Spread love not hate.
The news of the vile hateful events in Christchurch came through as we were about to start the ISANA council meeting in Melbourne.
ISANA shares the grief associated with this despicable act and appeals to our members and friends on both sides of the Tasman to reach out and share love/ aroha among all in our international family nearby: students, migrants and peoples of all religions and races.
One of ISANA’s objectives is to “educate and advocate for the wellbeing of international students and those who work with them”.
At this time our international students need to know they are loved and cared for and our nations will do all we can to ensure living and studying occurs in a safe, loving and caring context. We have a part to play in this as we advocate for their well-being.
While we today weep let us all work together to make our world a better place. Our roles in international education which provide support and care for the diversity of nations are so important at a time like this.
To our members and friends and anyone who reads this please be an agency of love to all around you irrespective of race or religion. Only as we truly love one another will we redress reduce and remove evil, hateful actions from our diverse communities.
The words of the New Zealand National anthem remind us of what we should strive and pray for at this time. May we all do our part even if it’s a little bit of loving, a hug, a hi and a ‘how are you?’ These small acts may be all we need to do to help to reduce dissension, envy and hate.
We encourage international students to contact their institutions to access support services.
Reach out in love.
Ōna mano tāngata
Kiri whero, kiri mā,
Iwi Māori, Pākehā,
Rūpeke katoa,
Nei ka tono ko ngā hē
Māu e whakaahu kē,
Kia ora mārire
Aotearoa.
Men of every creed and race,
Gather here before Thy face,
Asking Thee to bless this place,
God defend our free land.
From dissension, envy, hate,
And corruption guard our state,
Make our country good and great,
God defend New Zealand.
Terry McGrath
President, ISANA New Zealand
Bronwyn Gilson
President, ISANA Australia