of the Racial Holy War behind the Wellington posters on 16th December got a mention in the Sideswipe column of the Herald as did Vaibhav Gangan's post on Judge Satyanand's appointment on 6th April. Tze Ming's blog has mentioned AEN a few times including " The Treaty of Waitangi's relevance to Alien Species: Part 3" on Nov 17, 2005 11:08 which covered the Human Rights Commission seminar that many AEN members contributed to. Great also to see AEN mentioned in the March Asian Studies Institute Newsletter put out by Stephen Epstein at Victoria University and Arts Access Aotearoa newsletter in December.

The Human Rights Commission recognised Wairua Consulting’s contribution to diversity in New Zealand in the October 2005 edition of On the Bright Side through it’s Aotearoa Ethnic Network Mailing List – set up to facilitate members of ethnic communities from around New Zealand talking to each other, and for those involved in delivering Government or NGO services to get in touch with these communities. Wairua Consulting is a partner in the New Zealand Diversity Programme.