Ashraf Choudhary

Associate Ethnic Affairs spokesperson

30 August 2010 Media Statement
Ethnic Aucklanders under-represented in council controlled organisations

The list of directors and chairs for Auckland Super City’s council-controlled organisations agreed by Cabinet last week under-represents the Asian and Ethnic voice, Labour’s associate spokesperson for Ethnic Affairs Dr Ashraf Choudhary says.

“It is a big disappointment the Government has not acknowledged more fully Asian and Ethnic representation in its Super City reform.

"There are many successful Asian business people to choose from. This is exactly the kind of initiative the Government should be using to improve representation for ethnic people.

“According to the Government every single member and chair is an Aucklander, yet the make-up of CCO boards announced does not acknowledge the over 20 percent of Aucklanders of ethnic descent.

“This insensitivity is not acceptable to the wider ethnic community of Auckland, who have contributed hugely to the cities economic development.

These nominations were invited from Mayors of all Auckland territorial authorities, the chair of the Auckland Regional Council, Ministers, as well as the Ministers of Women’s Affairs, Consumer Affairs, and Pacific Island Affairs, Te Puni Kökiri, the Offices of Ethnic Affairs and Disabilities and the Treasury,” Dr Choudhary said.

“I question how robust this nomination process was, because the CCO board certainly does not reflect the diversity of Auckland city.”

ENDS

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