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Goals

Strategies...

Goals

The aims of the Society are as follows:

Lobbying and speaking on behalf of the ethnic communities on policy matters;

Identifying key community issues and considering strategies to address these;

Promoting better communication and understanding between the ethnic communities and the government agencies;

Acting as an advisor for the communities on issues;

Monitoring progress of strategic initiatives and work programmes of various government agencies.

Governance and Management

The executive committee has a diverse range of members who are willing to commit their skills and expertise in a voluntary capacity towards achieving the aims and objectives of EVNZ. The committee consists of 10 representatives which are nominated and accepted by the committee members.

The membership nomination process are currently under review to ensure that membership will only be offered to those who represent accredited societies or organizations.

The number of executive members will be limited to 15 (the board consist of five members or such other numbers as the Society shall be passed as a resolution at an AGM) to provide enough opportunities for sector and ethnic community representation. Elected executive members can stay on the executive for up to three years. At least two elected members must stand down every year so that EVNZ can get new perspectives as well as continuity.

The executive committee meets once monthly on the first Thursday of the month from 6.30pm to 8.00pm. The venue varies according to room availability and will be in Central Auckland.

The offices of Chairperson and Treasurer are held by elected representatives and are decided by the whole committee following each AGM.

Executive Members:

Dr N Rasalingam (Chair)

Mr John Wong

Dr Samson Tse (Deputy Chair)

Mr Anil Thapliyal

Mr Kit Wong

Mr Meng Ly

Mr Sujean Zhang

Mr George Arulunantham

Mr Dinesh Taylor

Ms Sue Lim

Mr Paul Rajan

Strategies

The society will be focusing strongly on its objective of strengthening the relationships and communication between the community and government agencies. In this way we are practicing the values and behaviors that have been outlined.

Our priorities for the next year are:

Providing opportunities for the community voice to be expressed and heard. This will be done through public meetings and montlhy forums, questionnaires and surveys, and through building relationships with other groups and organizations. We seek to adopt an empowerment and capacity-building approach in our work.
Development of meaningful, sustained and collaborative relationships with various ethnic community groups and relevant services (e.g. Primary Health Organizations [PHOs], employment services) which have a focus to improve social wellbeing and health among New Zealand Asian people.
Building relationships with government agencies through participation in community engagement, strategy development, and regular community meetings with relevant groups.
Keeping community well-informed about services, projects or initiatives that would improve their knowledge as well as physical health and mental wellbeing of members of the ethnic community.
Continuing to promote research project and involving the community and users of services to assist in developing service information material.

Long-term Vision

Out long term vision is for community involvement in policy and decision making processes to become part of the culture of government organizations and ethnic communities. Short-term and "ad hoc" consultation processes will no longer happen as structures and networks will be firmly established to foster ongoing dialogue between the ethnic communities and government service providers.