Eyeview Ethnic Trust is committed to bringing New Zealand’s cultural diversity to life through print and digital media, in order to inspire people to be more curious, open-minded and engaged with their neighbours. My team and I firmly believe that understanding is the key to respect, empathy and compassion in society; that if we take the time to understand differences – in ethnicity, background and upbringing, religion and choices – we will appreciate and respect them more. And, in recognising the differences, we will see more clearly the things that we all share, such as joy, grief, compassion, family and love. In other words, our shared humanity.

Once we reach this place of mutual understanding, respect and appreciation, we believe the benefits to society as a whole will be immense. Negative stereotyping will be dispelled, as will preconceived biases and the fear that often comes from ignorance. Tensions that currently exist between different cultures will fade and our communities will become safer, more collaborative and happier places to live and work.