Cultural and Ethnic Network
We want to work across agencies with existing ethnic networks to share information and to support our peers that identify with differing cultures and ethnicities. We also want to share our knowledge and information about our cultures to influence policies, improve inclusion in our workplaces, the workforce, and in the delivery of information and services to the people we serve.
Who are we?
We are a new network supporting all people of cultural and ethnic backgrounds in the public sector. People in our network identify with various cultural and ethnic groups, or are supporters who wish to learn more about other cultures and ethnicities.
They may be involved in a cultural or ethnic network at their agency.
We want to work across agencies to share information and learnings and to support the personal and professional growth and development of people from different cultures and ethnicities.
We're keen to promote and celebrate the benefits and value of a diverse public sector workforce and to support improved cross cultural awareness.
We have representatives from the following agencies: NZ Customs Service, Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), Ministry for Women, Ministry of Transport (MOT), Oranga Tamariki, Fire and Emergency, Government Women’s Network.
We welcome all people involved in a cultural or ethnic networks, or anyone that supports such a network, to join us.
Our goals
- Provide peer support.
- Support skills development to improve diversity in leadership.
- Inspire cultural and ethnic staff by profiling and celebrating successful ethnic leaders.
- Identify barriers/issues at work experienced by cultural and ethnic staff and help to raise awareness, providing a voice for staff, and working with others to come up with actions that can help to address these.
- Share learnings and support good practices for greater inclusion and cross-cultural awareness.
- Celebrate cultures and ethnicities.
What we're about
As we are a new network, we are still looking at working with our members to create and develop events to help our members. Some of our planned activities include:
- connecting people from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds
- supporting cultural and ethnic networks starting up
- sharing information and resources, including events, toolkits
- holding events to acknowledge significant cultural and ethnic dates (eg, Chinese New Year)
- sharing event information and encourage participation
- developing resources for sharing.
Why you should join us?
We provide members with peer support and advice surrounding cultural and ethnic topics in the public sector.
We provide information sharing about activities in agency cultural and ethnic networks and relevant public sector initiatives.
As we are a new network, we are looking to expand and grow alongside our members.
Who are we?
The Network is staff-owned and lead, and offers members opportunities to be involved in a variety of activities, working within the parameters set out by New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) and the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI).
The Asian Network provides a forum for staff from both Customs and MPI to make a tangible contribution to service delivery, improve staff engagement and well-being, and provide support for one another.
We know the NZ population is steadily growing with the greatest growth expected amongst the Asian population. By 2031 it is expected that 23% of Auckland’s population will be Asian. This creates demands for a greater understanding of language and cultural awareness.
Our goals
The Asian Network’s activities will be in alignment with the charter and work plan that has been endorsed by both MPI and Customs Senior Management.
The network supports MPI’s Diversity & Inclusion strategy. Developing and supporting employee network groups is a key strand of the diversity work programme. It also supports MPI’s continued focus on our Asia capability.
The network supports the Custom’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2014 – 2018. This is one of five strands of change within the Towards Customs 2020 strategy outlining the need to align Customs’ culture, capability and capacity to future needs to deliver better services with a strong emphasis on the customer.
What we're about
As we are a new network, we are still looking at working with our members to create and develop events to help our members. Some of our planned activities include:
- Connecting people from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds
- Support cultural and ethnic networks starting up
- Share information and resources, including events, toolkits
- Hold events to acknowledge significant cultural and ethnic dates (e.g Chinese New Year)
- Share event information and encourage participation
- Develop resources for sharing
Why you should join us?
- Provide or receive peer support and advice
- Professional development
- Growth of professional networks
- Information about other relevant public sector initiatives
- Satisfaction in supporting agency with cultural advice and information