Notwithstanding the scurrilous remarks of a television host in recent times, the fact that the country recognises talent and seeks the advice of experts was demonstrated again last fortnight.
Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson announced the appointment of East Tamaki Health Care Director Ranjna Patel to the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women (NACEW) on October 8.
New Zealand born Ms Patel was among three other new appointees including Traci Houpapa, Galia BarHava-Monteith and Susan Peterson.
The Council Chair Pauline Winter and Member Dr Anne Meade were reappointed.
The Committee comprises 12 members, eight of who are appointed by the Labour Minister. Its other members are from the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (Two) and Business New Zealand (One).
Established in 1967 to champion in the cause of women in the workforce, the Council has travelled far in advising the Labour Minister on issues of relevance and partnering with Government and Non-Government agencies to promote the welfare of women in vocational and other pursuits.
The Wellington based organisation also offers its experience, expertise and opinions to public bodies such as Commissions of Inquiry.
Ms Patel is well known in Auckland as business professional and community worker and sits on a number of boards and committees. Among them are Manukau Indian Association (President), International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation (ISSO) (Trustee) and the South East Asian Advisory Board of the Counties Manukau District Police. Queen Elizabeth II awarded her a Queen’s Service Medal in her New Year’s Honours List in 2009.
