Race Unity Day

Race Unity Day - Postponed to this Sunday, 24 March 11-4 at Victory Square Park.

Following the tragic events in Christchurch yesterday, it has been decided to postpone Nelson’s Race Unity Day to this coming Sunday, 24 March.

Luz Zuniga, Chair of Multicultural Nelson Tasman, said the feeling in the community is that now is a time for mourning. “We want to pay our respects to those who lost their lives in the terror attack in
Christchurch and express our support for the families and numerous other victims.

We are also aware that many in Nelson, particularly in our minority communities, have been deeply shaken and need time to come to terms with yesterday’s events. In making the decision to delay, we have also taken advice from the Tasman District Police Commander, Mike Johnson. The safety of our community is the highest priority right now."

Mayor Rachel Reese expressed her support for the decision to postpone. “Now is a time for reflection and honouring those who have lost our lives in these terrible acts of violence. However, I would like to invite all Nelson residents to join us at Victory Square next Sunday, March 24 to demonstrate that Nelson is a strong and inclusive community welcoming people of every faith and race. Let’s make this Nelson’s greatest Race Unity Day ever and send a message that we stand united against fear and violence."

Race Unity Day is more important than ever. We will pay homage to the victims of the Christchurch shootings and pass any related messages to the audience on site. We must show our unity as we all live under the same 'umbrella'. Let us celebrate and embrace cultural diversity.