The new edition of the document “Religious Diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand”, a Statement on Religious Diversity was launched in Auckland on the 1st of July 2026.
Members of the Auckland Inter-Faith Council were also included in the consultation phase of this 4th edition since 2004.
The introduction to the document starts with these words:
“Aotearoa New Zealand is home to people of diverse beliefs, faiths, religions, spiritualities, philosophies and traditions, including those who have no affiliation with any faith. This Statement reaffirms our commitment as a country to religious diversity and recognises the positive contributions of faith communities, and the important role they play in strengthening social cohesion.”
In her speech, Dr Melissa Derby, the country’s Race Relations Commissioner, acknowledged the contributions of the participants and thanked them for their input.
The statement provides a framework for the recognition of Aotearoa New Zealand’s diverse faith communities and their harmonious interaction with each other, the government and with other groups in society. Click on the picture below to read the document:
