Volume 1, Issue 1 - July 2006

Table of Contents

Welcome to the new AEN Journal

Ruth DeSouza and Andy Williamson

The AEN Journal is a place for smart and creative thinking. Somewhere to raise issues and challenge assumptions. Above all, we hope it becomes a voice for the key thinkers in our ethnic sector and a source of knowledge not only for the sector but for the wider community as well. Knowledge and awareness can break down barriers.  

Guest Editorial

Joris de Bres

In response to the desecration of the Jewish section of Makara Cemetry, Parliament passed a unanimous resolution condemning anti-Semitism and all forms or racial discrimination, and over 200 community representatives came together at a forum in the Beehive to discuss what could be done to counter intolerance and to strengthen cultural diversity. What emerged was a programme of ten key steps and ten key actors to strengthen cultural diversity.  

Sharing words

Tariana Turia MP

The opportunity to write a piece for the first ever issue of the Aotearoa Ethnic Network Journal was an honour that I simply couldn’t resist. As tangata whenua it is our responsibility – and our privilege – to extend the hand of welcome to all communities and peoples who have come to Aotearoa.  

The Israel – Palestine Problem: The perspective of a New Zealand Progressive Jew

Dave Moskovitz

Whenever Muslims and Jews meet there is a proverbial “elephant in the room” – a big issue that occupies a tremendous amount of mental space that everyone is too scared to mention. Although we frequently discuss this issue internally with members of our own group, it is so divisive and seemingly intractable that we are afraid to bring it out into the open.  

The Israel – Palestine Problem: The perspective of a New Zealand Muslim

Anjum Rahman

Religious teachings can be misused and misconstrued by extremists to exacerbate a situation. Ultimately, religion has been used by both sides in this conflict to garner support for political conflict. Religious difference as a cause for hate is nothing new yet there is nothing within the Jewish or Muslim faiths that preclude them from living side by side.  

Representing Ethnic Communities in the Media

Andy Williamson and Ruth DeSouza

Does ethnicity matter in the media? If so, when and what is the role of ethnic and mainstream media in promoting the good news as well as the bad news about migrants and refugees? The results of an AEN quick-survey suggest that mainstream media is a key cross-over point for inter-cultural exchange and a primary vehicle for promoting inter-cultural awareness and understanding.  

Stigma, racism and power

Suman Fernando

Does the biomedical model of mental illness – at least its narrow interpretation – promote racism in mental health services? Suman Fernando explores the connections between stigma and racism and how they impact on the provision of mental health services.  

Seeking Asylum

Amy R. West

The concept of asylum goes back thousands of years, yet today’s asylum seekers are seen as a serious threat to national security. America’s War on Terror has resulted in new policies that further marginalise and exclude the politically and socially displaced of this world. Are new patterns of immigration law reform creating a world without refuge?  

Multiculturalism in New Zealand – the need for a new paradigm

Mervin Singham

We are no longer so naïve as to think we can simply bring people from all parts of the world together and expect them to integrate or adapt to each other. Multiculturalism is a complex issue with potential for both disaster and opportunity. Is it time to revisit our approach to diversity?  

Cultural diversity and context

Kate Woodd

The “browning of New Zealand” and the extent to which our society is becoming ethnically and culturally diverse were brought into sharp focus at the 5th Annual Child Law conference held in Auckland recently.  

Should we be pushing for a Ministry of Asian Affairs, a Ministry of Ethnic Affairs, or neither? A ‘Socratic’ ‘dialogue’ between two ‘Asians’

Tze Ming Mok and Kumanan Rasanathan

Does New Zealand need a Ministry of Ethnic Affairs? Or, as the size of our ‘Asian’ population continues to increase, a Ministry of Asian Affairs? Who cares? Asians? Policy makers? Self-proclaimed Pointy-Headed Ethnicity Geeks, Tze Ming Mok and Kumanan Rasanathan trade ever more complex acronyms to explore the opportunities and contradictions that surround this issue. What does it might mean personally and in terms of policy development?  

Pasifika Hip Hop Poetry Doing the Healing

Rev. Mua Strickson-Pua aka REV MC

Talofa lava tena koe my name is Mua Strickson-Pua I am an Aotearoa born Samoan Chinese. Grandfather of Jane Filemu [6 years old] of Ngati Raukawa English Niuean Samoan descent where as cousins Che’den Sofi [3 years old] and Dremayer Liberty [10 months] are both of Samoan Chinese English descent. These mokopunas’ highlight for me the global reality within our Aiga/whanau. I am constantly humbled and blessed by their perceptions of the world around them. Yet challenged how to contribute to their life journey. Please explore five of my poems that attempt to give insight to what it means to be me but just as important what it means to be us manuia le Malaga blessings on your journey.