Category: ethnic diversity
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The term ahead for the Waitakere Ranges Local Board
I have the privilege of being re elected as chair of the Waitakere Ranges Local Board and Michelle Clayton is the deputy chair. This is an excerpt from my speech to this term’s inaugural local board meeting.
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Three years of living dangerously
Tena koutou katoa The end of a political term is always an opportunity to reflect on what has happened during the term, wonder about what we could have achieved but did not, and celebrate the decisions that we are proud of. And it is an opportunity to reflect on the nature of the job and…
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Auckland’s yellow jacket protest
Reprinted from the Standard. Yesterday on a bright and sunny day I popped down to Aotea Square to see what the extreme right was up to. There had been a fair amount of social media promotion of the yellow jacket rally and I wondered what sort of turnout they would get. I had thought that…
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Someone in Hamilton is stupid as well as racist
It is election time. Throughout the country billboards are springing up from the ground with pictures of people wanting to be civic leaders and associated words designed to persuade the public that these people understand the job and will represent them best. Graffiti and damage are common occurrences, although thankfully this year much less frequent.…
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Auckland’s ethnic diversity
One of the more pleasurable jobs I have as a Local Board member is to attend citizenship ceremonies. The Waitakere ceremonies are very well put together. They are held in the old Waitakere City Council chamber. Candidates and their families are invited to attend. The ceremony starts off with a traditional Karakia and Waiata. Kaumatua…