We Want to Hear from the Bay of Plenty’s Pacific Communities
MEDIA RELEASE
2 July 2009
We Want to Hear from the Bay of Plenty’s Pacific Communities
The Department of Internal Affairs is holding a public meeting to ratify a new member to represent the Bay of Plenty area on the Pacific Island Consultation and Advisory Group (PICAG).
People from the Bay of Plenty’s Pacific Island communities are encouraged to attend.
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.
Members of PICAG are nominated by a community group in the area with a vacant position. As there was only one nominee for the Bay of Plenty, that person will be ratified at the public meeting, which will be held:
Thursday 9 July - 6.30pm
Rotorua Community House
1115 Haupapa St
Rotorua
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
