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AEN Journal launches

Aotearoa Ethnic Network (AEN), Online

The AEN journal provides a space for intelligent and critical discussion on issues facing ethnic communities in New Zealand. The journal features articles written by key thinkers in the ethnic sector in New Zealand and overseas.

This open-access online publication offers a refreshing and challenging new perspective on what's going on in ethnic communities. Issue 1 of the AEN Journal is available at journal.aen.org.nz and includes a Guest Editorial by the Race Relations Commissioner and articles by Maori Party Co-leader Tariana Turia and Mervin Singham, Director of the Office of Ethnic Affairs.

It features a viewpoint on the Palestine-Israel problem from a New Zealand Jew and a New Zealand Muslim.

International contributions come from UK-based psychiatrist Suman Fernando, discussing racism in the mental health system, and US-based human rights writer Amy West. West challenges New Zealand to ensure our Immigration Act review is balanced; "changes made to protect borders from perceived terror threats come at a high cost to the safety and future of refugees."

Tze Ming Mok and Kumanan Rasanathan provide an edgy and humorous discussion on labels and how they can be used strategically to obtain resources but risk siloing and homogenising groups.

Contributors to Issue 1 include:

• Joris de Bres, Race Relations Commissionner
• Tariana Turia MP, Co-leader of the Māori Party
• Mervin Singham, Director of the Office of Ethnic Affairs
• Dave Moskovitz: The Israel – Palestine Problem: The perspective of a New Zealand Progressive Jew
• Anjum Rahman: The Israel – Palestine Problem: The perspective of a New Zealand Muslim
• Andy Williamson and Ruth DeSouza: Representing Ethnic Communities in the Media
• Suman Fernando (UK): Stigma, racism and power
• Amy West (US): Seeking Asylum
• Kate Woodd: Cultural diversity and context
• Tze Ming Mok and Kumanan Rasanathan: Should we be pushing for a Ministry of Asian Affairs, a Ministry of Ethnic Affairs, or neither? A 'Socratic' 'dialogue' between two 'Asians'
• Rev. Mua Strickson-Pua aka REV MC: Pasifika Hip Hop Poetry Doing the Healing