Responses- Meredith Akuhata-Brown

What is your vision for Gisborne in terms of cultural diversity? My vision for Gisborne regarding cultural diversity is that we are better informed of the diverse cultures living here and we take the time to meet with these diverse cultures and ensure we are culturally competent and more inclusive we also provide a space for positive engagements where we promote tolerance, open-mindedness, respect for difference and other’s values. We need to celebrate diversity through cultural festivals and the arts. Provide connections to our heritage through the involvement of all ethnic communities in historic, cultural and natural conservation initiatives and events. 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 Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council? It is important that the GDC honor what they promise and so when we have it in the ten year plan to support the development of cultural groups we need to ensure we follow through. There needs to be more opportunities to learn about people from other cultures in New Zealand, and local government has an important influencing role to help establish or facilitate frameworks to aid social cohesion. Space needs to be given to the Tairawhiti Multicultural Council where they can share their views and keep council up to date with what is happening in the lives of the diverse groups represented in the community. 3. What regular interaction do you have with groups of people from cultural backgrounds different to your own? I personally have met with many people from the Pacifica including Samoan, Tongan and Fijian. I have attended many events that the Pacifica community have organized and have enjoyed a positive relationship with other cultural groups from South Africa and the Philippines. I have met with the interfaith group on a couple of occasions and enjoyed hearing what is happening in their different worlds. 4. What, if any, common challenges are you aware of for local residents from ethnic minority groups? There are difficulties in settling into New Zealand society - with the language, with kiwi customs and culture. Some of the ethic groups struggle with people’s perceptions of them especially those from Arab nations, Pacifica people tend to keep connected to their church and families and often there are not enough opportunities to meet to foster understanding and support social cohesion. 5. What are the biggest opportunities you see for attracting new immigrants and refugees to Gisborne? Gisborne’s attraction is around the lifestyle you can create in a smaller city where new immigrants don’t have to commute for hours every day. If you are looking for more leisure time, proximity to spare time activities, good schooling for their children, a safe and stable society and also a good quality of life and costs of living that aren’t too high then Gisborne is that place. Of course local government needs to ensue the cost of living is affordable for those who are considering moving here. Gisborne welcomes business entrepreneurs and those that want to look into innovation around home based businesses. Existing workplace infrastructure welcomes people with the skills to operate machinery work outdoors in the horticulture, viticulture and farming industry and also in our forestry sector. There are a number of café’s and eateries that have opened in the city that different cultural groups have created, I feel that there is still room for more of these businesses. The sunshine and beaches make Gisborne an opportune place for tourism ideas also, I would love to see more bicycle scenic tours and other tourist attractions open up here.