What is DEI?
What is DEI?
Diversity
Diversity is the differences between people – their characteristics, attributes, backgrounds, and the perspectives they bring.
Diversity of thought and a variety of perspectives and experiences leads to increased creativity, innovation and better decision-making at a strategic and operational level.
A sector workforce that represents the communities it serves is more likely to be able to empathise, relate and provide meaningful opportunities.
Aotearoa is diverse…
160 |
ethnic groups with 6 major groups: Pākeha(70.2%), Māori(16.5%), Asian(15.1%), Pasifika(8.1%), Middle Eastern / Latin American / African (1.5%) |
24% |
of New Zealanders identify as disabled |
30% |
of 12-year-olds identify as having multiple ethnicities |
4% |
of Aotearoa's adult population identifies asLGBTTQIA+ |
65+ |
the number of people aged 65+ doubled between 1991 and 2020 and is projected to double again by 2056 |
84% |
live in urban areas |
11% |
of tamariki experienced material hardship |
…and it’s becoming more diverse every year.
Learn more about diversity and its many benefits.
Equity
Equity is fair outcomes for individuals belonging to diverse groups, achieved by addressing the barriers each of these groups face.
An equitable sector acknowledges and seeks to understand the specific barriers groups and individuals face so these can be addressed in a way that is meaningful and relevant to them. It’s about putting people’s needs and aspirations front and centre.
What is the difference between equality, equity and justice?
Equality is the assumption that everyone benefits from the same resources, supports and opportunities.
Equity recognises that everyone doesn't begin in the same place in society and advocates for those who may have been historically disadvantaged, providing them with opportunities to be successful. Everyone gets the resources and support they need.
Justice is when the cause of the inequity is addressed and systemic barriers have been removed.
Find out more about how an equitable and just society are one of the five pou of the sport and recreation sector’s preferred future.
Inclusion
Inclusion is the ongoing exercise of valuing diverse groups by creating safe, welcoming and collaborative environments in which everyone can fully participate and thrive.
Inclusion is pro-active behaviours, options and actions to make people from all backgrounds, ages and abilities feel welcome, respected and that they belong.
There are different ways to help participants feel included. The best thing to do is to provide choice, and ask what works for them.
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| Exclusion A person is directly or indirectly prevented or denied access to participating because of their differences. |
Safe spaces A person's needs are catered for in a separate tailored environment with others like them. |
Integration A person is included in the mainstream setting but may need to adapt to the standardised environment. |
Inclusion The space or activity is adapted to enable everyone to participate together. |
References
- What is DEI? | Diversity Works New Zealand
- Study of young people growing up in NZ | Now We Are Twelve
