Unity Day and Unity Day Awards
Whakawhanaungatanga
For decades the strength that comes from unity has been the Trust’s driving force. Its events celebrate and highlight unity in the community, while spreading the word on the Trust’s vision and purpose.
2025
Robson Lecturer: DrJessica Berentson-Shaw
"Improving lives by changing the way we talk about complex issues"
2024
Robson Lecturer: Distinguished Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley
Rebuilding Community, Restoring Trust: Why Local Matters
2023
Robson Lecturer: Dr Ned Fletcher, author of the English Text of The Treaty of Waitangi
Te Tiriti in 2023
Previous John Robson Lecture presenters include:
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Distinguished Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley
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Dr Ned Fletcher
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Dr Carwyn Jones
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Prof Tracey McIntosh
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Dame Sian Elias
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Hon Doug Graham
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Dr John Harré
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High Court Judge Hon Joseph Williams
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Pam Thorburn, former CEO NZ Corrections
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Dr Roger Blakely
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Henare O’Keefe
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Dame Tariana Turia
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Professor John Pratt
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Prof John Stenning, London
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Merepeka Raukawa-Tait
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Sir Paul Reeves
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Sir Michael Cullen
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Russell Fairbrother QC
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Judge Fred McElrea
Unity Day over the Years
Unity Week was initiated in the ‘70s as a way for the community to come together to celebrate and connect across its growing diversity. Then came Unity Walks; hikoi ranging from half-day excursions to the week-long Unity Walk from Taupō to Napier in 1990, with more than 100 people walking the talk.
More recently three annual summer hikoi along Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe – Ninety Mile Beach gave Rangitahi the time of their lives. Wherever the hikoi were held and whatever the duration, they carried the same message of unity with banners held high.
The annual Unity Day forum was a logical and vital development for the Trust. With Pat Magill (arguably Aotearoa’s most effective networker) leading the programme, it consistently attracted leading public figures working in justice, social justice and community development, including cabinet ministers, Governors General, Chief Justices, ambassadors and mayors, to take part.
Unity Day brings the latest thinking, findings and practices to Ahuriri Napier to inspire those on the front line in their social justice mahi.
From this kaupapa, Unity Day has flourished into an important and nationally recognised hui, where everyone from the motu’s leading thinkers to members of grassroots organisations usher in change and progress justice, equity and unity. Unity Day is an opportunity for everyone to come together and learn, be inspired, network and collaborate to make Ahuriri Napier the best place it can be.