20th June 2005

Mr Pancha Narayanan was elected for a third term at the New Zealand Federation of Ethnic Councils Annual General Meeting held in Christchurch on 18th and 29th June. Other elected executive officers are Mr Prem Singh vice president, Mr Sam Mudaliar secretary and Mr Gul Zaman Treasurer

Mr Narayanan thanked the 50 members present for having faith in his ability to lead the Federation for another 12 months.

The AGM was packed with information and discussion relating to issues faced by ethnic communities.

Mr Narayanan spoke of the need of members to participate fully in the forth coming election. “It is something that we have the power to influence” said Mr Narayanan. “We do not want to be attacked by politicians, but rather we want to hear what they have to say about immigration and ethnic affairs. We want to be involved in the discussion and debate that New Zealand must have”. Mr Narayanan released the Federation’s position paper on the election and the key points the Federation would like to see incorporated into policy by the incoming Government.

Launching the Federation’s strategic plan was one of the highlights of the weekend. The Federation has been working hard in developing a pathway for the Federation over the next five years. “It is important to know where we are going and how we are going to get there. It is good to see the fruit of our hard work” He said

Another highlight was the workshop run by the Families Commission. The focus of the workshop was to gather information from ethnic communities as to what makes a family, what things assist in building strong families, what they miss from their country of origin, and what are the solutions. Members were delighted to be given the opportunity to voice their opinions on this important matter.

Superintendent Steve Christian, Youth services Manager, New Zealand Police and Mr Kefeng Chu strategic ethnic advisor, spoke to members on the Ethnic Strategy developed by the NZ Police and how the Regional Councils could assist in its implementation.

“The AGM was a huge success” says Mr Narayanan, with all members working together for the good of the community they represent”

ends

© Scoop Media