Sudan’s Salva Kiir visits Rumbek, tells army no more war
Integrating Immigrants and Refugees into Kiwis Society.
By Barchoch Tut Jing-New Zealand
The formation of Ethnic Councils in most regions of New Zealand shows how important
the Race Relation is for New Zealanders. Recently the Upper Hutt Ethnic Communities
came together and formed the Upper Hutt Multi-Ethnic Communities.
This was initiated to bring together the various ethnic groups living in Upper
Hutt. The body formed a steering committee whose secretaryis George Uliny, a
southern Sudanese. This was made possible because of an enormous effort from
the Upper Hutt City Mayor, The Upper Hutt Development Group and the New Zealand
Federation of Ethnic Councils for the last nine months.
An existing body from Rimutaka welcomed the formation of this council as a
meaningful way of integration. “The Upper Hutt Rimutaka Ethnic Councils
is looking forward to working with and supporting the UH City Council to ensure
that diversity in the region is effectively engaged and celebrated.”
The Upper Hutt Regional Ethnic Council held its international festival on March,
31st this year. That festival was for celebrating the region’s cultural
and ethnic diversity featured by ethnic food stall and performance.
Besides, Upper Hutt many councils are formed in various parts of the country.
Gurtong understand the immigrants and Refugees living in Auckland formed similar
body of which one of our own son, Santino Atem Deng is the council treasurer.
The aim of ethnic councils is to make the newly arrived families, persons and
groups feel welcome into the kiwis’ society. Integrating into the communities
is crucial for New Zealanders.
Race Relation celebration takes place annually in March each year but in varying
dates from city to city.