This afternoon in Pansy Wong ’s Botany electorate a new Labour Branch was launched. Along with my colleagues, Labour leader Phil Goff , Ethnic Affairs spokesperson Chris Carter and Raymond Huo, I participated in the launch of the Botany Chinese Labour Branch.
It was a great event with many participating in celebrating this occasion. The branch is launched with 119 foundation members including many young people.
Phil spoke about the importance of the relationship between China and NZ, the importance of the Chinese community in NZ and events of concern to all New Zealanders like cuts to Adult and Community Education and attacks on ACC.
The launch of this Branch is part of building a stronger Labour party that provides a range of ways to be active and represents the diversity of our community. For example in Maungakiekie, the area I am working in, 22% of the population are defined as Asian. I hope that in very short order we will be launching a Labour Chinese Branch in the Maungakiekie electorate.
Congratulations to the Botany Labour Party organisation and to Raymond Huo who has determinedly worked to build this Branch. As well as launching the Branch today, Raymond also launched his consultation document on Asian representation in the new Auckland local government arrangements. This was extremely well received by those present.
