Council takes stand against racism

Christchurch City Council is taking a stand against racism by throwing its support behind the Give Nothing to Racism campaign.

The campaign, organised by the Human Rights Commission, aims to encourage people to address the small acts of racism that people often let slide.

“Today is Race Relations Day and we want to send a clear message that Christchurch is a city that embraces and celebrates diversity and that racism has no place in our city,’’ says Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

Councillor Jimmy Chen, who chairs the Council’s Multicultural Subcommittee, says racism or prejudice, in any shape or form, should not be tolerated.

“Christchurch is home to people from more than 170 ethnicities – and it is richer for that. We want everyone to feel welcome here, respected and accepted,’’ he says.

“Last year we developed a Multicultural Strategy that committed us to supporting and embracing the diversity of the people in Otautahi/Christchurch. Today I’m proud that we are standing together as a Council and saying we give nothing to racism – we give it no encouragement, no respect, no place,’’ Cr Chen says.

Christchurch City Councillors hold up posters supporting the Give Nothing to Racism campaign.