News Release

26 November 2012

International Flags Fly At Auckland Town Hall

Countries that maintain a diplomatic presence in Auckland brought some colour to the Auckland Town Hall on Friday when Mayor Len Brown hosted the 31st annual consular corps flag raising and civic luncheon.

Auckland-based international consul generals, honorary consuls and life members of the consular corps gathered to raise 59 flags on the town hall’s Aotea Square side.

The flags, each representing a nation with a consular presence in Auckland, are raised each year and fly on the town hall throughout the summer months.

“This annual event and the flags are an acknowledgement of the work the Auckland consular corps does to help foster greater cultural, economic and political links between our countries,” says Len Brown.

“The flags highlight the presence of international governments in Auckland, and symbolise the important role our international communities play in day-to-day Auckland life. They also play an important part in recognising the cultural diversity of our city.

“Cities have a strong part to play in fostering friendly relations between communities, and this event is a way for Auckland to say thank you to the consular corps for their contribution to Auckland.”

ENDS

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Gordon Campbell: On Failures Of Care For Those With Mental Disabilities

Hard to imagine a more disturbing insight into the treatment of the vulnerable than the Health Ministry report on Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau. The Ministry has found that the country’s only kaupapa Maori intellectual disability residential care provider has been “seriously dysfunctional.”

The ministry says the business has failed to recruit and retain quality staff – and says the kaimahi (caregivers) that have been employed are seriously unsuitable for the job, lacking basic knowledge. But Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau doesn’t get all the blame. The report says there’s a significant gap under disability laws to ensure there’s oversight by qualified clinical professionals. More>>