EthnicA Wellington Conference - new ideas and action

A Wellington forum on ethnic diversity will feature Vicki Treadell, who’s the first woman of Asian descent to become a British High Commissioner.

Mrs Treadell will address the EthnicA conference on 26 May 2012, organised by the Office of Ethnic Affairs on the importance of global connections to communities and the economy.

The diplomat was born in Malaysia to a Singaporean-Chinese mother and a father with Sri Lankan ancestors.

In her 28-year career with the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), she has been posted to countries including Islamabad, Kuala Lumpur and Mumbai, before taking up the role of British High Commissioner to New Zealand.

Another key session at the conference will discuss issues surrounding New Zealand’s immigration trend and the growth in Asian migrants over the past 25 years.

Wellington’s Mayor, Celia Wade-Brown, will also address the forum to talk about the role that diverse communities play in the city’s wellbeing.

In a session called “Cultural Currency” a group of leading figures in the cultural sector will discuss the way that the ethnic community contributes to the art world.

Actor, Jacob Rajan, who’s the founding member of the Indian Ink Theatre Co. joins a panel with Hilary Beaton, the Director/CEO, of Downstage Theatre and Haniko Te Kurapa, from Creative New Zealand.

In the audience, to lead discussion will be:
• Nathan Meister: Actor, dancer
• Sugu Pillay: Poet and fiction writer
• Kerryn Palmer: Theatre Director
• Leandro Calvcanti: Executive Director & Producer, Reel Brazil Film Festival
• Alda Rezende: Singer
• Asa Tofete: Director, Actor, writer
• Martin Rodgers: City Arts Manager, WCC
• Kedron Parker: Radio World Music Show Host
• Lorenzo Bühne: Musician

There will also be workshops on:
• Social enterprise and innovation
• Family violence
• International students
• Ethical dilemmas

When: Saturday 26 May 2012
Time : 9.00am - 4.30pm
Where: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Level 3, 55 Cable Street, Wellington
ends

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