Inclusive Auckland

Creating an inclusive city that values cultural diversity and promotes intercultural activity

Vision

First City of the Pacific - a sophisticated, growing and vibrant international city with a soul.

A world-leading global city - a youthful, cosmopolitan and equitable city; a great place to live, welcoming of new migrants and businesses. Our diverse communities and our pioneer and distinct Pacific heritage gives us a special identity in the world. Auckland's vitality and our special identity stimulates social, cultural and business opportunities.

World-class pride: Auckland has a distinct identity. We identify with and celebrate our city.

Auckland also provides: access for everyone to the community and social facilities, networks and services needed to support a safe and cohesive Auckland.

Auckland - an inclusive and diverse city

Auckland and its residents value the city's cultural diversity as well as its shared natural and cultural heritage, and its bicultural origins. The city supports opportunities for its citizens to build identity and self-expression however they define or experience their culture. Its people recognise that diverse cultural expression arises from differences in age, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic backgrounds, impairments, values and beliefs, ideology, interests, education and sexuality. Cultural identity is dynamic and citizens' needs and aspirations may change as a result of their life experiences and the lifestyle choices that they make.

Goal 1 - We will foster a culturally inclusive city where everyone feels respected and secure in their cultural identity while respecting others and the city's wider social environment.

Auckland City Council has identified several key actions to ensure an inclusive and diverse city.

1.1 Facilitate or support groups from any and all cultures represented in Auckland city to honour and celebrate their cultures, thereby increasing awareness.

1.2 Encourage people of different cultures to participate in the civic life of the city and to seize its education, economic and lifestyle opportunities.

1.3 Facilitate the provision of programmes, services and venues which are safe, accessible and which meet community needs, taking into account the range of cultures in the city.

1.4. Support improved opportunities for different cultures to contribute to city planning and decision-making.

1.5. Promote the better reflection of the city's diversity and unique mix of cultures through design of the public realm.

Auckland - an inclusive and intercultural city

An inclusive Auckland also values an intercultural approach. This goes beyond the coexistence of diverse cultures, equal opportunities, and respect for cultural differences. It seeks synergies through cross-cultural interaction that leads to mutual learning and growth. It also enables creativity and innovation to flourish.

Goal 2 - We will promote an intercultural approach that supports understanding, meaningful interaction and engagement across Auckland city's diverse cultures; and enables creativity and innovation to flourish.

The key actions for an inclusive and intercultural city are:

2.1 Facilitate a strong and healthy bicultural platform that informs and nurtures intercultural understanding.

2.2 Provide meaningful opportunities for different cultures to come together for common and constructive purposes.

2.3 Support better intercultural and cross-cultural understanding and communications.

2.4 Promote an inclusive and intercultural approach by collaborating, partnering and advocating with community groups, agencies, organisations and the business sector.

2.5 Support opportunities for intercultural creativity and innovation in the commercial and business environment

Published July 2007