For the first time in its 11-year history the NZ Federation of Ethnic Councils held a general meeting as a hui on a marae. 60 representatives from 12 regions met at Paparoa Marae at Te Puna/Tauranga last weekend.

Following the Powhiri the the Associate Minister of Justice and Minister of Treaty Negotiations, Margeret Wilson, urged delegates to support the Human Rights Commission's Plan of Action as a strategic blue print for human rights culture in New Zealand. In addressing a multiethnic audience from all over New Zealand the Minister emphasized that "honoring the bi-cultural foundation of this country does not preclude the development of a vibrant multicultural nation."

Organised and hosted by the Tauranga Regional Ethnic Council the hui addressed elderly health issues such as an increase in diabetic and heart diseases among aging ethnic communities due to a change in diet, as well as the urgent need for health interpretation.

The Federation intends to focus on ethnic youth issues in a pilot youth forum to be held in Wellington later in the year. Ute Walker, Vice President of the NZFEC presented the Minister with a discussion paper on the measurement of Ethnicity currently under review by Statistics New Zealand.

© Scoop Media