New interactive ethnic policy mulled

The Government is considering revamping its approach to ethnic communities with a more effective and interactive policy, Ethnic Affairs Minister Pansy Wong said.

She said it was important to engage more closely with various ethnic groups of Asian origin in particular, in view of their growing numbers and influence in the country.

“We have listened to the concerns of the Indian and other communities relating to the rising incidence of crime in South Auckland and committed to increasing the complement of the force in Counties Manukau Police.

“We are also committed to combating crime to make our communities safer,” she said, speaking at the first anniversary of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) on November 22 at Alexandra Park in Auckland.

She paid tributes to the organisation and to the Indian community.

“I am happy to note that within one year of its establishment, GOPIO has been able to establish several branches throughout New Zealand.

“I note with interest that globally the organisation is represented in 19 countries with 23 chapters, representing more than 25 million PIO,” she said.

Ms Wong said she looked forward to working with GOPIO New Zealand in improving delivery of services to the ethnic communities.

“The Indian community has come a long way since the arrival of the early settlers more than 125 years ago. They have strived hard and are today active contributors to economic growth and social development of New Zealand.

“We have more than 100,000 people in the community, who have brought with them their rich culture and heritage. They have enriched our social and cultural fabric and can look forward to maintaining their connection with India through GOPIO,” she said.

Opposition Leader Phil Goff said as a Member of Parliament, he was proud to represent the Mt Roskill electorate, “which has the largest segment of Indian population in the country.”

“I am happy to see young Indians doing well in their schools and universities. I was also proud to witness a number of companies owned, managed or franchised by businesses who were finalists and winners at the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards 2009 Awards Presentation Night on November 16 in Auckland (see our Awards Special in this issue).

“We are proud of the achievements of the Indian community and proud to have Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand as our first Governor General of Indian origin,” he said.

Harish Bajaj, Founder-President of GOPIO New Zealand and currently Vice-President Oceania (covering Australia, New Zealand and Fiji) and GOPIO New Zealand President Ashok Bhatia outlined the social and community projects undertaken by his organisation during the first year, including providing homes for the victims of the devastating floods in January.

Certificates of Appreciation were presented to a number of organisations (including Indian Newslink) for their support to the young organisation.

Earlier, Ratna Nagalakshmi Venkat, Ritika Rao and students of the Neelima School of Dances presented Indian classical dances and Bollywood items.

About 200 people including Manukau District Court Judge Dr Ajit Singh, Members of Parliament Chris Carter, Dr Rajen Prasad (Labour), Dr Jackie Blue, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi and Melissa Lee (National), Waitakere City Council Chief Executive Vijaya Vaidyanath, Stamford Plaza Auckland General Manager Peter Gee, and GOPIO Sydney and Brisbane branch Presidents Lucky Singh and Umesh Chandra were present to celebrate GOPIO’s first anniversary.