Religious Celebrations July 2025
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2 July 2025
Religious Celebrations – June 2025 Calendar
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19 June 2025
The Religious Diversity Centre Calendars
Calendar overviews 2021-2024
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14 February 2024
Baha'i / Buddhist / Calendar / Christianity / Hindu / Islam / Jainism / Judaism / Religions & Faiths in NZ / Resources / Sikh / Zoroastrian
2024 Calendar Pictures
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17 January 2024
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…
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23 December 2023
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…
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22 December 2023
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…
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10 December 2023
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
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26 November 2023
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…
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15 November 2023
Responding to the Gravity of the Situation in Israel and Palestine
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16 October 2023
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
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8 October 2023
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…
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22 September 2023
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…
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20 September 2023
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…
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11 September 2023
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…
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19 August 2023
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
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10 August 2023
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…
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6 August 2023
Resilient Religious Communities
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson launched the "Resilient Religious Communities - A Guide to Disaster Resilience" at the Auckland Town Hall on 27 July 2023 – exactly 6 months after the…
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6 August 2023
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)…
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2 August 2023
The illuminated Hamilton Temple
Levonne Phillips describes the July picture of the 2023 RDC Calendar. https://youtu.be/AjYIovjKqB4
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30 July 2023
Women of Faith (WoF)
Enhancing Spiritual Fitness - Faith through a Female Lens
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22 July 2023
Advocacy / Environment / Links / RDC Climate Action Group / Resources / Resources / Video Clips / Webinars
Webinar Series – Recordings
Recordings of all 4 webinars of the series "Building a Climate of Hope"
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29 June 2023
Calendar / Links / Religions & Faiths in NZ / Religions & Faiths in NZ / Resources / Resources / Video Clips
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
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28 June 2023
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…
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9 June 2023
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…
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1 May 2023
Environment / Events / Links / Programmes / RDC Climate Action Group / Resources / Video Clips / Webinars
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…
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30 April 2023
Judaism / Links / Religions & Faiths in NZ / Religions & Faiths in NZ / Resources / Video Clips / What is...
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
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29 April 2023
Calendar / Christianity / Religions & Faiths in NZ / Religions & Faiths in NZ / Resources / Resources / Video Clips
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
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8 April 2023
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…
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29 March 2023
Calendar / Links / Religions & Faiths in NZ / Religions & Faiths in NZ / Resources / Video Clips / Zoroastrian
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
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20 March 2023
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
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19 March 2023
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…
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17 March 2023
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.…
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16 March 2023
The Youth Leadership Council presents:
For more information and registration see here.
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7 March 2023
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…
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17 February 2023
Bahá’i Architecture
https://youtu.be/YtXJULEAs20
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17 February 2023
Baha'i / Calendar / Links / Religions & Faiths in NZ / Religions & Faiths in NZ / Resources / Resources / Video Clips
Light – Bahá’i
The February picture of the 2023 Calendar shows the Shrine of The Báb. https://youtu.be/NUVYbGgoGMo
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9 February 2023
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…
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4 February 2023
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…
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29 January 2023
Baha'i / Calendar / Christianity / Current Programmes / Islam / Judaism / Programmes / Resources / Video Clips
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…
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13 January 2023
Calendar / Hindu / Religions & Faiths in NZ / Religions & Faiths in NZ / Resources / Video Clips / What is...
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
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13 January 2023
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…
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5 January 2023
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
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18 December 2022
Making Peace with Nature
UN Secretary-General António Guterres speaks at COP27 in Egypt:
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29 November 2022
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…
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24 November 2022
Rod Oram reporting from COP27
https://youtu.be/szG3dN3uGbM
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13 November 2022
Beehive Wellington New Zealand
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…
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12 November 2022
NZ Interfaith Activities
Interfaith Creek Cleanup 230212-CreekCleanup-PosterDownload
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9 November 2022
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…
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4 October 2022
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…
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2 October 2022
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
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1 September 2022
Interreligious Dialogue – “Dos & Don’ts”
Article published in NZ Catholic, 31 July 2022
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28 August 2022
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…
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27 August 2022
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
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14 August 2022
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
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14 August 2022
Leadership Diversity Days
Leadership Diversity Days - Plans Leadership Diversity Days - 2021Leadership Diversity Days - 2019Leadership Diversity Days - 2018
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14 August 2022
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…
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3 August 2022
Interreligious Dialogue
Prof Douglas Pratt in conversation with Beate Matthies. https://youtu.be/sRo2xEbHTcA
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12 July 2022
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…
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5 July 2022
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…
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30 June 2022
RDC – Events
COP26 - Maori & Pasifika Voices Presentation of Statement Hate Speech Restrictions Emergency Management Book Launch Prof Douglas Pratt Book Launch Prof Edwina Pio YLC - Auckland YLC - Dunedin…
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21 June 2022
E tū te mana o Te Ao: Building a Climate of Hope
Tracking your Household Carbon Footprint
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12 June 2022
RDC Climate Action Group
Check out the 2023 RDC webinar series here: “E tū te mana o Te Ao: Building a Climate of Hope”, Enviroschool Interview Eco Church Interview Climate Emergency Workshop The Cries…
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8 June 2022
Water in Te Ao Maori – Jenny Te Paa Daniel
RDC Calendar 2022: For the month of June, the Religious Diversity Centre Calendar features a picture of the coast of Kaikoura.Listen to Jenny Te Paa Daniel as she explains the…
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1 June 2022
Bahá’í Faith – Suzanne Mahon
The origins of the Bahá’í Faith explained.
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1 May 2022
Buddhist / Calendar / Religions & Faiths in NZ / Religions & Faiths in NZ / Resources / Video Clips / What is...
The Bathing of the Buddha – Caitlin Bush
RDC Calendar 2022: For the month of May, the Religious Diversity Centre Calendar 2022 features a picture of the "Bathing of the Buddha". Caitlin Bush describes the ritual in this…
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25 April 2022
Zoroastriansim
Here is an introduction in the history and tradition of Zoroastrians: https://youtu.be/pZLFvf2AsA8
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21 April 2022
Sikhism
Here is an introduction into the history and traditions of the Sikh Religion: https://rdc.org.nz/the-sikh-religion-verpal-singh/
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21 April 2022
Faith in Ukraine
According to Glocalities, their World Survey from 2020 showed that the 5 top values identified in countries of the European Union, the UK, Ukraine and Russia are:Caring, Friendship, Wisdom, Freedom,…
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18 April 2022
The Coptic Christian Baptism – Peter Mikhail
RDC Calendar 2022: The ceremony of Coptic Christian Baptism explained...
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8 April 2022
Eco Church
Eco Church
Eco Church encourages congregations in environmental action, integrating eco-friendly choices through worship and teaching, buildings, facilities and land management, community and global partnerships and sustainable lifestyles.
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6 April 2022
KAICIID Programme 2020
Dr Chris Longhurst - the New Zealander who was part of the 2020 KAICIID Fellowship Programme
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16 March 2022
Environment / Judaism / Links / Radio Programmes / RDC Climate Action Group / Resources / Video Clips
Recycling & Upcycling
An initiative for and with marginalised people around Wellington.
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16 March 2022
Ecology for Climate Justice
How can Christian Social Services contribute as citizens of Earth and be involved with Climate Change?
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14 March 2022
Growing Gardens & Community
Growing Gardens and Communities (GGAC)
Beth Lew introduces a project in Palmerston North
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9 March 2022
The Angel of Water – Farida Master
RDC Calendar 2022: The picture of the month of March is dedicated to the Zoroastrians
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1 March 2022
Paul Blaschke on the Radio
Dr Paul Blaschke was guest on the radio programme Muffin Talk .Paul has extensive experience in urban ecology, biodiversity conservation, sustainability and development issues.When the Religious Diversity Centre set up…
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25 February 2022
Tikkun Olam
The Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam explained by Dr Paul Blaschke
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24 February 2022
Baha'i / Calendar / Current Programmes / Links / Religions & Faiths in NZ / Resources / Video Clips / What is...
The Fountain at Ridvan Garden – Steve Drake
RDC Calendar 2022: Steve Drake explains the history of the Baha'i Fountain at the Ridvan Garden which is featured for the month of February
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30 January 2022
Calendar / Hindu / Links / Religions & Faiths in NZ / Resources / Resources / Video Clips / What is...
Magh Snan – Ram Lingam
RDC Calendar 2022: Ram Lingam explains the meaning of the Hindu Feast Magh Snan which is featured for the month of January
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18 January 2022
Baha'i / Buddhist / Calendar / Hindu / Religions & Faiths in NZ / Resources / Resources / Video Clips / Zoroastrian
2022 Calendar Pictures
RDC Calendar 2022: Explanations to the pictures used
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1 January 2022
Rod Oram reflects on COP26
Rod Oram reflecting on COP26
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2 December 2021
COP26 Conversation
Glasgow" for the Religious Diversity Centre Aotearoa New Zealand during the time of COP26
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12 November 2021