Ko Tō Tātou Kāinga Tēnei Parts 9–10 Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry Into the Terrorist Attack on Christchurch Masjidain on 15 March 2019
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Volume 4: Ko tō tātou kāinga tēnei Parts 9–10 Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch masjidain on 15 March 2019 ROYAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO THE TERRORIST ATTACK ON CHRISTCHURCH MOSQUES ON 15 MARCH 2019 TE KŌMIHANA UIUI A TE WHAKAEKE KAIWHAKATUMA I NGĀ WHARE KŌRANA O ŌTAUTAHI I TE 15 O POUTŪ-TE-RANGI 2019 26 November 2020 Ko tō tātou kāinga tēnei Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch masjidain on 15 March 2019 Published 26 November 2020 978-0-473-55326-5 (PDF) 978-0-473-55325-8 (Soft cover) (C) Copyright 2020 This document is available online at: www.christchurchattack.royalcommission.nz Printed using ECF and FSC certified paper that is also Acid free and biodegradable. Part 9 Social cohesion and embracing diversity Chapter 1 – Introduction 653 Chapter 2 – Leadership and oversight in building social cohesion 666 Chapter 3 – Leadership of embracing New Zealand’s increasing diversity 685 Chapter 4 – Hate crime and hate speech 700 Chapter 5 – Questions asked by the community 718 Glossary – Terms commonly used in Part 9 722 Social cohesion and embracing diversity diversity Social cohesion and embracing PART 9 651 652 Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Overview 1 Earlier in our report we explained how over the last 30 years the diversity of the New Zealand’s population has increased significantly in terms of ethnicity, culture, gender identities, religion, values, languages spoken, ages, sexual orientation and whānau structure (see Part 2: Context). New Zealand has been described as a “superdiverse” country. Superdiversity means “a substantial increase in the diversity of ethnic, minority and immigrant groups in a city or country”.1 One indicator of superdiversity is that a quarter of New Zealand’s population was born overseas. 2 New Zealand is generally regarded as a country with a high level of social cohesion, but underlying vulnerabilities and issues remain that are yet to be fully addressed.2 Sir Peter Gluckman, Director of New Zealand think tank Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Future, told us that “social cohesion is a critical asset for New Zealand and all New Zealand peoples”, suggesting it was something to value, grow and protect and, critically, invest in. 3 Our Terms of Reference directed us to make recommendations about how Public sector systems or operational practices should be improved to ensure the prevention of terrorist attacks in the future. 4 In later chapters of this Part we discuss: a) leadership and oversight in building social cohesion (chapter 2); b) leadership of embracing New Zealand’s increasing diversity (chapter 3); c) hate speech and hate crime (chapter 4); and diversity Social cohesion and embracing d) responses to questions asked by the community (chapter 5). 5 In this Part we discuss government social cohesion initiatives and how Public sector agencies have recognised, adapted to and embraced New Zealand’s changing demographics. These issues were not part of our original work plan. As our inquiry progressed and they were raised with us repeatedly by affected whānau, survivors and witnesses, communities and experts, it became clear that these issues have a role to play in Reduction, Readiness and Recovery activities in the counter-terrorism effort and in building the resilience of communities. Our inquiry into the government’s social cohesion initiatives and adaptation to New Zealand’s increasing diversity was not as extensive as that conducted into the counter-terrorism effort (see Part 8: Assessing the counter-terrorism effort). However, it was sufficient to give us an understanding of the issues. PART 9 1 Paul Spoonley Superdiversity, Social Cohesion, and Economic Benefits (IZA World of Labour, May 2014) at page 1. 2 Paul Spoonley, Peter Gluckman, Anne Bardsley, Tracey McIntosh, Rangimarie Hunia, Sarb Johal and Richie Poulton He Oranga Hou: Social cohesion in a post-COVID world (Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures, The University of Auckland, May 2020) https://informedfutures.org/wp-content/uploads/Social-Cohesion-in-a-Post-Covid-World.pdf. 653 6 While we recognise that diversity has many facets, in this Part we focus on New Zealand’s ethnic and religious diversity because this is of most relevance to our inquiry. New Zealand’s Muslim communities are more ethnically diverse than many people appreciate (for example, affected whānau, survivors and witnesses of the terrorist attack represent around 50 different countries of origin). We do not explore other kinds of diversity in New Zealand such as gender identity, age, sexual orientation and disability. 7 In what follows in this chapter we provide a context for later chapters by explaining: a) social cohesion, social inclusion and community engagement; b) opportunities and challenges associated with New Zealand’s diversity; and c) New Zealand’s response to demographic change. 1.2 Social cohesion 8 There have been many definitions of social cohesion, most of which are associated with wellbeing. We use the definition developed by Professor Paul Spoonley, Robin Peace, Andrew Butcher and Damian O’Neill, which describes a socially cohesive society as one in which all individuals and groups have a sense of: a) belonging – a sense of being part of the community, trust in others and respect for law and human rights; b) inclusion – equity of opportunities and outcomes in work, income, education, health and housing; c) participation – involvement in social and community activities and in political and civic life; d) recognition – valuing diversity and respecting differences; and e) legitimacy – confidence in public institutions.3 9 For Māori, social cohesion means a collective sense of identity and belonging (as Māori), which is respected by broader society as a whole. Sir Mason Durie’s work emphasises the importance of the ability to live as Māori and Māori determining the many facets of what being Māori means.4 3 Paul Spoonley, Robin Peace, Andrew Butcher and Damian O’Neill “Social Cohesion: A Policy and Indicator Framework for Assessing Immigrant and Host Outcomes” (April 2005) 24 Social Policy Journal of New Zealand at pages 98–99. 4 Mason Durie “Measuring Māori Wellbeing” (2006) New Zealand Treasury Guest Lecture Series https://www.treasury.govt.nz/ sites/default/files/2007-09/tgls-durie.pdf. 654 10 In New Zealand, social cohesion must be founded on upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It is not about making all New Zealanders the same. It is an inclusive concept that values communities and individuals coming together, where: a) they respect each other and the differences they bring; and b) they develop some shared values, norms and experiences. 11 Social cohesion exists where people feel part of society, family and personal relationships are strong, differences among people are respected and people feel safe and supported by others. Social cohesion is an ideal rather than a goal to be achieved and must continually be nurtured and grown. 12 Social cohesion has broad benefits for society and is an important contributor to long-term prosperity. One commentator suggests that because cohesive societies are politically stable, they can focus on economic growth and business development.5 Other commentators indicate that a cohesive society: a) is mutually supportive of its members, enabling them to pursue common goals by democratic means; and b) develops ways of coping with stresses and divisions in an open democratic manner (for example, disparities of wealth or ethnic or cultural diversity).6 13 Social cohesion can contribute to preventing or countering extremism. This is because cohesive and resilient communities are better placed to resist and counter the risk of radicalisation and mobilisation to violent extremism and terrorism. Tolerant, and diversity Social cohesion and embracing ideally inclusive, societies are more able to address and prevent the polarisation and disenfranchisement that can contribute to a rise in extremism. However, social cohesion should be pursued separately from New Zealand’s counter-terrorism efforts as it is important in itself and has wider social, economic and cultural objectives. As well, undertaking social cohesion activities as a tool to counter extremism may have the effect of stigmatising and alienating some members of communities, thereby undermining the aims of social cohesion work. PART 9 5 Jo Ritzen and Michael Woolcock “Social Cohesion, Public Policy, and Economic Growth: Implications for Countries in Transition” (Paris, 26-28 June 2000) Annual Bank Conference on Development Economics. 6 Ministry of Social Development Social Inclusion in New Zealand – Rapid Evidence Review (May 2020) https://www.msd.govt.nz/ about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/research/social-inclusion-in-new-zealand-a-rapid-evidence-review/index.html. 655 1.3 Social inclusion 14 Social inclusion is the process of improving how individuals and groups participate in and contribute to society on their own terms. 15 For New Zealand it is important to acknowledge that Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the evolving Māori-Crown relationship must underpin any social inclusion processes. That is, any such processes must be based on New Zealand’s bicultural foundations while welcoming and supporting our increasingly vibrant and diverse population as an ongoing strength. 1.4 Community engagement 16 Community is a word used to convey notions of social relationships, cultural values and belonging or having something in common. We use the term community in this report