Responses from Nguha Huirama-Patuwai

Statement to the Tairawhiti Multicultural Council. 1. What is your vision for Gisborne in terms of cultural diversity? I think that it is important to celebrate the different cultures that are represented in the Gisborne-Tairawhiti region. It would be good to organise a place where people can meet on a regular basis and also to celebrate this diversity at times when it is important for each culture. I think that there should be a cultural events calendar for every year and an invitation to different groups to contribute to it. More importantly, I think that it is important for each group to tell us what they would like from the GDC. A person’s identity is important and their culture is by far the most important value in their life. 2. The Ten Year Plan says GDC will support the development of cultural groups in the district, what kind of support do you think GDC should provide to the Tairawhiti Multicultural Council? I think the GDC should provide a centre for the Tairawhiti Multicultural Council where different cultures have access to it as a meeting place. I also think that the GDCshould subsidise cultural events throughout the year for these groups and promote it as a, ‘Unity within Diversity’ moment for all of us to celebrate. I would like to see radio and television playing a part in helping cultures maintain their identity and communication with one another. 3. What regular interaction do you have with groups of people from cultural backgrounds different to your own? The East Coast is different from Gisborne because it is 90% Maori with European New Zealanders making up the 10% difference. I have spent over 20 years in Auckland which is by far the most culturally diverse city in Aotearoa-New Zealand. My background with cultures have been Pakeha, Maori and Polynesian but I also know that some 120 cultures or so are now represented in Aotearoa-New Zealand and this adds another dimension to living in our society. I have an appreciation of Polynesian languages and other European ones. As a possible future mayor of Gisborne-Tairawhiti, I would make a point of reaching out to other cultures because I would be based in Gisborne. 4. What if any common challenges are you aware of for local residents from ethnic minority groups? I think that it depends on which ethnic minority group one is from. Aotearoa-New Zealand is use to people coming from the Pacific or Australia, England, Ireland, France, Spain and Italy but we also have people lumped together and called, ‘Asian’ and other countries that have not been part of the. ‘tradition’ of immigration to NZ. What we need for GIsborne-Tairawhiti is the creation of cultural ambassadors (perhaps one or two people) whose job would be to ensure that people from other cultures are welcomed and helped in their settling down time. Different types of racism exists, even in the Gisborne-Tairawhiti region and this can be stressful for some families. Language and cultural practices could also be alienating for some. The TMC and it’s members can help improve the outcomes for new families. 5. What are the biggest opportunities you see for attracting new immigrants and refugees to Gisborne? Housing is more affordable in the provinces. It is a lot cheaper than the cities, but even so, it would be costly for some families. There are business and work opportunities here, but the focus still needs to be on the people and the resource that it is. New families are looking for a safer, healthier and wealthier place to bring up their children. This can happen here if we work together. Heoi ano, Kia ora ano tatou katoa, Te Nguha Huirama-Patuwai Candidate for the mayoralty of GDC Gisborne-Tairawhiti and councillor for Matakaoa-Waiapu Ward.