Opening hearts, minds and doors for diversity and inclusivity
A new initiative promoting cultural harmony has launched in Kirikiriroa Hamilton, and it starts with a simple cuppa.
It’s called Movement for Open Culture Aoteoroa (MOCA) and it’s the brainchild of the Waikato Intercultural Fund, established in 2019 by Momentum Waikato. The founders were propelled by the question ‘How can we stop another Christchurch attack from happening ever again?’
The aim for MOCA is to encourage people to open their hearts, minds and doors for diversity and inclusivity. They also want to raise funds and generate new ideas. Their opening campaign is based around a branded KeepCup featuring their positive message and promoting MOCA’s mission and vision.
Event MC Mark Servian, said the campaign focused on interculturalism, “where people from diverse cultures live and work together harmoniously, while also all being secure in their own identities” saying that this “creates and supports unified, resilient and prosperous communities.”
Momentum Waikato CEO, Kelvyn Eglinton says that MOCA resonates with his values, “Because mutual respect for our differences creates the sense of unity that confirms humanity. Our love of family and connection to community is what we have in common.”
The group are inviting people to make a donation of $20 or more then choose a cup from a range of colours on offer. The aim is to share understanding so that when people are having a cup of coffee with others, the MOCA logo might prompt a conversation. The group feel it’s a story worth telling because it can promote the mission to have a more diverse and inclusive Aotearoa.
At the launch at Ferrybank, co-chair of Waikato Intercultural Fund, Jenny Nand, gave a special thanks to the fund’s founding chair Jannat Maqbool, and founding committee members Andrea Perry and Asad Moshin.
The MOCA launch team included Momentum CEO Kelvyn Eglington, Waikato Intercultural Fund co-chair Jenny Nand, Wintec Academic Dr. Ninitha Koya, University of Waikato lecturer Antoine Gilbert-Saad, Community Waikato Chief Executive Holly Snape, Professor Priya Kurian, Ethnic Development Advisor Jovi Abellanosa, Momentum communications advisor Mark Servian and Manager and Co-Founder of Diversity Counselling, Vanisri Mills. They were supported with the launch by Wintec|Te Pūkenga Communication ākonga, Emmalea Taylor and Ra Keelan.
