Auckland’s Pacific Communities Elect Leaders

MEDIA RELEASE

16 December 2008

Auckland’s Pacific Communities Elect Leaders

Three new members have been elected to the Local Government and Community Branch of the Department of Internal Affairs’ Pacific Island Consultation and Advisory Group (PICAG).

The elections filled vacancies from the Auckland Central, Manukau and Waitakere areas.

PICAG members work with their Pacific Island communities to identify local issues. They provide strategic advice to the Branch on how to improve responsiveness to Pacific Island communities and groups in New Zealand.

Those who stood for election were nominated by a community group in one of the areas with a vacant position. Voting was conducted at a public meeting in each of the areas with a vacancy.

The newly elected members are Tere Sofaea, representing Manukau, Joel Tuita Mataitini, representing Auckland Central, and Elia Tavita, representing Waitakere.

Anne Carter, Deputy Secretary of the Local Government and Community Branch, said the elections to PICAG were an excellent example of communities taking part in the democratic process.

“By working with members of PICAG, we are better able to effectively communicate in a timely and accurate way. This exchange of strategic information is vital if we are to understand and meet the needs of Pacific Island communities.”

“This partnership is important for the Local Government and Community Branch in reaching its goal of building strong, sustainable communities/hapu/iwi.”

PICAG elects representatives from Auckland Central, Manukau, Waitakere, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Porirua, Hutt Valley, Christchurch and Dunedin.


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