The Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel (EPAP) was established in March 2011 by the Auckland Council to represent the interests of ethnic communities in Auckland. The document provides an overview of EPAP's activities in its first seven months, including establishing subcommittees, hosting community forums, making submissions to council, and presentations made to EPAP. It also discusses some of the challenges EPAP faces, such as balancing representing community views with being seen as experts by the council. The document concludes by looking ahead to EPAP's future role.

1. The Voice
of ethnic communities
Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel
Issue 1: November 2011
Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel (EPAP)
Our journey so far
By Dr Camille Nakhid
EPAP’s beginning
F or the past seven months since its establishment in
March 2011, EPAP has actively sought to be the voice of
ethnic communities. One of the earliest tasks for EPAP was
to review and revise its Terms of Reference/ Relationship
Agreement with council to better reflect, not only council’s
expectations of EPAP, but EPAP’s relationship with council
and ethnic communities.
Plans, presentations and progress
EPAP has set up four sub-committees—Economic, Youth,
Communication and Engagement, and Social and Com-
munity Wellbeing based on priority areas of council and
the activities of the panel’s Work Programme reflects these
key areas.
In May, EPAP held two forums with ethnic communities in
Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel with Cr Richard Northey
central Auckland and Waitakere to obtain their input into
the Auckland Unleashed document. Over 200 participants Members have attended a number of important events
attended. The summary report of the feedback was given including the Diversity Conference in Hamilton, Te Kingi
to council to incorporate into their Draft Auckland Plan. Tuheitia Coronation Celebrations, the launch of the Settle-
EPAP hosted an additional forum following the publication ment.org website, India Independence Day, and the Hong
of the Draft Auckland Plan to gain the response of ethnic Kong and Diwali Festivals.
community leaders to the Draft. EPAP is currently looking into the need for council policy
EPAP members have made submissions to local board on migrants and refugees. EPAP also needs to consider
plans; dog control policy/ bylaw; waste management and how it can best respond to incidents involving racism and
minimisation plan; the alcohol plan; and the consultation discrimination.
for the elimination of racial discrimination draft document. Challenges
The panel is currently working on the adult entertainment EPAP believes that in order for it to provide effective advice
policy and the long term plan 2012-22. to council it needs to engage with ethnic communities. The
Presentations have been made to EPAP by council and council, however, considers the panel members as experts
the public at its monthly meetings on the Economic Deve- on the issues, needs and concerns affecting ethnic com-
lopment Strategy, Draft Auckland Plan, Community Fund- munities. The panel believes that a lack of proper consulta-
ing Policy, Local Board Plans, Rugby World Cup (ATEED), tion and engagement marginalises these communities and
an Ethnic Mediation Panel (New Zealand Jewish Council the panel should be expected and encouraged to engage
and the Auckland Jewish Council), and Community Deve- effectively with ethnic communities.
lopment in the Supercity (Dr John Raeburn). The expectation that council policy will be EPAP’s perspec-
In October, EPAP made a presentation to the Auckland tive has also posed some challenges. EPAP understands
Council’s Social and Community Development Forum to and does not expect that all their recommendations will be
highlight the need for culturally appropriate facilities and heeded by council. However, it is reasonable for EPAP to
care for the aged. Currently, the Economic sub-committee expect that a rationale will be given for the decisions made
is preparing a presentation to council on the idea of an in relation to the advice given by EPAP to council. A further
ethnic business network that would develop the economic challenge is the brief time frame given for responding to
prosperity and relationships among ethnic communities. submissions.
The chair and EPAP members from the African community Future
met with the South African High Commissioner to identify EPAP is aware that ethnic communities will remain a visible
ways in which Auckland’s African communities can build presence in Auckland and looks to itself, ethnic communi-
their economic potential. ties and council to ensure that it is able to be a relevant and
worthwhile presence.
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2. Welcome to The Voice Message from the mayor
H ello and welcome to The Voice – the first newsletter of
the Auckland Council’s Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel. G reat cities are built on strong local
identities and cohesive communi-
ties, two elements which are critical to
EPAP was established under the Local Government Act
my vision of Auckland as the world’s
2010. The role and purpose of the panel is to identify and
most liveable city.
communicate to council the interests and preferences of
the ethnic peoples of Auckland. The term of the panel is It is important that our communities, be
from March 2010 to November 2013. they geographical, ethnic, age or com-
mon interest groups have a voice in the
EPAP members are regularly requested by ethnic organi-
development of Auckland.
sations to attend various functions and this provides an
opportunity for all members to meet with and engage with That is why one of my first acts as Mayor of the new Auck-
people from various ethnic communities. land was to initiate the formation of the Ethnic Peoples Ad-
visory Panel. This is a new model for Auckland, and I thank
The Auckland Council’s website provides information on
everyone who put their name forward for consideration to
meetings and other key activities. The agenda and mi-
be part of the panel.
nutes of the monthly meetings as well as a Frequently
Asked Questions are available to the public on the website: Like all of you, I want to build a better, stronger Auckland.
www.aucklandcity.govt.nz. Our unique blend of people provides us with a vibrancy,
energy and diversity that is the wellspring of our cultural
The panel is aware of the wealth of skills, cultures, know-
richness and future prosperity.
ledge, and perspectives that ethnic communities have and
are able to contribute to Auckland’s peoplescape. It is the in- Our strength lies in our people and our variety, all contribut-
tention of the panel that these contributions are recognised ing the ideas and enthusiasm that spark innovation. We do
and play a part in the development and progress of Auck- not all think the same way about the same things – which
land so that Mayor Len Brown’s vision of becoming the most is one reason why this is such an exciting, innovative and
liveable city in the world is, in part, due to the dynamic pre- entrepreneurial place to be.
sence and involvement of the city’s ethnic communities.
The challenge of our new Auckland is to build on these
The panel intends that its work during the period of its term foundations, to reach out, connect, and genuinely value
will be relevant and rewarding to ethnic communities, the each other. It’s important that our diverse communities
Auckland Council and panel members, so that there is rea- have a mechanism to communicate and engage with Auck-
son to sustain its existence beyond November 2013. land Council, and have a say in the future of Auckland.
As Chair, I am grateful to the members for their commit- The panel under the leadership of Dr Camille Nakhid is that
ment, enthusiasm, support and contributions towards mechanism for our ethnic communities and I am hugely
ensuring the value and effectiveness of EPAP. encouraged in its progress to date. I know the panel will
provide thoughtful and valuable strategic advice to me and
EPAP also appreciates the support of Mayor Len Brown and
the council, to help ensure our region embraces our differ-
Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse and the ongoing assistance of
ences positively.
councillors Richard Northey and council staff Rina Tagore,
Rebecca McGarry, Abba Fidow and Raewyn Stone. This newsletter is one of a number of tools that will assist
the panel and the council in the vital task of ensuring that
We look forward to hearing from you and your communi-
the many diverse ethnic communities that make up Auck-
ty so that we can work together with council to grow the
land have a means of communicating with the council and
strongest ethnic communities for the wellbeing of Auckland
its representatives.
and New Zealand. ― Dr Camille Nakhid
Len Brown
Mayor of Auckland
Quiz
H ere is an opportunity for our readers to win a prize while
exercising their brain cells.
Please answer the following quiz and email your
answers to: ethnicpanel@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz with
Newsletter Quiz on the subject line. Entries close on Friday
December 9.
Who said this?
“Of all the evils for which man has made himself responsi-
ble, none is so degrading, so shocking, or so brutal as his
abuse of the better half of humanity; to me, the female sex
is not the weaker sex.” Mayor Len Brown with Korean leaders and some EPAP members
A. John Adams, second president of the United States
The first correct answer to be drawn will win two movie
B. Margaret Thatcher, former prime minister of UK passes. The prize winning entry will be drawn on the
C.Mahatma Gandhi, Indian independence movement leader 10 December at the EPAP monthly meeting and will be
D. Gloria Steinem, journalist and women’s rights activist announced in the newsletter.
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3. Introducing the Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel
By Asoka Basnayake
T he Mayor of Auckland, His Worship Len Brown,
appointed the Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel (EPAP)
in March 2011.
Jeet Suchdev QSM, JP: Jeet is
from India and is well known for his
work with the Indian community. He
is the founder, chair and trustee of
Twelve members were selected based on their individual
Bharathiya Samaj Charitable Trust
skills, experience and relationships with their communities.
which provides services to people
Dr Camille Nakhid (Chair): Dr of Indian origin. He was awarded
Nakhid is from Trinidad and Toba- the Queens Services Medal for his
go and is a senior lecturer at AUT work.
University. She is also the chair of
the Migrant Action Trust and an
John Hong: John is an English
executive member of the Wait-
teacher, businessman, interpreter
akere Ethnic Board and the West
and translator from China. His
Indian/Caribbean Society.
expertise is in communication,
community liaison and international
Rev Amail Habib (Deputy Chair): relations.
Rev Habib is from Pakistan with
many years experience as a school
principal in Dubai. He has man- Kafeba Pergoleze Alvis Mundele:
aged his own business, worked Kafeba was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A
in real estate and is a reverend in banker and a community develop-
West Auckland Anglican Parish. ment professional, he has qualifica-
He is the Chair of the Waitakere tions in Social Practice, Theology,
Ethnic Board (WEB). Linguistics and African Cultures.
He is the pastor of Green Pastures
Ann Pala QSM: Ann is a Fiji-born Christian Centre. He is the presi-
community development consul- dent of the Congolese community
tant, an advocate for ethnic commu- and chair of the National Refugee
nities and a business woman. She Network.
was awarded a Queens Services
Medal for her work with women and
children in ethnic communities in Sadiqa Hajee: Sadiqa who works
2007. for the Auckland District Health
Board is from Bahrain. She has
affiliations with the Al Mustafa
Asoka Basnayake (Media Charity Centre and Iranian Muslim
Spokesperson): Asoka is from Association of NZ. She works with
Sri Lanka and has a background Middle Eastern communities.
in research, journalism, commu-
nication and migrant settlement. Susan Zhu: Susan is a former teacher from China. She
She is an experienced commu- recently completed a law degree
nity broadcaster and writes on and has served the community on
migrant issues. She serves on the Asian Police Reference Group,
the Asian Advisory Board of NZ Waita- kere Ethnic Board (WEB),
Police Auckland. and the Chinese Oral History Foun-
Bevan Chuang: Bevan was born dation Trust. As a social worker
in Hong Kong. Her background in she works with many communities
the arts and culture has helped her other than her own.
to serve on the Chinese Commu-
nity Centre and Asian New Zealand Tuwe Kudakwashe: A former hu-
Young Leaders Network. man resources manager, Tuwe
Grace Sook was born in Zimbabwe. Tuwe cur-
Ryu: Born rently works in health promotion
in Korea, Grace works at the Wait- among African communities and
emata District Health Board and is a member of African Community
leads the Asian Health Team. She Inc., Zimbabwe Association, and
also holds positions of governance a board member of the Auckland
with Ethnic Advisory Board of Waite Refugee Council. Tuwe is a pas-
mata Police and Waitakere Ethnic sionate activist for social justice
Board (WEB). and human rights.
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4. Join the ‘It’s Not Okay’ campaign The NZ refugee strategy –
By Ann Pala a case for review
A lthough we have many educational and awareness By Kafeba Pergoleze Alvis Mundele
N
programmes, statistics on domestic violence still re- ew Zealand resettles around 1200 refugees yearly.
main high. Family violence adds to the break up of families, How do refugees arrive in New Zealand?
children being the most vulnerable, and has detrimental ef-
• Annual Refugee Quota of 750 refugees referred
fects on the lives of women. Violence and sexual abuse
by the UNHCR but operated by Immigration New
rates against women in New Zealand are among the high-
Zealand.
est in the OECD.
• Family Reunification: Refugee families already in
Broken Promises, Broken Brides, a recent documentary NZ sponsor up to 300 of their family members.
screened on TVone featured the plight of abused women. It
• Asylum: A small group of about 150 former asylum
was the tip of the iceberg, powerful enough to throw some
seekers who meet the requirements for protection
light on the issues.
under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relat-
The documentary features Asian women’s groups keen not ing to the Status of Refugees.
only to draw attention to these issues, but to be involved The most common settlement issues refugees face in-
in actual cases. The story about the woman I helped took clude: housing, employment, health (especially mental
11 years of support and the scars still remain. Not all cases health), youth issues and gaps in the education provision.
have good outcomes. Domestic violence results in missed
opportunities, loss of economic equality and lack of per- For many years now, leaders of refugee communities
sonal development. Often due to family and self shame, have been very vocal in pointing out that there is a need to
violence is not reported and threats of death in foreign review the policies on how to deal with resettlement
countries of families often add to non-reporting. issues of refugees. About two years ago, the Department of
Labour (DOL) initiated The New Zealand Refugee Reset-
Violence against women includes but is not limited to: phy- tlement Strategy—a new move towards addressing past
sical, sexual and psychological violence occurring in the inadequacies in resettlement. The following summarises
family, including battering, sexual abuse of female children the goals for refugees arriving in New Zealand:
in the household, dowry-related violence, marital rape, fe-
male genital mutilation and other traditional practices harm- Refugees are participating and fully integrated
ful to women, non-spousal violence and violence related to socially and economically as soon as possible
so that they are living independently, undertaking
exploitation. The term ‘violence against women’means any
the same responsibilities and exercising the same
act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to rights as other New Zealanders and have a strong
result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffer- sense of belonging to their own community and to
ing to women. This includes threats of coercion or arbitrary New Zealand.
deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in pri-
According to DOL the five outcomes for integration are:
vate life. Violence is not limited to intimidation at work, it
is in educational institutions and elsewhere, trafficking and • Self sufficiency: All refugees who can work are em-
forced prostitution. ployed
• Participation: Refugees have a strong sense of
Violence against women is a manifestation of unequal
identity and belonging to NZ and are well connec-
power relations between men and women, and is often
ted to their families, their ethnic communities and
found in cultures that are traditionally patriarchal.
the NZ communities in which they live
Settling in a new country brings its own challenges. Mi- • Health and wellbeing: Refugees enjoy healthy in-
nority groups from all over the world, including refugee or dependent lives
migrant women, destitute women, women in institutions
• Education: Refugees’ English language skills en-
or in detention, female child- ren, women with disabilities,
able them to participate in education and achieve
elderly women and women in situations of armed conflict,
qualifications, and support them to participate in
are especially vulnerable to violence and New Zealand is
daily life.
no exception.
• Housing: Refugees live independently of govern-
The annual White Ribbon Day March will be held on ment housing assistance in homes that are safe,
November 25, meeting at Waitakere Hospital at 12:30. The secure, healthy and affordable.
march starts at 1pm and ends at Falls Park. Please par-
The stakeholders who were consulted in the development
ticipate to support the elimination of all forms of violence
of the strategy include various non government organisa-
against women.
tions (NGO), some territorial local authorities and central
government agencies.
Refugees from all over New Zealand are enthusiastically
Support services for migrant and refugee women:
waiting for the implementation of the strategy (when the
• Shakti: www.shakti.org.nz immigration minister signs it) whether the strategy brings
• Shine: www.2shine.org.nz the long awaited relief to the refugees remains to be seen.
• Fatima Foundation: ph (09) 276 7680
Disclaimer: While the views and opinons expressed in the newslet-
Contact: Police at 111 or any of the above groups. ter are those of the council appointed Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel,
Seek help! they are not necessarily the views and opinions of Auckland Council.
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