Former refugee elected
Palmerston North’s city council has taken another step up the diversity ladderwith the election of former Congolese refugee Orphee Mikalad as its newest member.
Mikalad made the declaration of service to the city at a civic ceremony on Wednesday, having defeated a field of 10 other candidates to claim the seat vacated by former deputy mayor and current city MP Tangi Utikere.
He described it as a historic day for the city, and for New Zealand, to have someone with his background elected to a council.
‘‘Ten years ago this would have been unlikely.’’
His induction began with amihi and karakia from Rangita¯ne kaumatua Wiremu Te Awe Awe, who made special mention of ‘‘mymuslim brother’’, Zulfiqar Butt, who was elected to the council in 2019.
Te Awe Awe said Mikalad and his family, many of whom were in the public gallery for the ceremony, had chosen the best country in the world, and the best city in New Zealand to live.
He praised Mikalad and his family for working hard to overcome challenges most New Zealanders had never experienced.
‘‘We are so spoiled in New Zealand, we take everything for granted.’’
Mikalad, 30, said he accepted the trust voters had put in him with humility, and understood that came with great responsibility.
He was grateful Palmerston North had welcomed himwhen he arrived 15 years ago, and he had made a ‘‘solemn’’ decision to remain and give back to the community.
He wanted to help make the city amore vibrant and inclusive place, and to provide an inspiration for other young people.
Mayor Grant Smith said he was looking forward to having Mikalad at the council table after his positive and successful campaign.
He said Mikalad’smessages had included issues such as retaining youth, stimulating economic development and tackling the housing shortage.
Smith said he hoped Mikalad would be able to contribute positively in shaping the council’s policies on those and other issues.