Rethink Waste Manawatu Workshop: Rethink, Re-Use, Reduce, Recycle
Two public meetings on reducing and managing the waste we create were held recently at St. Brigid’s Catholic parish in Feilding in response to Pope Francis’ documentary, “The Letter: A…
Newsletter December 2023
Kia ora koutou and warmest greetings to our readers and friends of the Religious Diversity Centre in these last days of 2023.… days deeply overshadowed by the sufferings in many…
Religious Studies in Schools
Education For All Our Children: Embracing Diverse Ethnicities In response to the proposal made by the Religious Leaders Forum in 2019 the Government moved to include the study of religious…
Religious Leaders
Joint Statement fromReligious Diversity Centre and Human Rights CommissionRoles and Responsibilities of Religious Leadersin Aotearoa New Zealand Religious leaders play a crucial role in our society. They support individuals and…
Register with us
If you would like to stay connected with us, receive our newsletter or be contacted when we have updates - or if you like to support us, please register with…
COP28 – Rod Oram reports
The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference is held in Dubai, UAE, and Rod Oram shares his impressions here: https://youtu.be/Mzwp7xJ2uEc Rod Oram shared his experiences after the Conference with Dr Paul…
Religious Leaders Forum 2023
On 05 December, the RDC organised the 6th national Religious Leaders Forum. This year it was held at St John's Theological College where the participants had the opportunity not only…
Rohan Jaduram – Resilient Communities
Rohan Jaduram introduces the ????? ?? ???????? ?????????? for religious communities which was developed by the Religious Diversity Centre (RDC) in cooperation with Auckland Emergency Management (AEM).The Guide was launched…
Guru Nanak – Verpal Singh
In this video-clip, Verpal Singh gives some background on Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion.The full interview with Verpal Singh is available here. https://youtu.be/n5oY2dwXf0Y
Verpal Singh on the RDC Calendar
Bhai Verpal Singh is a former trustee of the Religious Diversity Centre Aotearoa New Zealand.In this interview he talks about Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism and the meaning of…
Abrahamic Council Statement
The Religious Diversity Centre invites you to consider adding your endorsement to the Statement below, and to share the invitation with others. Endorsed by the RDC trustees, we are keen for this statement to…
Light in Sikhism
The October page for the RDC Calendar 2023 shows the illuminated Golden Temple in Amritsar. Listen to Verpal Singh as he reflects on the meaning of Light in Sikhism. https://youtu.be/7udg5B8rhbM
Helen Schamroth – Religious Art
Helen Schamroth is a New Zealand artist and active member of Beth Shalom Progressive Synagogue in Auckland.In this interview, she gives some background of pieces of artwork she created for…
Light in Judaism – The Ner Tamid
Helen Schamroth gives some background of the Ner Tamid, the Eternal Light in Beth Shalom Progressive Synagogue in Auckland.She and Michael Smythe designed the Ner Tamid that features on the…
Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
Invitation to Religious and Interfaith Leaders and Communities Kia ora …..Concerned leaders of religious and interfaith communities around the globe are joining the call for the creation of a Fossil…
Town Hall Meeting Tips before the Elections
The RDC Climate Action Group suggests organising Town Hall Meetings before the Elections and engage with the candidates regarding their commitment towards Climate Action.Here are some tips for the preparation:…
A Fundraiser Lead
The Religious Diversity Centre in Aotearoa New Zealand is looking for a person that has exceptional drive for furthering its fundraising efforts as well as strategising and delivering on new…
Prof Peter Lineham – Religious History
Dr Peter Lineham is Professor Emeritus of History at Massey University, Auckland.In this interview he gives an overview of religious history in Aotearoa New Zealand and reflects on the importance…
Light in Islam
Anthony Green reflects on the August picture of the RDC Calendar that shows light falling onto the mimbar (from where the sermon is read) of Al-Noor Mosque in Christchurch. https://youtu.be/T5CthtyoMWA
Webinars as Conversation Starters
Building a Climate of Hope Webinars as Conversation Starters My initial reaction, when I first read about the RDC’s Building a Climate of Hope webinar series in Movement Online, was…
Spirituality & Social Cohesion
Spirituality/Taha Wairua and Social Cohesion in Contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand - A Dialogue facilitated by RDC Trustee Prof. Paul Morris Panelists: Ria Earp ONZM, Health Quality & Safety Commission (hqsc.govt.nz)…
The illuminated Hamilton Temple
Levonne Phillips describes the July picture of the 2023 RDC Calendar. https://youtu.be/AjYIovjKqB4
Newsletter June 2023
Kia ora and greetings to you, The RDC Webinars: ‘E tū te Mana o Te Ao – Building a Climate of Hope’Thanks to the RDC Climate Action Group members who…
Light in Te Ao Māori
Te Ao Mārama is a beautiful Māori concept of inter-connectedness. In this short videoclip, Dr Jenny Te Paa Daniel explains what it means. https://youtu.be/xLE0O-lWedM
Paddy Gower Has Issues
The Religious Diversity Centre worked with Patrick Gower to get together a group of religious leaders to answer the moral question: Is it okay to bags a car park by…
Newsletter May 2023
Kia ora and greetings to you, We are excited to announce our 2023 WEBINAR SERIES: Building a Climate of Hope, E tū te mana o Te AoSave the dates! Climate…
Kopua Habitat Restoration
Kopua (near Norsewood/Dannevirke) is the site of a Catholic Cistercian Monastery. Founded in 1954, today the monastic community has about 10 monks (and 4 companions who assist in hosting the…
RDC Webinar Series 2023
This webinar series was organised by the RDC Climate Action Group, see here.The webinars were recorded and are available here. Here is an introduction to the Webinar Series by Dr…
Blowing the Shofar
In this video, Dr Lenny Bloksberg explains what a shofar is and when and how it is used: https://youtu.be/LSbdk99QJnc
Working Together in Faith to Save our Environment
In February of this year, Auckland Interfaith Council (AIFC) had planned an interfaith clean-up event in South Auckland but unfortunately this had to be postponed for safety reasons following the…
Light in Christianity
Adele Churchman describes the April picture of the 2023 RDC Calendar which shows a Catholic priest lighting the Easter Candle. https://youtu.be/pgLbJMRxGDw
Interview with Rabbi Dean Shapiro
Rabbi Dean Shapiro is the rabbi of Beth Shalom Jewish Progressive Synagogue in Auckland. In addition to serving the Beth Shalom community, he directs The Joseph Project for the Global…
Newsletter March 2023
Happy Norooz and Ramadan Mubarak - kia ora and greetings, Leadership Diversity Days Schools are now registering for the 2023 Leadership Diversity Days to be held in Auckland on 24…
Call for Peace this Easter !
The Religious Diversity Centre in Aotearoa New Zealand is pleased to broadcast this startling Call for Peace. We invite you to sign your name to the Call for Peace: Use…
Light in Zoroastrianism
The March picture of the 2023 RDC Calendar shows a Zoroastrian priest with the consecrated fire.Listen to Farida Master as she explains the meaning of light in Zoroastrianism. https://youtu.be/xxg8VPxYlR0
Interview with Priyanca Radhakrishnan
In this interview, Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan gives some insight in her work as Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities. https://youtu.be/tdkVfo_kyXs
Enviroschool
Kia ora tatou,I have been asked to outline how St Joseph’s Feilding became an Enviroschool.I will start with a very brief introduction to the Enviroschool Programme in our region.Enviroschools is an…
Nature is complaining and is calling STOP
by Mary Nash and Mary Eastham On Sunday, 26th February, Mary Eastham, Mary Nash with Julie Randall, ran a follow-up workshop on ‘The Letter’ from Pope Francis to the world.…
Asia Pacific Women of Faith Network Seminar on Peacebuilding and Reconciliation
The RDC recommends the following external event: Register here.
Religious Diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand
The State and Religion:"The State seeks to treat all faith communities and those who profess no religion equally before the law. New Zealand has no official or established religion." (National…
Light – Bahá’i
The February picture of the 2023 Calendar shows the Shrine of The Báb. https://youtu.be/NUVYbGgoGMo
Interfaith Creek Cleanup
This event is organised in cooperation with the Youth Leadership Council (RDC). The event had to be postponed due to the recent flooding and storms in Auckland. Please register to…
Inclusive Faith Project
The RDC is partnering with the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry for Disabled People, Yes! Disability and Inclusive Aotearoa Collective to support a series of regional gatherings that will…
2023 Calendar Pictures
Listen to Ram Lingam explaining the ceremony. Listen to Steve Drake describing the Shrine of The Báb. Listen to Farida Master reflecting on the importance of light in Zoroastrianism Listen…
Light in Hinduism
The January page of the 2023 RDC Calendar depicts the ritual of Aarti. Listen to Ram Lingam to hear what it is about: https://youtu.be/m9EPZxzgJKg
Guru Gobindh Singh
05 January 2023: Today, our Sikh friends celebrate the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, their 10th guru.Guru Gobind Singh bestowed a new discipline - the Khalsa and gave the Sikhs…
Newsletter 18 December 2022
As the 2022 year draws to a close, the Religious Diversity Centre wishes our readers a refreshing holiday break, and a blessed celebration of the festivals of Hanukkah and Christmas for…
Water in Christianity – Dr Christopher Longhurst
The December picture of the 2022 RDC Calendar shows a holy water font situated in a Catholic church. Dr Christopher Longhurst explains its meaning. https://youtu.be/CC2DdDSQvws
The Religious Leaders Forum – 30 Nov 2022
The RDC hosted a November meeting of the Religious Leaders of Aotearoa New Zealand. We were honoured to have had the following special guests joining the meeting: The Hon Priyanca…
Forging a New Path: Multireligious and Intergenerational Advocacy for a Sustainable World
'Religions for Peace' offers: Religions for Peace, in partnership with the City Council of Manresa, Catalonia, Spain and Religions for Peace-Spain-GTER, is honoured to invite you to virtually participate in the "At a Crossroads: A Multireligious…
Newsletter 13 November 2022
Climate Action - Reporting back from COP27Rod Oram, member of the RDC Climate Action Group, once again is ‘our man’ in this year’s UN COP27 Climate Change Conference. This event,…
Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism
New Zealand's Hui on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism was held 1-2 November 2022.“The goal of this second Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Hui is to pursue a safer New…
Newsletter 02 November 2022
RDC November News Climate Change - The UN Conference - COP27The 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference takes place this month from 6 to 18 November 2022 in the city of…
Week of Prayer for World Peace 2022
For further information, please see: https://weekofprayerforworldpeace.co.uk/
October Appeal
RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY CENTRE OCTOBER APPEAL—— Understanding, Appreciation & Respect ——- Diwali - a public performance ?? Christmas - Santa Parades ??Aotearoa New Zealand has become a multi-cultural country, and cultural…
Climate Action in Auckland
St Matthew-in-the-City is an Anglican church in the heart of bustling central Auckland.Here is an example of their contribution to the environment: St Matthew-in-the-City is making the climate crisis a…
Water in Sikhism – Harpreet Singh Kohli
RDC Calendar 2022: For the month of October, the Religious Diversity Centre Calendar features a picture of the coast of The Golden Temple of Amritsar - one of the most…
Newsletter 21 September 2022
Climate Action PosterThe second Climate Action poster is now being distributed by the RDC Climate Action Workgroup.The Workgroup’s large aim is for all worship centres in the diverse religious communities…
Water in Judaism – Dr Leonard Bloksberg
The September picture of the 2022 RDC Calendar shows a mikveh.Listen to Dr Leonard Bloksberg as he explains the meaning of this Jewish ritual bath. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTxx7iKCBq4
Dr Lenny Bloksberg on Mikvah & Shofar
Dr Leonard Bloksberg has been a Lecturer at the University of California and a Professor at Michigan State University.He is member and regular service leader at the Progressive Jewish Synagogue…
Newsletter 14 August 2022
New website Resources - Videoclips A couple of weeks ago, Muharram started, the first month in the Islamic calendar.Dr Sajjad Naqvi shared some personal thoughts about the Islamic New Year…
Dr Sajjad Naqvi: Faith, Science and Covid19
Dr Sajjad Naqvi is specialised in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. In this interview he shares his thoughts about biological science, Covid-19 and his personal practices as a Muslim. https://youtu.be/EGcmCJW97K4
Water in Islam
Water in Islam - Meaning, Symbolism and Practices (Dr Sajjad Naqvi) and about the Importance according to Theology (Imam Muhammed Ismael Shaakir). https://youtu.be/VXPixGoxKcg https://youtu.be/e8p6X787h90
Leadership Diversity Days
Leadership Diversity Days - Plans Leadership Diversity Days - 2021Leadership Diversity Days - 2019Leadership Diversity Days - 2018
Youth Leadership Council
The Youth Leadership Council Ngā Rangatahi o Māramatanga is the first national body of young people from faith–based communities, with representation of those who do not identify with a religion.…
Nuclear Prayer Day on 06 August 2022
URI, the international interfaith ‘United Religions Initiative’ organisation invites individuals, religious and interfaith communities, to save the date August 6th for the first Nuclear Prayer Day. We in Aotearoa New Zealand have…
Interreligious Dialogue
Prof Douglas Pratt in conversation with Beate Matthies. https://youtu.be/sRo2xEbHTcA
Religion and Government in Aotearoa New Zealand
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is celebrating 50 years of Religious Studies.One of the speakers at the celebrations on 27 July is Emeritus Professor Paul Morris, a Trustee of…
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Baptism – Suzanne Max Gillies
RDC Calendar 2022: For the month of July, the Religious Diversity Centre Calendar 2022 features a picture of the “Baptism according to the traditions of The Church of Jesus Christ…