THE MINISTRY of Pacific Island Affairs and Auckland Mayor Len Brown are urging Auckland’s Pacific communities to make sure their best brains apply for a role advising the Mayor and Council.
“We have a wonderful opportunity to make sure Pacific interests, views and vision are reflected in the new city,” Ministry chief executive Dr Colin Tukuitonga says.
“But we only have a week to make sure it happens as applications for the Pacific Peoples Advisory Panel close this Friday 17 December.”
Mayor Brown is urging Pasifika people to get involved. "The success of the Auckland Council depends on all Aucklanders playing their part," Len Brown says. "If the new council is to properly represent the needs and aspirations of the Pasifika community, we need a broad cross section of people from that community to give the council good advice."
The panel’s composition and formation is based on advice Dr Tukuitonga gave the incoming mayor, allowed for in the legislation setting up the new council.
“The people selected by the mayor should be passionate about the well-being of Pacific peoples in Auckland, strategic thinkers, skilled and confident communicators and hold broad perspectives on the issues faced by their communities,“ Dr Tukuitonga said.
“As a Panel member you will have an opportunity to shape, debate, and provide advice to the Auckland Council and the Mayor on important issues that affect Pacific people in Auckland.”
A selection panel comprising representatives from the Minister of Pacific Island Affairs Ministerial Advisory Committee; a representative from each of the former Pacific Island Advisory bodies from Manukau, Auckland City, Waitakere and the North Shore; and representatives of the Mayor and the Chief Executive of Auckland Council will shortlist and interview applicants and then recommend a panel for appointment.
