Race Relations in 2013 is the tenth annual review of race relations published by the Human Rights Commission. Documenting the main developments in race relations and ethnic diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand over the last year, it identifies efforts made to address racial inequalities. It also records and celebrates some of the many positive contributions made by individuals and community organisations toward harmonious race relations in Aotearoa New Zealand. This review is one of the projects the Human Rights Commission undertakes as a participant in Te Ngira, the New Zealand Diversity Action Programme.
Several significant developments have informed Race Relations in 2013. These include the 2013 Census, revealing the latest changes in our population; and the Constitutional Review − which enabled New Zealanders to discuss the rules and values governing our country.
During the year, Aotearoa New Zealand’s human rights record was scrutinised by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and also by the United Nations Human Rights Council which undertook New Zealand’s second Universal Periodic Review. Both CERD and the Universal Periodic Review identified some important race relations priorities. Several of these are highlighted in this review and should inform part of a national plan of action for human rights.