A teenager who passionately spoke about the need for greater social cohesion through tolerance and understanding between various ethnic groups, walked away with top honours at a speech contest held in Auckland last weekend.
Naomi Kumar, a Year 13 student of the Hamilton based Hillcrest High School, impressed her audience comprising a cross-section of the society at this year’s ‘Race Unity Speech Contest’ held at the Bahai Faith community hall in the South Auckland suburb of Manurewa on April 6.
“Social disharmony is not what it used to be a generation ago. To think that people of different ethnicities could not share the same public spaces, ride the same public transport or even learn in the same classrooms, is hard to fathom,” Naomi said.
Harmonious country
Stating New Zealand fostered a more harmonious society than many other countries, she said that it was impossible to wash away years of internalised anxieties as one could wash off henna.
“But I can learn to love myself because what I have is a strong support network of whanau and community. We have come a long way in a span of a decade in recognising and respecting difference,” she said.
Naomi was among eight finalists chosen from the winners of 12 regional contests held throughout the country earlier.
New Zealand Police, the Human Rights Commission and the Office of Ethnic Affairs jointly sponsor the annual award established by the Bahai community in 2001 to commemorate Race Relations Day.
Racial amity
Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Services General Manager Superintendent Wally Haumaha said that the Police have continued to support the event since it provides an opportunity for talented youth to debate on the ways and means of achieving positive race relations.
“These inspirational youth are the calibre of leaders we are targeting to join the New Zealand Police. Their deep insight and realisations on a complex topic highlights that our youth have the solutions to make society safer,” he said after the awards presentation ceremony.
Superintendent Haumaha says, “Our vision is safer communities together, regardless of what country you were born in or the colour of your skin. These awards remain a really powerful tool for breaking down barriers and promoting unity in our communities.”
National Strategic Ethnic Advisor Inspector Rakesh Naidoo said that the Police were pleased to witness an increasing number of inspirational youth entering the contest.
“Naomi Kumar was a very worthy winner and we look forward to her and her fellow contestants realising their dreams,” he said.
Photo caption: Naomi Kumar with Rakesh Naidoo (left) and Wally Haumaha
