Finding Leaders from Pacific Communities
6 August 2009
Finding Leaders from Pacific Communities
The Department of Internal Affairs has held elections for four new members to the Pacific Island Consultation and Advisory Group (PICAG) in Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington/Hutt and Porirua.
In the Waikato, Uieta Kaufusi (Tonga) was elected from four nominees. In the Bay of Plenty, the only nominee, Kapeli Iulio Martinez (Tokelau), was ratified at a community meeting. Tafaoimalo Loudeen Parsons (Samoa) was elected from three nominees for Wellington/Hutt. Kirifi Kirifi (Tokelau) was the only nominee for Porirua, and the election was confirmed at a community meeting.
Nominations are still open for Christchurch, closing at 9am on Monday 17 August. Forms and information can be obtained from Jan.Dyer@dia.govt.nz. Groups wanting to register their interest to vote should also contact Jan Dyer.
The election will take place at 6pm on Monday 24 August at
The Refugee and Migrant Centre
2nd Floor, 323 Madras Street (corner of Madras/Peterborough Streets)
Christchurch.
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 meet regularly with their local Pacific Island communities for discussion and 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.
ENDS
Media contact: Susan Budd, Senior Communications Advisor, Local Government & Community Branch, DDI 04 494 0570, Mobile 027 430 3449, email susan.budd@dia.govt.nz
