New Zealand allocates $1 million for cultural dialogues in Christchurch

The government funding for additional staff to provide better on the ground culturally appropriate support to victims and families in Christchurch.

New Zealand, through the government fund, has boosted the ethnic communities, affected by the Christchurch terror attacks, with $1 million.

Jenny Salesa, the Minister for Ethnic Communities said the affected communities are invited to apply for the funds to develop projects that will enhance their development and enrich social connections. "The Office of Ethnic Communities, as a conduit between the Government and ethnically diverse communities, will also receive funding for additional staff to provide better on the ground culturally appropriate support to victims and families in Christchurch."

The Minister plans to visit Muslim leaders throughout the country and a series of interfaith talks is also being arranged, bringing together leaders from different religions to talk about building an inclusive society. Salesa said the measures will help in creating a New Zealand everyone will be proud of. "As a Government, we are committed to providing certainty and ongoing supporting to ethnically diverse communities, including Muslim communities, in the wake of the attacks."