Priyanca Radhakrishnan, ranked 11th on the Labour Party list for the 2017 general elections, is almost set to become an MP. In her capacity as chair of Multicultural Labour, Radhakrishnan answers the following for MVNZ

Q: Can you please give a brief overview of Multicultural Labour?

Multicultural Labour is a sector within the New Zealand Labour Party that focuses on enhancing Labour’s engagement with diverse ethnic communities in New Zealand. The sector aims to increase Labour’s visibility within ethnic communities; identify specific issues, concerns and aspirations of members of ethnic communities, work within the Labour Party structure to on relevant policies, and communicate Labour’s vision and policies to various ethnic communities. The sector also focuses on ensuring that diverse voices are represented at various levels of decision-making within the Labour Party.

Q: How many ethnicities does the Labour Party represent and in which constituencies?

New Zealand is an incredibly diverse country. In Auckland alone, we have over 200 ethnicities represented and 160 languages spoken. Our diversity is one of our key strengths as a country.  

Q: What does multiculturalism mean to Labour Party?

Multiculturalism is our response to ethnic diversity. The Labour Party has an excellent track record of valuing, celebrating and empowering our ethnic communities. The fifth Labour government focused on reducing disparities between ethnic groups and ensuring equality. Reducing inequalities is an important aspect of ensuring equal participation by minority groups that may otherwise be socially and economically disadvantaged. For example, Labour established the Office of Ethnic Affairs in 2000 to provide policy advice to the government of the day on issues that are particularly relevant to ethnic communities. It was also a Labour government that established the Ministry of Social Development’s Settling In programme, which focused on capacity building for migrant and refugee communities.

People from diverse backgrounds do look for similar things in life – a decent place to call home, a good education for their children, opportunities to apply their skills and talents and to be respected. Our communities also want a New Zealand where they feel safe at work, in their homes and on the streets. The next Labour government will focus on delivering in all those areas. Labour in government will continue to focus on enhancing the wellbeing of our diverse ethnic communities and valuing their significant contributions to New Zealand.

Photo caption:

(Left) Multicultural Labour candidates with Leader of the Opposition Andrew Little MP, Ethnic Communities spokesperson Michael Wood MP, Associate Ethnic Communities spokespersons Aupito William Sio and Raymond Huo MP, and Chairperson Priyanca Radhakrishnan

(Top) Group photo of some of the attendees of the April Multicultural Labour Social at the Labour hub office, Auckland.

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