The New Zealand government has given $NZ75,000 ($104,813) to Fiji to cover costs incurred by the two specialists hired to draft a policy framework for the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs.
Minister Charan Jeath Singh said the exercise did not cost the Fijian Government and taxpayers any money.
“The ministry is currently in the process of establishing a policy framework and strategic direction, the two consultants have been engaged through the assistance of the New Zealand government,” he said.
“The two gentlemen are fully sponsored and firstly, they have volunteered to work on these policy matters.”
“Because they have volunteered their services, we have sought assistance from the New Zealand Government in terms of funding and accommodation in Fiji.
“I am very pleased to announce that the High Commissioner of New Zealand has sanctioned $NZD 75,000 towards these costs so it doesn’t cost the Fijian Government or the Fijian taxpayers a single cent.”
He said more than 50 consultations had been held with further meetings planned for communities around the country.
“As I speak, they have done a first draft on this multi-ethnic policy document, they have tried to look at the comparative documents of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand and of course, Fiji is no different.
“Once the policy document comes into place, there will be a document that I can take over to Cabinet which will become a legal framework in the form of a Bill.”
Mr Singh added that present in the consultations were the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, NGOs, chiefs, community workers and the business community.
