Source: Whangarei District Council
Updated: 11/06/2020 9:27 a.m.
A new partnership between Multicultural Whangarei, Whangarei Police, Whangarei District Council, Immigration New Zealand, and Office of Ethnic Communities will see the establishment of Multi Ethnic Collective. This is a formal channel that enables different ethnic groups in Whangārei to provide advice, to promote an inclusive, safe and vibrant city.
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In 2018, 23% of Whangārei’s population identified themselves as not being of European ethnicity, and our multicultural society is set to increase as Whangārei becomes a more desirable place to live for all.
“Whangārei is vibrantly diverse and since opening our doors in 2009 we have seen more and more ethnicities in Whangārei. This advisory group will further give a voice to Whangārei’s ethnic communities, and we are thrilled to be a part of it”, says Jessie Manney, Multicultural Whangarei Manager.
The key role of the Multi Ethnic Collective is to provide advice to Whangarei Police, Whangarei District Council and Multicultural Whangarei, in order to promote an inclusive, safe and vibrant city. The advisory group will be able to draw from their ethnic experiences to inform how Whangārei can be welcoming and best support the needs for all communities.
Part of the work this group may also help with is informing on matters of interest, views or issues of ethnic people. Providing a voice for raising awareness of the aspirations and goals of ethnic communities. They may also be a consultation channel for our upcoming work and help the partners engage with ethnic communities.
The Multi Ethnic Collective will have utmost respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi, particularly in understanding the difference between mana whenua and Tangata Whenua; and the role that mana whenua has in welcoming those to Whangārei.
“Whangarei Police are excited about the prospect of liaising more closely with some of our more diverse communities on a regular basis. The creation of this Multi Ethnic Collective will open many doors and we look forward to the opportunities and obvious benefits this will present,” says Senior Sergeant Robert Huys.
The Multi Ethnic Collective is currently open for nominations and seeking 15 ethnic people to join as new members.
The Multi Ethnic Collective will meet bi-monthly for 2 hours on the first Wednesday of the month. Start date to be confirmed.
People interested in being part of this are encouraged to get in touch to complete a nomination form by 1 July 2020.
Successful nominees will be appointed for one year initially with the right of renewal. Members may also bring a support person along with them to meetings.
