Our Ethnic Communities Development Fund (ECDF) offers $4.2 million annually to support projects aligned with the Ministry’s strategic priorities. These initiatives aim to empower ethnic communities, enhance skills, celebrate culture, and encourage active societal participation.
After an extensive selection process, five new members have joined Gurdeep Talwar on the ECDF Panel. This panel, composed of external members from diverse ethnic backgrounds, plays a crucial role in reviewing applications and providing funding recommendations to the Ministry.
The ECDF Panel meets monthly to:
- Recommend the disbursement of funds throughout the financial year.
- Consider the Fund’s policy, the Ministry’s strategic priorities, and desired outcomes.
- Ensure ethical decision-making and manage conflicts of interest in funding allocations.
Meet the new panel members
Anwar Ghani
Anwar, based in Hamilton and of Indian ethnicity, has been involved in ethnic community resettlement projects for 30 years. He has also worked on national-level interfaith and social cohesion issues and is a member of the Waikato Community Lottery Board. Anwar brings extensive grassroots experience and a faith perspective to the panel.
Richard Leung
Richard, an Auckland-based Chinese New Zealander, has served as a trustee on the Chinese Poll Tax Trust and is currently a member of the Lottery Auckland Community Committee. He is also the Chair of the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Chinese Association.
Ogonna Nweke
Ogonna, who identifies as West African, is a management consultant with EY based in Auckland. She serves on the Auckland Ethnic Community Advisory Panel. She is a member of DearEM, the youth wing of HELP Auckland, a specialist family and interpersonal violence service. Ogonna is passionate about mental health and supporting young ethnic youth across New Zealand.
Professor Edwina Pio (ONZM)
Edwina, of Indian/Portuguese background and based in Auckland, is New Zealand’s first Professor of Diversity. With a well-known academic background in diversity issues, she brings a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of ethnic communities in New Zealand to the panel.
Daniel Tulloch
Daniel, who lives in Wellington and identifies as Jamaican/Maltese/Irish/Chinese, has a professional background as a director, providing him with extensive governance experience. He is involved in the local Iranian community, having experienced being a recipient of ECDF funds as a member of that group.
The new members will join Gurdeep Talwar on the panel.
Gurdeep Talwar (JP)
Gurdeep Talwar is an experienced management consultant, project manager, and leader with a diverse background in private enterprise, professional services, and the not-for-profit sector.
He has also made significant contributions to various boards and committees.
He serves on ten regional, national, and international boards, committees, and panels. His community contributions have earned him numerous awards, reflecting his dedication to societal improvement. Gurdeep's leadership continues to inspire and guide professionals and leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand.