Venkat Raman –
The importance of learning major languages used in New Zealand would come under focus at a conference in Wellington later this month.
The Office of Ethnic Communities (earlier Office of Ethnic Affairs) is organising the event due to be held on March 26 and 27 at Te Papa Tongarewa (Museum of New Zealand) located at 55 Cable Street in the Capital.
Ethnic Communities Director Berlinda Chin said that ‘Lining up Language: Navigating Government Policy’ would be the theme of the Conference.
Inaugural Session
“The aim is to foster discussion on the government policy and activity in relation to use of language and learning in New Zealand. The event is free and open to all. We would like ethnic communities to participate,” she said.
Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-liga will inaugurate the conference followed by address by Race Relations Commissioner Susan Devoy and Keynote speaker Chris Szekely, Chief Librarian Alexander Turnbull Library.
The Speakers
Among the other speakers on the first day are Mere-Heeni Simcock-Rewiti (Maori Language Commission), Megan McCoy (New Zealand Sign Language), Anne-Marie Masgoret (Business Innovation & Employment Ministry), Dr John Macalister (Victoria University), Annie Visan (Tertiary Education Commission) and Nicola Sutton (English Language Partners).
Speakers on the second day include Craig Nicholson (Office of Ethnic Communities); Quintin Ridgeway (Department of Internal Affairs); Francie Benge, Connie Seiler, (Education Ministry); Peter Gall (Papatoetoe High School); Jeff Johnstone (New Zealanders’ Rights in Relation to Languages); Adam Dubas (Justice Ministry); Jeff Johnstone (Asia New Zealand Foundation); Susan Warren (COMET); Sunita Narayan (Community Languages Association of New Zealand); and Corinne Seals, (Victoria University).
Online registration www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz
