(from The Migrant Times; the original story is here https://themigranttimes.org.nz/stories/2017/4/24/engage-with-us-jimmy-chen-chair-of-christchurch-city-councils-multicultural-subcommittee?rq=jimmy)

Since the 2010/11 earthquakes, Christchurch has become a city of opportunities. We are open to new ideas, new people, and new ways of doing things- a city where anything is possible. Moreover, the city has entered into the final stage of the earthquake recovery, with the regeneration ongoing at the moment.

Christchurch is also a multi-ethnic and multicultural city with people from 170 ethnic groups now living in this city. In recent years, we have attracted many migrants and international workers. This has caused a significant change to the demographics of the city. The diversity of culture is good news for this city as well as the community.

Recognising this, the Christchurch City Council adopted the final version of the Christchurch Multicultural Strategy - our future together 2017-21 on February 9, 2017, and this strategic document will be launched on Saturday, May 13.

The Christchurch Multicultural Strategy is a commitment by the Council to provide a framework and a set of goals and actions to ensure every single person in Christchurch feels a sense of belonging. It will also give everyone in Christchurch an equal opportunity to access the Council's services, information, as well as participating in the decision-making process.

As Chair of Christchurch City Council's Multicultural Working Party, it has been privilege to lead the development of the Multicultural Strategy for the past year. This strategy is also a commitment by the Council to support and embrace the diversity of the people in Christchurch. But in order to ensure the strategy deliver, we need to develop an action plan. We need to also monitor progress on this plan to ensure its success.

In considering this situation, The City Council has been established the Multicultural Subcommittee, for:

• overseeing the implementation of Christchurch Multicultural Strategy

• overseeing issues related to diverse communities throughout the city

• considering matters related to multicultural communities and sector providers

The Council Multicultural Subcommittee provides a platform to the multicultural communities and sectors providers. This subcommittee consists of four Councillors. Chair: Councillor Jimmy Chen; members: Councillors Anne Galloway, Mike Davidson and Glenn Livingstone.

If the community or individuals have any issue related to the cultural diversity, and/or related to the implementation of the Multicultural Strategy, please share and make a deputation to the Council Multicultural Subcommittee. For this, please engage with George Patena at george.patena@ccc.govt.nz.

- Jimmy Chen, City Councillor, Hornby Ward, Christchurch City Council