Remembering

24 MARCH2017 Vol. 9 Issue 1

Shahid Bhagat Singh
Martyrs Day,
March 23

NZs only Kiwi-Indian weekly Auckland | Christchurch | Wellington | Hamilton | Palmerston North | Hastings | Invercargill The Pulse of Kiwi-Indians since 2009 www.iwk.co.nz

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 2 NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand-India direct flights:
How long will be the wait?
SANDEEP SINGH
L
ast week on March 15,
Transport Minister Simon
Bridges signed another
air services agreement for New
Zealand, this time with Columbia,
the fifth South American
destination in as many years after
the new policy was implemented in
2012.
New Zealand now has air
services agreements (ASAs) in place
with 61 countries and territories.
On this occasion, Mr Bridges
made an interesting revelation
that Air New Zealand was able
to start their first direct flight to
Buenos Aires in December 2015,
exactly one year after the signing
of the agreement with Argentina
in December 2014.
Air New Zealand had then
inaugurated the route by
announcing that it will fly three
days a week between Buenos Aires
and Auckland.
An inevitable question pops in
mind that how long will be the wait
for a direct flight between New
Zealand and India, given that the
first anniversary of the signing of
the code-share agreement between
New Zealand and India is fast
approaching in May this year.
I have been waiting for a direct
flight between New Zealand and
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Manish Kumar, a businessman
who travels to India quite a few
times for work.
In May 2016, a historic codeshare
agreement was signed between
the two countries in Auckland
during Indian President Pranab
Mukherjees state visit to New
Zealand creating an expectation
that the direct flights between the
two countries would be a reality
soon.
Speaking to Indian Weekender,
Tom Forster, Manager Aviation
and Security, Ministry of Transport
confirmed that the codesharing
agreement signed in 2016 was an
improvisation over the previous
travel agreements between both the
countries.
New Zealand has a full Air
Service Agreement in place with
India that allows for both code-
sharing and own aircraft services.
It replaced a previous ASA signed
with India in 2006.
The main improvements over
the 2006 ASA are that it allows
for more flexibility regarding the
routes airlines of either side may
offer between the two countries. In
particular, it allows New Zealand
airlines to serve more destinations
in India, Mr Forster said.
Given the historic deal between
the two countries and the fact that
a period of one year was enough
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for Air New Zealand to start a
three times a week direct service
from Auckland to Buenos Aires,
then how long would it take for
any similar development in New
Zealand-India route?
It is not to suggest that it is Air-
New Zealands responsibility
purely to start a direct flight
between New Zealand and India.
The intention here is to genuinely
explore how long the wait is before
a direct flight between the two
countries becomes operational.
Air New Zealand and Air India
(Indias national carrier) are the
only two possible players with the
capability and genuine interests to
launch a direct service between the
two countries.
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Both Air New Zealand and Air
India have Boeing 787 aircraft in
their fleets that could manage the
16-hour flight time.
The expectations from Air New
Zealand, however, emanates from
its leadership in expanding new
markets in the recent past.
In 2016 alone, Air New Zealand
announced direct flights to Ho Chi
Minh City and Manila to open
up new markets of Vietnam and
Philippines respectively.
The start of Manila flight was
delayed, however, as Air NZ had
to announce a deferral later, owing
to some administrative reasons
beyond its control. The market
remains confident that direct flights
will be resumed soon.
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Similarly, in November 2016,
Air New Zealand started to fly to
Osaka, Japan, three times in a week
until March 26, 2017.
In this regard, there has not been
much noticeable movements in the
India segment so far.
Apparently, there are some
suggestions out in the market that
direct flights between New Zealand
and India are not yet viable.
A report released last year by
NZ-Asia Research Foundation just
before Aucklands Diwali Festival
of Lights on October 15 and 16,
titled India and New Zealand:
Growing our connectivity pointed
that Air New Zealand considers the
yield on the sector as insufficient to
justify non-stop flights.
The airlines media team
reiterates what is already known
in the public that a direct flight to
India is not on the cards yet.
We are fully committed to
our alliance with Singapore
Airlines and have no current
plans to introduce direct flights to
India, Air New Zealands media
release said.
Similarly, Air India, Australia
Manager, Sujoy Kishore also
confirmed that New Zealand-
India direct flight was not on the
immidiate agenda.
We might consider it in
future, but as of now there
are no immediate plans. Mr
Kishore said.

But the unanswered question is that why
market forces are being so apprehensive
about the potential of the Indian segment
to sustain a profitable direct flight operation
between the two countries.
Indiaa growing market
T
he fact that India is a fast growing
market is widely acknowledged and does
not need repeated emphasis.
What is needed, though, is a comparative
check of the challenges and opportunities
offered by the Indian segment of travel
market to create an urgency of opening up a
direct flight at the earliest.
In this regard, if distance is a deterrent,
then the flight distance between Auckland to
New Delhi is 12,480 km, which is comparable
to the New Zealand to Argentina flight
distance of 10357.74 km.
According to Tourism New Zealands
website, last year, until November 2016, the
total visitor numbers to New Zealand from
Argentina (and Brazil) were around 40,000.
If numbers are a deterrent, then last
year, from March 2016 to February 2017,
international visitor arrivals from India
increased from 14.8% to 53,424, thus making
India the ninth-fastest growing source
destination for travellers to New Zealand,
ahead of Malaysia and Indonesia.
Whereas, departures to India rose by
17.6% to nearly 52,000 until March last
year suggesting Indian travel market is
fast growing.
Gazelle Mascarenas
Direct flight will be a hassle-free
journey. Last months trip to India
was a nightmare; there were long wait and
baggage issues. I got my baggage after 15-
days due to the transit. Direct flights mean,
you start here and land in Mumbai.
www.iwk.co.nz | 24 March2017
Eco Travels Director Amit Saha also
vouches for enough numbers on the
plate to justify direct flight between the
two destinations.
We are 100% confident that a direct
flight to India flight will have more than 90%
occupancy every day, Mr Saha said.
Relianz Travels director V. Giri anticipates
much stronger inbound traffic to New
Zealand if direct flights were to start today.
Speaking to Indian Weekender, Mr Giri
affirms, We are confident that incoming
traffic to NZ is going to increase by leaps
and bounds.
Subhash Dhawan
Not just, a lot of people will be so
happy to see direct flights to India.
My wife is in India, and my daughter and I are
planning to make the trip soon. We will travel
every six months with direct
flights in the picture.
Indiaan intrepid destination
A
part from the existing traffic between the
two countries, there is a huge potential
to expand this market further by riding on
Indias lure as an intrepid destination
as described by Flight Centre NZ general
manager, product, Sean Berenson.
India has been growing in popularity
with Flight Centre customers in recent
years, as more Kiwis seek to travel to more
intrepid, off the beaten path destinations,
Mr Berenson said.
During 2016, Flight Centre NZ saw
an almost 10% increase in the number
of customers travelling to India. Delhi, in
particular, increased by almost 20% and
Jaipur, Kerala, and Chennai were top spots
for our customers once on the ground, Mr
Berenson added.
Kuntal Trivedi
As a businessman, it will make
my travel shorter and save a
lot of time that I can utilise in a better way
otherwise. With a stopover, there is a long
transition and immigration process which is
time-consuming. I will definitely travel
more frequently.
Indiaa second home for the
Kiwi-Indian community
T
he potential of growth in Indian travel
segment is not just dependent on Indias
reputation as a growing market and an
intrepid destination.
Rather there is a yet unfulfilled latent
potential of India as a second home to
about 180,000 Kiwi-Indians living in New
Zealand, either by birth or cultural heritage.
According to the latest estimates, there are
currently 220,000 people in New Zealand
who call themselves as Kiwi-Indian, with
around 80 per cent of them living in
Auckland alone.
The term Kiwi-Indian includes Indians
born in New Zealand (including immigrants
from India), Indo-Fijians, and Indians born
in Africa (such as South African Indians and
Indians in East Africa) or any New Zealander
with at least one parent, grandparent, or
great-grandparent with an Indian heritage.
For thousands of them, who are living
embodiment of Indian culture and lifestyle,
visiting India and connecting back with their
original roots is an unmet emotional need.
Harman Singh
When travelling to India, one is
very curious and excited to meet
their family. Direct flights will cut short the
time of transit and luggage hassles. My last
visit had a 14-hour wait in China and it was
a nightmare.
NEW ZEALAND 3
It will not be an exaggeration to assert
that a large number of these people could
be potential frequent travellers to India if an
option of direct flight to India exists.
Experts in the travelling industry generally
believe that direct flights to destinations are
attractive to travellers who may not have
considered the destination otherwise.
Bipin Kumar Tavadia
The transit period is one of the
primary reasons that I would
prefer a direct flight. Last time I had to wait
for almost 12-hours in Hong Kong Airport in
the transit. I am waiting to see a direct flight
between India and NZ for the last five years.
I will travel at least three times if a direct
flight is started.
Indiaan alternative way to
access London and Europe
A
lthough it is more for the Indian tourism
sector to position and market India in
New Zealand as an alternative and cost-
effective way to access London and Europe,
the opportunity is there for anyone to take.
The point being made here is that creative
marketing can overcome the suggested
challenge of insignificant yield on this
segment and push new horizons.
It may also open up an alternative and
cost-effective way to access London and
Europe providing an interesting stopover
destination for a lot of young Kiwis heading
over to London and Europe for working
holidays, an alternative to the ever popular
South East Asia, Mr Berenson said.
Mandar Tropkar
Direct flights will benefit the
business people; it will be more
convenient and increase connectivity
between the two countries. I may opt to
travel more frequently with direct flights.
 4 NEW ZEALAND
New Zealanders need to stand up against
racism: Dame Susan Devoy
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
T
his year, the Race Relations Day,
Human Rights Commissioner Dame
Susan Devoy is calling all New
Zealanders to stand up for one another and
to stand up for what we believe increating
a truly multicultural society.
This year, we are focused on encouraging
New Zealanders to answer these two
questions: What do you stand for? What
do you want [against]? The world is at
crossroads when it comes to race relations:
the way we treat each other will decide
what path New Zealand goes down, Ms
Devoy said.
Every year, March 21 is celebrated as
the International Day for the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination to mark the 1960
Sharpeville Massacre when 69 black South
African citizens, including 10 children, were
shot to death by their police for protesting
against racial apartheid laws.
Lately, there has been a surge in reports
of personal racist attacks on people from
ethnic minorities.
In the last few weeks, Indian Weekender
covered a few incidents of racist ranting
hurled at Indian-New Zealanders in
Auckland where alleged offenders were
caught live on camera screaming go back to
your country, on seemingly trivial disputes
in public places.
The Race Relations Office met the
representatives of the Asian Media at AIG
Building on Tuesday, March 21 to launch
Family Renewal
Retreat observed
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
T
he Syro Malabar community of
Auckland observed a Family Renewal
Retreat at Ellerslie Church from March
19 to 22. The retreat was held as a part of the
Lent Celebrations, which was attended by 600
people every day.
Lent is a period of 40 days before Easter
in the Christian calendar and its starts
with Ash Wednesday. It is said to be the
season of reflection and preparation for the
Easter celebrations.
The event was hosted every day from 5 p.m.
to 9.30 p.m. by Father Mathew Elavumkal
VC, director of Divine Retreat Centre,
Muringoor, India, which is the largest retreat
centre in India. The centre conducts retreats
in Malayalam, Tamil, English, Hindi, and
Konkani around the year. Father Mathew
Elavumkal was previously the director of
Kamba Ashramam in Mumbai and was also
the director of Divine Retreat Centre in Delhi.
The retreat includes Mass, healing prayers,
preaching the word of God, and adoration
every evening. A special prayer for purification
Representatives of ethnic media at the Race
Relations Day launch event
Race Relations Day 2017. Speaking at the
event, Ms Devoy acknowledged the rising
incidents of racist attacks on people from
ethnic minorities.
The launch event was attended by
ethnic media houses such as WTV, Filipino
Migrants, Korea Post, Indian Weekender, Sky
Kiwi Media, and TV33.
Ms Devoy spoke to individual ethnic media
houses on how to convey the message to the
ethnic masses in New Zealand about racial
issues. She encouraged the public to raise
their concerns and report if they feel they are
a victim of racial abuse.
We want people to record attacks, to
support people who are being attacked, and
to ensure attacks are reported, Ms Devoy
told Indian Weekender.
of the family tree, especially for previous
and future generations was conducted on
March 21.
The purpose of the retreat is spiritual
upliftment and self re-orientation, and
it is believed to have the power to heal
ones illnesses.
The retreat will continue at five other
locations in New Zealand until April 7.
Hamilton will host the next retreat between
March 24 and 26, Hastings will conduct from
March 27 to 29, Palmerston North on March
30 and 31, Wellington from April 1 to 3, and
the journey will be concluded in Christchurch
from April 5 to 7.
The retreat at different locations in New
Zealand is hosted by New Zealand Syro
Malabar Catholic Mission led by Father Joy
Thottamkara C.Ss.R and Assistant Chaplain
Father Thomas Cherukanayil.
The Auckland Syro Malabar community
consists of more than 500 families who meet
every Friday and Sunday at Ellerslie Church
for prayers and mass and conduct Catechism
classes for children up to 12 years on Sundays
from 3.30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
24 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz
When we see yet another racist attack
on the news, we need to ask ourselves: Is
this us? Is this the kind of country we want
to be? If the answer is no. Then we need to
do something.
What we do today is our insurance policy
for the future of our nation, she added.
Sikh Youth Group helps raise
funds for Cancer Society
IWK BUREAU
M
embers of Spoken Words, a Sikh
youth group, will run for 18
hours along with others around
a racetrack in support of Cancer Society at
Pukekohe Showgrounds in Pukekohe next
month. The run will commence on April 1
at 4 p.m. and end at 10 a.m. on April 2.
Relay for Life is an event organised by
New Zealand Cancer Society that takes
place in different parts of New Zealand
during the months of March and April.
This community event gives everyone an
opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors,
remember the loved ones lost to cancer,
and fight back by raising awareness and
funds to support the work of New Zealand
Cancer Society.
The event will start with a lap of honour
led by cancer survivors and carers. This will
be followed by 18 hours of non-stop walking
or jogging.
It is a great opportunity for us to share
our values of sewa (service) and compassion,
which are so central to our community,
Jasmeet Singh, a member of Spoken
Words, said.
Our community
is incredibly generous
and is always willing to
support those in need.
It is crucial for us to be
seen participating in
events [such as] Relay
for Life doing the sewa so
everyone can see that we
can stand together with
the wider community
in tackling important
issues, whether it
Ms Devoy reiterated that
a majority of New Zealanders
embrace diversity, but there
will always be an element
of the society who are
intolerant and pass racist
comments. It can never be
eradicated completely, but
people can work together to
support each other.
Ms Devoy also asked the victims to
look after their safety first and then report
the incident.
You need to move to a safe place. Your
safety is the first thing. Maybe you just have
to walk away. If you can, you should report
to the New Zealand Police so that they can
investigate, she said.
This year, several events have been planned
nationwide throughout the month of March
to celebrate Race Relations Day.
With race relations events planned
from Oamaru to Gisborne, Wanganui to
Invercargill, whats great is that we are
celebrating race relations in our provinces
and smaller towns not just our big cities.
While we have our tough times, we do care
about and respect each other, and it shows,
Ms Devoy said.
More than 30 events are being held
throughout March with more being added to
the list every day.
is cancer, child poverty, or inequality,
he added.
Spoken Words is an organisation that
empowers youth so they can utilise their
skills and talents to be an asset to the society.
It was established in 2014 and has worked
with many organisations including Diabetes
NZ, Auckland WaterSafe, Ministry of Youth
Development, and Manurewa Council in
conducting community-focused projects.
They also organise volunteering sessions
and food drives to Auckland City Mission.
The group had managed to raise $2100
last year and has already raised more than
$1700 for NZ Cancer Society through
fundraising. The money raised is used for
cancer support services, health promotion,
and cancer research.
The event is open to everyone, and the
group invites everyone from the community
to join them on the track. The community
can show their support by making a
donation online.

Crown Superette robbery: Offenders
roaming free, owners fearful
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
P
olice have charged two offenders
of Crown Superette robbery with
aggravated robbery and referred four
to the Youth Aid, who will appear in the
Youth Court next month.
One teenage girl referred to Child, Youth
and Family (CYF) has run away and is still
at large.
The dairy has been closed since the
incident that took place on March 12. The
owners of the dairy on Melrose Road are still
fearful, as the offenders, even the ones who
have been charged, are roaming free.
We are still fearful, as the offenders are
still freely roaming the streets. There has
been no constructive assistance from Victim
Support and insurance, and the store is closed
till now, Raj Chopra, the brother-in-law and
spokesperson for the victim, said.
We are the ones who are at a complete
loss, he added.
Victims of the assaultJitesh Arora and
his wife Preeti Aroraare back from the
hospital and currently recovering.
Jitests third surgery last week was done,
and he was discharged from the hospital
on Tuesday night (March 21) and will take
time to recover from his wounds, Mr
Chopra said.
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NEW ZEALAND 5
Seven young offenders had attacked
and stolen tobacco and cash from Crown
Superette on March 12 at around 7:30 a.m.
The offenders left the owners covered in
blood and with serious injuries. Chartered Accountants
Following the robbery, community
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of March 14. A Crime Prevention Group
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The law needs to be more strict, and
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 6 NEW ZEALAND 24 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Shops owners consider firearms to defend aggravated robberies

RIZWAN MOHAMMAD and a gas petrol station robbery in Whangarei dairy robbery

A
nother daylight robbery in Manukau on the night of March 7.
Auckland and Whangarei The incident has enraged dairy
has forced the shop owners to a point where some
owners to consider carrying of them are considering keeping
a firearm in defence during firearms to defend themselves in
aggravated robberies. such situations.
Store owners are at a stage Gone are the days when one-
where they are frustrated of on-one confrontation happened
these incidents, and if need be, with bats and sticks. These days,
they are willing to hold a firearm hooligans attack in a group of more
behind the counter, not to shoot than five or seven people, so what
do you do when someone wields an

but to scare the offenders off, Mr
Suresh Ramji, vice-president of iron rod or a knife on your head?
Manukau Indian Association, told Mr Ramji added.
Indian Weekender. In another incident, two people
At around 7 a.m. on Monday, were hospitalised on March 12
March 20, a group of seven men when seven people stormed a dairy

entered Hillside Superette in
Papatoetoe, armed with wheel jack,
and robbed the store of cigarettes
and cash. There were two people
in the shop at the time the
incident happened.
One of the offenders pinned
the store man on the ground while
the owner Kishore Patel managed
to stay away from the offenders
block, unharmed.
The other attacker shook the
wired security cage but failed to
bring it down. Determined to get
away with something, another
member of the group slid through
the cage into the cash counter, and
in less than a minute, took cigarettes
from the rack estimated $7000 and
unaccounted amount of cash.
The robber, whose face was
covered and was clad in a blue
hoodie sweatshirt and blue track
pants, climbed inside the counter,
cleared the rack, and passed the
cigarette trays to his accomplice
standing outside the counter. He
also took cash from the till and then
pulled the till tray and squeezed
himself through the cage, running
away with his accomplices.
The robbery at Hillside Superette
is the latest in the string of attacks
in the last few weeks. Retail stores
in South Auckland have been
victims of a number of aggravated
robberies in recent weeks. Indian
Weekender, in its March 17 issue,
reported a list of robberies in South
Auckland including firing between
police and robbers at Idlewild
Dairy in Mangere on March 13,
robbery at gunpoint at Puhinui
Superette, Papatoetoe March 11,
Gone store in Mt Roskill and beat the
store attendees.
are the
Most of the dairy owners in South
days when one-on- Auckland have installed iron wires
one confrontation on their counters, panic alarms,
multiple CCTV cameras, iron grills
happened with bats outside the store against ram raids,
and sticks. These etc. to protect themselves. There
days, hooligans are community patrolling groups
and even the police patrol the area
attack in a group during the day, late evenings, and
of more than five in the wee hours.
or seven people, so We have been seeking advice
within the community, held
what do you do when
multiple meetings, and have been
someone wields an speaking to the police as well. The
[store] owners feel this should
iron rod or a knife on be the next step to scare these
your head?
hooligans, Mr Ramji added.
We just want to scare these
hooligans. The idea is not to shoot
but frighten them and defend.
I
n another incident, Maunu
Superette in Whangarei was
robbed at around 5 p.m. on
Monday, March 20.
According to the sources, a
witness saw a masked man standing
near Maunu Superette just before
the robbery and informed the
police of a robbery in progress.
The witness had chased the
offender before he disappeared.
The shop owner also ran after
the offender. No arrests have been
made so far. The area is haunted
by two robberies in the last three
days, the other being Four Square
supermarket in Otaika, which was
robbed of tobacco and cash by
three armed men on the night of
Saturday, March 18.

Walk for humanity raises thousands Four Fiji companies to showcase

for charity products at Pasifika Festival
F
IWK BUREAU our companies from Fiji will be

T
he Ahmadiyya Muslim community
of New Zealand held its ninth annual
Walkathon on Saturday, March 18.
Eighty-four participants walked up to 10
km around the Barry Curtis Park in Flat
Bush, raising thousands of dollars through
sponsorship. The event has now become a
regular feature in the communitys annual
calendar, with the money raised supporting
the New Zealand Blind Foundation and the
Humanity First charities.
Supporting people in need as well as
helping the poor in ones community are
central pillars of the Islamic faith. By
organising this walk and reaching out to the
wider community to help sponsor the walkers,
we are doing nothing more than what we
believe to be our duty as true Muslims,
Ahmadiyya community spokesperson, Dr
Nadeem Ahmad, said.
It is indeed heartening to see the spirit
shown by both the participants as well as all
the volunteers who have worked so hard in
the background to make this walk a success.
NZ Blind Foundation and the Humanity
First Charities both have worked very hard to
improve the lives of hundreds in our country
and beyond. We are humbled that in a small
way we can be part of their contribution to
the society. Mr Ahmad added.
Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim
community along with representatives of the
NZ Blind Foundation and the AA participated
in the 2017 Walkathon event. Local businesses,
nurses and doctors at the Manukau and
Auckland District Health Board and other
generous sponsors helped reach a total of
over $10,000 through the walk. The attendees
for their products in New Zealand.
Community participates in Walkathon at
Barry Curtis Park
were treated to a barbeque and sausage sizzle
after the walk that was sponsored by Mike
Pero New Zealand. Representative Sheikhil
Khan gave out special prizes to individuals
with the highest pledge amounts.
Spanning worldwide in more than
200 countries, the Ahmadiyya Muslim
Community is a dynamic, fast-growing
international revival movement within Islam,
with membership exceeding tens of millions
of people.
The motto of the Ahmadiyya community
Love for all and Hatred for none is evident
your participation, and lets look forward
through the peaceful actions of its millions of
followers around the globe.
The New Zealand branch of Ahmadiyya
Muslim Community was established in 1987
and now includes more than 500 members.
The community is a registered charitable
organisation and endeavours to be an active
and integrated community within the New
Zealand society.
participating at this years Pasifika
Festival at Western Springs, Auckland
on March 25-26.
Representatives from each of these
companies are participants in the Pacific
Trade & Invest Path to Market Program and
have attended in-country workshops that
were held in the country in 2016.
The path to Market workshops is held in
conjunction with the countrys economic
development agency, helping companies from
the Pacific Islands including Fiji to find buyers
In Fijis case, Pacific Trade & Invest (PT&I)
worked with the Fiji Export Council. The Fiji
Export Council will lead the Fiji delegation at where we work with them in their destination
the Pasifika Festival. market here in New Zealand. Fijis four
The four Fijian companies and the lead companies are from the countrys growing
export agency Fiji Export Council were agribusiness/forestry sector.
welcomed by PT&I Trade Commissioner Aswhy Enterprise deals with timber
Michael Greenslade. exports, sustainable agriculture and civil
engineering consultation works; Bilo Sinai
A big Bula Vinaka to our friends from
sources its kava for domestic sales and export
Fiji. It is great to have a continued presence
from the pristine island of Kadavu; Living
from Fiji in 2017 following the visit of Prime
Springs is engaged in the processing, packing
Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and his
and export of a range of commodities and
ministerial team to New Zealand in 2016,
Lami Kava has been in the kava business for
Mr Greenslade said.
three decades. Along with companies from
They promised increasing commercial Fiji, delegations of 20 other companies from
engagement with New Zealand, and we are eight Pacific Islands countries will showcase
seeing it with the capability of this years
their products at the Pasifika Festival. The
delegation to Pasifika. Vinaka Vakalevu for companies are from Fiji, Palau, the Republic
of the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea,
to a successful Pasifika, Mr Greenslade Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa and
further added. Tonga. The companies participation in
Ian Furlong, PT&I Trade Development Pasifika starts on Friday, March 24 with a
Manager, who was in Fiji as part of the
Maori Powhiri (welcome), briefings and
workshop stage of the Path to Market media interviews before the start of the two-
program said, Having been with them at the day festival. The program will carry on after
workshop in Fiji last year, it is great to see the Pasifika ends with a one-day export workshop
participants once again as we progress into on Monday followed by business to business
the next stage of the Path to Market program, meetings on Tuesday, March 28.

Two young Indian girls find new
home in New Zealand
Rani and Veni with their new mother Daryn Louise Menzies
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
T
he wait for Kiwi woman Deryn Louise
Menzies to become a mother has
finally come to an end with the Kerala
State Council for Child Welfare, Kerala in
India approving her application to adopt two
little sisters on Wednesday, March 15.
Ms Menzies application to adopt two
little sisters, Veni and Rani was scrutinised
by officials of both the countries and Ms
Menzies flew with her two-daughters earlier
this week. The single mother from Napier has
already made the arrangements to welcome
the siblings to their new home.
Ms Menzies, a music therapist, confided
her intention to adopt two children with her
close friend Elizabeth and chose India to
be the destination for her hunt. Her search
began almost five-years ago when she realised
she had accomplished her dreams and is now
ready to be a mother.
I was a happy woman who had achieved
all she aspired for and felt it was time to give
back to society, Ms Menzies said, adding
that she chose India since it allowed single
women to adopt.
She started the journey with convincing
New Zealand authorities of her abilities to
adopt and who made an official request to
its Indian counterpart. The authorities then
identified the adoption centre and children
matching her profile. Ms Menzies also
underwent training programmes gear herself
for raise an adopted child.
Six-year-old Veni and her five-year-old
sister Rani were introduced to Ms Denzies
Find all the latest updates
www.iwk.nz
www.iwk.co.nz | 24 March2017
NEW ZEALAND 7
in November 2015, and she fell in love
with the two sisters. Ms Menzies since then
has bonded with the two children and had
been sending them gifts and postcards from
her travel.
Both Veni and Rani were issued Indian
passports with temporary visas but has Ms
Denzies full name as her official parent.
Once the duo reach New Zealand, they will
go through prior approved procedures, and
their Indian passports will be converted to
NZ Passports.
The two sisters will live at Ms Denzies
farm house near Napier and grow amongst
the beauty of the region surrounded
by cows, grass and cheese. Excited to
welcome, the doting mother has already
decorated the house and put new
curtains in their rooms with the pictures
of Elephants.
Ms Denzies is a bit apprehensive raising
the two children is a very different culture
and with a slight language concern as well,
but is positive that it will be resolved without
much difficulty.
It is a challenging task, but I hope to
ensure that they stay in touch with their
roots while adapting to life over there, Ms
Menzies added.
Currently, the girls in speak in their
native language Malayalam and a bit of
English such as keywords to communicate,
while Ms Menzies has learnt a little bit of
Malayalam too.
@
 8 NEW ZEALAND 24 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

General elections, MMP electoral system, and the balance of power:

How well prepared is the Kiwi-Indian community?
SANDEEP SINGH attention towards politics purely power to determine the election

S
because they are focused on more date can give some subtle
ince general elections are advantages to the government
pressing needs of life such as
exactly six months away, with of the day. It is to say that if the
gaining employment, housing, kids
voting due on September governing party believes that a
education and settling the business
23, it is an opportune time to section of the population will either
in their new home.
question the preparedness of the vote against them or not at all, they
Against this backdrop, it is might hold the election in early
Kiwi-Indian community for the
not altogether blasphemous to spring, when the weather may well
next elections.
suggest that ethnic communities, keep less-committed voters away
Currently, the mainstream or the new migrants, including from the polls.
media is going gaga about the Kiwi-Indians, are less inclined In the last decade, there had
latest Newshub-Reid Research towards participating in the been a convention of holding

poll released on Thursday, political process. elections on the last Saturday of
March 21, which shows National Added to this, the public disdain November, which had been broken
are rock solid at 47% vote with in 2014 when elections were held in
that majority of ethnic Asian the month of September.
Labour-Green alliance falling migrants bring from their places
short at a combined 42% with Following this lead, some may
of origin towards the political argue that National Party may
Winston Peters New Zealand processes in general leaves little have some anxiety about getting
Firsts decisive seven per cent However, the reasons for this drift incentive for being election-ready. their voters out on the Election
vote share. It is are not completely unreasonable. This piece intends to bridge Day, a challenge they had recently
It is being suggested that at the believed in some In our case, the number of this gap and educate the experienced in the Mt Roskill by-
end, Mr Peters might tilt towards people, identifying with the Indian readers about the incentives election late last year.
quarters, though not ethnic group in New Zealand has for active engagement with the Labour, in this regard, do have
the National Party in the final
bargain to power in lieu of some necessarily factually more than doubled, increasing political process. some momentum on their side
from 62,187 to 155,178, in a period as demonstrated in the electoral
major portfolio and policy control. correct, that the outcome of Mt Roskill and Mt
of 12 years from 2001 to 2013, the About general elections
There is nothing new in this prime ministers last census year. Albert by-election verdicts.
poll apart from an awkward
revelation that Labours newly
crowned Deputy Leader Jacinda
power to determine
the election date can
Moreover, this manifold increase
has primarily occurred through N ew Zealand general elections
generally occur every three
years. Unlike some other countries,
Mixed-member promotional
(MMP) electoral system
migration and not through birth
give some subtle
T
Ardern is polling ahead of their in New Zealand, thus clearly New Zealand has no fixed election
Leader Andrew Little at 10.3% as date for general elections. Rather he introduction of MMP
opposed to Mr Littles 8.3% as the
advantages to the indicating that for a majority
the prime minister determines electoral system in 1993 is
of voters in the community,
next preferred prime minister of government of the electoral system in New the timing of general elections by often considered as one of the most
significant constitutional change of
the country. the day Zealand is a new political system advising the Governor-General
the 20th-century New Zealand.
While the mainstream media is to comprehend. when to issue the writs for a
busy in analysing possible future general election. In this model, the voter casts two
Furthermore, the life cycle of
scenarios of this latest poll, which It is believed in some quarters, votes, the first for their preferred
error, the ethnic media may be migrants suggests that during the
surveyed a sample population of though not necessarily factually party and the second for an
grappling with one important early formative years in the new
1,000 residents with a 3.1% margin correct, that the prime ministers electorate MP.
questionwhat is in for me? country of residence, there is little

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During an election, the candidate who
gets the most electorate votes wins. These
party votes are counted on the basis of First
Past the Post (FPP) system. So the candidate
getting maximum votes is declared a winner
and becomes an electorate MP.
However, a political partys seats in the
parliament are not entirely dependent upon
the number of electorate MPs.
Under current MMP rules, a political
party that wins at least one electorate seat
or five per cent of the party vote gets a
share of the seats in the Parliament that is
about the same as its share of the party
vote. This share of seats is filled by a list of
candidates nominated by the political party,
and they are called as list MPs, as they are
elected from the party list and not from a
geographical constituency.
Political parties can, therefore, get seats
in the parliament and thus a say in the
legislation even without having won one
single electorate.
It is to say that every party vote that
a political party manages to get counts
towards the possibility of getting seats in
the parliament.
There are two important implications of
New Zealands MMP system.
First, every election in MMP system is a
closely contested election regardless of their
showings in the opinion polls.
Since the
introduction of MMP
system in New Zealand,
no one political party is
confident of securing a
dominant majority in
the parliament
www.iwk.co.nz | 24 March2017
NEW ZEALAND 9
Second, every single party vote counts
towards determining who gets into
the Parliament.
Probably, this should be one big enough
incentive for the Indian community and
other ethnic communities to engage
with the political process in this country
more proactively.
Balance of power in New Zealand
politics
T
he balance of power is originally a
concept of international politics but
repeatedly used in New Zealands domestic
politics where it mainly implies who will
have a decisive say in the forming of the
government.
Since the introduction of MMP system
in New Zealand, no one political party is
confident of securing a dominant majority
in the parliament, unlike many other
democracies with First Past the Post system
(say India), therefore leaving balance of
power in the hands of several smaller parties
and individual politicians.
According to the latest Newshub-Reid
Research poll, National Party even with its
current dominant lead over opposition will
still secure 61 seats in parliament, one short
of required majority to form the government.
New Zealand Firsts Winston Peters has
long been projected to have that balance of
power in 2017 elections.
Mr Peters has previously, on many
occasions, enjoyed the balance of power in
the Parliament, notably in 1996 and 2005,
extracting much control on important
policies in return.
Recently, a newly formed New Zealand
People Party (NZPP) for ethnic migrants has
sought to claim this elusive balance of power
in New Zealand politics, although, it appears
a distant dream so far.
Clearly, incentives are galore for political
engagement in this country, as every vote
counts (especially party votes) and balance of
power could be the precious prize.
Your favourite store
now OPEN in
West Auckland
Taking
your
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shopping to the
5 Rankin Ave, New Lynn, Auckland
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0800 70 70 80 .
10 NEW ZEALAND 24 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Humm FM celebrates Confluence of colours and

its 6th birthday cultures: Waitekere Holi
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD The event was attended by Labour Party

A S
ucklands only Bollywood Indian FM aturday, March 18 and Sunday, Leader Andrew Little who shared his
station Humm 106.2 FM completed March 19 witnessed two mega Holi enthusiasm for the festival of colours.
six years of entertaining the Indian celebratory events hosted in Auckland. The celebrations was also attended by
community on March 23. The equally impressive shows Humm FM Henderson-Massey Local Board member
Humm FMs director Roshila Prasad and Waitakere Indian Association Holi Shane Henderson, National List MPs Alfred
thanked their listeners because of whom gave a chance to thousands of multicultural Ngaro, Kanwaljit Bakshi, Melissa Lee, Dr
the radio station is continually gaining New Zealanders an escape into the world of Parmjeet Parmar, NZ First List MP Mahesh
popularity. colours and music. Bindra, MP for Te Atatu Phil Twyford, Mt
We are grateful to our listeners for their The Waitakere Indian Association of West Roskill MP Michael Wood, Linda Cooper,
support over the years especially in our Auckland organised a noon to evening Holi one of the Councillors for the Waitakere
event on Sunday, March 19 at the Trust Ward of Auckland Council, Labour Party
efforts to raise money for the community
Arena, in Henderson which saw a footfall candidate for Maungakekei Priyanca
and charity work. In fact its our community
of more than 4,000 visitors from different Radhakrishnan, and members from Nepal
of listeners who make us Humm and
communities in Auckland. & Sri Lanka Ministry of External Affairs
motivate us to go the extra mile. Last year,
The Holi event was held with the focus among others.
we reached out to the audience and brought
to get everyone to celebrate the festival of
them exciting opportunities to participate in The young crowd jumped on to the dance
colours irrespective of their ethnicity and
our on-air competitions. floor non-stop from afternoon until the event
religion. A good number of visitors at the
In some of the offers given out to Humm concluded at 6.30 p.m. Others thronged the
event were from the Pakeha, Samoan, Maori,
FM listeners, people were able to win some Fijian and Kiwi-Indian community. food stalls for delicious Indian snacks.
great goodies- Ella Kumar, a member of the Puketapapa
A lucky couple won a holiday package Local Board also performed at the early
worth $10,000 to Paradise Tavueni in Fiji hours of the event.
Every month Humm FM chooses lucky
winners to go on adventures such as
skydiving, parasailing, game fishing etc.
with RJs Dev and Sandy
Concert tickets for Hindi concerts and
Punjabi shows
Movie tickets every week
Food and beauty vouchers
Humm FM also debuted at Farmers
Santa Parade in 2016 with one of the most
entertaining and unique floats with live
music and pyrotechnics. The Santa Parade
was attended by over 250,000 people.
After the success of Christmas 54 Hrs
Radiothon in 2015 for less fortunate kids,
Radiothon for Fiji Cyclone, and Bollywood
Movie in the Park, Humm FM became the
first Indian radio station to participate in the
carnival.
Last year was an exciting year for Humm
FM as they also launched the Muze D3
(Digital Device Driven) app for their
listeners in Auckland. The app has now
become an important part of listeners daily
entertainment, interaction and engagement.
It can be downloaded for free from App
Store or Play Store.
Ms Prasad also thanked their advertisers,
We would like to thank our advertisers for
giving us the opportunity to work for them
and we look forward to keep providing the
high standard of quality service, as your
success is our business.

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Humm FM Holi enthrals
the community, yet again
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
A
ucklands popular music station
Humm FM 106.2 hosted the most
exhilarating Holi celebrations
Colours in the Park 2017 on Saturday,
March 18 at Three Kings Reserve in Mt
Eden, and it was filled with music, colours,
and good food.
Attended by more than 5,000 people
from noon until 7 p.m., the event witnessed
the multicultural society of Auckland come
together for the celebration of colours. A
section of the ground was cordoned only for
playing with colours where people from all
age groups danced to the tunes of the DJs.
The event commenced with a dance
performance by Mt Roskill Grammar School
Community Education led by Puketapapa
Local Board member Ella Kumar. The group
consisted of 11 members, eight of whom
performed on the stage while the remaining
three interacting with the crowd on the
ground. The energetic dance performance
set the tone for the celebration as the crowd
joined the music and danced alongside the
group.
Ethnic Liaison Officer Constable Robert
Stanton from New Zealand Police also
joined in the celebrations. Children playfully
applied abir on his face and posed for pictures
with the officer.
weekender LOTF ad quarter.pdf 1 15/03/17 9:28 am
www.iwk.co.nz | 24 March2017
NEW ZEALAND 11
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As Auckland is struggling with acute water
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CY
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The event witnessed also saw the presence
K
of community leaders and members of
parliament who joined the celebrations in Certified HALAL
the afternoon. Among the dignitaries present
were List MP Kanwaljit Bakshi, Parmjeet
Parmar, Mahesh Bindra, MP for Mt Roskill
Michael Wood, Labour Candidate from
Maungakiekie Priyanca Radhakrishnan,
community leader Sunny Kaushal, a
member of Puketapapa Local Board Shail
Kaushal and Bhartiya Samajs Jeet Suchdev.
DJs at the show uplifted the momentum
of the afternoon with their remix numbers ONLINE AND DELIVERY AVAILABLE TOO
mixing Hollywood, Bollywood, and Punjabi
songs. The crowd hummed and jumped
as DJs Geezville, Raaz, Riks, and NRK
jammed on the stage.
The evening performance by Roach Killa
from the UK and J Hind USA further added
to the colour-music-dance extravaganza.
The duo rocked the crowd with their
famous tracks. Rapper Roach Killa sang
his Heartbroken, Ghora, and One Touch, while
J Hind sang Muqabla, K.I.N.G, Sansar, and
KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI
Jaane Jaana. And to top it all, the amazing
host of food stalls adjacent to the stage
catered lip smacking snacks and drinks to
the visitors. LIST MP BASED IN MANUKAU EAST
KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI
A 1/131 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland
P 09 278 9302
F 09 278 2143
W www.bakshi.co.nz
E Bakshi.mp@parliament.govt.nz
facebook.com/Bakshiks
@bakshiks
Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi MP, 1/131 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe
12 NEW ZEALAND 24 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

SOUTH LINE News-in-brief

from South Island

A Bollywood musical
Awareness is needed to tackle
domestic violence in the South
Asian community: Sahaayta
coming to Chch in April GAURAV SHARMA Migrants Centre shared insights

T
he monthly meeting of a
recently launched coffee
club to deliberate ideas for
women empowerment among the
South Asian community in the
South Island has highlighted the
need for generating awareness
against domestic violence across
the region.
An initiative of Christchurch-
based Indian Cultural Group (ICG)
and Auckland-based community
organisation based in Manukau,
Sahaayta, the meeting also had
women speakers to talk about
Bollywood Dreams performing at a Chinese festival in Christchurch in 2016 women issues. While Dr Ruchika
Sachdev, a dentist, shared how
GAURAV SHARMA Thomas] aged between five and 25, turn people down. Thats why we
she frequently encounters women
on how vulnerable migrant women
are in New Zealand without any
family and peer support.
Sahaaytas coordinator in
Canterbury and facilitator of the
coffee group, Nimi Bedi, added,
Our ongoing effort is to generate
a dialogue among cultures to tackle
this social evil head-on. What
we started in Auckland 1012
years ago, that kind of awareness
campaign is needed in the South
Island now, as more and more
women from South Asia are
migrating here.
Women need to open up. But
this will not happen unless they
have the confidence from the

F
and they will be divided have decided to perform two shows community and authorities that
ollowing from the success suffering from domestic violence
into five groups In this year.
of last years first-ever as part of her everyday practice, they will be protected. We need to
depending terms of the In terms of the dance
dance musical in the South Jane Song from the Canterbury work towards that.
on their dance school, our school, our aim now is to
Island, the city-based dance school
dancing skills. aim now is to move move beyond the borders of
Bollywood Dreamsa brainchild
As was the beyond the borders Christchurch and expand
of 23-year-old dancing sensation
and masters student at the case last time, of Christchurch and our reach to the North Island.
University of Canterbury, Shawn this year, too, expand our reach to We will also be looking for
the musical the North more cultural collaborations
Thomaswill be presenting its
will feature 45 Island and aim to perform at other
annual performance on April 28
and 29 this year. popular Bollywood ethnic communities events as well.
Titled Teri Padosan Rangeela, the dance medleys. This we feel would be the best
two-hour musical will feature 60 The demand for tickets last way to share our music and dance
performers [all students of Mr year was so huge that we had to with the wider community. Uniting against domestic violence in the South Asian community in South Island

Subcontinent shines at
Culture Galore 2017

Shirish Paranjape, a community board member in Christchurch City Council, addressing the gathering at
Chrstchurch's Culture Galore 2017

from when it started in 2001, with a big

GAURAV SHARMA
increase in the number of ethnic and cultural

I
n its 16th year now, Culture Galore
2017, held in Christchurch on March
11, had performances and delicious
dishes from the Indian subcontinent, with
Bharatanatyam Group of Christchurch
garnering appreciation from all quarters.
Established 12 years back by a Sri Lankan
Tamil, Anura Uniting against domestic
violence in the South Asian community in
South Island dha Ambalavanar, students
from the Bharatanatyam Group of
Christchurchone of the dance schools in
the city teaching the classical dance form
that originated in Tamil Naduperformed
stuti and Thillana, which was a curtain
raiser for its annual dance recital scheduled
next month.
Shirish Parajape, a newly elected
Fendalton/Waimairi/Harewood community
board member, who hails from Mumbai,
noted, The event has grown massively
groups participating.
This year, for example, all the stalls were
booked months in advance.
One of the unique features of Culture
Galore is that all the food stalls are managed
by community groups and commercial
establishments and restaurants are
not allowed.
Another special feature is that the event
is supported by two community boards
the Fendalton/Waimairi/Harewood and
Riccarton/Wigram/Halswell boards.
Also, due to the proximity of the venue
to the University of Canterbury and nearby
student accommodations, this event serves
well to welcome international students to our
multi-ethnic city.
In all, the event was attended by more than
6,000 people and had representation from
more than 70 different ethnic communities
living in Christchurch now.

STAY INFORMED
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ISCC completes 20 years of existence
GAURAV SHARMA
C
hristchurch-based social
and cultural organisation
Indian Social and Cultural
Club (ISCC), in its recently
held AGM, has elected a new
20-member strong executive
committee to oversee the clubs
initiatives in its 20th anniversary
year. Formed in 1997, the club is
known for organising the biggest
Diwali festival in the South Island
every year.
Dunedin introduced to Kathak
GAURAV SHARMA
I
t was traditional with a
contemporary twist: thats how
Swaroopa Unnian Indian
classical dancer originally from
Calicut who has been running
the only Indian classical dance
school in Otago called Natyaloka
described the weekend showcase
of Kathak as part of Dunedin
Fringe Festival.
Called RangColours, the
Indian classical dance rendition
was performed by Ms Unni, in
collaboration with her teachers and
internationally acclaimed artists
Nirupama and Rajendra who run
the Abhinava Dance Company
in Bengaluru.
Rohini Prabhath, one of their
students, also participated in the
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www.iwk.co.nz | 24 March2017
The newly-elected executive committee of Christchurch's Indian Social and Cultural Club_picture credit ISCC
Amit Raut, the newly elected
Secretary of the Club informed,
The major decisions taken by the
new committee pertains to updating
the 20-year-old constitution of
Swaroopa Unni (left) performing during Dunedin Fringe Festival. Picture credit
Chris Sullivan
performance held on March 18
and 19.
As I am trained in both Kathak
and Bharatnatyam, we decided to
give audiences a taste of both Indian
ISCC. This has been necessitated,
as all our events and initiatives have
grown to acquire much larger scale
over the last two decades. We have
also decided to increase the number
classical dances. So one segment,
which was very well-received, was
me performing Bharatnatyam and
Great fashion. Great prices.
Rohini showcasing Kathak on the
same song, with [the] same story
and same emotions.
*Conditions Apply
of our executive committee
members from this year. Thomas
Shaji Kurian, former treasurer of
ISCC and now chair of the newly
formed sub-committee to oversee
this years Diwali event, added,
Trained eyes can gauge the
difference between the two art
forms by different hand gestures
[and] subtlety of expressions, as
Bharatnatyam has exaggerated
motions and half-sitting postures,
[and] unlike Bharatnatyam, Kathak
has only standing positions, Ms
Unni informed.
The dancers also made the
performance interactive in the final
segment, which was extempore
in nature.
Nirupama and Rajendra
created rhythms and foot works
according to [the] wishes of
the audiences.
They also shared their wealth of
knowledge about Indian dances by
explaining in detail how the famous
flamingo dance form has its origins
NEW ZEALAND 13
Also on the 2017 agenda is to
work towards making the dream
of an Indian community centre a
reality in Christchurch. We aim to
work with the wider community
even those outside the ISCCto
achieve that.
Meanwhile, the new committee
has already started preparations
for ISCC Connectan annual
gathering of ISCC members and
anyone who wishes to attend
to be held sometime in the next
month or so.
in Kathak, Ms Unni added.
Looking towards the future,
Ms Unni concluded, After Rang,
my focus now is Natyalokas
annual dance recital scheduled in
September, which all our students
eagerly look forward to.
Last year was our fifth
anniversary. So our performance
was special.
Called Yatra, it was based on
the theme of tracing the journey
of all migrants in New Zealand.
Additionally, we had made use
of traditional Mori musical
instrumentstaonga puoroin
our performance to indicate the
fusion of cultures as is happening
in modern New Zealand now.
 14 FIJI
Global movement opens Fijian chapter Uni urges
T Fijians to
he opening of a Fijian office of The
Global Organization of People of
Indian Origin (GOPIO) on Saturday,
said Minister for Education, Heritage
and Arts.
apply for
March 18, would help with identity issues,
NZ grants
Ethnic identity is like big global family
connecting groups of people together, no
matter where they are in the world, Mr
Reddy said.
It is through the workings of organisations
such as GOPIO that this ethnic bonding and
connection becomes strengthened.
GOPIO Suva (Fiji) Chapter was launched
by International GOPIO coordinator-
Oceania Suman Kapoor; the Indian
High Commissioner to Fiji, Vishwas
Sapkal; President of GOPIO Suva (Fiji)
Ramesh Chand and Mr Reddy at the Fiji
Sevashram Sangha in Suva.
Every human being is proud of their
ethnicity, cultural and religious values and
kinship ties, Mr Reddy said.
This is what binds the individual to their
family, community and the global society
at large.
Fiji Airways hoping
to fly to Beijing and
Northern Europe:
Sayed-Khaiyum
M N
inister
for Civil
Av i a t i o n
Aiyaz Sayed-
Khaiyum has told
parliament that Fiji
Airways would love
to fly to Beijing when
negotiations with Air Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum
China are sorted out.
Sayed-Khaiyum says this is because Air
China has very good connectivity.
He says they would also love to fly to
Northern Europe. Sayed-Khaiyum adds that
in June, Fiji Airways will be flying to South
Australia for the first time.
Opposition MP Viliame Gavoka then
said that the success of Fiji Airways is also
attributed to the vision of the Alliance, SVT
and SDL governments.
But Sayed-Khaiyum says the success
of Fiji today is attributed to the Fiji
First government.
Teaching children to respect own culture: Naicker
A
s important as it is to teach students
about other cultures, what is
happening at Labasa Multicultural
Centre is about teaching children to respect
and celebrate their own.
During the Holi celebration on Saturday,
the centres administrator Prabha Naicker
said teaching children about their own
culture not only gave them the opportunity
to respect themselves, but it also gave them a
cultural base that they could take with them
as they grew up.
Children learn best when they see, hear
and then they themselves put teachings into
action, Ms Naicker said.
For this what the centre did was that we
invited Qelewaqa Bal Ramayan group to
recite popular musical genre so that children
can hear.
Then we had a guest speaker, a Labasa
primary school teacher who spoke about the
importance of celebrating Holi followed by
From left: GOPIO Suva (Fiji) president Ramesh Chand, Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Vishwas Sapkal,
Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Mahendra Reddy, and GOPIO Oceania co-ordinator Suman
Kappor during the launch yesterday. Photo: Ashna Kumar
Mr Sapkal said yesterday marked a very
special day. This is a great initiative that our
community members have come up with to
connect people of Indian origins to come
together, he said.
GOPIOs initial mission was established
to network the global Indian community
NZs Immigration officials
encourage people to register if
they want to win residence in NZ
ew Zealand's Immigration officials
are encouraging people in
Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati,
Tuvalu and Fiji to register if they want
to win residence in New Zealand.
Each year up to 1,100 Samoan
citizens, 250 Tongan and Fijian
citizens and 75 Kiribati and Tuvaluan
citizens are selected by ballot to be
considered for residence in New
Zealand.
The ballot under the Samoan
Quota and Pacific Access Category
takes place throughout April.
Those who are successful then have
eight months to lodge their resident
visa applications, the critical part of
which is an acceptable job offer from a
New Zealand employer.
In recent years hundreds of people
who won places in the ballots had to
forfeit them after failing to secure work
in New Zealand.
International Society for Krsna Consciousness devotees from Nadi, Savusavu and Labasa
during the Holi celebration in main street of Labasa Town. Photo:SHRATIKA NAIDU
playing of colours. The tradition of playing
of colours on Holi draws its roots from a jealous of Radhas fair complexion
tradition of Krishna and Radha.
24 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz
F
ijians have been urged to take
advantage of scholarship
opportunities at the Victoria
University of Wellington (VUW) in
New Zealand.
A statement from the university's
international development scholarships
co-ordinator Sera Vatuloka said VUW
was New Zealand's globally ranked
city university.
Ms Vatuloka said
These
and to monitor and address the interests VUW offered
scholarships
g l o b a l l y
and concerns of overseas Indians people appeal to individu-
competitive
of Indian origin (PIOs) and non-resident als wishing to extend
d e g r e e
Indians (NRIs). themselves, advance
programs
An estimated 30 million people of Indian their career, change
to match
origin are living outside India. their profession, or
NZ Pacific
simply to experience
S ch o l a r s h i p s
studying
p r i o r i t y
sectors for Fiji in abroad
business, finance and
economic, education, public
management, conservation and health.
sector
"These scholarships appeal to individuals
wishing to extend themselves, advance
their career, change their profession, or
simply to experience studying abroad," she
said.
"We encourage Fijians to apply for a
scholarship through the New Zealand
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to
study at VUW.
"We appreciate that making connections
is a key aspect of the Fijian way of life
and therefore we will be in Fiji on the
20th of March to inform respective
Fijian stakeholders about scholarship
application processes."
Ms Vatuloka said the New Zealand
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
offered New Zealand Pacific Scholarships
to Fijians for postgraduate study.
Applications close at the end of
the month.
"At VUY, we are committed to
supporting these scholarship recipients, to
build on Fijian's leadership capacity and
equip individuals with skills and knowledge
to benefit Fiji," she said.
narrated his woe to mother, Yashoda, who
teasingly asked him to colour Radhas face in
which ever colour he wanted.
In a mischievous mood, Krishna applied
colour on Radhas face.
Thus, the tradition of applying colour
on one another is being religiously followed
to date.
The Fiji Sun caught up with two best friends
Sunidhi Prasad and Shyna Devi among the
201 students of the centre playing colours.
We always look forward to
Holi celebration because this
Children
is the only time we can tease
learn best
our friends with colours,
when they see, 12-year-old Shyna of
hear and then they Tovata, Labasa said.
themselves put Two siblings Mahi Kumar
teachings into
It is said that young Krishna was and Sakshi Kumar dressed in
action
same coloured attire were seen
since he himself was very dark. He playing with powder.

Miracle water not allowed into New Zealand
F
ijis so-called miracle
water from the Natadradave
springs is not allowed
into New Zealand, the Ministry
of Primary Industries (NZMPI)
posted on its Facebook page. It said:
Fijian holy water announcement
Weve been seeing a lot of
passengers from Fiji arriving
with bottles of holy water from
natural springs.
This water is not allowed into
New Zealand as it might have
contaminants in it that we dont
want in New Zealand.
Last night, the Biosecurity of
Fiji chief executive officer, Xavier
R Khan, emphasised that there
was no ban placed by the New
Zealand authorities.
Miracle water (natural spring
water) believed to have healing
properties taken by Fijian travellers
to New Zealand has not been
banned by the New Zealand
Ministry of Primary Industries
(NZMPI). Biosecurity Authority
of Fiji (BAF) has not received any
Cant wait, says Roy Krishna
V
odafone national football
captain and Wellington
Phoenix star striker
Roy Krishna arrived into the
country last night brimming with
confidence of their chances against
the New Zealand All Whites on
Saturday, March 25.
Speaking to SUNsports Krishna
said he cant wait to join the team
in their first training run.
Playing against the New
Zealand All Whites is going to
be tough as they are the Oceania
champions, he said.
Like Ive said before on the
game day its going to be eleven
against eleven and Im looking
forward to it.
Krishna said he has been keeping
a constant contact with national
football head coach Christophe
Gamel and is expecting to gel well
with the players.
He pointed out the focus this
weekend is to secure a spot in the
2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
This first game is important for
Fiji as we have the home advantage.
The Kiwis have played some
matches and have got points.
The Labasa native has called
on fans to be at Churchill Park,
Lautoka to support them. The
clash kicks off at 1pm.
BIG DAY
K
rishna arrived at Nadi
International Airport on a Fiji
Airways flight from Sydney.
He was greeted by his fiance
Naziah Ali. When asked on their
wedding day, Krishna laughed and
shied away from the camera.
WHITES SETBACK
A ll Whites captain Winston
Reid is going to miss
Saturdays qualifier against Fiji
after being injured while playing
for English club West Ham. Reid
limped off with a groin injury in
www.iwk.co.nz | 24 March 2017
Natadradave miracle warter NOT ALLOWED in New Zealand. In
circle: group of people at the Natadradave spring.
official notificationof any such ban
by NZMPI, he said.
Miracle water (natural spring
water) can be a good host for the
transmission of biosecurity risks.
Heat treatment is a biosecurity
import requirement set by NZMPI
for which they have requested
travelers to declare the miracle
water (natural spring water) at the
NZ borders.
As per normal border inspection
and clearance processes, if the
West Hams 3-2 loss to Leicester
City. Reid will not be replaced
in the squad and striker Chris
Wood will captain the side.
Its disappointing he is
not coming because he is
such an important player,
he is a great character
and I know how much
he was looking forward
to being here, said coach
Anthony Hudson.
But with regards to the team
we have been in this position
many times.
We have got a good squad, we
are adaptable and we have enough
in this squad to deal with this tour
so we are prepared for this.
Striker Monty Patterson will also
miss the Lautoka and the return
fixture in Wellington next Tuesday
due to a hamstring injury.
Patterson, who plays for
Ipswich Town in the English
Championship, will be replaced by
Phoenix midfielder Alex Rufer.
Its disappointing he is not
coming because he is such
an important player, he is a
great character and I know
how much he was looking
forward to being here.
Coach Anthony Hudson
themselves with the biosecurity
countrys requirements.
regulated article
does not meet
border import
requirements, it
may be detained and/
or destroyed.
BAF reiterates that we have
not received any notification
from NZMPI or from the NZ
High Commission on any BANS
IMPOSED on Fiji miracle water
weird things coming across the
(natural spring water).
Fiji PM stresses why
and income.
seat in the global campaign, to
and increase marine traffic has
with its consequences on a daily
protect our oceans and value the
FIJI 15
Mr Khan also advised all Fijians say miracle water is stranger than
travelling overseas to familiarise most. The water has been arriving
in New Zealand in significant
requirements of the respective qualities from Fiji.
country they were travelling to
It is sourced from a spring in
and ensure compliance with the
the village of Natadradave in the
Tailevu province and is believed to
In The Border Spacenewsletter,
various interesting risk have healing properties. Apparently
there has been a lot of local
items were picked
up by the NZ and international interest in the
border control. water since it was used to combat
an outbreak of conjunctivitis
T h e
last March.
Natadradave
h e a l i n g It has since been found to cure
waters was a range of ailments, including
one of them.
blindness. Healing claims aside,
Other items
MPI has some serious biosecurity
included
concerns about untreated water
Thai fish with
getting past our borders. We
maggots, Fruit-
require travellers to declare the
fly in suitcase and
miracle water.
Spanner crabs still alive.
Here is what was noted about And the water itself must
the Natadradave waters. undergo heat treatment, costing
passengers about $60 a shot. There
Miracle water poses biosecurity
have been no reports the waters
risk My staff have seen a lot of
healing powers have been affected
border this summer, but I have to by the heat treatment.
oceans action
F
iji will rally with its Pacific
neighbours on the global
platform to have their
voices heard over the depletion
of the oceans and seas due to
pollution, says Prime Minister
Voreqe Bainimarama.
Mr Bainimarama was
responding to a question posed
by Government MP, Mataiasi
Niumataiwalu in Parliament
yesterday. He said Fijians relied on
the ecosystem as a source of food
Mr Niumataiwalu questioned
how Fiji would highlight the issues
on the global stage and its benefits.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama
Apart from Fiji, Mr outside Parliament
Bainimarama said that other
said he witnessed how plastics had
countries within the region also
accumulated in our seas and how
depended on a healthy ocean for
the ocean had degraded by people
their food.
who robbed marine resources.
We cant afford to take the back
He said small island developing
nations were the ones suffering. For
reverse that pollution, overfishing
the first time, Fiji would co-host
done on our eco-system, he said. with Sweden the first ever United
Nations conference on oceans
Mr Bainimarama said Fiji lived
in June.
basis even though developed Healthy oceans and seas are the
countries didnt feel them. lifeblood of the planet we inherit,
Mr Bainimarama said.
Every Fijian understands
Mr Bainimarama said they
the need for urgent action to
would push for a comprehensive
global community to reverse the review of the current states of
staggering degradation of our our oceans and unfiltered truth
marine resources, he said. revealed to the community
of nations.
Mr Bainimarama said even
men have returned with nothing As part of our missions of
from their fishing trips as fish a cleaner Pacific we are also
stocks have been depleted. He calling on those responsible to
do what is necessary to address
added coastal communities were
nuclear and other contentment,
experiencing the impact that
ship wrecks and other World
bleaching had on coral reefs and it
War II relics in our oceans, Mr
was a phenomenon that intensified
Bainimarama said.
to an unprecedented level last year.
He said a global observing
As the former Fijian Navy
Commander, Mr Bainimarama system needed to be put in place to
improve ocean health.
 We cant solve problems by using
Editorial the same kind of thinking we used
Call for firearms: an eye for an eye when we created them.
makes the whole world blind Albert Einstein
T
he recent call for firearms by the dairy shop owners to deter aggravated robberies
have created a spur, and rightly, though.
According to an online survey done by Newshub 57 per cent of respondents FUNNY BONE
do not support the idea of dairy owners arming themselves with guns.
The fact that even if 43 per cent respondents are supporting this idea is problematic.
Evidence overseas suggests that offenders get more inclined to carry and use
firearms in the likelihood of their intended target armed with a firearm.
It is to say that when offenders would be aware that their targeted small business
owners could possess firearms, then they will always be entering premises with
firearms, and the will, to use those firearms, on the slightest pretext.
It is no brainer to guess if all shopkeepers - who are law-abiding citizens will have
that will to use firearms always.
Also, evidence suggests that criminals are more comfortable than normal law-
abiding citizens in procuring and using guns.
New Zealand is a gun free country, and it should remain that way.
We cannot afford to create a new social problem of gun trotting youth on our
streets to seek a solution to another malaise, especially when there is no evidence This week in New Zealands hitory
to suggest that shop owners potential arming with a gun would deter the offenders.
Therefore, the call for arming with a gun so conveniently attributed by the March 26 1896
mainstream media to the Indian dairy owners should be treated as what it actually
Brunner mine disaster kills 65
is - a momentary expression of frustration with the ever increasing numbers of At 9.30 a.m. an explosion tore through the Brunner mine in Westlands Grey Valley. Two
men sent underground to investigate were later found unconscious from black damp, a
aggravated robberies - rather than a call for policy change.
suffocating mixture of nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
This will be one big challenge for the recently formed Crime Prevention Group - a
community initiative to formulate a community-led action plan against the rising
March 27 1984
menace of aggravated robberies - to distil the emotional call for arming with the gun
Trades Hall bombing
from more peaceful means to bring forward remedial measures.
Caretaker and unionist Ernie Abbott was killed on 27 March 1984 by a bomb at Trades
There will be an extra responsibility on this community group to delineate the call
Hall in Wellingtons Vivian St. Trades Hall was the headquarters for many trade unions and
for firearms from the Indian dairy owners. As Indian migrants all over the world police suspected that they were the targets.
are recognised for their peace loving attributes, and that recognition should not be
disturbed unnecessarily.
March 28 1983
Its easier said than done though, especially when more and more dairy owners Signing of CER agreement strengthens trans-Tasman
and small businesses are being assaulted and victimised. trade ties
New Zealand and Australia formally signed the Closer Economic Relations (CER) agreement,
Indian Weekender : Volume 9 Issue 01 strengthening trade ties between the Tasman neighbours.
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At 96 m long and 91 m high, the suspension bridge over the Shotover River near Queenstown
Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz
in Central Otago is one of the most spectacular bridges in New Zealand.
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 www.iwk.co.nz | 24 March 2017
OPINION/EDITORIAL 17

Key might have left his legacy in the hard basket

DEV NADKARNI in Parliament nor a credible has increased. While the reasons

M
ore than three months alternative to the electorate in for this could be many, over-relying
after his shock terms of well thought out policy on immigration and unbridled
resignation in December let alone any semblance of international student numbers as a
last year, former Prime Minister stable leadership. driver of growth are undoubtedly
John Key was still quelling rumours DISAPPOINTMENTS one. It has put pressure on the

about his sudden exit ahead of his
valedictory speech to Parliament
this week.
That many Kiwis thought at
the time some still do there
was more to the resignation than
meets the eye comes as no surprise.
Unlike successful sportspeople and
celebrities, few politicians, if any,
have been known to quit while
ahead. And John Key was always
ahead, with consistently high
approval ratings hovering around
the 50 per cent mark through much
of his premiership.
Unsurprisingly, Mr Key has been
hard put to explain that the real
reasons for his throwing in the towel
were uncharacteristically mundane.
Active politics had a taken a toll on
family life, he said. Stepping down
well ahead of this years election
would give a fair chance to Kiwis
to assess the National Partys new
leadership in the run-up to the
elections, was his other reason.
True as they might have been,
many were unconvinced.
There is no question that John
Key is among this countrys most
popular prime ministers. His state
house to Beehive story via being
a successful moneyman in the
worlds biggest capital markets
is inspirational. His ability to
seemingly connect with all manner
of people is almost showbiz
celebrity like. No wonder that
he is admired by a whole bunch
of world leaders from Barack
Obama to Malcolm Turnbull, who
waxed eloquent about him and
his leadership on television upon
hearing of his resignation.
MrKeys leadership saw this
country successfully navigate
the stormy waters of the global
financial crisis, with the economy
continually managing to grow,
no matter how slowly, at a time
when the rest of the developed
world economies were reeling and
failing to register growth in some
years. New Zealand successfully
extricated itself out of a debt hole
to notch up a surplus toward the
end of his premiership.
On the domestic front, he dealt
with many contentious issues deftly,
getting most people around to his
side. In fact, his style of functioning
made hard things look easy. He
connected well with the countrys
growing migrant groups and was
extremely popular with Kiwi
Indians, always turning up at the
perhaps referring to his own
many cultural fests that dot the
calendar. He was a chief guest at
four of the Indian Weekender Hall
of Fame functions.
Nicknamed the smiling assassin his legacy.
his government did take some
potentially unpopular decisions
such as rationalising welfare
payments, which political parties
of other dispensations might
have been loathe to dealing with.
His easy and positive manner
generally raised New Zealands
stock in international circles and
in the past decade, this country has
featured high in nearly every global
desirability index.
While Mr Key had a lot going
for him in his years in power, his
popularity was helped in no small
measure by the disarray in the
Labour party throughout much of
his tenure. As Mr Keys popularity
soared, Labour squabbled over its
leadership no less than three times,
all the while stumbling along,
offering neither strong opposition
W
hen Mr Key said,
Disappointments are
inevitable in politics, in his
valedictory address, he was
disappointments such as the
failed flag referendum. For many
Kiwis, too, it was a disappointment
not because it failed, though,
but because it was even attempted
in the first place. Most Kiwis saw
it as a pointless, wasteful exercise
and voted with their feet. That $24
million exercise was one of Mr
Keys few political miscalculations
that failed to become part of
Though Mr Keys stewardship
skillfully navigated choppy
economic waters, one would
have expected him to leverage his
considerable economic nous and
international financial experience
to help broad base New Zealands
primary industry-centric economy.
Not many politicians and heads of
governments come with the kind of
financial experience of Mr Key, and
his lack of action in opening more
doors and creating a conducive
financial environment for Kiwis
celebrated innovativeness will be
seen as a major missed opportunity.
While the nation might have
done well in macroeconomic
indicators during the Key years, the
reality on the ground seems to point
the other way. Social and financial
inequality among New Zealanders
countrys infrastructure and
public services and will take good
leadership and investment to put
it right.
Despite living for many years
in New York and Singapore,
Mr Key never appeared to
appreciate the virtues of public
transport infrastructure. During
his leadership, the government
dragged its feet for years on
Aucklands transport woes, most of
all the City Rail Link. Its policies
seemed to favour the private
transport lobby.
Mr Keys too hard basket had
17
a couple of other files that piled
up high as well. Superannuation,
which he perplexingly vowed not
to touch during his watch and
housing, which, with his financial
nous and political acumen, one
would have thought he could have
found answers for. Housing will
likely turn out to be the biggest
issue in the coming elections.
All in all, Mr Key has left New
Zealand in a better place. But
Kiwis will have to wait for another
prime minister to deal with the real
issues that profoundly impact on
the quality of their lives now, and
crucially, in the future.
Decisive action on these
important issues would have
carved out a great legacy for Mr
Key. Too bad theyre still in the too
hard basket.

Punjabs revival will depend upon revitalising

its once industrial cities
AMIT KAPOOR level of its cities as they have the potential

T
he conversation around BJPs
electoral win in UP has completely
overshadowed the political scenario in
the state of Punjab. Political commentators
attribute this to Punjabs small electoral share
compared to UP, but there is more to it than
mere arithmetic.
Only a few decades ago, Punjab was a
poster boy for development -- a state that was
the centre-stage of the Green Revolution
and whose cities were fast industrialising.
Ludhiana was a production hub for cycles;
Jalandhar had a thriving sports goods
industry, and Amritsar had its textile industry.
Punjabs economic size made it hard to be
side-lined.
Now, the state and its cities have fallen into
Detroit-like insignificance. Industries have
chosen to exit the state. Between 2007 and
2014, about 18,770 factories have closed
down. As a result, employment and economic
growth have fallen below the national
average. Moreover, the rising menace of
drugs has added to the woes.
The strong anti-incumbency shown in the
recent elections reflects the desire for change
among the people of Punjab and, hopefully,
the Amarinder Singh-led government will
live up to the expectation of the electorate.
Reviving the state needs to begin at the
to become engines of growth and prosperity.
Since industrial clusters across the cities of
Punjab were a driving force behind Punjabs
erstwhile growth, it should be instructive to
delve into the reasons for their decline.
First, was the availability of cheaper
imports of manufactured and intermediary
goods from China. For instance, Jalandhar,
which was a global supplier of sports goods,
lost its competitive edge to cheaper Chinese
products. Similarly, the cycles industry in
Ludhiana lost its place to cheaper imports of
cycle components from China.
The second reason is the loss of competitive
advantage to Punjabs neighbouring
states. Tax structures are more attractive
in Himachal Pradesh. The state has been
offering a tax holiday to industries since 2003
along with other sops. Also, industrial power
is much more abundantly available and
considerably cheaper in Himachal Pradesh.
Third is the flawed economic policies
followed by the state leadership. Punjabs
agricultural sector is riddled with controls
and huge subsidies, which makes the states
fiscal situation highly unmanageable. The
state provides free electricity to its farmers.
To compensate for this subsidy, arcane
duties and cesses are imposed on electricity
provided to industries. This makes operations
unreasonably expensive.
The newly-elected Congress government
needs to reverse all these policy errors
to revive Punjabs growth story. Since
agriculture is no longer the mainstay of
its economy, the best approach that the
incoming government can take is to revive
the states basic units of economic power:
its cities. Reviving the industrial clusters that
once thrived in the cities of Punjab is its best
bet in a failing economy.
Cities can only succeed by attracting talent
and talent, in turn, seeks out good places to
consume as well as produce. Cities in Punjab
have been losing both of these characteristics
over the years. A state that was once the
most prosperous in the country, now lags
behind Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra,
and Telangana, while being just at par with
Himachal Pradesh. Talent will clearly not
seek out a place that is in perpetual decline
and nor will companies do so. Therefore,
for a city to succeed it needs to provide a
decent quality of living to attract talent
and a business-friendly environment to lure
opportunities for the inhabitants.
However, Punjab would also need to
develop talent among its population, which
it has lost out over time. To do so, the
government needs to balance its books and
reduce its fiscal burden by cutting down on
its subsidy bill. The resources it gains from
this needs to be devoted to talent-building
sectors like education and health. Second, it
needs to remedy its flawed economic policies
that have been making business unviable
in the state. These are the two most crucial
factors that require urgent redressal to revive
Punjab. The Congress government could
very well use the faith reposed upon it by the
people of the state as a path to its salvation.
Amit Kapoor is chair, Institute for
Competitiveness, India. The views
expressed are personal. The article is co-
authored with Chirag Yadav)
 18 WORLD
Five killed in London
terror attack
B N
ritish police confirmed that
deal toll in Wednesdays
terror attack outside the
Parliament in central London has
risen to five.
On Wednesday, three people
and a terrorist were dead after an
attacker brought carnage to central
London on Wednesday, mowing
down pedestrians on Westminster
Bridge and hacking at police
with knives in the grounds of the
Houses of Parliament.
Metro Police Assistant
Commissioner Mark Rowley told
reporters that about 40 people
were injured in the attack.
Rowley, also Londons top anti-
terror officer, said that the officer
who died in the attack has been
named as Keith Palmer, who was
48 and had 15 years service as a
police officer.
He said he would not comment
on the identity of the attacker,
although he suggested the
police was aware of who the
assailant was.
The attacker was shot dead after
stabbing Palmer. The other three
victims were all civilians, the police
officer said.
At least 40 people were hit on the
crowded bridge when a 4x4 drove
along the pavement, knocking
down pedestrians before crashing
into a fence below Big Ben, the
local media reported.
An intruder, described by a
witness as middle-aged and
Asian, then managed to break
India, Pakistan
need to respect
Indus Waters
Treaty
B
oth India and Pakistan need
to respect the Indus Waters
Treaty as it is in the interest
of both the countries, Pakistan's
Minister for Water and Power
Khawaja Asif said on Monday,
March 20.
"The talks, postponed since 2015,
have resumed due to efforts made
by the government. They are in the
best interests of both neighbours,"
he said at a press conference
as the 113th Indo-Pak Indus
Water Commission conference
commenced in Islamabad.
A 10-member Indian delegation
led by Indian Indus Water
Commissioner P.P. Saxena arrived
on Sunday for talks, two
years after water experts We
of the two sides at the are working
level of Permanent to make changes
Indus Commission to the design of the
met in May 2015, project that are in
reported Dawn. Pakistans interest
The Pakistani and which are in
delegation is led by accordance with
Pakistan's Indus Water the treaty,
Commissioner Mirza Asif
Beg. The two-day talks would
focus on the designs, disputed by
Pakistan, of the three controversial
water projects being built on the
Emergency services staff provide medical attention to the victims.
Photo Matt Dunham
into the grounds of the Parliament
where he fatally stabbed a police
officer with two knives, the Daily
Mail reported.
The policeman died at the scene.
The attacker, who was shot by
armed officers, died after he was
taken to hospital.
Prime Minister Theresa May
was bundled into her car by a
plain-clothes police officer and
driven quickly from the scene as
the attack unfolded. She will chair
a meeting of the Governments
emergency Cobra Committee.
Scotland Yard said the attack,
which comes a year to the day after
the terrorist atrocities in Brussels,
was being treated as a terrorist
incident until we know otherwise.
Witness Jayne Wilkinson said:
We were taking photos of Big Ben
and we saw all the people running
towards us, and then there was an
Asian guy in about his 40s carrying
Under the Indus Waters Treaty, India has exclusive rights to three Indus basin
rivers, including the Ravi, which has virtually disappeared on the Pakistani side.
Chenab river. Addressing the
media, Asif said that the talks
would focus on three power projects
with varying capacities of power
generation: Pakul Dal (1,000MW),
Miyar (120MW) and Lower
Kalnai (48MW).
"To respect this agreement
(the Indus Waters Treaty) and
find a solution through it is
in the interest of both
countries," the minister
said.
The minister also
spoke regarding
the controversial
Kishanganga and
Ratle hydroelectric
projects regarding
which Pakistan has asked
the World Bank to set up a Court
of Arbitration to hear its objections,
the newspaper reported.
24 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz
a knife about seven or eight
inches long.
And then there were three shots
fired, and then we crossed the road
and looked over. The man was on
the floor with blood.
He had a lightweight jacket
on, dark trousers and a shirt. He
was running through those gates,
towards Parliament, and the police
were chasing him.
A spokesman for the Port of
London Authority, which looks
after safety on the River Thames,
said: A female member of the
public was recovered from the
water near Westminster Bridge.
She is alive but undergoing urgent
medical treatment on a nearby
pier. We believe she fell from
the bridge.
Asif said delays had been
witnessed in the past in the
handling of the Kishanganga
project, claiming that "when we
(Pakistan) went to the court of
arbitration our position was not
as strong as it could have been if
we had approached the court in a
timely manner."
However, he added that the
country's position regarding the
Ratle project is "very strong".
"We are working to make
changes to the design of the project
that are in Pakistan's interest and
which are in accordance with the
treaty," the minister said.
The two sides would not discuss
the controversial Kishanganga and
Ratle hydropower projects, a senior
official earlier told Dawn.
The talks concluded
Tuesday, March 21 and the Indian
delegation would leave for New
Delhi the same day.
NEWS in BRIEF
600 mn kids will face extreme
water shortage by 2040
early 600 million children, one in four worldwide, will live in
areas with extremely limited water resources by 2040, according
to a UN report.
The report was released on Tuesday, March 21, by the UN International
Childrens Emergency Fund (Unicef), Efe news reported on Wednesday.
Unicef warned of the threat to childrens lives due to the lack of safe
water and of how climate change is exacerbating the problem.
Water is elemental; without it, nothing can grow. But around the
world, millions of children lack access to safe water endangering their
lives, undermining their health, and jeopardising their future, Unicef
Executive Director Anthony Lake said.
This crisis will only grow unless we take collective action now, he
insisted. The report warns that population growth as well as increased
consumption and demand are putting more and more stress on water
availability, while right now such stress is already extremely high in 36
countries. The situation occurs when demand for water far exceeds the
renewable supply available, the report said.
It also highlighted various factors affecting the quality and availability
of water such as warmer temperatures, rising sea levels, melting ice and
increasing droughts. To date, 663 million people are lacking adequate
access to water sources and more than 800 children under the age of
five die every day from diarrhoea linked to contaminated water and
inadequate sanitation and hygiene. According to Unicef, the lack of an
adequate supply exposes children to deadly diseases forcing children in
many places to spend hours every day to collect water, preventing them
from going to school.
iPhone 7 goes red to help fight AIDS
R
ecognising more than 10 years of partnership with the Product
(RED) charity that fights against HIV/AIDS, Apple announced
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in a vibrant red aluminium
finish. Apple is the worlds largest corporate donor
to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, contributing
more than $130 million as part of its partnership
with (RED).
Combining the global reach of the worlds most
loved smartphone with our efforts to provide access
to life-saving ARV medication in sub-Saharan Africa,
customers now have a remarkable opportunity to make
a difference and contribute to the Global Fund through
the purchase of this new beautiful (PRODUCT) RED
iPhone, said Deborah Dugan, (RED)s CEO.
The special edition (PRODUCT) RED iPhone will be available to order
online worldwide and in stores beginning Friday, March 24. iPhone 7 and
iPhone 7 Plus (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition will be available in 128GB
and 256GB models. Since we began working with (RED) 10 years ago,
our customers have made a significant impact in fighting the spread of
AIDS through the purchase of our products, said Tim Cook, Apple CEO,
in a statement.
The introduction of this special edition iPhone in a gorgeous red finish
is our biggest (PRODUCT) RED offering to date in celebration of our
partnership with (RED), and we cant wait to get it into customers hands,
Cook added.
Twitter shut six lakh terror-related
accounts in 18 months
M
icro-blogging website Twitter has
blocked more than six lakh terror-related
accounts in last one and a half years,
media reported.
According to a report in CNET on Tuesday, March 21, that
quoted Twitters Transparency Report, the micro-blogging site has
suspended a total of 636,248 terror-related accounts since August 1, 2015.
In the last six months of 2016, Twitter suspended 376,890 accounts for
promoting terrorism. Twitter had announced the blocking of more than
125,000 accounts earlier in 2016 which were primarily related to the
Islamic State (IS) extremist group. In addition to the account suspensions,
Twitters global Public Policy team has expanded its partnerships with
organisations working to counter violent extremism (CVE) online.
As many experts and other companies have noted, there is no magic
algorithm for identifying terrorist content on the internet, so global
online platforms are forced to make challenging judgement calls based
on very limited information and guidance.
Twitter has also been working with groups like People Against Violent
Extremism and the Lumen project to curb use of the platform for
promoting terrorism, racism and separatism.
on Twitter has charted out rules against the promotion of violence.
One of the rules specifically talks about terrorism, saying: You may
not make threats of violence or promote violence, including threatening
or promoting terrorism.

Modi is man from Nostradamus'
prediction: BJP MP
B
JP's Lok Sabha member
Kirit Somaiya on Monday
said Prime Minister
Narendra Modi is the man from
French soothsayer Nostradamus'
prophecy, who will take India to
new heights.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha on the
supplementary demands for grants,
Somaiya said: "The prediction that
Nostradamus made that a leader
will emerge in the east, and will
take India to new heights, Modi is
that leader."
Nostradamus, a famous 16th
century soothsayer is said to have
predicted several historic events,
including the rise of Hitler and the
collapse of the World Trade Centre
in 2001.
Similar statements were made
earlier by other Bharatiya Janata
Party members, including Minister
World Water Day:
Modi exhorts people
to save water
O
n the occasion of World Water
Day on Wednesday, March 22,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
urged the fellow countrymen to save every
drop of the crucial resource and praised
the UN for choosing 'wastewater' as
its theme.
"On 'World Water Day', lets pledge to
save every drop of water. When Jan Shakti
(people's power) has made up its mind,
we can successfully preserve Jal Shakti
(water power)," Modi said.
"This year, the UN has chosen a valid
theme wastewater. It will help further
awareness on water recycling and why it
is essential for our planet," Modi added.
According to a UNICEF report
released on the occasion, by 2040 nearly
600 million children, one in every
four worldwide, will live in areas with
extremely limited water resources.
The report warned of the threat to
children's lives due to the lack of safe water
and of how climate change is exacerbating
the problem.
Hoping to implement
GST from July 1: Jaitley
F
inance Minister Arun Jaitley
said on Wednesday, March
22, that the government
was hoping to implement the
Goods and Services Tax (GST) by
July 1 after the enabling Bills get
Parliament's nod in the current
budget session.
"GST is the biggest reform
in India. Hopefully, GST will
be implemented by July 1. GST
Bills will hopefully be cleared in
Parliament," Jaitley said here at
the 23rd Conference of Auditors
General of Commonwealth
Nations hosted by the Comptroller
and Auditor General (CAG) of
India.Jaitley said that India's
indirect taxation regime, which
is currently the most complex
in the world, will transform
into a simplified one with the
implementation of GST.
www.iwk.co.nz | 24 March 2017
Kirit Somaiya also took a dig at the opposition for raising demonetisation issue in
every debate.
of State for Home Kiren Rijiju
who had shared the prophecy on
his Facebook page.
Somaiya also took a dig
at the opposition for raising
demonetisation issue in
every debate.
Giving up Defence Ministry big
sacrifice by Parrikar: Goa BJP
G
oa Chief Minister
Manohar Parrikar made
a huge sacrifice by giving
up the defence portfolio and
choosing to govern the state, BJP
spokesperson Nilesh Cabral said
on Tuesday, March 21.
Reacting to Shiv Sena
spokesperson Sanjay Rauts
charge on Monday that the
BJP-led coalition government in
Goa was a corrupt one, Cabral
said that the Sena had been
obliterated in the February 4
assembly elections and therefore
had no locus standi to make
such comments.
Giving up the Defence
Ministry and coming back to
Goa is a big sacrifice. He came
(back) to become the Chief
Minister of Goa, which is like a
district in Maharashtra. This is
our good fortune, Cabral said.
The BJP leader said: Raut
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley
hoped the GST bills will be
cleared in Parliament.
"We have the most complicated
indirect tax systems. Once
implemented, what is currently
the most complicated system in the
world will become the simplest in
the world. The enabling laws are
before the Parliament. By middle
of the year (2017), we hope to
see the implementation of GST,"
he said. "Evasion of taxes will be
difficult under GST. Size of Indian
economy will increase," he added.
Jaitley also noted that India is an
open economy with 90 per cent of
"When we were debating budget,
they raised demonetisation. Even
today (Monday) they raised it...
Talking about demonetisation, they
suffered devaluation so badly that
one will have to search for Congress
in Uttar Pradesh," Somaiya said.
"Giving up the Defence Ministry and
coming back to Goa is a big sacri-
fice. Manohar Parrikar came (back)
to become the Chief Minister of Goa,
which is like a district in Maharash-
tra. This is our good fortune," BJP
spokesperson Nilesh Cabral said.
speaks about corruption all
the while because he himself is
corrupt. We have barely formed
the government so how can he
make a corruption charge? He
has been driven away from Goa,
he should not come back to
Goa again.
The Shiv Sena contested four
seats in Goa assembly elections
in alliance with two regional
parties, but did not win a
single seat.
the investment happening through
the automatic route.
"Opposition to reforms
is minimal. Opposition to
protectionism is minimal. Reforms
in the foreign direct investment
(FDI) in India have been significant
and we are among the most open
economies in the world," he said.
The Finance Minister, however,
lamented that while public
investment and FDI were high,
private sector investment still
lagged behind.
INDIA 19
NEWS in BRIEF
Mukesh Ambani tops Forbes list of 101
Indian billionaires
I
ndia has the fourth largest number of
billionaires globally, with Reliance Industries
(RIL) Chairman Mukesh Ambani heading the
list of more than 100 high net worth individual
Indians, as per the latest listing by American
magazine Forbes.
The US, with 565, has more billionaires than
any other nation. China comes next with 319,
while Germany is at number three with 114.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates heads the list for Mukesh Ambani
the fourth year in a row with a fortune of $86 billion, up from $75
billion last year. Mukesh Ambani tops the list of Indian billionaires, and
is placed 33rd with a net worth of $23.2 billion.
Forbes said the RIL chairman sparked a price war in the Indian telecom
market with the launch of the Jio4G phone service last September. His
younger brother Anil is ranked 745th with a net worth of $2.7 billion.
The US magazine said Anil Ambani orchestrated the merger of his
Reliance Communications telecom business with that of rival Aircel,
controlled by Malaysian billionaire Ananda Krishnan. The combine,
which awaits regulatory approvals, will be the countrys fourth-largest
mobile phone operator.
Women scientists focus of three Indian
science journals
T
hree Indian scientific journals have featured, for the first time
since their inception, special issues authored exclusively by women
scientists to trigger a debate on lower representation of women in
science. Centred on International Day of Women and Girls in Science
(February 11) and International Womens Day on March 8, an all-female
authorship is the focus in Current Science journal (forthcoming issue)
and the March issue of Resonance (published by the Indian Academy
of Sciences) and Physics News (Indian Physics Association publication).
Researchers Prajval Shastri and Sudeshna Mazumdar-Leighton, guest
editors of the Resonance issue write in the editorial that such a special
issue should not have been necessary. Expanding on the gender gap
in sciences and other arenas, they note: Science faculty in Indian
universities, (i.e., trained science PhDs) have about 45 per cent women.
Yet, this fraction is not matched in elite research institutions, in
institutional leadership, in awards and honours, and also, it turns out, in
the authorship of Resonance, which is under 16 per cent even over the
last three years.
BJP all for electoral reforms: Minister
E
lectoral reforms are a priority for the ruling BJP as these are needed
to make India a superpower, Minister of
State for Finance and Corporate Affairs
Arjun Meghwal said on Tuesday, March 21.
Reforms in electoral practices are the BJPs
top priority and we are working towards it,
Meghwal said at a seminar on Transparency
in Political Funding organised by advocacy
group Bharat Niti. He also referred to a speech
by Bhim Rao Ambedkar in the Constituent
Assembly, wherein he had championed universal
franchise and paved the way for a democracy in Arjun Meghwa
independent India.
He gave all Indians the voting right, irrespective of gender and class,
saying elections will be celebrated as festivals in the country... (he said)
India should lead other countries, the Minister said.
Make law to build Ayodhya temple: VHP
V
ishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Pravin Togadia on Tuesday,
March 21, demanded a law to build the Ram temple at the
disputed site at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.
The Centre must bring in a law to build the Ram Temple at
Ayodhya, Togadia said. The Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas and the VHP
have a constant stand that the disputed land belongs to Lord Ram and
there should be a grand temple there, he added.
The Supreme Court said the settlement of the Ram Janmabhoomi-
Babri Masjid dispute through amicable negotiations is a better course
than insisting on a judicial pronouncement. Speaking on the earlier
efforts to resolve the dispute through dialogue, Togadia said: In 1991,
then Prime Minister Chandrashekhar tried to get the VHP and the
Babri Masjid Action Committee sit across the table to amicably resolve
the matter. When the VHP submitted all proofs on the presence of a
temple there (disputed site), the Babri panel members left the meeting.
Togadia said the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court had
accepted that there are enough proofs of the existence of a temple at the
disputed site. Speaking on the Muslims stand on the archaeological evidence,
the VHP leader said they had maintained that if the temple existed, we will
withdraw our claim.
In 2010, the Allahabad High Court ordered a partition of the disputed
land between the parties concerned.
 20 INDIA 24 March 2017| www.iwk.co.nz

Yogi vows to work for UP's Cash transaction

limit proposed to

all-round development
be cut to
Rs 2 lakh

I
n yet another move to curb

V
owing to work for the all-
round development of
Uttar Pradesh, new Chief
Minister Yogi Adityanath said on
Tuesday that his priorities will be
to rid the state of corruption and
communal riots.
"We will work to make the state
free of corruption, rowdyism and
hooliganism. We will present a
developmental model which will
prevent distress migration of
youths for jobs," he said.
Adiyanath, a long-time BJP
member of Parliament from
Gorakhpur, told the Lok Sabha that
he will curb anti-social elements in
the country's most populous state.
The leader also took a dig at
the Samajwadi Party-Congress
alliance in his state, saying he came
between the two to defeat it in the
just-concluded assembly elections.
Adityanath, who took oath on
Sunday, was in Delhi on Tuesday to
meet President Pranab Mukherjee,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
several union ministers and
BJP leaders.
He claimed credit for bringing
about changes in Gorakhpur
which, he said, did not enjoy
a positive image among the
people earlier.
Now, he said, no trader in
Gorakhpur pays "goonda tax", the
Amarinder meets Modi, seeks special package for farmers
town does not witness abductions
and there are no communal riots in
eastern Uttar Pradesh.
"We will be successful in
brining the same situation in
Uttar Pradesh."
Taking a dig at the SP-Congress
alliance, Adityanath said: "I am
one year younger to Rahul Gandhi
and a year older to Akhilesh Yadav.
Since I came between them, it was
the reason for the alliance's defeat
in Uttar Pradesh."
The BJP won 312 of the 403
assembly seats in the February-
March elections.
The Chief Minister also accused
the earlier UP government of not
utilising most funds allocated by
the central government and vowed
to follow Prime Minister Narendra
Modi's slogan of 'sabka saath-
sabka vikas'.
Thanking Modi for giving
him a chance to serve the state,
Adityanath said he will try to lead
its growth story. Adityanath met
Modi and discussed several issues
related to the state.
The hour-long meeting was held
at Parliament House. The precise
details of what they discussed
were not known but informed
sources said that both discussed
development-related issues.
After the meeting, Yogi
Adityanath didn't speak to the
media and left for Home Minister
Rajnath Singh's residence. Earlier,
he called on Finance Minister
Arun Jaitley.
In his meeting with Rajnath
Singh, Adityanath discussed law
and order in Uttar Pradesh and
sought his support. Rajnath is
a former Uttar Pradesh Chief
Minister and presently MP
from Lucknow.
Adityanath also met President
Pranab Mukherjee, BJP President
Amit Shah, External Affairs
Minister Sushma Swaraj and party
veteran L.K. Advani.
During his meeting with Shah,
Adityanath is learnt to have discussed
portfolio distribution in his ministry.
BJP sources said Adityanath wants
to keep Home Department with his
himself while his deputy Keshav
Prasad Maurya is trying to get the
portfolio. They said Adityanath
is likely to announce the portfolio
by Thursday.
Besides two Deputy Chief
Ministers, his council of ministers
has 22 other Cabinet ministers, nine
Ministers of State with independent
charge and 13 Ministers of State.
black money in India, the
government on Tuesday,
March 21, proposed a fresh
ceiling of Rs 2 lakh on cash
transactions, which is lower than
the Rs 3 lakh proposed in Budget
2017-18.
An amendment to this
effect, was one among the
40 amendments proposed by
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley
to the Finance Bill, 2017, while
moving for its consideration and
passage in the Lok Sabha.
In the official amend.to FBill
Govt has proposed that limit of
3 lakhs for cash tranx, beyond
which it is illegal, be reduced
to 2 lakhs, tweeted Revenue
Secretary Hasmukh Adhia.
The penalty for violating this
is a fine equivalent to the amount
of transaction, he said in a
separate tweet.
Jaitley had proposed that the
cap on cash transactions be Rs 3
lakh with effect from April 1.
Moving the Bill, Jaitley spoke
in defence of amendments
made to 40 acts, which had been
criticised by opposition members
of the house on a point of order.
He said if a substantial portion
of a bill deals with imposition or
abolition of tax, then even if it
has other incidental provisions,
it can still be introduced as a
Money Bill.

P
unjab Chief Minister
Amarinder Singh on
Wednesday, March 22,
urged Prime Minister Narendra
Modi for a special central
government package to provide
one-time loan waiver to the
beleaguered, debt-ridden farmers
of Punjab.
Amarinder, who met the Prime
Minister on Wednesday at his
Parliament House office, said the
meeting was a courtesy call, during
which the issue of farm debt waiver
was also discussed.
The Chief Minister said though
he had sought financial assistance
from the central government, his
government was committed to
waiver of the farmers' loans in the
state and had already initiated a
time-bound process for the same.
Expressing concern over the
recent spate of farmer suicides in
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at
Parliament House in New
his state, Amarinder said he had
requested the Prime Minister to
announce a special package to pull
the farmers of Punjab out of the
debt-trap.
"The mounting farm debts was
making agriculture in Punjab
increasingly unsustainable,
endangering not only the food
security of the nation but also the
social fabric of this sensitive border
state," Amarinder pointed out.
Green Revolution state Punjab
contributes 50 per cent food
grains to the central kitty despite
having just 1.54 per cent of the
geographical area of the country.
In recent years, hundreds of
farmers in the agrarian state have
committed suicide due to increasing
debt and dwindling land holding.
In a letter to the Prime Minister,
the Chief Minister said the total
farm debt in Punjab amounted to
over Rs 80,000 crore, including the
crop loans in the cooperative sector
amounting to about Rs 12,500
crore.
"The average debt per farm
household in Punjab works out to
be Rs 8 lakh (including crop loan),
while the state's per hectare debt of
small and marginal farmers was the
highest in India," he pointed out.
"The problem had become so
severe that many farmers were
driven to suicide to escape the
social and moral consequences
of not being able to repay their
debts," the letter stated.
A Finance Bill is ordinarily
introduced to give effect to
the financial proposals of
the government for the next
financial year.
Jaitley said that following the
governments demonetisation
drive to curb corruption, various
income tax incentives had been
introduced, including electoral
bonds, to deal with black
money in political life. This had
necessitated amendments to
various Acts, he said.
The Finance Minister said the
government will amend several
laws including the RBI Act
and Income Tax Act to allow
political parties to raise funds
through electoral bonds.
Electoral bonds have been
announced as a scheme for
cleansing political money under
the Income Tax Act, he said.

World needs to get rid of violence: President

P
resident Pranab Mukherjee said the
world needs to discuss and deliberate
as to why it is facing the scourge
of violence and how to stop the wanton
destruction.
No part of the world today is free from
the scourge of violence. This crisis is all
pervasive. The basic question being raised
today is how to stop this wanton destruction
and come back to sanity, the President said.
He was speaking as the chief guest at
the valedictory session of the three-day
international conference, Buddhism in the
21st Century - Perspectives and Responses to
Global Challenges and Crises, at Rajgir in
Nalanda district of Bihar. Speaking about the
relevance of Buddhism, the President said the
philosophy of Buddhism is as relevant today
as ever especially as the world grapples with
complex problems that seem intractable.
Buddhism has had a deep influence on
human civilisation. The mighty emperor
Ashoka, who had the ambition of extending
his empire as far as he could, was converted
into a missionary. Dhamma Ashoka is
remembered in history rather than warrior
Ashoka, he said. He said that in the 21st
century, the path of Lord Buddha and
Buddhism will help the world get rid of
viloence and terrorism.
About the historical significance of the
ancient Nalanda University, Mukherjee said
it reflects our ancient educational system
which attracted mighty minds in the form of
students and teachers in ancient India.
Quoting Gandhiji on the Buddha,
Mukherjee said: He was saturated with
the best which was in Hinduism... His great
Hindu spirit cuts its way through the forest
of meaningless words which had overlaid the
golden truth which was in the Vedas.
The President congratulated the Nava
Nalanda Mahavihara for publishing the
entire Pali Tripitaka (texts or words of the
Buddha) in 41 volumes in the Devanagari
script. Appreciating the initiatives of Nava
Nalanda Mahavihara, the President said
this will go a long way in popularising
the tenets of Buddhism and will help the
coming generations to easily connect with
the supreme ideals of humanity, forbearance,
discipline and compassion.
 www.iwk.co.nz | 24 March 2017
INDIA ABROAD 21

Indian-American sworn-in Kerala Priest stabbed in Melbourne:

out of danger
as top US healthcare head A
Catholic priest from Kerala
was attacked by a man on
Sunday when the former
he cannot conduct the mass, Bhasi
added. The priest is now said to
be out of danger. The Police have

I
ndian-American Seema Verma
has been sworn-in as the head
of a key healthcare agency in
the Donald Trump administration.
Verma was sworn in on Tuesday,
March 21, by US Vice President
Mike Pence as administrator
of the Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services, which
are part of the Department of
Health and Human Services, PBS
NewsHour reported.
The $1 trillion agency oversees
health insurance programmes
for everyone from nursing home
residents to newborns.
"President Donald Trump has
chosen one of the leading experts in
America on state-based healthcare
solutions to lead this important
agency," Vice President Pence said
at the swearing-in ceremony at the
White House.
"The President has asked you to
bring your expertise to DC," Pence
said, adding: "We're confident
that you'll help restore healthcare
decision making to the states, and
in the process help make the best
healthcare system in the world
even better."
Verma is the second Indian-
American to be inducted into the
Trump administration.
US Ambassador to the United
Nations Nikki Haley was the
first cabinet rank official from
the community to serve in any
US vice-president Mike Pence administers the oath of office to Seema Verma,
Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, accompanied by
her husband Sanjay, her son Shaan, and her daughter Maya, Washington.
presidential administration.
"Today, our healthcare stands at a
crossroads, and we have no choice
but to reform it," she said.
The Senate confirmed her
nomination on Monday by a vote
of 55-43, largely along party lines.
Verma is taking over the agency
as a Republican healthcare bill
moving through the House has
reopened the debate over the
government's role in healthcare.
Verma is an Indiana healthcare
consultant and protege of Pence,
who is a former Indiana governor.
The American Association of
Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI)
which represents more than 60,000
physicians, welcomed Verma's
appointment, reported New India
Times newspaper.
Ajay Lodha, President of AAPI,
lauded Verma's accomplishments
in Indiana, and said he hoped
that the problems faced by
patients under the Medicare drug
plan would be resolved under
her leadership.
When Trump announced in
November that he was appointing
Verma for the post, he said that
she would be part of "the dream
team that will transform our
healthcare system for the benefit of
all Americans".
Her role will extend beyond the
insurance programmes Medicare
for senior citizens and Medicaid
for the poor to helping craft
and implement the Republican
healthcare reform plan to replace
Obamacare.
"She has decades of experience
advising on Medicare and Medicaid
policy and helping states navigate
our complicated systems," Trump
had said.
was leading the Sunday mass in a
Melbourne church.
The priest, Tomy Mathew, was
stabbed in the neck with a kitchen
knife by the man during the mass
at a Catholic church in Melbourne
suburbs, said Thiruvallom
Bhasi, editor of a Melbourne
daily who is currently visiting
Thiruvananthapuram.
While the ceremony was on, the
accused came forward and shouted
that since he (Mathew) is an Indian,
Trump to nominate Indian judge for
2nd highest court
U
S President Donald Trump
is nominating Indian-
American federal judge
Amul Thapar for elevation to an
appeals court, second highest level
of the US judiciary.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch
McConnell publicised Trumps
plan to nominate Thapar, who was
the first Indian to be made a federal
judge. Appeals courts are just
below the Supreme Court.Thapar
was on a short list of Trumps
picks for the Supreme Court that
was announced during last years
election campaign.
McConnel said in a statement:
I applaud the President for
announcing his intent to nominate
my friend, Judge Amul Thapar, to
serve on the Sixth Circuit Court of
Appeals. Throughout his already
impressive career of public service,
taken one man into custody and
are yet to confirm if it was a case
of racist abuse.
At this stage, it is too early to
tell (motive), and the investigation
is ongoing, Detective Senior
Constable Rhiannon Norton said
at a press conference in Melbourne.
Father Mathew has been the
parish priest of St Matthews since
late 2014. He was well-liked by the
parishioners, who were shocked by
the attack.
Amul has shown an incredible
intellect and an unshakable
dedication to the law. The Sixth
Circuit Court of Appeals covers
two important states of Michigan
and Ohio, in addition to Kentucky
and Tennessee. Thapar is currently
a federal judge for Eastern
Kentucky appointed by former
President George W. Bush in 2007.
If approved by the Senate,
Thapar will be the second Indian-
American at the appellate court
level, joining Judge Sri Srinivasan,
who was appointed by former
President Barack Obama to the
powerful Appeals Court that covers
Washington. Srinivasan was on
Obamas short list of candidates
for the Supreme Court. However,
Obama finally appointed Merrick
Garland to succeed the late Justice
Antonin Scalia.

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 22 SPORTS 24 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Kohli has become the

Trump of world sport:
Australian media
T
he on-field antics from cricketers Patricks name. I dont know why. Hes our
of either side in the ongoing India- physio.
Australia series are refusing to die His job is to treat me. I dont find the
down, with the Australian media reason behind it. I could not understand.
on Tuesday comparing home You must ask why they have started taking
skipper Virat Kohli to US President his name, Kohli said at post match
Donald Trump. press conference.
Kohli, who had earlier lashed out Kohli, who hurt his shoulder while fielding
at the Australians before falling short of on the opening day of the third Test, only
calling them cheats after the second Test came to bat on the third day after missing
in Bengaluru, was held accountable for most of the action on the first two days.
continual perpetuation of fake news by Later, it was Australian all-rounder Glenn
Australian newspaper The Daily Telegraph. Maxwell, who started mocking the India
The newspaper alleged that the 28-year- captain, when he dived to save a boundary.
old Delhi batsman launched a scandalous Kohli gave it back with similar gestures,
attack on his opposite number Steve Smith when left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja went
and the Kangaroos where he accused of through opener David Warners defence in
them being systematic cheats, but refused to the second innings.
apologise or provide any concrete evidence. Denying his counterparts accusations,
Virat Kohli has become the Donald Smith said: It was a bit disappointing.
Trump of world sport. I didnt actually do anything. Virat was
Just like President Trump, Kohli decided having a go at me saying I was disrespecting
to blame the media as a means of trying to Patrick Farhart. I was probably the exact
hide the egg smeared right across his opposite. I think he (Patrick)
Virat
face, the newspaper reported. Kohli has probably did a pretty terrific
After completion of the third become the Donald job to be able to get Virat
Test, which ended in a draw Trump of world sport. back on the field after
at Ranchi, Kohli had on Just like President Trump, that shoulder injury. Hes
Monday accused the visitors Kohli decided to blame the a terrific physio and he
of trying to disrespect media as a means of trying obviously does a great job
the Indian team physio to hide the egg smeared for them, the 27-year-old
Patrick Farhart. They (four- right across his face added.
five of them) started taking

NZ didnt back their pacers, says Piedt

S
outh African off-spinner Dane Piedt,
who was included in the squad for their
final cricket Test against New Zealand
on Monday, March 20, said the home side
should have backed their pace bowlers rather
than spinners.
Left-arm orthodox spinner Keshav
Maharajs career-best 6-40 guided South
Africa to a comfortable victory in the second
Test in Wellington to take a 1-0 lead in the
three-match series.
I think they have shot themselves in the
foot. They didnt back their seamers to do South African off-spinner Dane Piedt
the job, and I thought their seamers bowled
pretty well in South Africa. They bowled us sporting for the seamers. I expected it to be
out for 263 in Durban on quite a sporting the same, but obviously with the type of seam
deck, Piedt was quoted as saying by Cricinfo. attack we have they thought they would be
I didnt expect that New Zealand would under pressure, he added.
play two spinners in the first Test and New Zealands pacers had contributed
when they left Tim Southee out I was also handsomely to their success in the past
surprised. Just the fact that two series before series but in the recent series, selectors as
that, Bangladesh and Pakistan were here well as curator backed spinners despite
and they played on surfaces that were quite below-par performance.

Hope in Hamilton
S
outh Africa's had the slight edge on the
Blackcaps throughout their entertaining
tour and Saturday's, March 25, third
and final ANZ Test at Seddon Park sees the
hosts desperate for a victory to square the
series. Here's five things to keep an eye on:
Bounce back
Batting coach Craig McMillan summed
it up best following the stinging second Test
loss in Wellington. "To lose within three days
is unacceptable so the group's hurting, and
it's disappointing but something we have to
acknowledge ... However it's important to
remember, while Tuesday wasn't good, it's
only just over a week ago that we performed
pretty well in that first Test ... We need to
get back to that standard and bounce back
quickly for Hamilton," Preach Craig said.
King Henry
This young man's maiden Test century
in the first innings at the Basin Reserve was
pure class and vindicated the selectors' faith
in him. The 25-year-old's knock showed all
the steel and resolve that the Blackcaps will
need to turn things around.
Hamilton turner
There's talk of a spin-friendly Seddon
Park track which will be on the turning
Waikari clay side of the block. This could
see the return of Mitchell Santner to the
Xl to partner Jeetan Patel in a Blackcaps
spinning combo who performed admirably
in Dunedin. South Africa may also look to
bring in a second specialist spinner in Dane
Piedt who's been flown in for the final Test
with a dry pitch expected.
Bring back Boult
Blackcaps selector Gavin Larsen is
confident star pace bowler Trent Boult will
be on the park for day one of the final Test.
The left arm spear-head sat out the second
Test with upper leg pain, but has returned to
bowling and would be a welcome return to
lead the attack.
He claimed 4-64 in the first innings in
Dunedin and is at the top of his game at
the moment.
Encouraging signs
Rookie Test opener Jeet Raval has looked
assured at the top of the order in his six
Test career to date. He already has four half
centuries under his belt including two in this
series and with a healthy average of 40, he'll
be looking to kick onto his first set of three
figures in Hamilton. A technician at the top -
a pleasure to watch.
 Play sudoku online at: Play sudoku online at:
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FUN ZONE
www.sudokukingdom.com www.sudokukingdom.com
www.iwk.co.nz | 24 March 2017 23
Sudoku
Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 3803
Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3x3 squares
contains
2017-03-12 allMedium
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level from 1Sudoku
Daily to 9.puzzle No. 3804 2017-03-13 Medium level Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 3806 2017-03-15 Medium level Answers to last week's puzzles
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2017-03-14 2 Medium level9 1
Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 3802
4 72017-03-11 5 Medium level 7 1 Medium
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Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 3807 2017-03-16

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15. RYTEPT
General Knowledge Quiz 15. PRETTY 8 2 5 3 6 9 1 4 7 1 8 6 3 4 7 9 5 2
16. DLCO 3 6 9 4 7 1 5 8 2 9 5 2 6 8 1 4 3 7
1. The caped crusader, Batman, operated in which city?
2. What was the name of Michael Jackson's famous 16. COLD 4 7 1 8 2 5 9 3 6 4 3 7 9 2 5 1 8 6
chimpanzee companion? 17. PENEXSVEI 1 8 6 5 3 7 4 2 9 6 9 1 2 5 8 7 4 3
3. Which fruit gave its name to a desk top computer in 17. EXPENSIVE 9 3 7 6 4 2 8 5 1 7 2 5 4 9 3 6 1 8
1984? 18. RFEFEITDN 5 4 2 1 9 8 6 7 3 3 4 8 7 1 6 2 9 5
4. What type of animal was Babe in the film of the same 18. DIFFERENT
name? 2 5 8 7 1 6 3 9 4 8 1 4 5 7 2 3 6 9
19. RLAEY
5. Who's slogan was Put a Tiger in Your Tank? 7 1 4 9 5 3 2 6 8 5 7 3 1 6 9 8 2 4
19. EARLY
6. What colour are Superman's shorts? 20. GLITH 6 9 3 2 8 4 7 1 5 2 6 9 8 3 4 5 7 1
7. What is the unit of currency in India?
8. What is the closest planet to Earth? s Verb Quiz
9. True or False - Hair yanked out by the roots will not
grow back?
Read the sentence and write down which word you
think is the verb. Send us stories,
10. Which supermarket chain uses Jamie Oliver in
their adverts? 1. I think about it a lot. drawings, poems and
11. What is Fred Flintstone's favourite sport? 2. Run fast! other contributions
12. True or False, women blink twice as much as men? 3. I eat 3 meals a day. by your little ones
13.
14.
What mineral is spinach high in?
What was the name of the green Tellytubby?
4. Let's sing a song. along with their
15. How many wings does a butterfly have?
5. Jump over the fence. photographs for
16. What sort of hat did Laurel and Hardy wear?
6. I often laugh.
this page. E-mail
17. Which cartoon dog has the initials "S.D." on his collar? 7. Climb to the top.
us at reporter@
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18. What is the name of the fairy in Peter Pan? 8. Listen carefully.
19. Which TV animation has a robot called Bender? 9. Look out the window.
20. What are the three primary colours in white light? 10. I walk every day. Page 2/2 co.nz
Page 2/2
 24 FEATURES 24 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

The importance of Gruha Pravesh Puja

DEVIKA RANI

B
uilding or buying a house is
a major milestone in ones
life. Entering a new home
signifies new beginnings filled with
expectations and anticipation of
good days to come.
Performing a gruha pravesh puja
or a house warming ceremony
has a special significance for

most Hindus.
It is believed that entering a
new house requires auspicious
benedictions of the Almighty. The
home-owners are also expected to
seek the blessings their ancestors.
A puja for Lord Ganesh is
fundamental not only to obtain
his blessings but also to remove
any obstacles. An auspicious date
is selected for the gruha pravesh puja
while Tuesdays and amavsya are
usually avoided.
According to the shastras:
Approva gruha pravesh is done for a
newly constructed house
Sapoorva gruha pravesh is performed
while entering a house that was
previously owned
Dwandwah gruha pravesh is for
entering a house after a major
reconstruction or renovation
A puja cannot be conducted in an
incomplete house. Therefore it has
to be completed in most respects
and ready to be occupied. Minor
finishes can be done later.
The house is cleaned properly
and the entrance of the house
is decorated with mango leaves,
flowers, toran, and rangoli.
The mango leaves absorb
negative energies and the flowers
are attractive and welcoming. The
rangoli not only has beautiful and
attractive designs but also has a
peaceful and calming effect on the
people entering the house.
A vastu puja is performed outside
to eliminate mistakes or doshas in
the house that may have occurred
due the bearing and shape of the
land, design, or construction faults
of the building.
A kalash (copper or silver pot)
filled with water and nine types of
grains and with a coconut covered
in red cloth placed over it is used
for the puja and carried inside by
the lady of the house.
The puja items and photos of
gods are brought into the house
first. Only the stove is initially
required; the furniture and other
things should only be moved into
the house after the puja.
It is recommended that the puja
is performed by a pandit before
sunrise during the auspicious
A puja for
Lord Ganesh is
fundamental not
only to obtain his
blessings but also
to remove any
obstacles.
Brahma Muhurat. A gruha shanti
havan is performed and holy water
or Theertham is sprinkled around
the house to purify the house and
enhance postive vibrations.
The family members eagerly
await the day of the puja and dress
up in traditional clothes. A coconut
is broken outside the front door
and the family members enter the
house with the photos of Ganesh
and other dieties. Lamps are lit and
a Mangal Kalash is placed in front of
the dieties.
The pandit proceeds to the
propitious north-east part of the
house to perform the havan and puja
while chanting Vedic mantras. The
smoke from the holy fire of the
havan is considered to dispel vastu
doshas and negative energies.
The lady of the house enters
the kitchen, does puja to the stove,
and proceeds to boil milk in a new
vessel. Milk signifies purity and
the milk is allowed to boil over to
indicate abundance in the house.
The milk is sweetened and
offered first to the gods and then
distributed to family members
as prasad. A Satyanarayan katha is
organised for family and friends
followed by lunch.
After the gruha pravesh puja has
been performed, the house should
not be unlit or unoccupied. It is
advised that people stay in the
house for a minimum of three days
after the puja.
The puja enhances the positive
energies inside and around the
house. It is believed that it ensures
prosperity, good health, and
well-being of the occupants of
the house.
With compliments from
E-puja.co.nz

Manisha Koushik is a practicing astrologer, tarot card reader,

numerologist, vastu and fengshui consultant based in India with a
global presence through the online channels. She is available for
consultations online as well. E-mail her at support@askmanisha.
com or contact at +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp:
March 24 to March 30 | By Manisha Koushik +919015607139 www.askmanisha.com

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20)
Your bubbly nature is likely to attract people like
moth to flame. Someone is likely to rope you in for
organizing an event because of your classy attitude.
Your reputation on the social front is likely to suffer;
exercise caution. Lack of assertiveness may make
people take you for granted on the professional front.
You will feel better provided you learn to be more
systematic in life. Spending time with neighbours will
while away the lonely hours for the elders.
Lucky number: 22 / Lucky colour: Purple
Taurus (Apr 21-May 20)
You can be upstaged at work by a close rival. Do not
be restless even if you feel you are in a rut. Excelling
on the academic front is foretold. Good news awaits
some on the home front. Someone may give you a
bright idea at work and you may get down to doing
it. You will be able to keep yourself abreast of the
latest on the professional front. There is a likelihood
of love blossoming into budding romance. Avoid any
investments this week.
Lucky number: 15 / Lucky colour: Sea green
Gemini (May 21-Jun 21)
A change is coming your way and will prove most
favourable. Someones achievement will get you
into a celebrations mood. A serious approach and
careful attention to detail at work is needed. Working
with new technologies will be challenging for some
but you will manage to sail through well. Control
over your tongue will only help you get away from
any more problems. Plans for a vacation may have
to be revised. Singles should be realistic about their
expectations from potential relationships.
Lucky number: 4 / Lucky colour: Dark red
Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 20)
This is the right time to actively pursue your
goals. Some of you may be entrusted with more
responsibilities at work. A superstitious mumbo-
jumbo can get the better of you. Some of you may
resent the participation of a family elder in your
future plans. Acquiring a property is possible for
some. Travelling with family will be fun. You will
manage to get the better of your social rivals. Take up
meditation or yoga for achieving a fit body and mind.
Lucky number: 1 / Lucky colour: Orange
Leo (Jul 21-Aug 22)
Impressing those who matter on the professional
front will not be too difficult this week. Someone you
are infatuated with is likely to call you over. Returns
from a business venture are likely to brighten up
your period. Homemakers may have their hands full
in doing up the house. You will soon go on a fitness
spree just to get back in shape. Students may need
someones guidance on the academic front, so dont
hesitate. Some major changes are foreseen on the
domestic front.
Lucky number: 11 / Lucky colour: Lavender
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 23)
This is one of the good period. Superiors will look
up to you in a professional situation. Your academic
performance will be above par. Avoid stressful
situations at work by keeping a low profile. Your
intelligence and competence promise to keep you
way ahead in a competitive environment. Company
of lover will prove immensely joyful. Those travelling
long distance by road can expect a comfortable time.
Health remains good. Keep a watch on wasteful
expenditure.
Lucky number: 5 / Lucky colour: Bluish green
Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23)
You are likely to get an opportunity to dictate terms
at work. Certain delays could result in change of
plans but wont affect your deadlines. Your domestic
burden may be shared by other family members.
Heart-to-heart talk will bring you closer to the one
you love. Try deliberately to deal with an old ailment
that is playing up. A change of scene is likely for those
planning a vacation. Mutual respect and concern for
each other is likely to bring couples closer.
Lucky number: 9 / Lucky colour: Yellow
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Your enthusiasm about certain ongoing projects will
help you come up with fresh insights. Guard against
making impulsive decisions. Realising a handsome
amount from someone is possible on the financial
front. Value of something that you had invested in is
likely to depreciate. Excesses can have an adverse
effect on your health. An awaited result may have you
on pins and needles. You get to enjoy a stable love
life. An excursion with friends can be planned and will
prove most exciting.
Lucky number: 3 / Lucky colour: Magenta
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
You will find things moving your way on the
professional front. Budding romance may find
some sitting on Cloud Nine. Getting into two minds
regarding someone who seems interested in you on
the romantic front may delay the inevitable. Planning
a vacation with friends and family will prove to be
a lot of fun. A family youngster is likely to win your
admiration. Those into real estate will find a venture
profitable. Health of those ailing is likely to improve.
Lucky number: 17 / Lucky colour: Light grey
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 21)
Your visibility is now strengthened on the
professional front. Helping out someone in need will
give you a sense of self-worth and fulfilment. A family
youngster setting out on a new job or higher studies
will become a source of pride. Try keeping partners
romantic interest alive through your flirty ways. Good
financial management is likely to benefit. Your busy
schedule may keep you from enjoying the social
scene. Health of the spouse needs some concern.
Lucky number: 8 / Lucky colour: Violet
Aquarius (Jan 22-Feb 19)
The week begins on a good note. Strong financial
front will make you think on the lines of a big
investment. Children are likely to add a feather in the
cap. Someone may help you regain your position on
the social front. A slow and steady approach will help
you in taking firm control at work. Differences with
the spouse or lover begin to disappear now. A trip to
strengthen the spiritual ties cannot be ruled out for
some. Finances will be stable.
Lucky number: 18 / Lucky colour: Saffron
Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)
Your ideas on the home front will be smoothly
implemented. At work, you can be efficiently
personified. Some of you may plan to purchase
some property. A good time is foreseen for students
appearing in a competitive exam. A choice posting is
likely for government employees. Use your intellect
to respond quickly to new ideas in business. Your
health consciousness is likely to contribute towards
maintaining good health. Travelling to meet some old
friends will prove exciting.
Lucky number: 6 / Lucky colour: Turquoise

Salted Lassi
A refreshing yoghurt drink
flavoured with cumin
Y
oghurt (dahi) appears in Indian cuisine
in many avatars, from sweet treats to
savoury raitas and snacks (especially
chaat or fast food served at roadside stalls).
In India, it is hard to bypass yoghurt on
the menu.
It is regarded as an integral part of the
culinary tradition. Churning transforms
plain yoghurt into a delicious lassi.
If ordering at a restaurant, there are two
versions; this is the salted one.
Preparation Times
Time - 5 minutes
Serves/Makes 2
Tastes: [on icon of spice meter]
(Mild/Medium/Spicy/Hot) Mild
Ingredient
2 cups plain yoghurt
1 cups cold water
1 tsp. cumin seeds (jeera), coarsely
powdered)
1 tsp. salt
A few ice cubes, to serve
Fresh mint leaves, to garnish
Method:
Dry-roast cumin seeds in a pan on
medium heat until they turn golden
brown in colour and release an aroma.
Cool to room temperature and grind
6 foods for a healthy liver
O
ne of the most vital organs of your
body, the liver is responsible for most
metabolic functions. Here are foods
to include in your diet to keep your liver
functioning normally.
Avocados: Avocados produce a type
of antioxidant called glutathione, which is
needed for our livers to filter out harmful
materials.
Garlic: Loaded with sulfur, a mineral that
helps rid the body of toxins, garlic is known
to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
It is also used in the treatment of
high blood pressure, atherosclerosis,
and bacteria- related
illnesses.
Tu r m e r i c :
Using turmeric (haldi) as a spice in your food
can not only enhance the colour but also help
your liver. It is said to help your system digest
fats and acts as a natural detox for your liver.
www.iwk.co.nz | 24 March 2017
weight and how fast you walk. It's also important to walk the right way. Take brisk strides, keep
dig into the ground first, then let the pressure move towards the balls of your feet and finally
to a coarse powder (using a mortar
and pestle or grinder).
Process plain yoghurt, cold water,
roasted cumin, and salt in a blender.
Serve with ice cubes and fresh mint
leaves on top
Cumin powder not only tastes good
in lassi but it also tastes great in raita
or when sprinkled over plain yoghurt
that is often served with naan, rice
and any curry.
Grapefruit: Rich in vitamin C and
containing antioxidant properties, having
this fruit or as a juice can help flush out
carcinogens and toxins.
Spinach: Leafy veggies, especially spinach
and lettuce help in neutralising chemicals
and aid protective mechanism for the liver.
Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits like oranges
and lemons are full of vitamin C that can
help your body remove out all the toxic
materials and aid the digestion process.
FEATURES 25
6 kinds of walks and
their benefits
W
e have all have heard that walking is so beneficial to health we know about how
it helps prevent several chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke
but are we walking enough? How many calories you burn depends on your body
your shoulders back, swing your arm and don't tilt your head. As you take steps, let the heels
the toes.
1. Brisk Walking: This is the most 4. Uphill climb: Usually done on
commonly used style. Beneficial to holidays and during other recreational
weight-watchers, it also strengthens the activities. It works to strengthen the
heart and cuts diabetes risk. calves, thighs and hamstring.
2. Power striding: An upgrade to the 5. Treadmill walking: Part of the
brisk walk, power striding is taking the cardio gym activity, this works for just
natural gait to a faster, brisker pace with anyone. Use the pace as you're your
exaggerated arm swings. Helps to burn comfort level. Also one of the most
fat, build metabolism and boost energy relaxed styles of walking as you need
levels. not worry about obstacles in your path.
3. Stairwell walk: Walking up and 6. Pool walking: Can also be done by the
downstairs is also a great way to burn seashore. It takes the stress and pressure
calories (175-200 an hour) and tones off the joints as water provides support.
major muscle groups. Remember, to It's apt for patients with arthritis, back
take rest in-between. pain and osteoporosis.
Health Tip of the Day
S
tudies have
shown that
basil leaves
are a significant
anti-stress agents,
providing protection
against stress.
Even healthy persons
can chew 12 leaves of
basil, twice a day, to
prevent stress.
 26 FEATURES
New Zealand
fans await
Salman Khans
Da Bangg Tour
W
ith less than a month to
go to the biggest ever
Bollywood show in
New Zealand, the excitement is
building up amongst the Salman
Khan fans.
Preparations are in full swing
for the Da Bangg The Tour
that will be featuring Bollywood
superstars Salman Khan, Bipasha
Basu, Sonakshi Sinha, Prabhu
Deva, Badshah, Manish Paul and
Daisy Shah. The show will be
held on April 21 at Vector Arena
in Auckland.
Samuel Sen of RS Promotions
who recently visited Salman Khan
in India, says that they
are very excited for the
show and his meeting with
Salman Khan has brought
more energy among
the promoters.
Salman is definitely a
giving human, a simple
guy who has something to
offer to everyone. Mr Sen
was also invited as a guest
by Salman to attend the
Z Cine Awards.
He said that Salman
is looking forward to
meeting his fans in
New Zealand.
With tickets selling out
really quick, the promoters
are expecting a successful
show and planning
for it accordingly. The
preparations are now in
final stage.
Upon Mr Sens request,
Salman has also signed
away Being Human
t-shirts by writing Kia Ora
NZ and these t-shirts will
The incredible journey from Dalip Rana
to The Great Khali
SOMRITA GHOSH
Book: The Man Who Became Khali
Author: Dalip Singh Rana with
Vinit K Bansal
Publisher: Penguin;
Pages: 178
F
rom living under
circumstances where getting
two meals a day seemed
difficult, a man decided to fight
against his destiny and overcome
the hurdles to win the World
Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
championship. This is the story of
The Great Khali.
The Man Who Became Khali,
written in seemingly simple
language, is a short memoir of the
journey of Dalip Singh Rana who
later went on to become the The
Great Khali.
The 178-page book is spread
over 27 short chapters, opening
with a prologue which conveys the
thought behind the book.
soon available as giveaways to
those who have bought tickets to
Salman Khans Auckland show.
You just buy a ticket to give
yourself a chance to win a
personalised Being Human t-shirt
on April 21. The winner for that
will be announced on the night of
the show, Mr Sen added.
If you havent bought your
tickets yet, visit www.eventfinder.
co.nz/bollywood to buy and
book the best seats now. The
family passes are also open no,
so go ahead and get ready for the
ultimate Bollywood experience.
He writes about one incident
when people flocked around him,
making him feel like a superstar.
It was one of his friends who
suggested with the idea of scripting
down his emotions in the form of
a biography.
The next pages are set in
chronological order of the incidents
that happened in the wrestlers life.
The initial chapters take readers
through his struggling days
where he writes about his biggest
regret in lifenot completing
his basic education. Being a fifth
standard drop-out, Khali had
to face huge criticism and go
through humiliation.
Being uneducated, I know
the pain of not receiving a good
education. I had to face a lot
of hardships due to the lack of
knowledge and communication
skills. I remember feeling a sharp
sting in my heart when people
mocked me because I couldnt
speak English, when I was not able
to make quick calculations or when
I wasnt able to fill the participation
24 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz
Shocking: Kapil threw a show
at team, slapped Sunil
A
recent development in the
comedian-actors Kapil
Sharma and Sunil Grovers
recent spat suggests that Kapil
threw a show at his team because
they started eating before him.
The latest update published by
Hindustan Times, a source who
wished to stay anonymous and was
on board the same flight as Kapil,
said that Kapil had consumed an
entire bottle of Glenfiddich whisky,
and was visibly drunk.
He said that when his crew
members started to eat the food
served by the flight crew, Kapil got
angry as he was still finishing his
drink.
Jab maine khaana shuru nahi
kiya toh tum logo ne kaise le liya
khaana? he shouted and could be
heard by the co-passengers as well.
The eye-witness revealed that the The source said that shouting at Kapil that they would have to call
his team, Kapil said, Tum logon security on landing, if he didnt
startled co-actors started returning
their half-finished food trays to the ko maine banaya hai. Sabka career stop. He, however, kept repeating,
khatam kar dunga. Tum TV waale Arrey yeh log samajhte kya hai. In
crew.
kya samajhte ho? Sabko nikaal sab ka career meri wajah se hai,
At this point, Sunil Grover tried
dunga main. says the source.
to calm Kapil down, who then
started yelling at him. Kapil got To Sunil Grover, he kept Interestingly, before the
up, took off his shoe, and hit Sunil, repeating, Gaya tha na tu toh. news of the fight hit headlines,
Aaya na waapas mere hi paas, Kapil Sharma made a sudden
says the source, adding, He also
pulled Sunils collar, and repeatedly referring to Sunil quitting Kapils announcement on Twitter about
show, Comedy Nights with Kapil, his girlfriend Ginni, who he plans
slapped him.
earlier to start his own show Mad to marry next year. It is now being
The report says that a female
in India on Star Plus, and later seen as a preventive measure to
crew member of Kapils also got hit
returning to the Kapils show after deflect negative attention.
in the scuffle. Sunil was reportedly
failing to get enough TRPs. But as the news spread, both
trying to calm and tell Kapil not to
create a scene. The source further revealed Kapil and Sunil ended up tweeting
that by this time, most passengers about the incident.
By this time, Kapils abuses were
were rattled and several of them Sunil Grover has already missed
so loud that he could be heard
enquired from the crew if any two days of shoot of The Kapil
also where the economy class
emergency measure could be taken Sharma Show, amid speculation that
passengers were sitting.
to diffuse the situation. he has quit in protest. Co-actors
Kapils team refused to calm him
While yelling, Kapil also kept Ali Asgar and Chandan Prabhakar
down on being requested by cabin
loudly abusing in Punjabi. At also did not report for shoot, in an
crew as they said they were too
some point, the cabin crew told apparent solidarity with Grover.
scared.
forms by of a feature story on him and fame
myself, he and recognition followed.
mentions in For a man who had never
the book. heard of WWE ending up being
However, just a champion perhaps counts for a
like in Bollywood story to be told.
films, here too, the It intensified my interest
protagonist rises, in wrestling and I found the
defeats all odds
moves fascinating, he writes
and progresses on when he first watched a match
the path of success. on television.
Lady Luck finally He gradually flourished in the
bestows her blessing US where he went for mastering
upon him, and brings in the art of WWE. Though
in good days. certain unfortunate events did
All it took was an come his way, Khali managed
interview to a media to cross over all barriers.
house to gain some Some incidents, for him, hold
attention in his locality
special mention, like the
and eventually got him moment when he first won
a job with the Punjab his international match and
Police. The reason? He the day he became WWE
was different. champion in 2007.
You are huge, very
The book is a great
huge. Dont you think
read for those seeking
people should know about
you? a journalist asked inspiration from the Great
him during an interview. Khalis life.
This led to the publication
 www.iwk.co.nz | 24 March 2017
ENTERTAINMENT
FEATURES 27

AUCKL ANDS HOT TEST BOLLY WOOD STATION

Anushka Sharma: Hope people find my memoir

interesting: Ramesh Sippy
Initial years in industry
were hyper-anxious H
e is the man behind cinematic Cinema and Entertainment. The veteran
classics like Sholay, Shakti and Seeta filmmaker has introduced a graduation
Aur Geeta, and even set a benchmark programme at Mumbai University in
for the small screen with family drama association with Garware Institute. He says

A
ctress Anushka Sharma said that through most of Buniyaad. Now, Ramesh Sippy has set out to it is a step towards taking his legacy forward.
her early years in the industry, she felt hyper-anxious pen his experiences in a book and is hoping I have learnt a lot from this industry and
it will hold the peoples interest. I want to share the learning with everyone
because the boundaries and expectations from her
were pre-decided. I am writing a book on my experiences, else, he said, adding: It is going to be
a book on all the films that I have done. tough. I like challenges. I like doing things
Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2017, Anushka shared
It will be out hopefully by the end of this that arent easy to do, he said.
snippets from her childhood and how her values have shaped
year, Sippy said. The filmmaker is happy that youngsters
her as a person. Talking about empowerment, she said it means
How is it turning out to be? are enthused about making a career in
independence to her.
Predictions, predictions, predictions, showbiz, and they get support from their
Its my ability to think, decide and take on life on my own. It parents too. Looking back at his journey,
he responded elusively.
also includes the ability to question and re-examine all that is Sippy said: When I started my career, there
Be it Karan Johars much talked-about
supposed to be right or the established way of doing something. werent such things (film institutes). There
biography An Unsuitable Boy, Yasser Usmans
Most of what we do in our lives, all that is shaped by the was a time when parents probably would
Rekha: The Untold Story or actor Rishi
values we receive, she said in her speech. As kids, our have told their children, No, this is not a
Kapoors autobiography Khullam Khulla,
minds are so impressionable, we soak up everything we celebrities are telling their Bollywood line to go for. But today, this attitude has
see and hear around us, that shapes our personalities, stories in an uncensored style. Sippy says he changed both in the youngsters and in the
she added. is trying his best to come out with a book parents.
The NH 10 actor said her father always told her which satiates peoples quest to get their The filmmaker, whose son Rohan is also
to do the right thing, however difficult it is, and thats hands on the film industrys inside truth. into filmmaking, has a word of caution for
the secret to living happily. I will try to do my best. I hope people all the youngsters wanting to make it big in
Success in life is never guaranteed, leading a find it interesting. I think I have the capacity Bollywood.
righteous life will at least be peaceful and you will never to come out with something that people Not everybody can succeed, not
regret. Stand up for whats right, no matter what. If want to read about... With the kind of everybody will reach the top, but they can
you feel strongly from within that youre being treated details people want to know. So, if I can all try and they all will certainly be doing
unfairly, dont accept it, said Anushka. Talking about write it in an interesting manner, I am sure some work in the industry.
the experience of entering Bollywood, she said: I people will like it too, the 70-year-old said.
became increasingly aware of my gender and that If one goes back in time to trace his
the boundaries and the expectations of me were journey in the world of entertainment,
pre-decided, this didnt make any sense to me. he started quite young. The son of late
Most of my early years in the industry, I felt legendary filmmaker-producer G.P. Sippy,
hyper-anxious, she said. She also revealed that he even came in front of the camera as a
her decision to turn producer was welcomed child artiste for Bewaqoof in 1960.
with shock in the industry. As a director, he is known for films like
I questioned all established norms. I Andaz, Shakti, Saagar, Zameen, Bhrashtachar and
wanted to be a producer, which was treated Zamaana Deewana, but the star attraction of
with shock often. Common perception in his filmography is Sholay.
the industry is that only those female As a producer, Sippy has backed projects
actors become producers who are like Brahmachari, Bluffmaster!, Taxi No. 9 2 11,
to wrap up their careers in a Chandni Chowk to China and Sonali Cable.
short while. His last directorial was the 1995 release
Anushka was Zamaana Deewana, and his comeback film as
a director was Shimla Mirchi, which is yet to
briefly joined
release.
on stage
by actor The film is complete and is with
Suraj Shar- Viacom18. We will take a call on when it
will be released. At this point of time, I
ma, who
dont have perfect information about when
stars in her
it is going to release, Sippy said.
forthcom-
He will also impart cinematic knowledge
ing produc-
through his Ramesh Sippy Academy of
tion Phillauri.

Its exaggerated that film industry is divided: Mahesh

F
ilmmaker Mahesh Bhatt,
who is outspoken about his
views on the countrys socio-
political issues, says the view that the
movie industry in India is divided,
is exaggerated.
I think its an exaggerated view
that film industry is divided. Take
Anupam Kher as an example.
He is our guy, but his political
ideologies are completely different
from me. But our bond is as it
was and will remain as it is, the
veteran filmmaker said at News18
India Chaupal.
Bhatts next production is Srijit
Mukherji-directed Begum Jaan, in
which actress Vidya Balan essays the
madam of a brothel.
The films trailer gives a
hint at the boldness Vidya has society through their work, also spoke
shown for the role as she mouths of controversies surrounding films.
expletives uninhibitedly. It is a fact that with controversies,
At a time when the censor board you get a lot of media attention and
uses its scissors very often to snip media space but it is not necessary
out scenes, Bhatt says they were sure that it converts into tickets. But
that if any problems arise, they will if the situation is of law and
go to court. order, that can turn into a loss. Its
But we were surprised with the bad business. Yes, controversies
pathbreaking decision of the censor are engineered, but again, its not
board. Our film was passed without necessary that they convert into
any cuts. Begum Jaan is trying to tickets and financial gain.
It Its an attention
set a moral compass, and
is a fact that e c o n o m y.
thats why it is different with controversies,
from others, he Everyone wants
you get a lot of media
pointed out. attention and media space attention at
Bhatt, who believes but it is not necessary that it m i n i m u m
storytellers address converts into tickets. But if the purchase, he
the moral and ethical situation is of law and order, said.
that can turn into a loss. Its
problems of the bad business
 FEATURES
ENTERTAINMENT

DIA MIRZA:
28 24 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Wonderful to be part of Sanjay Dutts biopic

A
ctress-producer Dia Mirza,
who will play the role of
Sanjay Dutts wife Manyata
in the actors biopic, says its
wonderful to be part of the project.
She is glad the project is giving
her a chance to work with one of
her favourite filmmakers Rajkumar
Hirani, who is directing the film.
I am working on Sanjay Dutts
biopic right now, and I am really
excited about it. Its wonderful film
to be part of, and to be directed by
my favourite filmmaker, Dia said.
How easy or difficult is it to
portray a real-life character on the
big screen? I think for an actor,
the work is only as difficult as a
written material. With the team so
sound and with such a wonderful
environment out there, you feel
nothing but to put your best foot
forward, Dia said.
I would like to believe that
whether it is playing a real-life
character or fictional character,
the idea is to understand what you
are doing and the purpose of your
presence should matter.
What you need to do is to
take the story forward... That
should matter the most, added
the actress, who has worked with
Sanjay in films like Parineeta and
Lage Raho Munna Bhai
Meanwhile, Dia Mirza said
she believes in the concept of
sustainable fashion and feels
emphasis needs to be laid on reuse
and recycle of products as a matter
of respect towards nature.
Swedish fashion retail giant
H&M, along with Fashion Design
Council of India (FDCI) hosted
a preview to introduce the new
Conscious Exclusive collection of
the brand at the Amazon India
Fashion Week (AIFW) where Dia
was invited as the special guest.
The event also highlighted the
brands efforts towards sustainable
fashion and its ongoing initiative
which urges customers to join in
the movement for a circular fashion
future.
Talking about her love for
sustainable fashion, Dia said: I am
huge champion of nature and this
line of H&M reflects my personal
ethos... I think its important to pay
attention on how one can reuse and
recycle for sustainable fashion.
The actress says that even when
she is away from cameras, she
prefers to opt for clothes that are
sustainable.
The only thing I am concerned
about is being comfortable, and if
I am dressed appropriately for the
occasion, I take great pride in that.
My stylist is always looking out
for putting me in clothes that are
sustainable, so we celebrate fabrics
and also opt for designers who
choose to make clothes from hand
woven and organic materials.
I think its all about
finding balance, said the
former beauty queen.

No film should be banned: Konkona

A
ctress Konkona Sensharma
is upset with the decision of
the Central Board of Film
Certification (CBFC) to deny a
certificate to her film Lipstick Under
My Burkha. She feels the CBFC
should just give a certificate, and
not ban films at all.
I am really fed up of the fact
that these kind of films are banned
and so many other kind of films are
not. No films should be banned at oriented in content and according The actress talked about the
all, Konkona said. to the censor board, it is laced with film on show March on Women,
The film, also starring Ratna sexual scenes and abusive words. which will air on CNN-News18.
Pathak Shah, chronicles the secret Konkona added: I think the Lipstick Under My Burkha won
lives of four women of different CBFC should just give a certificate. a Gender Equality Award at the
ages in a small town in India as Its important that we watch all Mumbai Film Festival last year and
Looking forward to perform with they search for different kinds kinds of films and its important recently won the Audience Award
Salman Khan: Bipasha Basu of freedom. Lipstick Under My that we watch films where women at the Glasgow Film Festival.

A
Burkha has been deemed too lady talk about themselves.
ctress Bipasha Basu, who Rapper and singer Badshah,
will be joining Salman Salmans Jai Ho co-star Daisy Cant expect Bollywood to stand up for A happy marriage in the
Khan for the grand Shah and choreographer and politics in India: Kalki
industry would jolt me: Karan
A
world tour Da-Bangg, is excited filmmaker Prabhu Deva will be

to perform with the superstar.
I am very excited. I did my
first ever world tour in 2003 and
that was with Salman. That time
I was like a child. There was a
time when I used to get scared to
perform in front of the audience,
and now its a complete
circlegoing back again. I
am really looking forward
to performing with Salman
Khan, Bipasha said at the cover
launch of Health magazine in
Mumbai recently.
The tour will be taking place
in Auckland (April 21), Sydney
(April 22) and Melbourne
(April 23).
I have never performed in
Australia and New Zealand,
so that is exciting. I am getting
some interesting news that we
are sold out in most of the event
venues, Bipasha said.
ctress Kalki Koechlin said Bollywood cant be
there too touring with the team. expected to stand up for the political scenario
in India. Commenting about the issue of
Pakistani actors working in India, Kalki said at the
India Today Conclave : Bollywood is not an NGO.
You cant expect them to stand up for the politics of
this country. At the end of the day, its a business.
Although there are ways to keep speaking about
these issues.
At the session, she spoke about her documentary
Azmaish, which looks at India and Pakistan
outside the context of conflict and instead focuses on
the struggles of commoners in both the countries.
The documentary saw Kalki collaborate with
Pakistan-based filmmaker Sabiha Sumar. Kalki said
two things that unify India and Pakistan are cricket
and Bollywood.
Bollywood is huge in Pakistan. People recognised
me because of Yeh Jawaani H a i
Even
Deewani. Even with In- with India,
dia, a lot of us are uni-
a lot of us are
fied because of movies. unified because of
People of northeast
movies. People of
India speak Hindi be- northeast India speak
cause of Bollywood, Hindi because of
she said. Bollywood
F
ilmmaker Karan Johar says
he would be shocked and
surprised if he comes across
a happy marriage in the film
industry. A happy marriage in the
industry would really jolt me. Id
be like, Youre a dinosaur, get out
of here, Karan said at the India
Today conclave.
Besides being a successful
director, producer and writer, the
44-year-old is the son of acclaimed late producer Yash
Johar. The actor also talked about his new experience as
a father to twins via surrogacy earlier this month. The
daughter has been named Roohi - a rearrangement of
Karans mothers name Hiroo and the son has been
christened Yash - on Karans late fathers name.
I am a mother to my children before being a father.
The vacuum within forced me to take up parenting,
he said. Talking about love, the Student of the Year
helmer said Love is a beautiful thing. I love people who
love. Self-pity is the most wonderful thing to be in, but one
has to get out of that zone after some time. In todays time
love cant heal everything, rather hatred can.
30 FEATURES 24 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

CAB Pakuranga/Eastern
Manukau
Date: Friday, March 24
Time: 10 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.
Venue: Howick Local Board Meeting Room, Pakuranga
Library Building, 7 Aylesbury Street, Pakuranga.
CAB Pakuranga/Eastern Manukau will hold two free
information sessions for newcomers on Employment.
Facilitated by Valerie Maskell, Career Consultant. Lunch
provided. Please confirm your by phoning or texting Vani
Kapoor at 021 459250 or email at settlement.pakuranga@cab.
org.nz.
CAB Tauranga
Date: Friday, March 24
Time: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Venue: Kaimai Room, Tauranga City Council, Willow Street,
Tauranga
CAB Tauranga will hold a free information session for
newcomers on Job Search in New Zealand.
Presented by Brendon Gardner from MBIE and Nick Ball from
Careers New Zealand. Please confirm your place by phoning
CAB office on 07 578 1592 or email at Tauranga@cab.org.nz
by Wednesday, March 22, 2017.
Wellington Colour Fest
Date: Saturday, March 25
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Venue: Upper Frank Kitts Park, Wellington Central
This event will be celebrated with colour, fun, food and
entertainment. What really makes
this event special is that it will be celebrating Holi at an iconic
location in the heart of the capital city.
Plenty of Colour (organic & bio-degradable), and entertainment
by dancers, MCs, DJs and VJs will be there. This event is
supported by Wellington City Council, Food Stalls, Bouncy
Castle, alcohol and drug free event, multi-cultural vibe. We are
looking to attract around 2000 people to this event.
Waitakere Ethnic Community Bollywood heartthrob Salman Khan will set the stage on fire
on April 21 at Vector Arena. The Da-bang tour will include
Safety Plan Bollywood A-listed actors Sonakshi Sinha, Bipasha Basu,
popular TV host Manish Paul, actor-dancer-director Prabhu
Date: Wednesday, March 29 Deva, and rapper Badshah. Tickets are available on www.
Time: 6 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. dabangnz2017.com and on Ticketmaster.co.nz.
Venue: Upper Henderson Council Chamber, 6 Henderson
Valley Road
Waitakere Ethnic Community Safety Plan hosted by Waitakere
Ethnic Board, in partnership with Auckland Council and
Waitemata District Police. The Waitakere Ethnic Community
Safety Plan is the outcome of good collaboration between
the three partners, applying the empowered community
approach. The Plan provides a framework for future
community safety projects, and is led by the Waitakere Ethnic
community and supported by their partners: Police and the
three West Auckland local boards. We also wish to formally
welcome the new Police Superintendent to West Auckland
Tusha Penny. Networking and dinner followed by presentation
and welcome. RSVP:contact@waitakereethnicboard.org.
nzMandeep.Kaur@police.govt.nzfor seating and
catering purposes.
CAB New Lynn
Date: April 8 2017
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Venue: Library Building, 3 Memorial Drive, New Lynn
CAB New Lynn will hold three free information sessions for
newcomers on Finding Employment in New Zealand. The
topics will cover: Pre-employment What you need to know?
Job search How to apply for jobs? Preparing for your first
job? To register please drop in, call or email at Citizens Advice
Bureau New Lynn. Phone 827 7830 or 827 4731, Email
newlynn@cab.org.nz. Light refreshments will be provided.
Salman Khans Da-Bang,
The Tour
Date: Friday, April 21
Venue: Vector Arena, Auckland

CLASSIFIEDS
Flatmates Wanted
Auckland CBD
Rent: $255. As Im moving out of my single room, my
flatmate is looking for a flatmate in her 2 bedroom
apartment on 149 Nelson Street. She is Indain, full
time working and in her 20s. Shes looking for a male
or female flatmate to move in at the 3rd of April. You
should be clean and tidy and pay your rent on time.
Price is $255 per week including all expenses. Bond
is $350. If you are interested, send a message to me
or text Sana on 0273738777.
Henderson
Looking for flatmate to rent one bedroom. Price
include water, electricity, unlimited internet. Open
plan living area and large designer kitchen nearby
Henderson mall and train station.Ideal flatmates:
full time worker, student who pay rent on time.
$180 per person and couple $ 220. No pets allowed.
Contact no. 02108591565
Accomodation
Auckland City Centre
I need accommodation for myself on urgent basis
near Auckland City Centre ASAP. Please call of text
0275059506.
Dominion Rd, Sandringham
Looking for an accommodation around Dominion
Rd, Sandringham, Avondale or st lukes or anywhere
from Unitec and City is easy to go with. Looking for
Individual room along with washroom with lockable
wardrobe. Apartments are more preferable.Dont
want to stay with couples. So please dont call if you
are a couple. I am 25 Indian. Vegetarian - Gujju guy.
UNITEC student. Please call immediate if you have
rooms available. Rent will be paid on time so no need
to worry about that. Looking for cool buddies to stay
without any restrictions.
Situation Vacancy
Part Time Office Manager
24 hours per week
Onehunga location
Accounting and Payroll
A great opportunity to work in a fantastic team
environment and build on your accounts experience,
this is a position with plenty of variety. This could be
the perfect chance to be involved in an industry that
is constantly changing, presenting new challenges
and projects regularly.
This position is primarily focused on payroll,
however also includes other elements such as
dealing with creditors and accounts payable, as well
as assisting with IT issues. The role is around 24
hours per week, 3 days per week.
The position will report into the GM and have primary
responsibility for -
Managing the AP and AR functions - leading
a team of two people
Running their complex end to end payroll
Communicating across all levels of the
business
The ideal person will be flexible and adaptable, and
have experience using IMS Payroll or another large
payroll system. If this sounds like you then call
us today, phone Melissa Farquhar or Sarah Bailey
at Graham Consulting on 09 666 0807 or email
melissa@grahamconsulting.co.
Categories:
Flatmates Wanted
Situation Vacancy
Job Wanted Buy and Sell
Business Personal
Just email your ads content with your full
details at sales@indianweekender.co.nz
Advertise for FREE
in the Indian Weekender Classified section.
Email: sales@indianweekender.co.nz
Vehicle For Sale
Situation Vacancy
Office/ Accounts Administrator Receptionist/Office Admin P/T
Physio Reform is seeking a friendly and reliable part
Seeking an experienced Office/Accounts
Administrator who is flexible to do anything and time receptionist to join our growing team at our East
Tamaki clinic. In this roll you will be the first point of
everything, enjoys variety of work, and working
in a small team environment. This permanent role contact for many of our patients either through phone
requires someone to start immediately, working part call enquiries or walk ins. It is therefore essential to
time hours from 9am -2pm (there can be flexibility be welcoming and respectful and to conduct yourself
around the work hours if someone is requiring to in a professional manner at all times.
work i.e. 10-2pm). What the job involved:
Responsibilities include:
Answering customer phone calls
- Answering phone calls/enquiries
AR (chasing debtors)
- Greeting and assisting new patients
AP - Making appointments
Bank reconciliations
- General administrative duties
Filing - Taking payments
Raise invoice credit note statements
- Liaising closely with the team of physiotherapists
Wages and other health professionals
PAYE To be considered, applicants should have:
- Great communication skills
Freight/courier admin
Order stationery - Proficient computer skills (previous experience
Skills and experiences required for this job:
with Gensolve Practive Manager will be ideal but not
essential; MS Office)
MYOB experience or similar software usage - Dealing with ACC claims
Ace payroll - Excellent customer service
Administration skills - The ability to work as part of a small team
Time management
- Well organised, punctual and reliable
Organisation The office hours range between 8 am and 8pm,
On offer: depending on the therapists timetable. Hours of work
are negotiable and flexible.
Competitive hourly rate + 8% holiday pay
Great location near the airport with onsite This is a great opportunity to join a small business
parking available that is rapidly growing and be part of a fun and
challenging environment.
Working Monday Friday, part time basis
For all applications, please email
To apply send your CV to Jessica.liao@madison. physioreformltd@gmail.com with your CV and cover
co.nz letter attached.

Contact me @ 0220977132 HARDIK.

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