Huo consults with Asian communities over Super City

Associate Labour Ethnic Affairs Spokesperson Raymond Huo has released a consultation paper on the proposed involvement of the Asian community in Auckland’s new Super City.

Raymond Huo, speaking at the opening of the Botany Labour Party branch in Auckland yesterday, said he had received enormous support and positive feedback from the Asian community, particularly Chinese, after National and ACT voted down his amendment (64 votes to 58) to include an Asian Advisory Board on the new Auckland Super City council.

“Despite the setback of my amendment being voted down in Parliament, I intend to continue to fight for an Asian voice in Auckland’s new Super City.

“Encouraged by the support I have received from the Asian community, I have drafted a Private Members Bill which seeks to establish either an Asian Advisory Board or Committee as part of the new council,” Raymond Huo said.

“Even at this early stage, when the Private Members Bill is up for ballot in Parliament, submissions and comment have reached us which have raised valid points.”

A local government law expert, Dr Grant Hewison, of Auckland Law Firm Kensington Swan, had advised that an Asian Advisory Committee would be ‘more workable’.

“In order to turn Auckland into a ‘Super City’, it is going to take more than just combining our fragmented councils. Contribution from Asians, along with Maori, Pacific and other ethnic groups, is essential to make Auckland a truly proud metropolitan city of world standing,” Raymond Huo said.

“The consultation paper comprises two different draft versions of the Bill. Following feedback from submitters, an agreed version of the Bill will be submitted to Parliament.

“It is appropriate to be talking about this on Labour weekend. Labour Day commemorates a major breakthrough for the workers of New Zealand back in 1890. I hope my Private Members Bill will be another small step for the country and a giant leap forward for Kiwi-Asians.”

ENDS

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