Background

Unity Week is observed from the 15 to 21 March every year. It coincides with two United Nations’ international observance days:

• 15 March - International Day to Combat Islamophobia and anniversary of 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks

• 21 March - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (in New Zealand this date is observed as Race Relations Day).

• Unity Week is about a collective “us”, cultivating a society where we all feel included, respected and that we belong.

• It is about celebrating diversity and what we can achieve when we work together in a spirit of unity that recognises the strengths we all bring.

• It is an opportunity to grow social capital, social cohesion and cultural literacy by facilitating connections and extending these to new networks and people we don’t usually interact with.

• Unity Week is about working collectively towards a future where everyone, regardless of their physical attributes, ethnic identities and ideological affiliation, feel they belong and are empowered to advocate for each other.

• It is an annual reminder for our children, whanau (family), colleagues, neighbours and leaders to pause, reflect on the lessons of 15 March, keep it in our consciousness, recommit ourselves to continuing the moral fight and engage with each other to shift unhelpful societal attitudes.

• Unity Week is an invitation to the world, no matter your age, nationality, religion or background – to set aside some time and energy to really see each other and recognise our shared humanity.

• The word “unity’” is our interpretation of what “you are us” means. Our whakataukī (Māori proverb), whiria te tāngata – weave the people together – embodies our intentions.

• The horrific tragedy on 15 March 2019 was followed by an amazing outpouring of aroha (love) and compassion that offered hope and healing at a time of potential despair and division.

• As members of the community targeted in the attacks, we experienced profound loss and our path to healing is an ongoing one. One of the biggest supports for us in our healing has been the overwhelming compassion and goodwill received.

• Since the first anniversary, many people sought ways to reconnect to that solidarity we experienced but were unsure what could be done and what would be appropriate. Sakinah Community Trust reciprocated by initiating Unity Week NZ to commemorate the precious lives lost, and to recognise everyone impacted by the atrocity. We sought a way to compassionately counter forces that seek to divide us. We believe that increasing positive intergroup contact and experiences works to change unhelpful attitudes and breakdown unhelpful stereotypes and biases. Knowing that the legacy of our loss is associated with such hope, gives us hope that humanity will continue to aid those in need.

• Go beyond who/what you currently know to learn/explore something new.

• Come together and find shared ways to express unity and cultivate a culture where we all belong.

• Turn our good intentions into intentional acts for good - recognising unity is something that we can all invest a bit of our time and effort into.

• Be proud of the positive response we saw after the mosque attacks but recognise there is an ongoing commitment needed towards unity and social cohesion to prevent future attacks.

• We recognise that there are many examples of hurt and harm both historically and ongoing that have broken trusts between peoples and makes it hard for some to trust. We do not seek to belittle or diminish this hurt. We ask you to trust in humanity and the power of unity, and to do this in your way and in your own time.

• Share the messages of Unity Week across communities, across the country and across the globe, and help foster a shared culture of respect and belonging that goes far beyond the week, but something we can implement into our lives every day.

• There are so many ways to participate. There are events under the Events tab that you can participate in.

• Community groups also organise events according to their needs, interests, time and strengths. Morning teas, food fairs, concerts, art events, school assemblies, sporting events, sharing kai (food) events and international costume days are just some examples of the different events that have been held to showcase diversity and strengthen unity.

• Some community groups have partnered with other groups in the spirit of unity to collaborate on shared initiatives. Some have also reached out to groups they do not usually interact with to build bridges and foster new connections and understandings.

• A number of schools/groups that regularly hold annual multicultural/international events have shifted the date of their events to coincide with Unity Week.

• We provide ideas for workplaces and schools under the Resources tab.

• Watch a video that explains more about why a week committed to unity is essential.

• Watch a video of a presentation at the 2022 He Whenua Taurikura Hui.

• Read an opinion piece by one of the Sakinah Community Trust founders about justice after 15 March.

• Read an article about the importance of establishing an annual official observance to promote cultural diversity and inclusiveness.

• Read an article about how the March 15 terror attack victims are working to unite Kiwis as part of healing journey.