Revised Draft - National Statement on Religious Diversity - 19 Feb 2007

New Zealand is a country of many faiths with a significant minority that professes no religion. An increasing religious diversity is a significant feature of public life.

At the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, Governor Hobson affirmed, in response to a question from Catholic Bishop Pompallier, “the several faiths (beliefs) of England, of the Wesleyans, of Rome, and also Maori custom shall alike be protected”. Since then the State has acknowledged a diversity of beliefs in New Zealand.

Christianity has played a formative role in the development of New Zealand in terms of the nation’s identity, culture, beliefs, institutions and values.  It continues to be an integral part of New Zealand’s culture and heritage.

New settlers have always been religiously diverse, but only recently have the numbers of some of their faith communities grown significantly as a result of migration from Asia, Africa and the Middle East.  These communities have a positive role to play in our society.  It is in this context that we reaffirm our acknowledgement of religious diversity, recognise the right to religion and the responsibilities of religious communities in our society.

International treaties including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights uphold the right to freedom of religion and belief - the right to hold a belief; the right to change one’s religion or belief; the right to express one’s religion or belief; the right to propagate one’s beliefs and the right not to hold a belief. These rights are reflected in the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act and Human Rights Act.

The following statement provides a framework for the recognition of New Zealand’s diverse faith communities and their harmonious interaction with each other, with government and with other groups in society:

1. The State and Religion

The State seeks to treat all faith communities and those who profess no religion equally before the law. New Zealand has no state religion.

2. The Right to Religion

New Zealand upholds the right to freedom of religion and belief and the right to freedom from discrimination on the grounds of religious or other belief.

3. The Right to Safety

Faith communities and their members have a right to the safety and security of their person and property.

4. The Right of Freedom of Expression

The right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media are vital for democracy, but should be exercised with responsibility. 

5      Recognition and Accommodation

Reasonable steps should be taken in educational and work environments and in the delivery of public services to recognise and accommodate diverse religious beliefs and practices.

6. Education

Schools should teach an understanding of the diversity of religious and spiritual traditions in a manner that reflects the community of which the school is a part.

7. Religious Differences

Debate and disagreement about religious beliefs within faith communities and beyond, will occur and should be exercised within the rule of law and without resort to violence.

8. Cooperation and understanding

Government and faith communities have a responsibility to build and maintain positive relationships with each other, and to promote mutual respect and understanding.