We believe that everyone, regardless of their background or community, should feel welcome, respected, and loved for who they are and where they come from.

Launched in 2022, Unity Week is a coordinated approach to remember and honor the lives lost in the horrific March 15 Christchurch Mosque attacks, while also promoting a socially cohesive society. The Sakinah Community Trust was was set up by seven women who lost loved ones in the terror attack. 

As Hamimah Ahmat, one of the founding members, puts it, "You can achieve peace with communities of different backgrounds if we all follow these principles: respecting each other and accepting our similarities, as well as our differences." 

“Our message this year is that unity begins with U; we all have a part to play,” says Ms Ahmat.

Unity Week is a great chance for us to each reflect on and work towards making unity a daily practice, not just something that happens around tragic events. We each have a part to play.

Noticing what brings us together rather than what makes us different is what makes a strong community.  This week reminds us of the importance of finding what we have in common to create a future where everyone feels belonging.

How could you encourage unity? 

Find out more about  Unity Week activities at unityweek.co.nz.