Migrante Aotearoa Founding Assembly

MIGRANTE Aotearoa Founding Assembly “Advancing the Rights and Welfare of Filipinos and other Migrants in Aotearoa” 5th and 6th of December 2009 Mt. Eden Summit Hall Tahaki Reserve 250 Mount Eden Road Mt. Eden , Auckland 1st Day 9.00am Registration 10.00am Opening Ceremonies 11.30am Introduction to Learning Reps for Migrant Workers 12.00pm Lunch 1.00pm Forum: Current Situation of and Challenges to Migrant Workers in NZ 2.00pm General Program of Action 3.00pm Plenary 4.00pm Election of Officers 5.00pm End of Business Session 2nd Day 11.00am Catholic Mass 12.00pm Ecumenical Prayers 12.30pm Lunch 1.30pm Games and Family Activities 4.00pm Drawing of Raffle for the Benefit of Typhoon- Affected Families in the Philippines 5.00pm Closing If you are interested to come to the assembly please emailmigrante@xtra.co.nz or contact us at 09 8276059 for pre-registration and further information. About the Venue: Maungawhau/Mount Eden is the highest of the volcanoes in Auckland city at 196 metres. It is a prominent feature of the Auckland landscape and a good vantage point from which to view the city and the other cones. The Maori name for the mountain, "Maungawhau", means "Mountain of the Whau tree". Whau (entelea arborescens) is a small tree which occurs in coastal forests. During the period of Maori inhabitation, the lower slopes of Maungawhau were used as gardens and living terraces. Early Maori and European activity has already drastically altered the form of Maungawhau, and what remains is a precious tangible record of Maori history. One significant feature is the large, well preserved crater, some 50 metres deep, contained within the summit cone. The Mount Eden Domain is protected from damage, as an archaeological site, by the Historic Places Act 1980. Maungawhau has been grazed for at least 120 years and a council lease currently allows a herd of 15-20 young cattle to graze on the mountain. Source: Auckland City Council

Bayanihan: Urgent appeal for emergency assistance to Ondoy victims

29 September 2009

DEAR FRIENDS:

Last Saturday, 26 September, Typhoon Ondoy heavily flooded the Philippines . To date, the death toll reached 100, others remain missing and tens of thousands were left homeless. Many are crying out for drinking water, food and clothing.

Migrante Aotearoa New Zealand and Migrante chapters around the world are now appealing to compatriots and friends to gather financial donations for the victims. Migrante International (Manila-based office) is also currently assisting OFWs who have difficulties reaching their families in the Philippines . If you have friends who need assistance please provide us a list of relatives/friends you need to check.

The victims need all the help they can get in the face of inadequate government resources and personnel.

For those who can send financial assistance, we encourage you to donate through the Migrant Action Trust (MAT). Donate at ASB Account No. 12 -3077-0509589- 00.

We enjoin all Filipino organisations and communities as well as friends in New Zealand to support this cause. It will certainly take a long time for the homeless families especially those who lost loved ones to recover from this tragedy. Your generous support to ease their sufferings will be greatly appreciated. Please notify us via migrante@xtra. co.nz when you have sent donation.

Please check this link for more updates:

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/09/28/09/update-scenes-ondoy-aftermath-youtube

Thank you very much.

Dennis Maga

National Coordinator

Migrante Aotearoa New Zealand