13 November 2005

Christchurch City Council to host Pacific Protocol signing

Christchurch's biggest players in service delivery have agreed to sign a Protocol of Agreement aimed to improve Pacific people's economic, social and cultural outcomes in the city.

On Friday, 18 November, from 4-5pm, the chief executives of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, Christchurch City Council, Canterbury District Health Board, and Canterbury Development Corporation will sign a Protocol of Agreement in the Christchurch City Council Chambers, Tuam Street.

The protocol will record an agreement between the parties to work closely together with the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs to increase Pacific communities' participation in their city's vision for its future.

This will be done through: * Improved effectiveness of policy advice to local and central government about Pacific issues; * More Pacific responsive and effective services and support, and * More effective monitoring and evaluation of the parties' responsiveness to the needs of Pacific peoples in Christchurch city.

The chief executives of the partners have agreed to meet annually to discuss and review their respective strategic directions and key priorities for the coming year regarding appropriate initiatives that aim to improve the lot of Pacific people.

Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore says he is pleased that the City Council and the Canterbury Development Corporation - the economic development arm of the Council - are making this commitment. He says it will draw a far tighter and more effective safety net with the health sector and the Ministry charged with improving the Pacific participation nationally.

"We don't all of us have the answers to some of the issues that our Pacific communities have in health and education, for example, but by pooling our skills, resources, and ideas across the sectors, we have a far better chance of putting more effective systems in place for Pacific people.

"I suspect the signing of this protocol will become a milestone that we can all look back at years from now, and recognise it as a turning point in empowering Pacific communities in Christchurch," Mr Moore says.

ENDS

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