This event brings together speakers and panel discussions for an inspiring conversation on "Are we safer? Securing Aotearoa New Zealand's Unity and Shaping our Future". Hear from thought leaders, and leading experts, as they explore the power of unity and tackle the challenges of fostering understanding and creating spaces where everyone feels safe. Speakers will address the challenges of ensuring national security while fostering an environment where all cultures, beliefs, and identities are valued. Register now on the link below:
https://events.humanitix.com/unity-hui-unity-week-nz
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative conversation.
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09.00
Registration & Seating09.15
Hui Opens
Welcome Address
Dr. Hamimah Ahmat | Chair, Sakinah Community Trust09.30 - 10.00
National Security : NZ Police Perspective
Sean Hansen | Director, National Security Group, NZ Police
Q & A Session10.00 - 10.45
Acknowledgement
Abdur Razzaq | FIANZ
Dr. Hamimah Ahmat | Chair, Sakinah Community Trust
Keynote Address by Guest of Honour10.45 - 11.00
Break11.00 - 11.25
Overcoming Division and Strengthening Communities
Dr. Melissa Derby | Race Relations Commissioner11.30 - 12.15
Community Wellbeing and Security: The Way Forward in Aotearoa New Zealand
Dr Sara Salman | Victoria University
Melanie Mark-Shadbolt | Kaihautū Ngātahi Co-Director Māori12.15 - 12.45
Break
Networking & Exhibition12.45 - 1.15
Are we safer? On Overview
Abdur Razzaq | FIANZ1.15 - 1.40
Panel Discussion & Audience Participation
Dr Maysoon Salama | Community Voice
Diaa Eddine Taleb | Community Voice1.40
Moment of Silence1.40 - 1.55
Panel Discussion & Audience Participation (cont’d)2.00 - 2.30
Response to Terrorist Attacks: Support for Victims and Survivors
Sara Cook | Conflict Response Specialist (US)
Jo Dover | Victim-Centric Trauma-Informed Specialist (UK)2.30 - 3.00
Closing Remarks -
Detective Superintendent Sean Hansen is the Director of National Security at the New Zealand Police, with extensive experience in organised crime and counter-terrorism. He has led significant operations, including drug enforcement and addressing violent extremism. Mr Hansen holds qualifications from the Australian Institute of Police Management.
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Abdur Razzaq, a senior Muslim community leader, co-founded the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ). He played a key role on advocating for Muslims, notably chairing the FIANZ Royal Commission Submission after the 2019 Christchurch attacks. His work fosters social cohesion and contributes to New Zealand's economic development.
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Melissa Derby is the Race Relations Commissioner At Te Kahui Tika Tangata New Zealand Human Rights Commission. She holds a PhD from the Univeristy of Canterbury and has expertise in Maori education, literacy, and human rights. A Fulbright scholar, she advocates for inclusive, respectful dialogue and equitable race relations in Aotearoa.
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Dr Sara Salman is a Senior Lecturer of Criminology at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington. Her research explores structural and political violence, state neglect in disasters, and social inequality. She engages in public debates and has been featured in E-Tangata, Stuff, The NZ Herald, and International Media.
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Melanie Mark-Shadbolt (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Te Arawa, Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) is an Indigenous environmental sociologist and Kaihautū Ngātahi – Co-Director Māori at BioHeritage. She is also CEO of Te Tira Whakamātaki and contributes to multiple governance boards, advocating for Māori rights, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment.
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Dr Maysoon Salama is a scholar in science with a PhD in food microbiology and molecular biology. She dedicates time to educating children of Muslim and non-Muslim families and is the co-founder and manager of two An-Nur Childcare Centres. She is Emeritus National Coordinator for the Islamic Women Council.
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Diaa Eddine Taleb is a passionate public speaker with experience in leadership and justice advocacy. He excels in speech writing and formal presentations, winning competitions like the Islamic Presentation and Canterbury Speech Writing contests. He regularly speaks at protests and rallies, advocating for Palestine and championing truth and justice.
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Sara Cook is a conflict resolution and trauma specialist with 15 years of experience in Northern Ireland and internationally. She designs and implements trauma interventions, facilitates training in mediation and resiliency, and lectures at St. Mary's University in Texas. Her work supports women peacebuilders and promotes the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
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Jo Dover has 26 years of experience supporting victims of conflict, war, and terrorism worldwide. She advises the UN and EU on victim assistance, provides training on trauma-informed care, and contributes to policy development. A certified Community Resilience Model teacher, she also co-edits books and serves on multiple advisory boards.