New Zealand improves diversity in public sector

Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities, New Zealand, Priyanca Radhakrishnan, says the newly established graduate programme for ethnic communities will provide a pathway into the public service for skilled graduates.

The minister, while welcoming the first participants of the programme, “New Zealand is growing in diversity” said the programme, which began on Monday would span across multiple public agencies.

She said the programme would also improve cultural competency across the public sector.

“The programme will see 23 graduates start work across 12 agencies including the intelligence community as part of the government’s response.

“Response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on two Christchurch and Mosques on March 15, 2019 which highlighted the need for more diversity across the public service,” she said.

According to her, the graduate programme is aimed to inject some cultural understanding into those agencies while also providing pathways for those who often face barriers to employment.

“New Zealand has over 213 ethnicities represented across the country who collectively speak over 160 languages.

“Ethnic communities make up about 20 per cent of the national population and it is important that the public sector reflects that.

“With these actions we are laying the foundations for a better future and a fairer more equitable New Zealand,” the minister said.