Origins

In 2004, the Upper Hutt City Council invited the President of the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils, to give a presentation on the Federation’s objectives and work, and to /explore the possibility of setting up an ethnic council in Upper Hutt. During 2004-2006, with the support and contribution of community leaders, the Upper Hutt Multi-Ethnic Council was established with 14 founding members.

The first project the Council undertook was to collaborate with the City Council in organising the International Festival to be held on 12 November 2005. In the following years, the Council has worked with its partners on a number of social, safety and educational initiatives.

In December 2009, its name was changed to the Upper Hutt Multicultural Council to bring it in line with the Federation of Multicultural Councils’ change in strategy.

Aims

UHMCC’s aims are to:

• Promote and support the sharing of community resources
• Promote the development of a culturally diverse and socially cohesive society in New Zealand
• Establish and maintain social and cultural links with the Tangata Whenua
• Promote and maintain unity and friendship among members, and between members and other communities in New Zealand

Key Members

President: Pancha Narayanan

Vice President: Purnima Sharma

Secretary: Saranya Karunanithi

Office Administrator: Summer

Volunteer/MSD: Pohswan Narayanan