Printer-friendly VersionMajor boost for local government intercultural awareness
Dr Matthew Farry, intercultural advisor, with international experts in programme design, Dr Arletta and Dee Fink who tailored the IAC programme to the needs of local government
Office of Ethnic Affairs is increasingly working with local government in Auckland to assist them in engaging with ethnic communities.
Up to 600 staff from territorial local authorities and the Auckland Regional Council are to be trained in Intercultural Awareness and Communication (IAC).
Mervin Singham, Director, Office of Ethnic Affairs, says an agreement was signed on 11 November with the Auckland Regional Council to provide IAC training to local government staff from across Auckland.
“The training agreement is an exciting development that we know from experience will produce positive outcomes for ethnic communities. It also highlights our increasing commitment to working with local government.
“The Intercultural Advisory Team (IAT) delivered the first session of training to 14 participants from across Auckland on 21 November. Further sessions will follow over the next few months,” says Mervin Singham.
The IAT worked with two international consultants to tailor the training package for the needs of local government.
Mervin Singham says the participants in the first session provided good feedback that the tailored programme meets local government needs.
“We appreciate that local government is crucial in building strong relationships with ethnic communities that provide mutual benefit to them and the other citizens in their communities.
“The Office of Ethnic Affairs is committed to ensuring ethnic diversity is promoted and nurtured. We encourage ethnic communities to participate in civil society through providing information and advice, organising forums and a range of other initiatives. The IAC training in the Auckland local government sector will ensure local communities can be more positively at the forefront in improving ethnic outcomes.