Staff Reporter
Popular barrister and solicitor and Indian Newslink columnist Gurbrinder Aulakh has been appointed Chairman of the English Language Partners New Zealand (ELPNZ).
He succeeds Alasdair Finnie who retired at the end of last month.
Catherine Neil will continue in her role as Deputy Chair.
Mr Aulakh paid tributes to Mr Finnie, saying that his wisdom and experience will be greatly missed.
He also welcomed new members to the Board.
Wealth of knowledge
“They bring a wealth of knowledge, skills and diversity to ELPNZ. I am sure that the team will continue to serve the wider New Zealand community with the same vigour and enthusiasm,” he said.
ELPNZ works with the English language needs and smooth integration of refugees and migrants through its 23 centres across the country.
It has 300 staff members and about 2000 volunteers imparting services to 6000 learners from 150 different ethnicities.
Former Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand was the Chief Guest at an earlier event held at Te Papa in Wellington.
As well as speaking on the occasion, he presented Certificates to learners and Awards to volunteers acknowledging their services.
Sir Anand Satyanand (second from left) with winners of Awards and Certificates at the event.
