5th December 2016

1st Annual General Meeting for New Zealand Myanmar Ethnics Council & Wellington Myanmar Ethnics Association

On Sunday 4th December 2016 the first AGM for the New Zealand Myanmar Ethnics Council & Wellington Myanmar Ethnics Association (NZMEC and WMEA) was held at Cannons Creek Hall, Porirua.

With over 60 attendees, the vibrant and inspirational event marked the first year anniversary of the establishment NZMEC and WMEA. Guest speakers included Angela Sopp, Principal Advisor of Office of Ethnic Affairs at Department of Internal Affairs and Jacqueline Wilton the Manager of English Language Partners New Zealand, Porirua Centre.

NZMEC & WMEA were dually created to help connect and empower the Myanmar Ethnics community living in New Zealand, the majority of whom are from a refugee background and often find the process of resettlement into their new home difficult, particularly due to language barriers and the limited understanding of community resources available.

Additionally, due to the history of political conflict in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), it can often be difficult for the Myanmar Ethnic diaspora living in New Zealand to actively create ties with each other. The council aims to help with the resettlement of refugees into a New Zealand environment and to encourage members to forget any outstanding political differences and support each other as they integrate into New Zealand.

NZMEC & WMEA offers a range of service including advocacy, interpretation and translation services, and community events. As the organisation grows the aim is to continue hosting inclusive events that allow Myanmar Ethnics celebrate and maintain the cultural identity of their motherland and to create awareness to the wider community.

Membership is open to all members of the community. To learn more about NZMEC & WMEA, contact Christalin Zalattphyu Thangpawl at chair.nationalmyanmarethnics@gmail.com

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