Ethnic diversity is now a reality in New Zealand. Approximately 15 percent of New Zealand population now express themselves as of non-European, non-Maori and non-pacific Island- origin. Majority of these ethnic communities are of East Asian or South Asian descent.
These ethnic people are now being slowly recognised and celebrated at various decision making levels. They are now represented in Parliament, local councils and various decision-making levels, and their culture and traditions are being celebrated and valued. For example, Diwali, Eid, Vasakhi and Chinses New Year are now celebrated in our Parliament and at city Council levels in our major cities.
The more recent expression of celebration of diversity is in our naming of roads and streets in new housing developments. Local Council have that right to give names to new streets and roads being built. In Auckland, because of our large city size and Council structure, this street naming right is given to our Local Boards. There are 21 Local Boards in Auckland, and they are given the final authority to approve such new roads and street name.
In the Otara-Papatoetoe local Board area, the Board members, as the governors of the area, approve the final names of new streets/roads. That’s where the board members as decision-makers play their role to acknowledge and celebrate the diversity.
Dr. Ashraf Choudhary, who has been a local board member of Otara-Papatoetoe has taken significant initiatives to celebrate our diversity. Nearly 50% of Papatoetoe population is now home to people of South Asian origin and where all major religions are also represented. Therefore, it is natural that these communities and their contribution be represented in new Road and Street names.
It’s a great news that since the election of Dr. Ashraf Choudhary at the local board for last two terms, he has been instrumental in getting at least half a dozen Indian-origin names approved of new streets/roads in Papatoetoe. These include names such as Diwan Lane, Shahkot Way, and Deepak lane. The most recent example is of Waheguru Lane off Redoubt Road. This new Lane name (which means God in Gurmukhi in Sikh religion) was first proposed by Mr. Harry Singh of The Sunshine Homes. They have developed 18 new houses in this recent housing development. Dr. Choudhary appreciates Mr. Harry Singh for this initiative and effort in promoting the Punjabi community.
Dr. Choudhary says that it is very important that these new streets and suburbs should reflect the aspirations of wider demographics of our community. There are many upcoming developers/ builders of Asian background now in the building industry. They should insist that new streets and suburbs be named to reflect and celebrate their heritage and contribution in New Zealand. Therefore, I propose that when undertaking new developments, do ask your Local Board for such recognition.
