“The Migrant Community Reference Group will provide a forum for migrant communities’ to directly share their perspectives and experiences of the immigration system with me.”
— Michael Wood, Immigration Minister New Zealand
New Zealand has taken a decision to include migrant communities across the country to be represented in the new Migrant Community Reference Group that will help shape immigration policy going forward, according to an announcement from Immigration Minister Michael Wood, reported indianweekender.co.nz.
“Since becoming Minister, a reoccurring message I have heard from migrants is the feeling their voice has often been missing around policy discussions. Today we are providing that voice,” Michael Wood said. “The Migrant Community Reference Group will provide a forum for migrant communities’ to directly share their perspectives and experiences of the immigration system with me.”
“My medium-term priorities for the immigration system will be informed through discussions with the reference group alongside other stakeholders including employers and workers. The members have diverse backgrounds and deep ties to their communities and come highly recommended from their prior engagements across multiple government agencies. They have each displayed a strong commitment to championing the cause of migrant communities in New Zealand,” said Wood.
He pointed out: “Insights from the group may also be shared with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and other government agencies to help make informed decisions. The group will not replace my regular engagement with migrant communities around the country, but will supplement it. Our Government values the unique perspective migrants can provide on the immigration system,” Michael Wood said.
“Since becoming Minister, a reoccurring message I have heard from migrants is the feeling their voice has often been missing around policy discussions. Today we are providing that voice.”
— Michael Wood
Among the members of the Migrant Community Reference Group are: Manisha Morar, the Wellington-based current Vice President of the New Zealand Indian Central Association, the only national umbrella body for regional Indian community groups in New Zealand (outside of faith-based groups), and the Vice President of the Wellington Indian Association.
There is also the Wellington-based Abdur Razzaq is a highly respected elder in the Muslim community, with over 45 years of voluntary community service. He is a founding member of the Federation of Islamic Associations (FIANZ), the national Muslim umbrella organisation. He is also the Research and Advocacy lead of FIANZ. He is also a member of Kapuia, the Ministerial Advisory Group on the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch mosques.
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