Former Member of Parliament Dr Ashraf Choudhary has announced his candidature for the Papatoetoe Local Board in the ensuing election in October.
The area is a part of old and new Auckland, with a unique heritage, sporting cultural and ethnic plurality.
Dr Choudhary said that after more than 37 years in national politics, nine of which were as a Member of Parliament, it was time to concentrate on local issues that affect our daily lives and vicissitudes.
“I advocate community participation in decision-making at local and national government levels. I believe in fairness, equity and justice for all New Zealanders, irrespective of their ethnicity,” he said.
In our September 2002 issue, we had quoted him as saying, “New Zealand is my country and I shall work for every man, woman and child, irrespective of their ethnicity, social or economic status and cultural background. I shall strive to discharge my responsibilities and meet up to expectations of people.”
It was his initiative that led to the annual celebration of Eid and Diwali in Parliament.
He is leading a team comprising veteran Labour politician and long-serving Manuaku East MP Ross Robertson, Manukau Institute of Technology Pasifika Development Manager Sina Aiolupotea Aiono and Papatoetoe based lawyer Alastaire Hall.
Further details about his team and the issues being raised in the service of the Papatoetoe residents will appear in our next issue.
