NZICA encourages civic participation and backs community candidates in local board elections

The New Zealand Indian Central Association, the apex body for the Indian diaspora in Aotearoa, has encouraged members of the community to step forward and contest local board elections across the country. The association says the strong response from prospective candidates signals a healthy and confident community that wants to contribute to local decision making.

“We are not refugees or asylum seekers. We are entrepreneurs who, without severing relations with our homeland, are keen to contribute to the adopted land,” said Veer Khar, President of NZICA. “With that ethos, NZICA requests New Zealanders to support these quality candidates. Most importantly, we request the Indian diaspora in particular to please vote with purpose.”

NZICA says the call is about participation and service. Local boards make decisions that shape everyday life, including parks, libraries, community facilities, and neighbourhood priorities. The association believes that more community-minded candidates standing for office, and more voters turning out, will strengthen these institutions.

How readers can act

• Learn about the candidates standing in your local board area
• Attend community meetings and ask questions about local priorities
• Make a plan to vote and encourage friends and family to do the same

Source note
This message was received from Veer Khar, President of the New Zealand Indian Central Association. Contact: president@nzindians.org.nz, 022 197 1916.

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Supplied media release. Lightly edited for clarity and length.