"Exploring Sacred Spaces" is an initiative that fosters interfaith dialogue and contributing to building a more harmonious and united society.
All tagged Public Affairs
Auckland concert highlights ongoing persecution
The Office of Public Affairs hosted Auckland's "Our Story Is One" concert on 6 July. The event highlighted the ongoing persecution of Bahá’í women in Iran through powerful performances and narratives.
Hamilton Assembly engages with Mayor
The visit of the Mayor and a Council member to the Hamilton Bahá'í Centre highlights how Bahá'í institutions can strengthen ties with local government and acquaint them with community-building endeavours.
Taranaki's action-oriented inspiring Hui
The Race Unity Speech Awards have catalysed regional initiatives, such as the Taranaki Race Unity Hui. Students in the region have taken practical steps to promote unity in diversity.
Upcoming Webinar: Freedom of religion and belief focused on Iran
A webinar organised by the New Zealand Bahá'í Office of Public Affairs will focus on the human rights situation in Iran regarding freedom of religion or belief.
Ripple effects of Race Unity Speech Awards
The Office of Public Affairs celebrates the lasting impacts of the Speech Awards as a platform for young voices to foster unity and inclusion.
Open Call for Visual Arts
The Office of Public Affairs invites artistic contributions to the ‘Our Story is One’ exhibition set for March 2024.
#OurStoryIsOne: Moving commemoration elicits strong support
A report on Aotearoa’s national commemoration, held in Christchurch to launch the #OurStoryIsOne campaign.
Young speakers foster mature awareness of race unity
Six Year 12 and 13 students delivered powerful and riveting speeches around the theme ‘Awhihia te Rito -Nurture the Young’, at this year’s Race Unity Speech Awards national finals.
Campaign to honour women’s sacrifice sees outpouring of support
UPDATED 16 June 2023: Actions are being taken throughout Aotearoa by communities and individuals in support of the campaign marking 40 years since 10 Bahá’í women were hanged in Shiraz, Iran, and honouring the broader struggle for gender equality in that country.
Campaign honours martyrs and the struggle of Iranian women
The Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs shares information about the #OurStoryIsOne Campaign, starting in June, and the office explains how the friends in Aotearoa might contribute to it.
Event celebrates Race Unity Speech Awards milestone
An endeavour to combat prejudice in Aotearoa, initiated by the Bahá’í community, celebrates more than two decades of growing influence.
Film and panel discussion on the persecution of the Bahá'ís in Iran
An event held at Victoria University of Wellington attracted government officials and highlighted the escalating repression of the believers in Iran through a documentary film and panel discussion.
Programme Manager needed for Race Unity Initiatives
The Office of Public Affairs will have funding to employ a full time programme manager to help deliver and further evolve the Speech Awards and Hui. This position needs to be filled with urgency.
Others' in Their Own Land - Film Screening and Panel Discussion
A special film screening of the documentary 'Others' in Their Own Land is taking place in Wellington on 29 September, with a panel discussion of Iranian human rights advocates. The Office of Public Affairs urges the friends to attend and invite contacts who work or live in the Wellington region.
Ngā Rangatahi o Māramatanga — Youth Leadership Council
Ten young people, including two Bahá’ís, have committed themselves to promoting respect for New Zealand’s diverse faith communities by serving on the new youth interfaith body in Aotearoa.
Health promoter animated by Bahá’í principles
Mr Sione Tu’itahi has gained recognition from his professional peers, demonstrating the power of the Teachings to positively influence social discourse and action, when deeply imbibed and applied in one’s work.
Speech awards: ‘Ngā matimati nō te ringa kotahi’
Profound speeches on race unity offered by high school students have generated considerable public interest.
Contributions to race relations win recognition from the Crown
Mrs Bev Watson was invested with the New Zealand Order of Merit on 28 May 2022, for services associated with her work for the Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs over many years.
Race Unity Hui foster hope amongst youth
Youth participants in these hui find their resilience strengthened through conversations about race, identity, diversity and unity.