Thakur Ranjit Singh
“Hum Tere Bin Ab Reh Nahi Sakte..Tere Bina Kya Jina Mera…”
Translated, the above mentioned Hindi film song says, “I cannot live without you; this life is nothing without you.”
As this song floated along the acoustic walls of Waitakere City Council’s former chambers at Waitakere Central in Henderson on 8 March 2018, one could have thought that a Hindi film programme was in progress.
Gratitude to a politician
But it was the 15th Anniversary Celebration of Waitakere Ethnic Board (WEB).
This occasion was very appropriately graced by a person who was the “ribbon-cutter” who inaugurated WEB two and a half decades ago.
Yes, it was none other than Chris Carter, Te Atatu Labour MP (1999 to 2011).
In his capacity as the then Ethnic Affairs Minister, he launched this first multicultural body by way of community partnership with the then visionary Waitakere City Council and its charismatic Mayor Sir Bob Harvey.
Unfortunately, this partnership has been a casualty of the Super City – but that is another story.
Partnership with communities
Looking back in history, in early 2000, the erstwhile City Council liaised with community organisations such as Waitakere Multiracial Society and Waitakere Indian Association, among others, and strived to form an organisation which looked after the category of people who felt neglected and unrepresented – the ethnic communities.
With broad-based discussion groups, a working group was formed to formulate a Constitution and establish the Waitakere Ethnic Board (WEB).
It was formally launched on September 20, 2003 by Mr Carter.
It was therefore befitting to have him as the Chief Guest for 15th Anniversary celebration.
And for this, he flew from Myanmar (former Burma) to be with us.
About Chris Carter
Following his retirement from politics, Mr Cater was appointed Manager of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Not only did he do a commendable job, he also survived a suicide bomber.
During his tenure, he won the hearts of the locals, who obviously are heavily influenced by Bollywood, hence that emotional departing song at the beginning of this article.
Kiwi Love and Respect
The people embroiled in every-day danger were fortunate to be showered with that Kiwi love, understanding, empathy and respect.
Hence, they were sad to see him leave.
The emotions flowing from the farewell video was contagious as there were many misty eyes, with some traces of tears.
If the first video was an emotional rollercoaster from people who were sad to see him go, the next one was a contrasting shock treatment jolting us into reality.
This was the mistreatment of Rohingya refugees in Myanmar.
Move to Afghanistan
Mr Carter has now moved from Afghanistan as United Nations Senior Advisor for the Rakhine State there. There has been conflict there between majority ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims.
He is again in the middle of tension, trying to bring hope to a hopeless situation.
He said, “Diversity is not a threat and need to be promoted for world peace.”
Speakers extol WEB
WEB Patron, Councillor Penny Hulse was the next speaker and extolled the services rendered by WEB to ethnic communities and said how fortunate she was to be associated with them.
Labour MP from Mt Roskill, Michael Wood, Under Secretary to the Minister of Ethnic Communities, spoke about the ‘Safer Community Initiative,’ and outlined the new projects that the government was undertaking to ensure safety.
He promoted inclusiveness and fixing problems before they happen.
“The best way to archive this is through empathy for all the people, especially vulnerable ethnic communities,” he said.
Hard Questions
Dr Camille Nakhid, Associate Professor in Social Science at AUT, and a former Executive of WEB, asked, “What is Auckland Council’s response to diversity, when WEB, one of the oldest and effective ethnic organisation is begging for funds?”
Her critique was also directed at lackadaisical attitude of ethnic communities to problems within their communities.
She questioned the reasons for divisions within their respective communities, where they tend to fail to stand for other ethnicities.
Fostering harmony
As we parted, I was reminded what our Chief Guest had said at the 10th year celebrations held in New Lynn in 2013 at which Race Relations Commissioner, Dame Susan Devoy had spoken about fostering harmonious relations among diverse communities, amplifying the voices of diversity and smell of an oily rag.
We hope that the success of WEB would be honored and emulated by other like-minded organisations.
About nine years ago, it was hoped that the Super City would embrace WEB and acknowledge its success and restore the Community Partnership Agreement of the past.
Thakur Ranjit Singh is a former Media and Communications Director of WEB. He runs his own blog called, ‘Fiji Pundit.’
Additional Reading: Link To 10th Anniversary Celebrations
http://kiwipundit.blogspot.co.nz/2014/03/marking-tenth-anniversary-of-waitakere.html
Link to Camille Nakhid’s Comments
http://kiwipundit.blogspot.co.nz/2013/07/ethnic-communities-mere-window-dressing.html
(Pictures Supplied)
