MNZ AGM 2022

Friday 4th November 2022

MNZ hosted its 33rd Annual General Meeting on 24th-25th September 2022 in the Brentwood Hotel, Wellington. The weekend was attended by community leaders from 23 regional multicultural councils around Aotearoa, kaumatua and kuia mana whenua, representatives from our many partners and friends from NZ's multicultural communities, government/local government and the wider community sector.

MNZ delegates were kindly hosted on the eve of the AGM by the Peruvian Embassy, followed by a dinner downtown.

Saturday 24th September

Saturday morning was opened with a mihi whakatau led by both MNZ leadership and kaumatua, and moved into a korero on whakawhanaungatanga for tangata whenua and multicultural communities. This was facilitated by Bill Hamilton from the NZ Iwi Chairs Forum and led by an inspiring and experienced panel of:

• Te Atiawa kaumatua Kara Puketapu
• Tā Mark Solomon
• Deputy Police Commissioner Wally Haumaha
• Keriana Tawhiwhirangi
• Former Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand
• Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt
• MEC Chief Executive Mervin Singham
• MNZ President Pancha Narayanan
• Vice President Marion Kerepeti-Edwards.

AGM business saw the re-election of the current executive members, demonstrating the collective trust and unity present in the Federation. The MNZ executive remain as:

• President - Pancha Narayanan
• Vice President - Marion Kerepeti-Edwards
• Treasurer - Prem Singh
• Secretary - Maria Buldain

Community Dinner and Awards

Tireless volunteer work is the backbone of a national network committed to the wellbeing of a multicultural society. The annual MNZ Community Dinner and Awards celebrates the efforts and achievements of those in exceptional service to the community. With covid-19 restrictions lifted, MNZ hosted 120 volunteers and community leaders for an evening of acknowledgement and celebration. The highlight of the night was the Ann Dysart Distinguished Service Awards, named in memory of the late mana wahine who served as MNZ's guide and supporter for many years.

The Ann Dysart Distinguished Service Awards:

• Kōrero Awhi: Awarded to Pania Newton, presented by Pancha Narayanan.
• Mana / Manaaki: Awarded to Lupematasila Misatauveve Dr Melani Anae, presented Human Right Commissioner Paul Hunt.
• Aroha: Awarded to Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi, presented by video.
• Whanaungatanga: Awarded to Deputy Commissioner Police Wally Haumaha, presented by Minister of Police, Public Service and Education Chris Hipkins.
• Whakapapa: Awarded to Prem Singh, presented by Wellington Mayor Andy Foster
• Tikanga: Awarded to Tā Mark Soloman, presented by Pancha Narayanan and all RMC presidents.

Other Awards given throughout the evening were:

• Merit Awards were awarded to dedicated volunteers within regional multicultural councils. Winners were Lesley Maxwell - Multicultural Council of Wellington, Teena Lawrence - Whanganui/Rangitikei Multicultural Council, Marion Kerepeti-Edwards - Multicultural Whangarei and Sandeep Diwan - Multicultural Whangarei. Merit Awards were presented by Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt. 
• Life Membership Awards next were for longstanding volunteer contributors to MNZ. Winners were Mohan Mistry - Multicultural Council of Wellington and Nina Payne - Tauranga Bay of Plenty Regional Multicultural Council. Life Membership Awards were presented by Sir Anand and Lady Susan Satyanand.

To finish, Former Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand reflected on the night’s proceedings and the foundations and history of this country.

Sunday 25th September

Sunday gave the four special councils that sit alongside the RMCs - Youth, Seniors, Womens and Business Councils - an opportunity to meet and discuss the progress and goals in each respective area. New committees were elected for the Youth, Seniors and Womens Councils, and MNZ looks forward to supporting their success and achievements over the coming year.

The RMCs also had the opportunity to share updates from their regions, and to align their visions and priorities for the next year. The MNZ whanau is at its most united and after a challenging year of change and readjustments, it is a family of dedicated kaimahi manawa (those that work from the heart) who leave with gratitude, respect and pride for each other.