Race Relations Day 2024 (New Zealand): Race Relations Day is observed annually on March 21 in New Zealand. The purpose of this holiday is to recognize and commemorate the various forms of racial and multicultural diversity that exist within the nation. March 21 is also observed as International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the occasion upon which the day was founded. The establishment of the holiday was an act of commemoration for the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre, a tragic incident that claimed the lives of 69 individuals in South Africa.
Day honoring the past of race relations
Race Relations Day, presently observed in New Zealand, can be traced back to 1960 in South Africa, wherein the South African police fatally shot 69 demonstrators. Long ago, the government implemented “apartheid,” a system that essentially granted greater liberties and privileges to the white population while restricting and segregating the non-white majority. Racism served as the driving force behind a series of laws that the government passed to limit non-white people’s freedoms.
Several Land Acts enacted in 1913, 1936, 1954, and 1955 resulted in the allocation of approximately 80% of the nation’s land to the European minority. The tribal homelands, known as “the Bantustans,” were forcibly dispossessed of the black (Bantu) population, who were subsequently subjected to life-threatening conditions. Additionally, their South African citizenship was revoked. The Population Registration Act of 1950, which was also ratified in 1950, categorized the South African population into four distinct groups: Bantu (black), colored, Indian, and white. Another law was enacted in the same year that restricted access to particular regions of the country to a specific group.
On March 21, 1960, an estimated 7,000 demonstrators stormed a police station in the township of Sharpeville in opposition to regulations mandating government-issued passes for non-white individuals to access specific areas. Amidst the ongoing protest, law enforcement personnel discharged firearms into the throng. As some fled, they were shot in the rear. Regrettably, a total of 249 casualties were documented, with 29 of them being minors. Fifty-nine individuals lost their lives on that ominous day.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21st, 1966, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, in commemoration of this sorrowful occurrence. To promote racial harmony within its borders, New Zealand also observed Race Relations Day on this date.
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FAQs for Race Relations Day
Which languages are recognized as official in New Zealand?
The three official languages of New Zealand are Maori, English, and New Zealand Sign Language.
To what ethnic group do New Zealanders belong?
70% of the population of New Zealand consists of Europeans, while 16.5% are Maori, 15.3% are Asian, and 9% are Pacific Islanders.
Who serves as the New Zealand president?
Jacinda Andern is the name of the Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Race Relations Day 2024 (New Zealand) Activities
Love, irrespective of ethnicity
We commence our journey toward unity within our hearts. Before engaging in large-scale demonstrations and disturbances, we must establish loving and respectful relationships with one another, regardless of skin color or ethnic background.
Opposition to racial discrimination
Observe this day by resolving to oppose every type of racial discrimination. Whether you elect to initiate a social media movement or voice your opposition to discriminatory incidents, we should all unite in our commitment to fostering a more united global community.
Employ a hashtag
Activate discourse and generate consciousness by employing the hashtag #racerelationsday. Promote positive discourse by associating this with an intriguing fact regarding race relations in New Zealand.
Five Interesting New Zealand Facts
Those who observe the sunrise first
While Kiribati is the first nation to experience the onset of a new day, Gisborne, a municipality situated on the North Island of New Zealand, is the first location globally to behold the dawn daily.
New Zealand succeeded in conquering Mount Everest.
Sir Edmund Hillary, a native of New Zealand, achieved the historic feat of ascending Mount Everest first.
There are two national anthems in New Zealand.
Established during the colonial era, “God Save the Queen” and “God Defend New Zealand,” both national anthems, are in the possession of New Zealand. The latter was adopted in the 1970s.
New Zealand sets the standard.
New Zealand was the pioneering nation to grant women the right to vote in 1893.
A lengthy location designation
New Zealand has the most lengthy place name of any English-speaking country, with the spelling Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu.
RACE RELATIONS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | March 21 | Thursday |
| 2025 | March 21 | Friday |
| 2026 | March 21 | Saturday |
| 2027 | March 21 | Sunday |
| 2028 | March 21 | Tuesday |
