Dr Jessica Sneha Gray

As someone who often bridges different perspectives, I choose balance over division. But when our local council adopted a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy, it felt important to speak up.

DEI can be polarising – viewed by some as political correctness run amok and by others as ideology over practicality. But those views lie at the extremes.

What does DEI mean – especially when most experts talk about it? At its core, it’s about building a space where everyone – regardless of background, identity, or ability – can belong, learn from one another, and thrive. It’s not about lowering standards or silencing familiar voices; it’s about ensuring they remain heard while also creating room for voices that have historically been pushed to the margins.

That’s exactly what the Whakatāne District Council’s DEI Policy, aims to do. This isn’t symbolic – it’s about deep, practical change. The policy seeks to enhance social cohesion by fostering belonging, ensuring marginalised and minority communities are included in decision-making, and building relationships grounded in empathy and respect.

It’s not about replacing conventional voices. Rather, it’s about expanding the conversation to include those who’ve too often been left out. Whānau, kaumātua, taiohi, the neurodivergent, tāngata whaikaha, rural communities, and rainbow communities – these are just some of the groups whose voices were actively sought during the policy’s development.

The beauty of meaningful DEI is that it strengthens us all. When the most familiar voices feel secure in being heard, they’re more open to sharing space. And when voices from the edges are invited in, the whole community grows richer in ideas, connection, and wellbeing.

For Whakatāne, a district celebrated for its diversity – where tangata whenua and tangata tiriti, rural and urban, long-time residents and newcomers live side by side – this is a powerful commitment. Including those who’ve too often been excluded doesn’t weaken our voice; it enlarges it and makes our community more resilient.

At its best, DEI is a win-win: conventional voices carried forward with clarity, and marginalised voices finally heard. Together, we build trust and social cohesion. Sure – and this is the heart of it – we can all win.

So, here’s my question, to you, your whānau and friends: What does DEI mean here, in Whakatāne, for you?