On 11 April 2026, the Rwandan community in New Zealand, representatives of the Government of New Zealand, members of the diplomatic corps, and friends of Rwanda gathered in Auckland to mark the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Proceedings began with a candle‑lighting ceremony, followed by a minute of silence, symbolising remembrance, respect, and a shared commitment to ensuring that the memory of the victims is immortalised.

Speaking at the commemoration, Dr Stephen Rainbow, Chief Human Rights Commissioner of New Zealand, recalled New Zealand’s leadership in recognising the killings of the Tutsi in April 1994 as genocide at the United Nations. He stressed that remembrance is a vital tool for genocide prevention and called for collective action to ensure that the pledge of “Never Again” becomes a reality.

This message was echoed by Ms Clare de Lore, Lady McKinnon, Honorary Consul‑General of Rwanda in New Zealand, who warned that similar atrocities continue to occur globally despite repeated commitments to “Never Again”.

Ms Rehema Uwamahoro, Chairperson of the Rwandan Community in New Zealand, emphasised the importance of remembrance, strengthening unity, and standing firmly against genocide ideology and denial.

In his remarks, High Commissioner Innocent B. Muhizi warned against the continued spread of genocide ideology and hate speech. He encouraged Rwandan youth to learn from history to build a future defined by unity and prosperity.

The event also featured a poem of remembrance presented by a young member of the Rwandan community in New Zealand, as well as a video presentation highlighting Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery journey.