Looking for Leaders from Waikato’s Pacific Communities
MEDIA RELEASE
2 July 2009
Looking for Leaders from Waikato’s Pacific Communities
The Department of Internal Affairs is holding an election for a new member to represent the Waikato area on the Pacific Island Consultation and Advisory Group (PICAG).
Members of PICAG are elected from Auckland Central, Manukau, Waitakere, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Porirua, Hutt Valley, Christchurch and Dunedin.
PICAG provides strategic advice to the Local Government and Community Branch of the Department of Internal Affairs on how to improve responsiveness to Pacific Island communities and groups in Aotearoa.
Members of PICAG use their connections with local Pacific Island communities to discuss issues that relate to the Local Government and Community Branch and seek feedback on current local issues.
Anne Carter, Deputy Secretary of the Local Government and Community Branch, said that the ability to effectively share timely and accurate information is crucial to understanding and meeting the needs of Pacific Island communities.
“This partnership and exchange of information provides a vital tool for the Local Government and Community Branch in reaching its goal of building strong, sustainable communities/hapu/iwi,” said Anne Carter.
Those standing for election have been nominated by a community group that has registered to vote in the PICAG elections and are in one of the areas with a vacant position. Voting will be conducted at public meetings.
Pacific Island community groups wishing to vote can register in advance or at the public meeting. Each registered community group will be able to cast one vote.
A public meeting to elect the new representative will be held at:
St Peters Cathedral Hall
55 Victoria St.
Hamilton
8 July 2009 from 6.00pm – 9.00pm
ENDS
Media contact: Shawn Hollister, Senior Communications Advisor, Local Government & Community Branch, DDI 04 495 7298, Mobile 027 255 9389, email shawn.hollister@dia.govt.nz
