The establishment of the ‘Multicultural New Zealand Business Advisory Board (MNZB) within the Wellington-based New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Council (NZFMC) was an important step in the consolidation and promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) owned and operated by minority ethnic communities.
As Indian Newslink reported in its June 15, 2014 issue, the move underscored the need to understand the challenges and issues facing Small and Medium Ethnic Enterprises (SMEEs), provide them with a platform to network, seek common solutions to common problems and ensure their integration with the mainstream business sector.
Finding synergies
I feel privileged to work with the business communities as Chairman of the Board, and I consider this as a significant opportunity to synergise ideologies, plans, programmes and projects for the common good of all New Zealanders.
It was at the Business Forum organised by the Federation at the AUT University on March 8, 2014 that the formation of MNZB was finalised. In fact, I believe that the Forum was a catalyst to the decision.
Inaugurating the Forum, Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins said that apart from under-reporting in the mainstream media, SMEEs do not receive proper recognition.
“All ethnic communities are under-represented everywhere in New Zealand. These communities emphasise the importance of education for their children and demonstrate progressive leadership. It is therefore important to encourage them,” she said (Indian Newslink, March 15, 2014).
As a businessman, I deal with a number of countries in South Asia and the Middle East and as the Chairman of the India New Zealand Business Council (2009 to 2013), I gained a better insight into the challenges faced by our business people. I am sure that my role in MNZB would accord opportunities to work with wider ethnic communities to understand their concerns and for joint action.
Initial issues
The Board itself has the challenging task of defining itself, setting targets and moving towards them and most important of all, connecting with SMEEs.
But I believe that we have determined our aims and objectives, among which is the need to encourage cultural diversity among New Zealand businesses, support the engagement of SMEEs in Local and Central Governments and foster the Board to be a strong and official advocate for ethnic enterprises.
I am sure that we would have avenues to work with Ministries, Government departments and agencies, Members of Parliament, Mayors, Councillors, Chambers of Commerce and others to find new paths of progress of SMEEs.
Our primary challenge is to put in place strategic plans, processes and systems as the strong foundation for engagement and growth.
I am privileged to work with a team of dedicated, talented and committed board of directors. Among them are NZFMC Executive Director Tayo Agunlejika, Gaz Maroof, Kane Smith, Maria Pooley, Peter Cordtz and Taz Mukorombindo.
Wenceslaus Anthony is an Auckland based businessman and Chairman of the recently formed Multicultural New Zealand Business Advisory Board, with its Head Office in Wellington.
