Small and Medium Ethnic Enterprises (SMEEs) owned and operated by minority ethnic groups can expect quality counselling and organised representation of their views and challenges with the formation of a new entity in Auckland.
Called, ‘The Multicultural New Zealand Business Advisory Board (MNZB), the group will function under the umbrella of the Wellington-based New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Council and work for the betterment of SMEEs throughout the country.
Prominent businessman Wenceslaus Anthony was unanimously chosen to lead the Board as its Chairman.
While the need for such a Board has been pronounced since long, it received an impetus at a Business Forum held at the AUT University on March 8, 2014.
Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins, who was the keynote speaker at the Conference, said that ethnic businesses received a raw deal in this country.
“All ethnic communities are under-represented everywhere in New Zealand. These communities emphasise the importance of education for their children and demonstrate progressive leadership. It is therefore important to encourage them,” she had said, as reported in Indian Newslink (March 15 issue).
Lofty ideals
MNZB boasts of lofty ideals, aims and objectives, which if pursued with earnestness, will make a significant difference to different players in the economy.
Federation Executive Director Tayo Agunlejika said that MNZB would provide knowledge, information, contacts, training, support and services to help SMEEs engage and grow and to assist ethnic migrant and refugee communities with their business and entrepreneurial aspirations.
“The Advisory Board will play a special role during the initial period of development. Its members are appointed by the Executive of the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils (often referred as Multicultural New Zealand) to advise on SMEEs matters, encourage cultural diversity and provide opportunities for networking with local and central governments and the wider business community,” he said.
The tenure
MNZ has drafted a comprehensive terms of reference for the Advisory Board, stating that its members would have no responsibility in the affairs of the Federation.
Membership to the Board is for three years, renewable through a set procedure.
“The Board would comprise up to seven members with technical, financial, marketing, legal and management expertise and subscribe to geographic, gender and ethnic diversity,” Mr Agunlejika said.
