The Waitakere Ethnic Board is an Incorporated Society established in September 2003, following calls from Waitakere’s migrant and refugee communities for the creation of a multi-ethnic advisory body that would function similar to the Pacific Advisory Board. The launch of the WEB was done by Hon Chris Carter, the Minister of Ethnic Affairs and attended by community leaders.

The Council signed a Partnership Agreement with WEB in December 2004. The agreement acknowledged the role of WEB in providing a ‘voice for ethnic people’ in Waitakere.

Download the History of Waitakere Ethnic Board(PDF)

Download the WEB Constitution adopted on 22/11/2008(PDF)

Why do we need the WEB?

• To provide a "voice" for ethnic communities to influence what the Council and the Government do
• To identify the needs of the ethnic communities in Waitakere
• To enable groups to share common interests and ideas while maintaining their own identity
• To ensure that ethnic communities meet their own needs by capacity building through WEB

What does the WEB do?

• Represents the views of migrants and refugees to Local, Central Government and Organizations that look after their affairs including settlement, education, employment, health & safety, economic, social and cultural issues
• Speaks out on behalf of ethnic communities about issues that concern them and their well-being
• Advocates with government departments so that services are responsive to the needs of migrants and refugees

What values does the WEB seek to uphold?

• Representation: as many ethnic groups as possible in Waitakere City sitting around the table
• Broad based: inclusive of all ethnic groups and individuals working together
• Relationships: an independent organization that develops relationships with Waitakere City Council, Central Government agencies and non governmental organizations (NGOs) on behalf of ethnic communities
• Structure: incorporated society where all members elect the Executive Committee
• Mandate: elected representatives that are mandated by ethnic organisations or communities
• Decision-making: has a constitution to ensure accountability, transparency and integrity

Why should you or your organisation join the WEB?

• Your group can access Central Government and Council through the WEB so that your voice will be heard
• Working with other groups as part of the WEB gives added strength when lobbying regarding issues for your community’s settlement into New Zealand
• Capacity building of leadership and ethnic community development through training and workshops on governance and leadership
• The WEB will provide opportunities to the ethnic community for collaboration with service providers
• The WEB's goal is to have integrated not segregated communities
• The WEB is about ethnic communities working together not against each other