north-islandAnnouncements

NZ Police Commissioner Ethnic Communities Focus Forum Held at Fo Guang Shan

01 / 05


The “Ethnic Communities Focus Forum” was officially established on 12th December 2014. On 7th May the Forum’s first meeting was held at Fo Guang Shan North Island with the title of “NZ Police Commissioner Ethnic Communities Focus Forum Held at Fo Guang Shan”. It was attended by Police Commissioner Mike Bush, Wellington Police Superintendent Wallace Haumaha, Inspector Rakesh Naidoo, National Chairperson of African Communities Council Gregory Fortuin, Federation of Islamic Association of NZ President Dr Anwar Ghani, National President of NZ Federation of Multicultural Councils Alexis Lewgor, Director of Nirvana Health Group Ranjna Pate, Executive Director of Chinese New Settlers Services Trust Jenny Wang, Editor of Indian Newslink Venkat Raman, Venerable Abbess Manshin and representatives from other ethnic communities, in total 20 people in attendance.

Superintendent Wallace thanked Commissioner Bush and all community leaders’ support for this forum and the temple for providing the most excellent venue. The forum had a constructive atmosphere that allowed everyone to get to know each other better. Through group thinking many plans and motion approvals were had for the purpose of support of police work. It is hoped through these efforts more multicultural harmony can be achieved.

During the forum, Commissioner Bush raised several recommendations:
1. In order to reduce fatalities from crime and traffic accidents, the police intend to seek the help from multiple cultures’ power of influence to establish a think tank to provide consultation regarding experiences and statistics. These actual implementations of multicultural services will create more public faith toward the police.
2. Establish multicultural services with right people for the job.
3. Join forces and co-operate with all ethnic community’s leaders.

All ethnic community leaders have raised suggestions for the police. According to reports, since 2013 1 out of 4 New Zealand citizens were born overseas. Out of the total population, 40% immigrated from overseas. Therefore a multicultural future for New Zealand community is inevitable.