Media Statement

30 August 2010

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.”

Contact: Ashraf Choudhary 021 799 573.