MEDIA RELEASE

Monday, December 09, 2013

Multicultural New Zealand: Constitutional review a “rich resource” for further discussion

The Constitutional Advisory Panel’s report on the Constitutional Conversation is a rich resource for further discussion but will require commitment from Government to progress its recommendations, says Multicultural New Zealand, the Federation of Multicultural Councils.

“We agree that ongoing discussion is needed before significant constitutional changes are implemented, but this requires the Government to resource the proposed civics and citizenship education strategy and the Treaty education strategy as a priority”, says President Tayo Agunlejika.

“It also means processes have to be set up as recommended to examine specific issues such as the future place of the Treaty in our constitutional arrangements, developing an understanding of a Treaty-based multicultural future, and strengthening the Bill of Rights Act through the inclusion of economic, social and cultural rights” Mr. Agunlejika said.

“International Human Rights Day tomorrow (December 10) would be an appropriate day for government and opposition parties to give such commitments.”

Mr. Agunlejika said Multicultural New Zealand was pleased that the Panel had acknowledged it as “an enthusiastic participant in the conversation and one of the first groups to host a conversation with the Panel”.

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