New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils Inc.

PRESS RELEASE Thursday, June 23, 2011

Urgency needed on ethnic issues relating to the Christchurch earthquakes.

The New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Council held its 22nd Annual General Meeting last weekend in Lower Hutt. More than 80 delegates from 18 member Regional Multicultural Councils, and 3 constitutional Councils (Women, Youth and Seniors) met to discuss issues and update the meeting on progress on initiatives.

The Federation elected Mr. Tayo Agunlejika of Upper Hutt as its National President, Rob Torr (Wanganui) as Vice President, Ria Munsi (Northshore) as Secretary and Vijeshwar Prasad (Wanganui) as its Treasurer. President elect Tayo Agunlejika acknowledged and thanked outgoing president Prem Singh and Secretary Seung Youn for their contribution to federation.

Amongst the number of key issues raised, the question of the earthquakes and aftershocks in Christchurch was tabled and discussed. The korero on this matter lead to the following resolutions: that the Government, Ministry of Social Development, Department of Labour and Minister for Immigration jointly:

• Review the rules of engagement for migrants on work permits who have lost their jobs as result of this earthquake to allow them to find work in related professional fields. • Provide Study Link support to cover job search for International Students who need help and who already have a 20 hour work permit as part of their students Visa • Make more proactive and positive publicity internationally to promote tourism, education and business prospects in Canterbury The meeting acknowledged the tremendous work of all agencies including NZFMC’s MOU partners: New Zealand Police, Ministry of Social Development, Office of Ethnic Affairs, CACR, Department of Labour; Human Rights Commission, and the Community Sector Taskforce were doing to get Chrischurch back on to its feet.

The newly elected Executives have been given the mandate to continue working with all government agencies and to provide information and support when required.

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