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INTRODUCTION
The
Fiji Association in Auckland began in 1977. It was mainly a series
of cottage meetings in homes of former Fiji residents who settled
in Auckland, who then contributed their own funds to create social,
cultural and sporting occasions for themselves and their families.
An
early contribution to the growing multi cultural life of the city
was the Association's pioneering efforts in community radio, and
the production of Hindustani programs.
In
1978, it was decided to incorporate the Association under the
Incorporated Societies Act, and a working party met frequently
to adopt a Constitution.
In
1979 the Association was registered, and has operated since as
an incorporated society.
AIMS
AND OBJECTIVES
The
Association works around four basic aims:
1.
Social
2. Cultural
3. Educational
4. Sporting
It
has not changed these aims since the constitution was first adopted
on Anzac Day, 1979 at the Edendale Primary School, Sandringham,
Auckland.
Over
the years, the Association has sponsored many cultural delegations
from Fiji and India on short visits to New Zealand. These groups
have included Kathak dancers, Bharatnatyam dancers, Kathakali
dancers and musicians who excelled in sarod, sitar and other classical
Indian music.
A
feature of these programs has been to take the groups to tour
a number of secondary and intermediate schools to present brief
concerts for children to enjoy.
During
the past, many scores of donations have been presented to devasted
schools and homes in Fiji in the aftermath of frequent tropical
cyclones which cause so much damage in the islands.Assistance
has also been provided to schools with essay competitions, visit
opportunities to Auckland, and many newly settled families have
been advised as required on local issues.
Submissions
have frequently been made to Royal Commission of Enquiries such
as the subject of Cremations and Burials, Educational Reviews,
Immigration Reviews, Childrens Rights and other issues of significance.
The
Association's Youth Group has been very active in a number of
areas, such as organising frequent camping opportunities, field
trips, picnics and sporting events, radio programs, music and
dance presentations as well as social events.
The
Association works through a central committee which is elected
each year at the Annual General Meeting. The Committee itself
works in sub committees, and arranges events for the year. Frequent
restaurant dinners have been a feature in the past few years,
and children's parties.
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