Report by Holocaust Centre of New Zealand…
New Zealand commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day with powerful events nationwide.
Joining events held worldwide, communities across Aotearoa New Zealand, came together to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, and honour the memory of the six million Jews and other victim groups murdered during the Holocaust.
Commemorative events were held in Wellington, Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch, Nelson, and Blenheim, with over 500 people attending events across the motu. These gatherings brought together Holocaust survivors and their families, Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, religious and community leaders, and members of the public to remember the victims, honour the survivors, and reflect on the lessons of the Holocaust.
For the first time ever, the commemorations included a video message from the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, who publicly condemned antisemitism and emphasised the important contribution the Jewish community has had to Aotearoa, New Zealand. This message resonated particularly strongly in the context of rising antisemitism nationwide and globally.
Keynote speakers at the various events included prominent figures such as Chief Human Rights Commissioner Dr Stephen Rainbow, Deputy Prime Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters, Race Relations Commissioner Dr Melissa Derby, Hon David Seymour, Hon Nicola Willis, Tim Macindoe, and The Very Rev Ben Truman, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral. Their speeches highlighted the Holocaust’s ongoing relevance in today’s world and the need for continued vigilance against prejudice and hatred.
Read the HCNZ’s full report and see photos from the event HERE.
