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Getting a grip on Kiribati migrant issues, from left, Colleen Julian, Women’s Centre Pacific coordinator Rosanna Ball, Carmel Sepuloni, Pacific group facilitator Heidi Downey, Marja Lubeck and MSD regional commissioner Mark Goldsmith.
The Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni visited Warkworth this month for a meeting with the Women’s Centre Rodney to discuss issues including incomes, housing and family violence.
As the Associate Minister for Pacific Peoples, Ms Sepuloni said she also wanted to get an understanding of the issues facing the local Kiribati community.
The Mahurangi area is home to one of the largest populations of migrants from the small island nation.
Ms Sepuloni said she understood that large employers in the area made use of overseas workers on temporary visas, and she was keen to ensure they had support to thrive while they
were here.
The issue of affordable housing also came up in light of recent revelations that 4.5 per cent of Auckland’s homeless are in the Rodney District.
“There are parts of Auckland where it has been assumed there isn’t a need, but within those areas are pockets of hardship,” Ms Sepuloni said.
“Today’s meeting has been about understanding where the Ministry of Social Development can offer better support so we can follow up and engage further.”
Women’s Centre Rodney manager Colleen Julian said she felt the minister had heard their concerns and was looking forward to continued dialogue with the Ministry on the issues.
The meeting was facilitated by local Labour MP Marja Lubeck.
