Mt Eden, Auckland – May 21
On May 21, the Advisory Board of Better Future New Zealand Trust (BFT) had the honor of attending an important ethnic cohesion meeting at the Mt Eden War Memorial Hall. This significant event, aimed at fostering community unity and addressing pressing social issues, brought together key figures from various sectors to discuss and collaborate on strategies for building a more inclusive and harmonious society.
Notable Attendees and Distinguished Guests
The meeting was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests, including the newly appointed Assistant Commissioner Carl McLennan – Iwi & Communities, Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo, and Superintendent Scott Gemmell. Their participation underscored the importance of the event and the collective commitment to promoting ethnic cohesion and community well-being.
Event Highlights
Dinner and Opening Speech
The evening began with a communal dinner at 5:00 pm, providing attendees with an opportunity to connect and engage in informal discussions. The dinner set a warm and welcoming tone for the evening, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the diverse group of participants.
Inspirational Address by Aaron Leong
Following the dinner, Aaron Leong, the winner of the Auckland Race Unity Speech Award, delivered an inspiring speech. His words resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the power of unity and the importance of embracing diversity. Aaron’s speech set the stage for the subsequent presentations and discussions, emphasizing the need for collective action in addressing social challenges.
Presentation on Alcohol Harm
One of the key presentations of the evening focused on the impact of alcohol harm on communities. This presentation shed light on the detrimental effects of alcohol abuse and offered practical solutions for mitigating these impacts. The discussion was both informative and engaging, providing attendees with valuable insights and strategies to combat this pervasive issue.
Address by Assistant Commissioner Carl McLennan
Assistant Commissioner Carl McLennan delivered a warm and welcoming speech, emphasizing the significance of community collaboration and the role of law enforcement in supporting ethnic cohesion. His address highlighted the importance of building trust and understanding between different community groups and the police, fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for all.
Gratitude and Recognition
The BFT Board expressed profound gratitude to Jessica Phuang QSM, the Ethnic Responsiveness Manager for Tāmaki Makaurau, for her exceptional efforts in organizing this impactful event. Jessica’s dedication and hard work were instrumental in bringing together community leaders and facilitating meaningful discussions on ethnic cohesion.
Conclusion: A Successful and Impactful Event
The ethnic cohesion meeting at Mt Eden War Memorial Hall was a resounding success, marking a significant step forward in strengthening community and ethnic relations. The event provided a valuable platform for dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding, reinforcing the shared commitment to building a better future for all.
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