Race Unity Aotearoa Speech Awards and Hui

The Speech Awards also include a Hui which provides a space where young people are able to advance the conversation about race relations in Aotearoa.

The National Commission has supported both the Speech Award Finals and the Hui for a number of years. We have also had Commissioners and Youth Leaders attend to partake in the Hui and often help with judging the Speech Award regionals and semi-finals.

Each year the Speech Award are centred around a different theme (in 2024 for example the theme was ‘Te Taura Tangata - The Rope of Unity’).

UNESCO Aotearoa Youth Leader Isaac Morunga who attended the 2024 Speech Awards and Hui beautifully sums up the impact of the event.

“My experience at the Race Unity Speech Awards was transformative, wherein my cup was overflowing with aroha and newfound perspective through engaging with young leaders advocating for racial unity in Aotearoa”.

The Race Unity Speech Awards empower our youth to grow and become future leaders, helping them to be equipped to face global challenges with unity and strength.

The Race Unity Speech Awards and Hui are initiatives of the New Zealand Baha'i Community.