RDC 2023 Webinar Series – Link
Please register for the series by clicking on this link.
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
The sessions 1,3 and 4 are moderated by Rod Oram. Session 2 is facilitated by Rabbi Dean Shapiro.More information will be available, soon. Watch the space - and save the…
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
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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
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…
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…
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…
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…
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
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…
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…
RDC Climate Action Group
This group gets together to share Life Stories in the context of environmental sustainability. For more information, see here. Let us know if you have a story to share.Here are…
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…
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…
Zoroastriansim
Here is an introduction in the history and tradition of Zoroastrians: https://youtu.be/pZLFvf2AsA8
Sikhism
Here is an introduction into the history and traditions of the Sikh Religion: https://rdc.org.nz/the-sikh-religion-verpal-singh/
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,…
The Coptic Christian Baptism – Peter Mikhail
RDC Calendar 2022: The ceremony of Coptic Christian Baptism explained...
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.
KAICIID Programme 2020
Dr Chris Longhurst - the New Zealander who was part of the 2020 KAICIID Fellowship Programme
Ecology for Climate Justice
How can Christian Social Services contribute as citizens of Earth and be involved with Climate Change?
Growing Gardens & Community
Growing Gardens and Communities (GGAC)
Beth Lew introduces a project in Palmerston North
The Angel of Water – Farida Master
RDC Calendar 2022: The picture of the month of March is dedicated to the Zoroastrians
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…
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
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
COP26 Conversation
Glasgow" for the Religious Diversity Centre Aotearoa New Zealand during the time of COP26
Presentation of Statement
The Presentation of a Statement to the Government, Wellington, 19 October 2021
Here is a short version of the video recorded at the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pZvnGcoK-8
Presentation of Statement
Statement to the Government from Religious Leaders and Interfaith Groups of Aotearoa New Zealand regarding our national commitment to the COP26
The Presentation of a Statement to the Government from Religious Leaders and Interfaith Groups of Aotearoa New Zealand regarding our national commitment to the COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland (November 2021) in Wellington, 19 October 2021
COP26 - Maori & Pasifika Voices
Reflecting on the Maori and Pasifika voices at COP26
Reflecting on the Maori and Pasifika voices at COP26 - Jenny Te Paa Daniel (RDC Co-Chairperson) in conversation with Sunlou Liuvaie (Pasifika Trust, Palmerston North) and Rod Oram (New Zealand journalist, connecting from Glasgow, Scotland)
Newsletter – COP26
Official presentation of Interfaith Statement to Minister for Climate Change, James Shaw
Presentation of Statement
Statement for Presentation at COP26
Statement presented to Minister James Shaw for COP26
Statement from Arihia Bennett, chair of Kāpuia
RDC Trustee Professor Edwina Pio, member of Kāpuia, the Ministerial Advisory Group on the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch mosques has…
Interview
RDC Research Group
The national Religious Literacy & Competency Survey The survey will gain evidence of the level of religious literacy and competency in the population. It will seek to discover the level…
Hate Speech Restrictions
Q&A – Hate Speech Restrictions – A Threat to Our Democracy?
Questions asked by the audience of the webinar. Answers by Prof Douglas Pratt and Prof Paul Spoonley. Here are further questions that were asked during or right after the Webinar…
Hate Speech Restrictions
Hate Speech Restrictions – A Threat to Our Democracy?
In this Webinar the panellists are going to look at the Proposals against Incitement of Hatred and Discrimination with a special focus on protecting members of religious communities.
Food in Judaism
Debbie Miller, the educator at Beth Shalom in Auckland, explains why food is important for religious practices in Judaism. https://youtu.be/5S8bBKMs9XU
Hui on Emergency Management, Avondale
The second hui on Emergency Management took place in the Avondale Islamic Centre.
Emergency Management
Hui on Emergency Management
These 6 Hui across the Auckland Region are organised in cooperation between Auckland Emergency Management and The Religious Diversity Centre. Places-of-Worship-flyer-ALLDownload
Wellington Interfaith Council receives international Prize
King Abdullah II UN WIHW 2021 Prize for Wellington Interfaith Council
Leadership Diversity Days 2021
Leadership Diversity Days 2021: An opportunity for the next year’s school leaders to meet together, to listen to students of diverse faiths and backgrounds and to discuss and formulate ideas about what being a New Zealand leader means.
Eid Celebration at Parliament
Trustees of the Religious Diversity Centre were present at the 2021 celebrations for the end of the Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting
Book Launch: Reimagining Faith and Management
Reimagining Faith and Management - The Impact of Faith in the Workplace
National Interfaith Forum – 2022
The National Interfaith Forum, held every two years and last year postponed due to Covid-19, was then scheduled for May 2022. The Forum was to be hosted by the Tauranga…