Multicultural New Zealand commends young African Kiwis and calls for more resourcing for NZ Police

04 March 2016

Multicultural New Zealand finds the report on African youth experiences with the Police and the New Zealand justice system disturbing and wishes to see more resources directed to NZ Police.
“We would like to acknowledge and commend the young individuals/people who shared and spoke out about their experiences - Tū mai, tautokona te kotahitanga o ngā iwi – kaua e tū atu! (Stand Up for Race Unity – don’t be a bystander!),” said Alexis LewGor, MNZ President.
“However MNZ and our 18 regional council members have also worked closely with the New Zealand Police for 20 years.  We commend the significant effort and investment being directed to engaging with ethnic communities by New Zealand Police personnel.”
“We need more resources allocated to the NZ Police – and other government agencies – to engage with ethnic communities across New Zealand to ensure Police remain responsive to the needs of all New Zealanders,” said Ms LewGor.
“We will continue to work closely in partnership with New Zealand Police to address the issues raised in the report.”

ENDS

Multicultural NZ: Federation of Multicultural Councils Inc. is a national organisation with 18 constituent regional multicultural councils throughout New Zealand and national councils for women, youth, seniors and business.  We offer a national collective voice for ethnic, migrant and refugee communities and provide advice to government and civil society on multicultural policy and practice. We work in partnership with other national organisations and foster collaboration to promote cultural diversity. We deliver a range of programmes including multicultural education and training, multicultural sports, settlement support programmes, youth activities and community capacity building. We have a record of 27 years’ successful service to the community.
 
For further information please contact Tayo Agunlejika, Executive Director on 04 9169177 or email info@mnz.org.nz