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Ethnic Affairs lends a helping hand

Mervin Singham, Director of the Office based in Wellington said that while OEA has no mandate to draft policies on areas such as education and immigration, it can provide an insight and overall view on a number of issues.

“We are able to give our input for policy decisions that affect ethnic population, similar to the Maori affairs or Pacific affairs Departments. A number of associations are active and we receive views and opinions from them, based on which we make submissions,” he said, speaking to Indian Newslink.

He was in Auckland on April 20 to attend a conference of OEA, called, ‘EthnicA.’

He said such conferences are organised throughout the country to reach out various ethnic communities and understand the challenges faced by them.

Migrant problems

He agreed that many people, arriving as refugees, migrants or dependents, face an uphill task of settling down in a new country.

“They struggle with a new culture and often encounter communication problems, since English is not their first language. OEA provides services of interpreters who assist them in their dealings,” he said.

According to Mr Singham, as the coordinating agency, his Office participates and promotes cultural events across ethnicities.

These events provide opportunities for people of an ethnic group to revive their values and for others to understand them in a festive environment.

Racial discrimination

He said that he was aware of the common complaint that many immigrants face discrimination as employees or those seeking employment.

“Many businesses are worried about being culturally responsive to migrant workers and as a result, often avoid employing them. We arrange seminars and workshops to impart cultural competencies. There are other informal events where different ethnicities are brought together and the barriers of communication are reduced.”

He agreed that there were still many obstacles to open acceptance of ethnic minorities in the workplace, but was confident that with the efforts of OEA and cooperation from community organisation, the situation would improve.

Manish Tanna is an Indian Newslink Correspondent and President of the Manukau Indian Association. He is seen here (right) with Mervin Singham at a conference held in Auckland on April 20, 2013.

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