Council's commitment to diversity acknowledged

Posted On: Tuesday, 23 August 2011

Hamilton City Council’s ongoing enhancement of the cultural and social well-being of its community has been recognised with the New Zealand Diversity Award.

The annual award was presented last night at the 2011 New Zealand Diversity Forum function, held at Claudelands, and was presented by the Race Relations Commissioner, Joris de Bres. The award recognised Council’s support of a number of initiatives and groups, including the Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust, Council of Elders, Waikato Multicultural Council, Recognyz Youth Awards, appointment of an Ethnic Development Advisor, and publication of the Hamilton Directory for New Settlers.

Mr de Bres said: “The award recognises the Council's longstanding commitment to the city's diverse communities, and the work of Ethnic Communities Advisor Philip Yeung. The Diversity Forum held in Hamilton over the past two days is testament to the many positive initiatives undertaken by community organisations here with the active support of the Council.”

The award was accepted by Hamilton Deputy Mayor Gordon Chesterman.

Mr Chesterman said: “Hamilton is home to people of all ages from all over the world, and it is great to see our efforts to make them feel welcome have been recognised as worthy of this award.”

ENDS

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