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Our Minister

Kia ora and Welcome to the Office of Ethnic Affairs’ website. As the Minister for Ethnic Affairs, I am proud to live in a country that respects the culture and heritage of all New Zealanders – Anglo-Celtic, Māori, Pacific Peoples and many whose heritage lies in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and other parts of the globe.

In recognition of New Zealand’s growing diversity, the Office of Ethnic Affairs (OEA) was established in 2001 by the Labour-led Government to help encourage and promote the opportunities that diversity offers our country.

The OEA works with people whose culture and traditions distinguish them from Māori, Pacific Peoples or Anglo-New Zealanders. The Office also works with government agencies, local authorities and service providers.

As well as providing policy advice, information and referral services, the OEA works closely with ethnic groups to help them build strong, integrated and healthy communities.

In 2001, Census figures showed that 10 percent of New Zealanders identified with ethnic groups other than Maori, Pacific Island, or Anglo-Celtic. Population estimates suggest that by 2021 this figure may be closer to 18 percent. At present, one in five New Zealanders was born in another country.

Some ethnic communities such as the Chinese, Indian, Lebanese, Italian and Greek have had an important presence in New Zealand for over a century. These and other communities have played a part in shaping New Zealand as a diverse, prosperous and accepting nation.

In the past few years the Office of Ethnic Affairs has made significant progress towards its goal of fostering a strong, self-directed ethnic sector. The implementation of policies and services such as Language Line, Ethnic Perspectives in Policy, and the Poll Tax Reconciliation Process with the Chinese community are shining examples.

Ethnic diversity is all around us, and the OEA is working diligently to promote and strengthen relationships between New Zealand's diverse communities.

Hon Chris Carter MP
Minister for Ethnic Affairs

You can read Chris Carter's biography on the New Zealand government website.