Pansy Wong National Ethnic Affairs Spokesperson

24 April 2003

Auckland Chinese community supports Iraqi medical needs

Net proceeds from the upcoming pre Miss Asia beauty contest gala fundraising dinner being held on May 3 in Auckland will be donated towards medical supplies in Iraq. National MP Pansy Wong has met with the Patron of the Miss Asia contest, Leigh Ling, and organisers of New Zealand's medical team going to Iraq, Dr Ali Noma and Mr Hassan Karhiy, to discuss the donation details. Dr Ali and Mr Hassan leave tomorrow for Iraq to assess first-hand the medical needs in Iraq, paving the way for a group of 10 volunteer doctors and nurses of European and Iraqi ethnicity to join them in setting up a medical base in Iraq.

The pair, who moved to New Zealand from Iraq after the gulf war, had briefed Ms Ling and Mrs Wong about their experience of the medical shortages after that war, and of the current acute demand for doctors, Mrs Wong said. "The team is grateful for the donation from the beauty contest organisers and we also appeal for doctors and nurses from the Chinese community to participate," she said.

"I am delighted and moved by the Chinese community of Auckland in reaching out to assist fellow residents and international communities in need," Mrs Wong said.

The Miss Asia beauty contest is on May 11 at the Aotea Centre in Auckland, a week after the fundraising dinner.

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