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A nationwide telephone interpreting service will be a priority for the next Labour Government, Ethnic Affairs Minister George Hawkins says.

Employing additional community advisors in the Office of Ethnic Affairs will mean better communication, a better informed government and a stronger base for New Zealand’s ethnic communities, says Ethnic Affairs Minister, George Hawkins.

The government is to introduce a new telephone interpreting service to allow better communication between New Zealand’s growing ethnic community and key government departments.

A nationwide telephone interpreting service will be a priority for the next Labour Government, Ethnic Affairs Minister George Hawkins says.

The Office of Ethnic Affairs is to receive a $700,000 funding boost.

Ethnic Affairs Minister George Hawkins has today welcomed the launch of a nationwide Chinese Lifeline service

Today’s apology for the poll tax and related discrimination against Chinese settlers in the late 1800s demonstrates the government’s desire to build lasting partnerships with Ethnic New Zealanders, said Ethnic Affairs Minister George Hawkins.“

Thank you for inviting me to address the Asian Social Services Symposium today.

Ethnic Affairs Minister George Hawkins has welcomed the latest reduction in unemployment, which includes a substantial drop in unemployment among Ethnic New Zealanders.

· Many thanks to Dinesh Patel and the organising committee of the Indian Cultural Society. I know that you have brought together a dynamic and enthusiastic group to organise this and other Indian cultural events.

It is a pleasure to be here to celebrate the launch of the Auckland Office of Ethnic Affairs.

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Special greetings to the Mayor of Wellington, the Race Relations Conciliator, and the organisers from the Ethnic Council of Wellington.

I would like to acknowledge the Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Helen Clark; the New Zealand Federation of Ethnic Councils; the Race Relations Conciliator; my fellow Parliamentary colleagues; members of the diplomatic community and other invited guests.

Prime Minister Helen Clark and Ethnic Affairs Minister George Hawkins today formally launched the Office of Ethnic Affairs at a function at Parliament.

The Government is leading by example and has contributed $500,000 towards relief efforts following the devastating earthquake in India.

Exciting the senses, exploring the sights, enjoying the sounds and tasting the cuisine is all part of the Festival of Asia.

Minister for Ethnic Affairs Hon George Hawkins said steady economic growth, lower unemployment and strong consumer confidence is benefiting Chinese business-people.

Three years on-the-air is an outstanding achievement for AM990 Radio Chinese.

Thank you to you all for being here today on this very important and happy occasion.

12 February 2001

Minister for Ethnic Affairs Hon George Hawkins has highlighted a significant reduction in unemployment among those from Ethnic communities.

Today we are here to explore the issue of employment opportunities for skilled migrants job seekers in the Waikato region. I am here this morning, in my capacity as the Minister for Ethnic Affairs, to discuss this important matter.