Monday 21 August 2006, Te Papa, Wellington< National identity, cultural diversity and harmonious relationships were the themes for the 2006 New Zealand Diversity Forum held in August. A number of special topics were presented as part of the forum and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MWA) hosted an afternoon of discussion around the theme of Women and Diversity.

Shenagh Gleisner, Chief Executive of the Ministry, opened the discussion by touching on the overall theme of this year’s forum and ‘the opportunity to focus on the multiple ways that women build harmonious relationships and contribute to their diverse communities.’

Over 120 women from around New Zealand and from many different organisations took part in the forum. Experiences shared by some were those of isolation and loneliness, whether this was social, cultural, physical, spiritual or economic – and, conversely, the strength they gained through establishing connections with other women both inside and outside of their communities. There was acknowledgement that some women have more ‘tools’ to access support than others, and that some women face multiple barriers.

Contributing presenters of the forum included a panel of women comprising: Huhana Hickey, Solicitor and consultant on human rights and disability issues; Christina Reymer, National Council of Women of New Zealand; Diane Mara from PACIFICA; Margaret Chapman of Rural Women New Zealand; and Pohswan Narayanan, Interim President of the Upper Hutt Multi‑Ethnic Council.

The Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hon Lianne Dalziel spoke during the forum and expressed her support of community groups working more closely together and acknowledged the key role women play in making this happen. In addition, diversity perspectives by a number of speakers provided insights from women living in various communities in New Zealand. These speakers included Magdaline La Grange, a health worker based in Wellington; Mary Parete, a sole‑charge Police Officer based in a small rural town in South Taranaki; Shaniqua Tillick, a transgender student of Māori descent, and Koos Ali who, among her other roles, is a strong advocate for the refugee voice on the National Refugee Resettlement Forum.

The connections made during the forum will support MWA, its partner organisations and individual women in building networks and understandings within and between different groups of women. Together we can make a difference.

If you would like to make contact with any of our speakers from the day or the Ministry with regards to making connections with other communities or within your own please contact the Ministry on 04 915 7112 or at mwa@mwa.govt.nz

Speakers' biographies

Shenagh Gleisner became chief executive of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs in February 2004. She came to the job from the State Services Commission where she was acting deputy commissioner, involved in providing advice to Ministers and supporting improved performance by government departments. Shenagh has held a number of senior management positions in the health sector and was director at KPMG between 1996 and 2000. Earlier she worked as a social worker and family therapist, and in management positions in hospitals and community service organisations in the United Kingdom. Family life is a key focus and support for English-born Shenagh; she has seven children. She enjoys keeping fit by playing squash and tramping.

Magdaline La Grange is a trained midwife and nurse working for a Wellington health service. She is from South Africa, and migrated to New Zealand with her family.

Christina Reymer has been a National Council of Women of New Zealand board member since 2004. She has an extensive background in education, both in academic and practical terms, and is passionate in her commitment to improve the position of women in society especially with regard to their role as mothers, and family policy generally. Christina has been an active member of the Volunteer Service Abroad; as a council member, regional volunteer and as a volunteer in the field.

Pohswan Narayanan is an energetic team leader at Wespac's Pricing Desk. She is one of the founder members (and also the interim chairperson) of the Upper Hutt Multi-Ethnic Council. Pohswan has been one of the key drivers for the development of the ethnic (migrant and refugee) perspective on women's well being in New Zealand. She leads the programme for the New Zealand Federation of Ethnic Councils. She is a strong advocate for the effective engagement of diversity in the workplace.

Huhana Hickey is a solicitor and consultant on human rights and disability issues. She is Founder of the Maori with Disabilities Discussion Group Te Hunga Haua Awhina Roopu TeHHARoopu@yahoogroups.com. She was recently appointed Indigenous People's Representative to the United Nations Steering Committee for the International Disability Convention. Her research interests are disability issues, human rights and women's rights.

Diane Mara
is a first-generation New Zealander with a Tahitian heritage. She has been a primary school teacher, lecturer in teacher education, a policy analyst, as well as a researcher in Pasifika education across all sectors, including early childhood education. Her published work continues to be used in teacher education courses throughout New Zealand. Diane is currently National President of PACIFICA (Pacific Women’s Council).

Margaret Chapman is a Director in a 530 ha foothills sheep and beef farming company. She is also 25 years equal partner in Chapman Bros, a very successful sheep and beef farming partnership farming 1080 ha. Margaret is the National Vice President of Rural Women New Zealand and the Convenor of the South Canterbury Women in Farming Group. Margaret received a Timaru District Council Community Award 2003. She is a life member of South Canterbury Provincial Rural Women New Zealand.

Koos Ali is a project worker for refugee health in Regional Public Health. She is a women’s representative on the Wellington Somali Council, and the Co-founder of the ChangeMakers Refugee Forum. Koos is a strong advocate for the refugee voice on the National Refugee Resettlement Forum.

Mary Parete is a sole-charge Police Officer based in the rural town of Manaia in South Taranaki.  She is the first woman to hold this position in Manaia and one of very few women working in sole charge positions in New Zealand.  She is also the Mother of four children.

Shaniqua Tillick is of Māori decent and lives in Wellington.  She is currently a student at Victoria University.  Shaniqua is transgender and will speak about issues relating to gender identity, transitioning and the support she sought and is now able to provide to others.

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