The ‘New Auckland’ would never work unless it is an inclusive city. That’s why it was so important to ensure all Aucklanders felt part of the new structure, no matter where they lived or where they came from.
As a result, we have put in place structures to ensure the views of all Aucklanders are heard.
Local boards give balance to the governing body.
The Independent Maori Statutory Board was established to recognise the role of Maori in Auckland.
The Pacific and Ethnic People’s Advisory Panels were set up to ensure that people from across the Pacific and around the world who call Auckland home also have a strong voice and are listened to by Auckland Council.
Those panels have now been running for almost two years and operate very well in my view.
Ethnic Panel
One of the things I love most about Auckland is our diversity. It gives us a vibrancy and dynamism that sets us apart both in New Zealand and internationally.
Our diversity is reflected in the range of people serving on the Ethnic Panel.
They include Ann Pala from Fiji, Asoka Basnayake from Sri Lanka, Bevan Chuang from Hong Kong, Grace Sook Ryu from South Korea, John Hong from China, Jeet Suchdev from India, Kafeba Pergoleze Alvis Mundele from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sadiqa Hajee from Bahrain, Susan Zhu from China and Kudakwashe Tuwe from Zimbabwe.
The panel is ably led by Chair, Dr Camille Nakhid from Trinidad and Tobago (chair) and Reverend Amail Habib born in Pakistan (Deputy Chair).
It was my pleasure to march with Dr Nakhid in an event organised by the Pasifika community earlier this year aimed at raising their political profile in Auckland.
It was great to see Aucklanders from so many different backgrounds taking part in that march.
Changing structure
I am sure that the structure and operation of our advisory boards will change over time as the new Auckland matures.
Every organisation needs to evolve.
But I enjoy discussions with the panel members and I really value their contribution to the wider council and to the new Auckland.
The following story highlights why we need the panel and why we still need to emphasise the importance of inclusiveness in Auckland to all our people.
The New Zealand Herald ran a report that the organisers of the Highland Games, a group of people from our Scottish community, were upset about the amount of money Auckland Council puts into events organised by other ethnic communities such as Diwali, the Lantern Festival, Pasifika and Matariki.
I am a New Zealander of Scottish descent, and I am very proud of that heritage.
But I am also very proud to have grown up in the extremely multicultural communities in Otara and Papatoetoe.
And what I can tell you is that any funding from Auckland Council for any event is based on what it returns to the community and to the local economy.
What I need not tell you is that event-funding is never based on which community the request comes from.
On that note, I hope you all had a wonderful Diwali.
It is a part of the Auckland calendar I always look forward to.
Len Brown is Mayor of Mayor of Auckland. The above article is exclusive to Indian Newslink.
