Media release

16 May 2011

Auckland Council Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel Holds its First Community Consultation Forum

The Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel (EPAP) appointed by Mayor Len Brown in March held its first community consultation forum at the Alexandra Park Convention Centre on Saturday 14 May to debate the Auckland Unleashed discussion document which suggests how the city can grow and develop over the next 30 years.

Councillor Richard Northey opened the event and said afterwards that the forums give a voice to ethnic communities on how their strengths can increase economic performance and improve the quality of life of all Aucklanders.

The Reverend Amail Habib, interim chair of the panel, said that he was delighted that the panel’s first event attracted 130 people from different communities.

“We recognise Auckland’s diversity is one of our assets, and therefore want to listen to the different perspectives of our communities,” he said. He encouraged ethnic communities to attend the second and final forum.

Reverend Habib thanked panel members Ann Pala, Asoka Basnayake, Bevan Chuang, Camille Nakhid, Grace Ryu, Jeet Suchdev, John Hong, Kafeba Pergoleze Alvis Mundele, Sadiqa Hajee, Susan Zhu and Tuwe Kudakwashe for organising and facilitating the forum with support from council staff.

The second forum will be held at Auckland Council’s Henderson Service Centre, 6 Henderson Valley Road, Waitakere on Saturday 21 May from 1 – 4.30 p.m. Participants can register at theaucklandplan@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Auckland Council has been promoting wide public consultation on Auckland Unleashed. Feedback closes on 31 May after which the council will develop the first draft of The Auckland Plan.

ENDS

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