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number of well-known faces can be seen in the newly formed Ethnic People’s Advisory Panel of the Auckland City Council.
The Panel will have a two-year term, following which it will be dissolved, unless the Local and Federal Governments announce measures for its permanency.
Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust Inc Chairman Jeet Suchdev is the sole representative of the Indian community on the Panel. Ann Pala, the other person of Indian origin, has been selected to represent the ‘Fiji Indian’ community.
Amail Habib and Asoka Basnayake, who are often featured in Indian Newslink, will represent respectively the Pakistani and Sri Lankan communities on the Panel. Among the other members are Bevan Chuang (Chinese), Camille Nakhid (Trinidad & Tobago), Grace Ryu (Korean), John Hong (Chinese), Kafeba Pergoleze Alvis Mundele (Congolese), Kudakwashe Tuwe (Zimbabwean), Sadiqa Hajee (Bahraini) and Susan Zhu (Chinese).
Mr Brown said Auckland accounted for more than 180 different ethnicities, giving it a cultural richness and vibrancy second to none.
“Our strength lies in our variety, in our many different communities; but while diversity brings strength, it also holds within it the possibility of division. The challenge of our new Auckland is to reach out, connect, and genuinely value each other. It is important that our diverse communities have a mechanism to communicate and engage with Auckland Council, and have a say in the future of Auckland,” he said.
Councillor Richard Northey, who was on the Selection Committee said there were 94 high quality candidates.
“All the applicants brought with them a wealth of community links, vitality and experience that was very impressive,” says Cr Northey.
“With the calibre and competency of the selected 12 candidates and their collective experience in community networking and advocacy, we are confident that the panel will be an authentic and articulate voice for all the ethnic communities of Auckland,” he said.
Mr Suchdev said it was a great honour.
“I look forward to the pleasure and privilege of serving the Great people of Greater Auckland,” he said.
