01SEPTEMBER2017 | Vol 9 Issue 24

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

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 2 NEW ZEALAND
Community rallies around The true meaning of
would-be mum battling cancer
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
T
he Telugu community in New Zealand
has rallied around the stressed family
of a pregnant woman fighting cancer in
Hamilton raising almost $9000 overnight.
The community is reaching out to the
broader Kiwi-Indian community and beyond
for generating financial resources to assist the
embattled and stressed family.
A Givealittle page was started on Tuesday,
August 29, for a 24-year old Indian woman,
Manaswini Voora, who was in the 25th week
of her pregnancy when diagnosed with
Adenocarcinoma (a form of cancer).
Suneel Kuncha of the New Zealand Telugu
Association and Kalyan Kasuganti Rao
of Telangana Association, who have been
constantly in touch with The Indian Weekender
said that the community has raised almost
$9000 overnight.
We would like to appeal to the broader Kiwi-
Indian community for its generous support,
Mr Kuncha said.
When The Indian Weekender last checked on
the Givealittle page, on Thursday, August 31,
about $26,437 had been raised with support of
370 generous donors.
The funds raised will be used to help the
couple alleviate any financial stress so that they
can focus on treatment and healing and the cost
of flying their parents at this time of emotional
distress.
Manaswini came to New Zealand from
Hyderabad, India, 15 months ago with her
husband Jay Krishna and lived in Hamilton.
Earlier in July when Manaswini was in her
20th week of pregnancy she experienced pain
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Eid-ul-Adha
in her left leg and went through physiotherapy.
When the pain developed in her right leg too,
the couple consulted the doctor who suspected
it to be tuberculosis as she also started
experiencing shortness in her breathing.
After a few checkups, the doctor at Waikato
Hospital ruled out tuberculosis and confirmed
that she is in the fourth stage of lung cancer.
Manaswini in her 25 weeks of pregnancy is
now battling cancer in Waikato Hospital, the
source of the tumour is still unknown and is
rapidly spreading to different parts of her body.
Manaswinis husband Jay came to New
Zealand six years ago, the couple got married in
India in 2015, and both are on a resident visa here.
Manaswinis mother has come to New Zealand
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Friday, September 01, 2017 The Indian Weekender
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD prayer service starts with reciting verses of
E
id-ul-Adha, the second biggest the Holy Quran, the congregational Eid Salah,
celebration of the Muslim community Qutbah (sermon) and then musafah (greetings).
will be observed on Saturday, September It is advised to people travelling towards
2 around the globe. It is this occasion when Eidgah (venues hosting Eid prayers) to recite
the Haj pilgrimage is made by the Muslims in the Taqbeer as it is a sunnah according to some
Mecca, Saudi Arabia. scholars.
Eid-ul-Adha like Eid-ul-Fitr also dwells on New Zealand Eid Day, not for profit charitable
one important message that is sacrifice. organisation is hosting a mass prayer service
As mentioned in the Holy Quran, Hazrat and post prayer fun activities for families and
Ibrahim (peace be upon him) in his dream was children at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.
asked by Allah (swt) to sacrifice his only son There will be Henna and clothes for women,
Hazrat Ismail (pbuh). Without doubting this bouncing castles and fun games for children, lip
command, Hazrat Ibrahim decided to sacrifice smacking cuisines of Middle Eastern countries,
his son, and as he ran his knife over his son, it India, Pakistan, Malaysia etc.
was miraculously replaced by a goat. The Taqbeer will start at 8:45 a.m. and Eid
To commemorate Hazrat Ibrahims Salah will begin at 9 a.m. sharp.
unwavering faith over Allahs command,
Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated by every believing
Muslim in the world. The message being
sacrificing the things one loves the most which
is love for worldly possessions, pleasure,
money, etc.
Both these festivals remind the individual to
sacrifice their love for worldly pleasures in the
way of God and doing good.
Sacrificing an animal (goat, cow or camel)
is a way to commemorate the example set by
Hazrat Ibrahim. The meat from the animal is
not just for oneself, but it is to be divided into
three equal parts, one for the less fortunate,
second part for the friends and relatives and the
third part for himself.
Kiwi-Muslims will observe Eid-ul-Adha on
Saturday, September 2 with prayer services
at all the mosques across New Zealand. The A family at Eid celebrations in Auckland. Photo:
Auckland Eid Day, Facebook
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 The Indian Weekender Friday, September 01, 2017 NEW ZEALAND 3

We are not giving up on

immigration, says Prime Minister
SANDEEP SINGH PM: (Laughs) Well I know you would and will keep it under review as we

A
head of elections, Prime
Minister Bill English has
reached out to the Kiwi-
Indian community by speaking with
The Indian Weekender about range of
issues that matters to the community
including immigration and law and
order. Here are some excerpts of
the interview.
IWK: Lets talk about
the education policy you
announced the other day. You
talked about introducing the
second language for primary
school children. Why was
Hindi not included in the list of
priority languages announced
by you?
PM: Well that was an indicative
list only and not an exclusive list.
Our idea is to initiate a national
conversation about the languages
that people want to learn and its
not exclusive.
IWK: Our question is that you
are not even giving people an
opportunity to choose Hindi in
classrooms. This is despite the
fact that according to the last
census in 2013 Hindi became
the fourth most spoken
language in New Zealand
replacing French. Were you
aware of that?
PM: I am aware that it is spoken
widely, yes. And we should
have that discussion because we
should find that families want that
Prime Minister Bill English in talks with
The Indian Weekender
language in school. There were ten
languages listed, thats the start of
the discussion, it doesnt exclude
other languages because policy
will be driven by what students and
schools want.
What we are saying is that
students should have access to
a second language. Anyway, the
Indian community, their children
particularly, have a great advantage
as they almost have two languages
in their household anyway. It is for
Kiwi kids who would stand to gain
the most by this opportunity to learn
the second language.
IWK: There are two Kiwi-
Indian MPs in the National
Party caucus, of which one
has been there for all three
terms. Does National Party
not find them talented enough
to elevate either of them to
a ministerial berth in the
cabinet?
PM: Well, thats a matter that we
sort out each time we pick a cabinet.
We have in our caucus plenty of
talent. Thats one of the privileges of
being a Prime Minister of National
caucus of having so many talented
people who can be a Minister.
Generally, if they are longer in the
caucus, then there are more chances
for them to become a Minister. I
can say that both Kanwaljit Singh
Bakshi and Parmjeet Parmar have
performed well.
IWK: Can we get your promise
today for a Kiwi-Indian
Minister in next term?
like me to make that undertaking, but
that would be getting way ahead of
me because we havent yet had the
election and we havent seen who has
turned up in the parliament.
IWK: Why is the New Zealand
government and your party
giving up on immigration
numbers?
PM: Well we are not giving up on
immigration. The other political
parties are. One way or the other
they all are seeking to cut back
immigration numbers quite low,
but they havent told us that how
they will do that. What we believe
is happening is that success of the
economy is driving immigration. Its
not the other way around. We are not
dependent on immigration. We need
migrant workers to do the jobs that
need to be done.
IWK: Recently your
government introduced the
Minimum Income Threshold to
classify people as low skilled
and high skilled. Are you
getting your unemployment
statistics on the basis of low
skilled or high skilled?
What was the point there?
PM: The point over there was to
make it clearer what people could
expect to happen. The occupational
classifications dont always give
you the right information, and the
industry keeps telling us that the
name of the job in your system does
not tell us how important the job
is. Whats important is how we pay
them. So we are just bringing in now
always keep immigration policies
under review. The idea is to get
people into jobs with reasonable skill
content and is reasonably well paid.
IWK: Coming to international
students, Indian international
students have gone through
significant troubles for right
or wrong reasons and the
Kiwi-Indian community thinks
that immigration agents and
private tertiary institutes are
taking Indian international
students for a ride and
government is not doing
enough to regulate PTEs? What
do you have to say about that?
PM: I think it is well regulated now,
and people understand that New
Zealand government will enforce
its rules. We want a well-regarded
international education sector. We
are very pleased to have a degree
of interest from Indian students and
about 20 per cent of those students
choose to stay back here in New
Zealand permanently. We welcome
them here, and we want it to be
sustainable and high quality.
IWK: Can you ensure that
there will be more regulation
of PTEs in the fourth term of
National government?
PM: That is in place now. In the last
18 months, a lot of efforts have been
made in enforcing the rules. We have
got a pretty good set of rules. But
now people are clear that they are
going to be enforced.
For more stories from our exclusive interview
with PM, turn to Page 5 and visit www.iwk.co.nz

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 4 NEW ZEALAND
Telangana community celebrates Vinyaka Chaturth
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
T
he Telangana Association
of New Zealand hosted
Vinyaka Chaturth, also
called Ganesh Chaturthi on Friday,
August 25 at the Mt Roskill War
Memorial Hall Aucklands May
Road.
The annual celebration of Lord
Ganesha is widely celebrated by the
Hindu community across the world.
The ten-day festival commences with
the puja and prayers and ends with
the immersion of the idol.
Families welcome Lord Ganesha
to their homes and chant hymns,
perform aarti and puja to celebrate the
auspicious day. Since the Telangana
community is sizable in Auckland,
the celebration was hosted for the
Vinyaka Chaturth celebrated with fervour by the Telugu community
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
A
number of communities
marked the much awaited
Vinayaka Chaturthi starting
from Friday, August 25.
More than 250 community
members attended the celebrations
hosted by the Telugu Association of
New Zealand at Fickling Centre in
Three Kings on Friday.
The celebration started with
bringing the Ganesh idol into the
hall, which is an integral part of the
celebrations. The puja started at 8:30
p.m. and continued for approximately
three hours.
As a customary practice sweets
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Nearly 300 members of the
community came to witness the
celebrations, Labour Party candidate
for Maungakeikei Priyanca
Radhakrishnan, National Party
Candidate for Kelston Bala Beeram
and New Zealand People Partys
leader Roshan Nauhria also attended.
Advisory members of the
Telangana Association Srinivasa
Members of Telangna Community at Vinayaka Chaturthi celebration in Mt Roskill Vanuganti, Jagan Mohan Reddy,
War Memorial Hall
Raman Rao Rachakond and
public at the War Memorial Hall. Narasimha Rao Tuppala arranged the
part of the celebration is placing According to a tradition in
The celebration commenced with big celebrations, and Prakash Biradar
sweets, in particular, Laddu at Hyderabad, the laddu is then
carrying the Ganesha idol to the from the New Zealand Indian Central
the feet of Lord Ganesha during auctioned after the Puja gets over.
venue and placing the idol on the Association also visited the event.
the prayers. This year the plate of laddu was
stage for the prayers. A significant
Members of Telugu Community at Vinayaka Chaturthi celebration at Flickling
Community Centre
The event
and flowers were placed at the feet the prayers at such big occasions.
of the idol and the devotees chanted As is the practice in Hyderabad in Leaders from the Indian concluded with a
special dinner for every devotee
hymns and songs in praise of Lord India, the laddu (sweet) prepared for community, members of parliament
prepared by the members of the
Ganesh. The prayer was conducted this auspicious occasion is auctioned, and candidates for the upcoming
Telugu community.
by distinguished community member and it was bought by a community elections from different political
Ms Lakshmi who has been leading member for $1501. parties also attended the event.
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 The Indian Weekender Friday, September 01, 2017
PM bats for tougher
policing
SANDEEP SINGH
P
rime Minister Bill English has assured
the community that a National led
government would tackle crime
head on.
I think what matters to dairies is that the
way now dairy owners and police work together
minimise the risk, so we are seeing a reduction
in the incidences of aggravated robberies.
It does need assertive policing, Mr English
told to The Indian Weekender.
Speaking exclusively to The Indian
Weekender, ahead of elections, about
communitys expectations and aspirations on a
range of issues, Prime Minister reiterated that
the National government has been watchful of
the slight increase in serious crimes, whereas
there was a decline in overall youth crime rate
in the country.
When asked if it was fair to say that it took
a long time for the National government to
acknowledge that small businesses and dairy
owners are facing a problem of increase in
overall crime, Prime Minister strongly rejected
any such suggestions.
No, it is not fair to say that we have been
slow. We have a strong focus on getting crime
rates down generally, and actually, crime
rates are coming down particularly for young
people, Prime minister said.
What you have with dairy owners was an
outbreak of aggravated robberies thats why
in January this year we have announced the
recruitment of 1100 new police officers, Mr
English added.
Two-three years before that we invested
millions in making our police mobile so that
they can spend 10-20 per cent more time on the
beat to collect evidence and reporting.
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That was a big step up and now more when
we are recruiting more police officers, Mr
English further added.
However, the key emphasis was in explaining
the value of newly proposed boot camps for
regulating the behaviour of young serious
offenders.
The other thing that the community would
be interested to hear about will be that we are
setting up a junior military academy to deal
with about 150 young hardcore offenders.
We are setting them up as an alternative
to prison because these are young people who
have been kid-criminal(ed) who dont follow
any rules or have any respect.
So we have to change their view about the
world otherwise they will remain committed
criminals throughout their lives, Mr English
asserted.
Prime Minister also rejected some suggestions
that Nationals recent announcement on Young
serious offenders was a mere election sop
without any intention to
That is happening now.
Police are being recruited as we speak
and work with those 150 offenders is being
planned. Alongside them, there are about 2000
more kids between the age group of 11 to 14
who have committed minor offences and would
potentially turn into hardened criminals in
future.
We are working assertively now to prevent
crime and to prevent crimes in future, Mr
English concluded.
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 6 VERDICT 2017 - SPECIAL FEATURE
Rockstars from
Nepal to perform
in Auckland
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
A
band of musicians from Nepal on a
world tour will deliver two shows in
Auckland in September. The famous
band of four Albatross and solo artist Diwas
Gurung will perform at Auckland Institute of
Studies (AIS) on Saturday, September 2 and
the second show on Saturday, September 9 at
Kings Arms Tavern in Newton.
Currently, Albatross band is touring in
Australia. Artist Diwas Gurung lives and works
as a musician in New York and will be flying
directly to New Zealand for the shows.
The September 2 show at AIS is an acoustic
show suitable for all ages, and the second show
on September 9 at Kings Arms Tavern is an 18+
event which is set to be live and loud.
We are hoping for 800 to 1,000 people
for both the shows in Auckland. People from
Queenstown, Christchurch, Hamilton and
Whangarei have confirmed their attendance
to the shows, Nitesh Rai, organiser of the
show said.
The Nepali community in New Zealand
is slowly growing with an estimated 10,000
Nepalis living all over the country and up to
3,000 live in Auckland alone.
A lot of our target audience are young
Nepali students, and these artistes are very
popular amongst the young generation, Mr
Rai added.
This is the first time Albatross and Diwas
Gurung will perform in New Zealand. The
band and the solo singer who have played all
around the world are excited about their maiden
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performance in New Zealand.
We are here to promote Nepali music
and culture to a wider audience as music is
universal, Mr Rai said.
These two music shows will also give New
Zealanders the opportunity to witness two
Nepali bands perform live with their rock
performances.
$2 from every ticket sold will be donated
to the Himalayan Trust that is rebuilding the
Everest region after the devastating 2015
earthquake in Nepal.
We welcome people from every corner
to come and witness two epic shows, Mr
Rai added.
Friday, September 01, 2017
We want to move
away from servicing
miseries to reducing
it: Prime Minister
SANDEEP SINGH
P
rime Minister Bill English launched the
National Partys campaign on Sunday,
August 27, with some seemingly
powerful lines to get an undiluted approval
from the media and political commentators
a privilege that is largely missing from many
others that the Prime Minister currently enjoys.
We want to move away from servicing
miseries to reducing it, was one such one-liner
that received applause from enthusiastic party
supporters.
Mr English was referring to young mothers
requiring support from the system, though
it was said in the wider context of social
investment programmes.
Im committed to changing the system
from hoping those young mothers will turn
up looking for help, to going out and finding
solutions that work for them.
Moving from servicing misery to reducing
it, Mr English said.
There were many more such lines in
the quarter of an hour long speech at West
Aucklands Trusts Arena that sought to
elucidate the National Partys vision for New
Zealand and how it was different from the
parties on the left.
The line that in the words of The Spinoffs
Toby Manhire, got far and away the biggest
ovation of the afternoon was Hard working
New Zealanders arent an ATM for the Labour
Party.
However, despite these many seemingly
powerful one-liners, Mr English did not
succeed in winning a clinical approval from
many political commentators.
It was inevitable that the Prime Ministers
speech would be compared with the one that
Labours newly-minted leader Jacinda Ardern
delivered at the rejuvenated Labour Partys
campaign launch earlier. According to Audrey
Young, NZ Herald political editor, Bill
Englishs speech to launch Nationals campaign
was vintage English, part brilliant, part boring.
The Spinoffs political editor Toby Manhire
found it solid and unspectacular and down
the line.
Similarly, the 2000-3000 party supporters
present in the Trusts Arena, were found to be
missing in euphoria and not bursting at the
seams in clear comparison with the Labour
Partys campaign launch event a week ago in
the Auckland Townhall.
Clearly, if the National Party and its campaign
managers are being criticised for being overly
focused on Jacinda Ardern and the Labour
Party in their campaign launch, then media
commentators could also share the blame,
for comparing the event with Ms Arderns
campaign launch and the rather arbitrary
diasapproval of Mr Englishs performance on
Sunday.
In fact, the choice of the venue Trusts Arena
for the campaign launch could be a symbolic
choice, suggesting the fact that elections are
supposed to be contested within an arena,
allowing freedom to all participating contestants
of hitting sportingly at each other.
In that regard, the National Party has done
well in elucidating its vision clearly for New
Zealand, even if it required what Audrey Young
calls some intermittent negativity on Labour.
Otherwise, how will voters know the
difference what the two parties bring to the
table in this election?
How are voters supposed to correctly attribute
the same line, We can do better than this,
The Indian Weekender
For now, Prime Minister
Bill English has done
well in elucidating two
different visions of
New Zealand, even if in
boring style and being
intermittently negative
on the Labour Party.
offered by two different leaders differently
the leader of the biggest opposition party, and
the other, the Prime Minister of the day?
Ms Ardern has been building election
momentum over the catchy one-liner We can
do a lot better than this.
Last week, Ms Ardern had spoken in front of
a crowd of supporters and market-goers at the
Otara market in South Auckland.
We can do better than what we are doing
now, we can do so much, Ms Ardern had said.
Now Prime Minister Bill English has come
up with his own We can do even better.
In this regard, voters would need to hear more
on what is the better and more believable
version, of New Zealands future.
For now, Prime Minister Bill English has
done well in elucidating two different visions
of New Zealand, even if in boring style and
being intermittently negative on the Labour
Party.
If Labour and other parties of the left have
a right to critique the so called neo-liberal
market policy being forced on New Zealanders,
then the National Party also has a right to
emphasise the sense of personal responsibility
and accountability, that it seeks to inculcate so
diligently in every aspect of social policy.
Probably, one line that largely went unnoticed
and received least attention from both the party
faithful at the event and the commentators later,
but was symptomatic of National partys claim
to fame was, Because National understands
the pressures of running a household, paying
the bills and saving a bit for a rainy day.
The Labour Party would have to come up
soon against this performance by Mr English
led National Party team.
Another area that has missed the attention
of the mainstream media, again, was the large
ethnic representation in the crowd of party
supporters.
There was heavy representation of ethnic
Chinese-New Zealanders and Kiwi-Indians at
the event.
If counting the number of Indian looking
faces is any metric, then surely the National
campaign launch had more Kiwi-Indians
present than at the Labour launch.
However, to what extent will it translate into
actual votes on September 23 still remains to
be seen.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, September 01, 2017 VERDICT 2017 - SPECIAL FEATURE 7

Preparing our children for the Supreme Sikh

2030s and beyond Society in South
Auckland has a
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi
they choose to. We will set at least 10
priority languages, in consultation with
the community. They are likely to include
Mandarin, Spanish, French,Korean,Maori
new team
andNZ Sign Language. Through additional
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

S
National Party List MP funding for teachers, language assistants upreme Sikh Society of New Zealand (SSSNZ), the
and online resources we will provide largest Sikh body in the country hosted its Annual

N
ational has announced a $379
million package to provide New
Zealands young people with the
skills and language training to succeed in
an increasingly international and high-tech
world.
We want to help our children develop the
skills that will help them succeed over their
lifetimes, both in New Zealand and around
the world.
This package will provide every primary
school student the opportunity to learn a
second language if they choose to
Improve the maths skills of primary
school students;
Create Digital Academies and Digital
Internships to give year 12 and 13
students practical, work-based learning
opportunities and
Extend National Standards to provide
much more detailed information about how
our kids are progressing
Apart from the announcing the above
investment in our future generations
National is keen to provide opportunities
to learn a second language. On re-election
wewill invest $120m over four years to
grow the language skills that our young
people need to compete in a global world.
All primary school children will be given
access to learning a second language if
primary school children with up to 30 hours
a year in second language tuition. Our aim
is to have this implemented over the next
two years, however we know for some
communities it will be much faster as they
have the resources available now.
A re-elected National Government will
invest $126m over four years to grow the
maths skills of primary school teachers, and
support them in the classroom to provide
intensive support to those students that need
it with additional curriculum resources. We
will invest in growing the maths skills of
ourstudents by providing them intensive
support in the classroom to lift achievement.
We will fully fund up to 1200 teachers to
undertake a university math teaching paper
to further their understanding.
All teachers will also be supported in the
classroom with a $5m per year investment
in additional math curriculum resources.
A re-elected National Government will
invest $48m over four years to ensure our
young people have access to opportunities
in the IT industry to give them real world
experience. We will build a pathway for
our young people between the digital skills
they are gaining in the classroom and jobs
in the IT industry.Digital academies will
be similar to Trades Academies, and offer
specialised, IT-focused learning which also
allows 1000 students a year to gain relevant
NCEA credits.
Digital internships will see work
placements, mentoring and tailored learning
provided by industry partners for 500 year
12 and 13 students a year, building a pathway
between skills gained in the classroom
and jobs in the IT industry.A re-elected
National Government will invest $45m
over four years to implement PaCT and
other progress tools in schools, including
support for teachers in professional learning
and development. We will measure a childs
learning progress, as well as benchmarking
them against where they should be. Parents
will receive real time online reporting of
their childs progress throughout the year.
Parents will also receive more information
detailing their childs progress in specific
areas, so for example in maths they will
receive information on how their child is
progressing in areas like algebra rather than
just seeing where their child is at overall
in maths. This will highlight where more
support is needed. Teachers workloads
will be reduced through an online system
of measurement where they only have to
enter information once to allow multiple
reporting to parents and the government.
General Meeting on Sunday, August 27 at the
Takanini Gurudwara to choose its next leader and plan the
activities for the next year.
SSSNZ was established in 1982 and operates two
Gurudwaras in Auckland including the very first Gurdwara
built in Auckland - the Otahuhu Gurudwara along with
the largest Sikh Gurdwara in the entire Pacific Area the
Takanini Gurudwara, South Auckland.
The Sikh Society has more than 500 financial members
and 2000 non-financial members and its annual turnover
this year is $3 million.
The requirement to become the president of this
organisation is that one has to spend three years in the
Gurudwara kitchen and do community work before their
nominations for the post are accepted
Ranvir Singh Lali, the director of Dreamline House
Construction Company who had previously served in many
posts such as secretary and executive, was elected as the
new President of SSSNZ. Mr Lali is a Justice of Peace, has
a well-established business here and has been living in New
Zealand for the last 27 years.
Rajinder Singh, a share holder in Co-Op Taxi and a
well-established community member, was elected as the
secretary of the organisation.

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 8 VERDICT 2017 - SPECIAL FEATURE
National lures parents paid
parental leave upped 4 weeks
SANDEEP SINGH
T
he National Party has
promised to extend paid
parental leave by four
weeks from the current 18 to a
new proposed 22 weeks.
This is the second policy by the
National Party in last few days
aiming to target on parents, after
the education policy announced
on Sunday, August 28, which the
party is claiming will help parents
to track their childrens progress
throughout the year in key learning
areas.
Now, the Party has come up
with a proposal to extend paid
parental leave as part of its Parents
and Newborns Package.
National will share the
dividends of a growing economy,
with more support for families with
newborns in a new package made
possible only by the improving
government finances, Women
Spokesperson Paula Bennett said.
Nationals Parents and
Newborns Package will
progressively extend Paid Parental
Leave to 22 weeks over two years,
with an initial step of two weeks
on 1 July 2018 followed by a
further two weeks on 1 July 2019.
The policy will also add
flexibility to Paid Parental Leave,
by allowing both parents to take
some of the 22 weeks off at the
same time so they can be at home
with their baby together.
It also envisages supporting
women to take care of their own
health by offering them one free
dental course during pregnancy
and up to their babys first birthday.
Nationals Parents and
Newborns package recognises the
role of both parents and allows
families to have the flexibility
that suits their circumstances. It
is good for parents, good for their
baby and will help support women
in the workforce, Mrs Bennett
said.
However, the Labour Party
has criticised Nationals plan on
the paid parental plan saying that
they cannot be trusted as they had
earlier blocked Labours plan for
the extension of paid parental
leave to 26 weeks.
New Zealanders know they
can trust Labour on Paid Parental
Leave, not Bill English, who
blocked an extension to 26
weeks just last year, Labour MP
Sue Moroney said in a media
statement.
Ms Moroney had brought in a
bill last year seeking an extension
of paid parental leave to 26 weeks.
After vetoing 26 weeks
Paid Parental Leave, which the
majority of Parliament voted for,
Bill English has no credibility
promising more weeks now, Ms
Moroney said.
However, National Party
is saying that this changed
perspective toward extending paid
parental leave is concomitant of
the improving fiscal outlook.
National has always wanted
to increase Paid Parental Leave
in a responsible way, Workplace
Relations and Safety Spokesperson
Michael Woodhouse said.
Weve already increased it to
Friday, September 01, 2017
18 weeks and widened the criteria
for those that can access it the
improving fiscal outlook means
we can now extend Paid Parental
Leave further, Mr Woodhouse
said.
Health Spokesperson Dr
Jonathan Coleman says that a
growing economy is allowing
National to help to grow and
support new families.
All New Zealanders deserve
the chance to have a family, so
we are also pleased to be able to
stand behind people struggling to
conceive, through funding for an
extra IVF for those who need it,
Dr Coleman said.
We also want to support
pregnant women, and new mothers
take care of their health.
As pregnancy can lead to
dental problems for some women,
we will fund one dental course for
all pregnant women and mothers
up until their babys first birthday,
including a check-up and any
resulting x-rays, extractions and
fillings, Dr Coleman said.
The Parents and Newborns
Package will come into effect on
July 1, 2018.
It is expected to cost $88 million
a year from 2019/2020 once 22
weeks of Paid Parental Leave is
fully implemented.
The Indian Weekender
Mahesh Bindra
promoted; set
to return to
Parliament
SANDEEP SINGH
M
ahesh
Bindra,
t h e
current New
Zealand First List
MP and party
spokesperson for
corrections is all
set to return to
Parliament as a List MP.
NZ First on Tuesday, August 29, has released
a list of 56 candidates that has leader Winston
Peters at the top and deputy Ron Mark at
number two.
Mr Bindra is on the tenth rank on the list, one
better than the last time (2014) when he first
entered into parliament placed at the eleventh
position of NZ First List.
Mr Bindra will be fourth Kiwi-Indian MP
after Nationals Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi and
Dr Parmjeet Parmar and Labours Priyanca
Radhakrishnan, who is set to enter in parliament
based on their rankings in their respective
Partys list and current polling.
Shane Jones, debuting as the NZ First
candidate and tipped to be a potential successor
to Winston Peters is placed at comfortable
eighth ranking.
Given the fact that a current MP from the
Party Richard Prosser was placed at a shaky
15th rank three below than Non-MPs in the
list, Mr Bindras elevation by one should reflect
well on the confidence that Mr Peters has in
Mr Bindra.
The Indian Weekender wishes good luck to
Mr Bindra.
 The Indian Weekender
VOTING IN THE ELECTION
F
or Vanisa Dhiru, there is
no question that she will be
voting in the coming election.
Its up to all of us to have a say in
how our country is run - and you get
your say by voting.
Voting starts soon in the 2017
General Election, when New
Zealanders will choose who will
represent them in Parliament for the
next three years. Election day is
23 September, but people can vote
anytime from 11 September.
Vanisa Dhiru, who is of Indian
descent, was born in New Zealand
and lives in Wellington where she
works as a consultant. She is also
the Vice President of the National
Council of Women NZ and takes
pride in the fact that New Zealand
was the first country to give women
the vote in 1893.
124 years ago a bunch of great
leaders pushed for women to have
their right to vote, which meant
everyone had that right to have their
say. For that, we should be both
thankful and willing to take part.
Ms Dhriu says she has been
enrolled ever since she was able
to vote and has taken part in every
election since she was 18.
I have taken my time to review the
issues and policies of all the parties,
and I want to make an informed
vote. After looking over the policy
statements, its fairly easy to see who
Ill be voting for.
Its a similar story for Kaliappan
Chetty, a Fijian Indian who moved
to New Zealand 14 years ago. The
Your
Strong
LocaL VoiceS
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi
Manukau East
W bakshi.co.nz
Katrina Bungard
Manurewa
W katrinabungard.co.nz
Agnes Loheni
Mangere
W agnesloheni.co.nz
Authorised by Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, 1/131 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe.
Authorised by K Bungard, 107 Great South Rd, Greenlane.
Authorised by A Loheni, 107 Great South Rd, Greenlane.
Friday, September 01, 2017
Ms Dhriu says she
has been enrolled
ever since she was
able to vote and has
taken part in every
election since she
was 18
Auckland accountant says he is
enrolled because he is a responsible
citizen, and that its important to vote
so an accountable government can
be elected. Like Ms Dhriu, he has
also been looking at what the various
parties and candidates stand for.
Its easy to access information
on the parties policies and record in
Government, he says.
Aucklander Viraf Todywalla is
having a harder job deciding which
of the parties he wants to vote for,
but he will make a decision and vote
in the election. He says its what all
responsible citizens should do.
Everybody should vote, and
if you dont vote, you shouldnt
complain later, he says.
The Electoral Commissions Chief
Electoral Officer, Alicia Wright, says
there are many ways to find out more
about the candidates and parties
contesting the election.
Talk to your family and friends,
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi
Agnes Loheni
VERDICT 2017 - SPECIAL FEATURE
look at the party websites, tune into
the news, or go along to a local
candidate meetings. Youll quickly
get an idea of what the parties and
candidates stand for, says Ms
Wright.
Voters can also use online tools
like Policy, Vote Compass and On
the Fence to work out which political
parties match their own views on
issues like health, education, roads
and tax.
Think about whats important to
you in your everyday lives - that will
help you decide who to vote for,
says Alicia Wright.
New Zealand has a proportional
voting system called MMP, or Mixed
Member Proportional.
Ms Wright says the key thing to
know about MMP is that every voter
has two votes, one for the political
party they want to be in Government,
and one for the candidate they want
to represent their local area. These
are called the party vote and the
electorate vote.
When you go into a voting place
youll be given one ballot paper. On
one side is a list of political parties to
choose from, and on the other side is
a list of people standing for election
as the local Member of Parliament
(MP). Put one tick beside the party
you choose, and one tick beside
the candidate you want to be your
MP. Thats it - two ticks and youre
done, says Ms Wright.
Political parties with a
bigger share of the party
vote will get more seats in
Parliament and coalitions
are usually needed to form a
government.
9
More information on voting
under MMP can be found at www.
elections.org.nz in several languages,
including Hindi and Gujarati.
People need to enrol before they
can vote in the election. To be
eligible to enrol and vote, a person
must be 18 years old or older, a
New Zealand citizen or permanent
resident, and have lived in New
Zealand continuously for one year or
more at some time of their life.
They can enrol or update their
details including a change of
address - by filling in an enrolment
form. Forms are available at www.
elections.org.nz and at PostShops.
People can also ask for a form to be
sent to them by calling 800 36 76 56,
or by texting their name and address
to 3676.
Voting starts on 11 September
when advance voting places open and
goes right through until election day
on 23 September. To find a nearby
voting place go to www.elections.
org.nz or call 0800 36 76 56.
If youre worried about voting,
remember our voting place staff can
help you on the day you go to vote,
says Alicia Wright. Your vote is
important, so make sure your voice is
heard in 2017.
Katrina Bungard
 10 VERDICT 2017 - SPECIAL FEATURE Friday, September 01, 2017 The Indian Weekender

National has ignored Post PREFU, undeterred

Labour bring forward 3-year
mental health issues free education policy
for too long SANDEEP SINGH

enough support due to fragmenting of the
families.
We ask for deliverance from our governments
Roshan Nauhria
failed policies that have forgotten the poor and
Leader, New Zealand
the ones in need of support.In March this year,
People's Party
government has just axed $800,000 Lifeline
A
fter light rail and public transport,
Labour Party has brought forward
another major policy in the lead up to
the elections.
On this occasion the party has chosen to bring
forward its three-year free education policy,

N
Z is going through a bleak period with
606 suicides recorded for the year
ending in June 2017. Thats almost 12
people a week in New Zealand who have had
enough and it doesnt count those who drink or
drug themselves to death by apparent natural
causes.
In NZ, suicide prevention is more of a social
and public health objective than a traditional
exercise in the mental health sector. The time
is ripe for mental health professionals to
adopt proactive and leadership roles in suicide
prevention and save the lives of thousands of
individuals.
I see this as a breakdown of our entire
social system. Mental health and wellbeing
and is directly proportional tounemployment,
income, owning a home and to be able to
provide a secure future for the family and loved
ones. Men especially have to be helped out with
depression, alcohol and drugs abuse, loneliness,
non-communication. Youth, women and older
people are also finding it harder to cope up
due to failed government policies, closure
of hospitals, not having ample employment
opportunities and domestic violence and abuse
in particular. For many, the tipping point has
been our broken social framework and not
contract to provide suicide prevention training
to frontline workers, which is a huge blow
to the mental health training facility for NZ.
Lifeline has been a huge source of learning and
providing training for more than 50 years.
Chronic underfunding by the New Zealand
government over the past nine years has lead
to the dire situation we are in now. Our mental
health services are chronically underfunded,
and the recent exclusion of mental health
workers from the recent pay equity settlement
between care workers and the government
has led to mental health workers leaving the
profession en masse.
We, the New Zealand Peoples Party, as
a solution oriented political party, want to
do something by looking into the need of
themoment by providing education, increasing
wages, affordable housing, fixing law and order
issues, regional development, improving the
general state of the economy...
Suicide is a multifaceted problem and
hence we want to stress on the fact that
suicide prevention programmes should also be
multidimensional. Collaboration, coordination,
cooperation and commitment are needed to
develop and implement a national plan, which
is cost-effective, appropriate and relevant to the
needs of the community.
promising to deliver first free-year in 2018.
Earlier the Labour Party had announced fast
forwarding the light rail project connecting
Auckland CBD with the Airport via Dominion
Road and connecting North Shore in the next
decade (bringing forward by a decade).
The policy announcement was made earlier
on Tuesday, August 29, by Labour leader
Jacinda Ardern at Western Springs College in
Mt Albert, Auckland in the presence of college
students and teachers.
The three-year free education policy was
unveiled by former Labour leader Andrew
Little in early 2016, which promised three years
free education for tertiary students and other
post-school education.
This is the first major policy announcement
by the Labour Party after the release of Pre
Election Fiscal Update (PREFU) earlier last
week which disclosed that the next government
would have comparatively fewer funds to
splurge.
The fact that Ms Ardern was accompanied
by Grant Robertson, Labour spokesperson
for Finance and Chris Hipkins, Labour
spokesperson for Education, along with a
couple of local Auckland MPs Jenny Salesa
and Peeni Henare signifies that this is a major
election policy for Labour.
This policy is funded out of the $6b that
Labour has allocated to education in our fiscal
plan, which has been independently assessed
by BERL, Ms Ardern said, suggesting that
the party is confident to bring forward this
policy despite being short of funds in the next
government.
Im keen to remove tertiary fees as quickly
as possible, so I have brought forward by one
year our three years free policy. From the
beginning of 2018, everyone starting tertiary
education for the first time will get one year
full-time study fees free.
That will be extended to two years free in
2021 and three years free in 2024. If conditions
allow, we will accelerate this policy further,
Ms Ardern said.
Another major election sop was a promise to
increase student allowance by $50 a week.
Labour will increase the amount students
can get in student allowances and living cost
loans by $50 a week while accelerating our
plan to make three years of post-secondary
education free, Ms Ardern said.
The PREFU has predicted that government
revenue will bump up in the first year before
receding in the next two years, although there
will be a surplus of $3.7 billion, which is less
than earlier predicted in the Budget in May
this year.

Raj Singh
Candidate for
NEW ZEALAND FIRST
Manukau East
LIST MP

SPOKESPERSON FOR
CORRECTIONS
CUSTOMS
ETHNIC AFFAIRS
L A N D I N F O R M AT I O N N Z

If you would like to discuss these or any other

issues, please contact my office:
P 04 817 8367 Raj is the founder and Principal of a South Auckland based
E mahesh.bindra@parliament.govt.nz
A FREEPOST
law firm who wants to share his professional success by giving
Parliament Buildings his community a voice and representing them in Parliament
Wellington through his work with the Green Party.
W www.nzfirst.org.nz
He is passionate about policy, law, effective communication
AUCKLAND OFFICE
and leadership, education and immigration.
P FREE PHONE
0800 BINDRA Raj often offers legal education seminars to communities.
or 09 250 4070
A Level 1, 21 East Tamaki Rd
Papatoetoe
Auckland 2025

Authorised by Mahesh Bindra, Parliament Buildings, Wellington Authorised by Gwen Shaw, Level 1, 17 Garrett Street, Wellington
New Zealand People's Party is the hope of the
people, the wind of change and the vision of the
future. We want to garner your support to make us
the government's preference and no doubt the
people's preference in this election with your PARTY
VOTE.

Sree Nampally
Party Candidate

PARTY VOTE

PEOPLE'S PARTY

Authorised by A.Sharma, 258 Balmoral Road, Sandringham Auckland, 09 846 8059

 12 VERDICT 2017 - SPECIAL FEATURE
Dirty politics, lolly scrambles make comeback
N. GURU DUTT
J
ust as in the run up to election
2014, dirty politics has again
raised its ugly head in this
years campaigning. If personality
over policy reminded Kiwi-Indians
of the brand of politics back in India,
as we saw in last weeks column, this
weeks developments are even more
redolent of the rough-and-tumble of
the Indian political arena.
Allegations of dirty politics flew
thick and fast as the story of New
Zealand First leader Winston Peters
superannuation payments unfolded.
After Mr Peters was alerted to
overpaid super made to him because
of reasons yet to be determined, he
immediately repaid the amount. This
fact was reported to two ministers
under the no surprises policy, in line
withthe norm. It was also conveyed
to the Prime Ministers adviser, a
political appointee not covered by
the no surprises policy. He decided
the Prime Minister did not need to
know of this.
Of the several so far unanswered
questions, the most contentious is
who let the media in on this and
why? This is a clear breach of privacy
and a criminal offence. Privacy today
is an enormous issue. At this stage
of campaigning it is explosive. The
fact that three simultaneous enquiries
have been ordered so quickly
underscores its importance. (The
issue of privacy has taken centre
stage in India, too, with the proposed
linking of the Adhar card with several
of the governments databases.)
Contact
Labours Ethnic
Communities Team
Email Michael.Wood@parliament.govt.nz
Email Ethnic.Communities@labour.org.nz
Phone 09 373 3332
Address 85 Grafton Rd, Auckland NZ 1010
Michael Wood MP
Spokesperson for
Ethnic Communities
Jacinda Ardern MP
Labour Leader
Authorised by Jacinda Ardern MP,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington
Michael_Wood JA_255wx175h_advert.indd 1
blaming National for dirty politics
will affect post-poll negotiations and
alignments is an obvious one. But
realpolitik being what it is, there are
no differences or disagreements or
hatchets that are too big to be buried
in the pursuit of power, disguised
of course as being in the national
interest and to keep the torch of
democracy burning bright.
As one has seen in coalition politics
in India as everywhere else, the
strangest bedfellows with a history of
baying for one anothers blood come
Whatever the outcome of the together when lured by the trappings
enquiry, it brought Mr Peters an of power, after the right horses are
urgent and welcome supply of traded. So when it comes crunch
oxygen, starved of it as he was after time, dirty politics will pass through
the Jacinda juggernaut. Though the wringer of realpolitik and all will
be well as long as a government can
he went into the storm slightly
be formed with the spoils shared to
disheveled as it were (not clarifying
the best of everyones acceptance
how much he paid back and if he
grudgingly or otherwise.
had indeed filled the form correctly),
he will be determined to come out
THE INEVITABLE LOLLY
smelling like roses, seeking to prove
SCRAMBLE
T
his stand blaming the whole thing
hough both the major parties
on National Party-orchestrated dirty
started their campaigns on
politics. Mr Peters will do everything
the austere side as far as spending
he can to keep the issue alive for as
pronouncements were concerned
long as he can to keep the limelight
the leaders even saying this election
on himself and his party and away
was not about lolly scrambles we
from MsArdern.
saw them both making a quick u
Predictably, Mr English has denied
turn this week. Both launched their
this has anything to do with dirty
own versions of the inevitable pre-
politics.
election lollyscrambles National is
As things stand, there is no doubt
wooing young families and women,
that neither Labour nor National
raising paid parental leave by four
would be able to form a government
weeks (after having vetoed a similar
without New Zealand First. So
proposal earlier) and being able to
the question whether Mr Peters
take a few weeks off together. Labour
Jenny Salesa - Speaking Out for You
Vote 11-23 September
Vote SALESA, Party Vote LABOUR
3/08/17 2:35 PM
Friday, September 01, 2017
has essayed to entice particularly the
millennials with a $50 hike in student
living allowances and a fee-free first
year of tertiary education.
National and Labour have targeted
different demographics but Labours
ploy seems better calculated to
appeal to the estimated 90,000 young
voters who didnt bother to vote in managers.
the last election because there was
nothing in it to enthuse them. A hike
of $50 a week might not seem much
for a student living in Auckland but
that coupled with the promise of a
fee-free first year would definitely
spur some on toward tertiary study.
The Greens are promising free bus
rides for everyone under the age of
19, adding to the allure of Labours
promise by virtue of its pre-poll
alliance. This makes the Labour-
Green combine more attractive for
that particular demographic, which
can make a real difference to the
numbers game.
As much as it has been pushing
its own policies with vigour, one
cant help but notice the National
Party being at pains to pick holes in
Labours policies in the same breath.
Tealeaf diviners would probably
read this as a sign of worry in the
National camp. Speaking in Nelson,
Mr English came out strongly against
Labours student package saying it
will leave mum and dad Kiwis worse
off because the spend will have to
be funded from their taxes. National
has also showed similar nerves
while attacking Labours policies
announced earlier, like its regional
rail network.
Jenny SALESA
for Manukau East
Party Vote
The Indian Weekender
South Auckland has long been a
key determinant of past elections
and the traditional Labour bastion
looked rejuvenated and enthusiastic
at MsArderns rally last week.
Supporters turned up in large
numbers and that would be greatly
welcomed by the partys campaign
Meanwhile, the minor parties
had little airplay this week, except
of course, New Zealand First. But
then Mr Peters doesnt see his party
as a minor one perhaps rightly so,
given its undiminished king-making
potential. On those grounds he
declined to be a panelist on the minor
party leaders debate on television
last week. Other than Mr Peters
super issue, the party was in the
headlines for announcing its list just
shy of the electoral commissions
deadline on Tuesday.
Kiwi-Indian MP Mahesh Bindra
progressed by one on the list, thanks
to Richard Prosser who dropped to
15 from number three, after having
shot himself in the foot with a bizzare
policy announcement that obviously
did not have the partys assent.
Shane Jones is number eight, though
polls showed him trailing behind
his namesake Dr Shane Retiin the
Labour Party in Whangarei.
Dirty politics will likely dominate
the week ahead as the parties get
ready to step up to the podium
for the televised debates in the
coming weeks.
Authorised by Andrew Kirton, 160 Wills Street, Wellington. 04 384 7649
labour.org.nz
 Bill English and National are
building on the successes of the
last few years with a clear plan to
keep delivering more for all New
Zealanders and ensure everyone
has the chance to succeed.

Ecomony 20 additional ethnic liaison officers to work

181,000 new jobs created in the last two
years - projected growth of 3% over the next
few years will create even more jobs and
higher wages.
Improving links with China currently
negotiating improvements to the historic NZ-
China Free Trade Agreement.
Families
An extra $26 per week on average for
around 1.3 million working-age families from
April 1 2018 changes to the Accommodation
Supplement will give 136,000 low income
households even more.
Health
Free GP visits for under 13s, after-hours
services, before school health check-ups for
4-year-olds and immunisations for babies.
Increased health funding by a record
$3.9 billion in Budget 2017 to give care and
support workers a pay rise, increase District
Health Board, mental health and ambulance
service funding, buy more lifesaving drugs,
perform more elective surgeries and increase
bowel screening.
Law and Order
Boosting Police numbers by 10%, improving
the 111 response time, introducing a new
non-emergency number and making
burglary prevention a priority.
More security measures for high-risk dairies
and small businesses.
with ethnic communities to reduce crime and
80 more officers to target gangs, drug suppliers
and organised criminals.
Education
Lifting achievement in NCEA.
Enabling good teachers to stay in the
classroom and share their experience
across schools.
Increased education funding by a record
$1.1 billion in Budget 2017 to increase schools
operating grants, help more at-risk kids and
fund more pre-school places.
Infrastructure
Investing $32.5 billion in infrastructure over
the next four years to deliver key roading
and rail projects, more schools and
classrooms, more health facilities around
New Zealand, faster broadband and 34,000
additional houses in Auckland over the
next decade.
Sticking to Nationals strong,
consistent economic plan is
the only way we can do more
for you and your family.
Authorised by G Hamilton, 41 Pipitea St, Wellington.
 14 NEW ZEALAND Friday, September 01, 2017 The Indian Weekender

Labour will make Auckland New Zealand is growing

a world-class city ACT will make it work
Priyanca Radhakrishnan
Labour Party candidate,
Maungakiekie
promised. With an average of 800 additional
cars on our roads each week, we need viable
public transport options now not when Im in
my late 60s.
The governments response to increasingly
gridlocked Auckland roads is to spend $10.5
billion on more roads. There is an old adage
and committees, theres been a serious
underinvestment in basic infrastructure.
The best time to address this was ten years
ago, the second best time is now. As ACT leader,
David Seymour
Ive been campaigning on a clear infrastructure
Leader, ACT Party
proposal. We should give local councils half

I N
grew up in a country with an exceptional
public transport network. I didnt learn to
drive till I moved to New Zealand. As such,
I am exceptionally proud of Labours transport
policy, which will usher Auckland into the
21st century. The next Labour-led government
will deliver a transport network that offers real
transport choices a combination of heavy and
light rail, dedicated bus rapid transit that will
include dedicated busways so that buses are not
stuck in the same congestion as cars. We will
scale back multi-billion dollar roads like the
East West Link that runs through Maungakiekie
and instead offer real choices for people to
catch public transport that is fast, frequent and
affordable.
Labour will deliver a high quality transit
network comparable to the London Tube or
Paris Metro. Fast, frequent and affordable
public transport options
that will ease congestion
and get us moving.
Public transport that
creates vibrant town
centres and connects
communities.
Part of our plan is to
deliver light rail to the
airport in the next decade
and not 30 years as
the government has
build it and they will come. That holds true for
both roads and for public transport. Some say
that Aucklanders will never give up their cars
for public transport. However, weve seen time
and again that Aucklanders will use buses and
trains if they are on time, regular and affordable.
In fact, Auckland rail has just recorded 20
million trips in one year. In addition, the
Northern Busway has been Aucklands biggest
transport success story. Passenger numbers on
our rail network and the Northern Busway are
growing by 20 per cent every year. That is well
in advance of population growth.
Were standing on the threshold of
transformation. Done well this change is the
key to transforming Auckland. This is our
chance to build an internationally competitive,
great city. Its your chance to be part of next
month as you cast your vote.
ew Zealand has become the envy
of the developed world. Restrained
government spending and stable
policy settings have meant that weve enjoyed
job growth, low unemployment, low interest
rates, and rising incomes.
You only have to look at the rest of the
Anglosphere. Our neighbours are in constant
political turmoil and running large deficits. The
UK is deeply unstable, the US is in political
crisis not seen since the late 1960s. The
Canadians are happy but only because theyre
mesmerised by Justin Trudeau. That will
wear off.
Thats why most of New Zealands biggest
problems today are a result of people wanting
to come here. Of all the problems you can have,
being popular is not the worst, but it is still
a problem.
Auckland will gain another million people
by 2040, according to Auckland Council. In
other words, the pressure on our schools and
infrastructure that we already see is going
to intensify.
This should spark alarm bells considering
how our schools and transport systems are
already reaching breaking point.
For all of local governments proclivity
to waste money on events, self-promotion,
the GST from any building projects they
consent, with the expectation that they use it on
basic infrastructure.
That means high growth areas like Auckland
would receive a tremendous infrastructure
boost. With $7.5 billion of building in the last
year, Auckland would have received over half a
billion dollars for use on improved roads, public
transport, electrical infrastructure, and so on.
This would create systemic change, ensuring
infrastructure is funded automatically with
growth, instead of by political whim.
Another challenge is in our overstretched
Auckland schools. Despite roll growth, and
the proportional increase in funding, they are
struggling to attract teachers. Part of this is the
unacceptable cost of housing in Auckland. ACT
has comprehensive policies to cut red tape, lift
housing supply and reduce costs across the city.
But that takes time, and our schools need
teachers now, notin ten years.
Right now, schools are literally not allowed to
pay enough to attract talented teachers to teach
in Auckland. This weekend I am announcing
ACT policy to ensure schools arent just
funded properly, but have flexibility in law and
contracts to offer salaries that reflect the quality
of the education they offer, and the rising costs
of living in Auckland.

Get ready
to roll.
You will now have received your new rubbish bin.
From Monday 4th September well be starting bin
collections. Auckland Council will no longer collect
rubbish bags after Friday 1st September.

To make sure your rubbish is picked up, put it

in your bin and place the bin on your kerb by
7am on your usual collection day.

Text your address to 3169 to sign up for a free text

reminder to find out when its time to switch from bags
to a bin. To find out more, phone 09 928 0334.

Learn more at
AKC0214_RBR3_IW
ACT stands against Winston
Peters racist attack against
Sikhs freedom of religion
Winston Peters has yet again displayed ignorance of
modern New Zealand when he attacked Sikhs pursuit to
carry a kirpan, a ceremonial religious dagger in public
places and workplaces, says David Seymour.

Winston yearns for the time Indians belonged in

the corner dairy; in modern New Zealand, the Indian
community is an important part of the economy,
society, and culture.

ACT will ensure that in the next Parliament, we will

ensure a bill is passed to allow Sikhs to wear the
kirpan in public.

As a Sikh, this is an attack my freedom of religion.

Anyone who cant tell the difference between a 2 metre
long lethal weapon and a 10 centimetre ceremonial
ornament needs to properly educate and inform
themselves, says ACT candidate, Bhupinder Singh

The kirpan is a symbol of religion and article of faith

for a baptised Sikh, and part of the statutory code of
practice to carry the 5Ks (Kesh, Kara, Kanga, Kacchaira,
and Kirpan).

Mahesh Bindra should have properly informed Winston

of our religion and symbol and has failed as both ethics
spokesperson and truly representing our community
before making uneducated statements.

Bhupinder Singh

Authorised by L Fergusson, Level 2, 27 Gillies Avenue, Newmarket, Auckland

 Thought of the week
Optimism is the faith that
leads to achievement. Nothing
can be done without hope and
Editorial confidence. Hellen Keller

English agrees for Anythiny But funny

Hindi in schools
P
rime Minister Bill English has said that he is not averse to include Hindi among the list
of priority languages made available to students and schools in their Partys recently
announced education policy as a part of second language learning.
Mr English was speaking exclusively with The Indian Weekender when the question of Hindi
language missing from his recent announcement of education policy was raised.
On Sunday, August 27, Prime Minister Bill English has announced National Partys education
policy, whereby committing $379m package to prepare children for the future.
As a part of this package, Mr English has announced a $160 million investment to give all
primary school children the opportunity to learn a second language, if they choose.
According to that policy, schools will be able to choose from at least ten priority languages,
which are expected to include Mandarin, French, Spanish, Japanese and Korean, along with Te
Reo and New Zealand Sign Language.
The Hindi language was conspicuously absent from the list of ten priority languages proposed
in that policy announcement about which Prime Minister was made aware of.
This is despite the fact that according to 2013 census, the Hindi language has officially
replaced French language as the 4th most spoken language in New Zealand ahead of Mandarin
and Northern Chinese and behind English, Maori and Samoan language.
Since 2013, the numbers of Kiwi-Indian community has further propelled to hint that Hindi
might have grown into the 3rd most spoken language in New Zealand. Auckland Weather forecast for the week
The Indian Weekenders query if Prime Minister was aware of this fact that Hindi was 4th
most spoken language in New Zealand was brilliantly deflected by a response stating I am Sept 2 Sept 8, 2017
aware that it is widely spoken.
It was followed by a statement that list of priority languages proposed in Nationals education Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu
policy was not exclusive, and Hindi could definitely be included in the list in future.
Well, that was an indicative list only and not an exclusive list.
Our idea is to initiate a national conversation about the languages that people want to learn
and its not exclusive, Mr English asserted.
What we are saying is that students should have access to a second language. A Mostly Mostly Partly sunny Some sun Partly sunny A periods
monring cloudy cloudy, a with a with a with a of rain
Anyway, the Indian community, their children particularly, have a great advantage as they
shower, with little little rain shower little rain shower
almost have two languages in their household anyway. some rain
It is for Kiwi kids who would stand to gain the most by this opportunity to learn the second sun
language, Mr English added. 18
14 14 14 14 14 18
We are ready to accommodate the Hindi language, and we are confident that it would be 8 8 8 10 8 8 8
relatively easier to find teachers in the Hindi language as Indian community is a well educated
community, Mr English concluded.
This week in New Zealands history
Indian Weekender : Volume 9 Issue 24
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
3 September 1939
Managing Editor: Bhav Dhillon | bhav@indianweekender.co.nz New Zealand declares war on Germany
Alongside Britain and Australia, New Zealand was one of the first countries to become
Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz
involved in the global conflict precipitated by Germanys invasion of Poland on 1 September
Chief Reporter: Swati Sharma | swati@indianweekender.co.nz
1939.
Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz
Chief ReporterSouth Island: Gaurav Sharma 3 September 1958
Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz
First open-heart surgery in New Zealand
Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz Pioneering heart surgeon Brian Barratt-Boyes performed the surgery using a heart-lung
Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz bypass machine. The procedure, at Green Lane Hospital in Auckland, was carried out on an
Accounts and Admin.: 09-6366306 | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz 11-year-old girl with a hole in her heart.
Sales and Distribution: 022 3251630 | sales@indianweekender.co.nz
5 September 1939
Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher
Prime minister declares NZs support for Britain
is not responsible for advertisers claims as appearing in the publication
When New Zealand declared war on Germany on 3 September 1939, Prime Minister Michael
Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent
Joseph Savage was recovering from an operation for colon cancer. Acting Prime Minister Peter
Fraser issued a statement in his place.
the views of the team at the Indian Weekender
Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland. 6 September 1948
Printed at Horton Media, Auckland New Zealand citizenship established
Copyright 2017. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved. The British Nationality and New Zealand Citizenship Act 1948 (the order of the terms showed
their relative importance) gave New Zealand citizenship to all current residents who had been
either born British subjects or later naturalised (granted citizenship). Until this Act came into
force, people born in New Zealand were British subjects but not New Zealand citizens.

Franchise: A Farce
The Indian Weekender
VEER KHAR
I
n the 1980s, when I got the first
opportunity to cast my vote; I
along with my friend, reached
the polling station in Srinagar,
Kashmir, India.
With a lot of enthusiasm, we joined
the long queue with others but we
were surprised that with our arrival,
there were funny smiles all around.
Soon we realised that something was
not right and we were put out of this
strange suspense by an elderly person
who took pity at us and tapped on
our shoulders.
Dont bother your vote has
already been cast, they will beat
you if you do not go away from the
polling booth immediately.
Thanks to the Muslim neighbour
who recognised us in time and saved
us from a thrashing!
But we did get disciplined at our
homes for trying to even venture
out. We were convinced that the
exercise was a farce and furthermore
the candidates had no agenda for
our empowerment.
Living as second class citizens was
a norm and a few years later from
1986 the looting, plundering and even
selective killing of our community
by religious fundamentalists started
as an unabated practice.
Finally in January 1990, we along
with other Pundits of Kashmir
(300,000), mainly scarred by the
major abuse to our women folk had
to leave Kashmir. We took shelter in
various refugee camps in our own
Friday, September 1, 2017
country in Jammu, Delhi and other
major cities. A sudden move from
the cold valley of Kashmir to the
hot plains coupled with high stress
levels, malnutrition and general
lack of empathy, took an immediate
toll and the numbers started
dwindling fast.
Unlike the large population of
Bangladeshi refugees who were
put on electoral rolls all across
India, our low numbers did not
attract any interest and we stayed
disenfranchised. I joined the group
of activists Panun Kashmir to seek
succour and we have yet to find
a taker. In 1998, instead of
languishing in Delhi, I along with
my wife and six-month old daughter
moved to New Zealand with a firm
determination that one day, we will
go back to our land with all rights of
a modern day human being.
A new chapter in life began and
all focus was on some settling
down. Hard work, opportunity and
our skill sets soon landed us into a
bit of comfort and soon to our total
surprise, we received enrolment
forms by post as if the authorities
knew about our craving for it. And
then came the national elections
of 1999.
We started looking at the various
political parties and the candidates
profiles. There wasnt even a single
candidate with whom we could
identify ourselves but we did go to
the polling station to see how it looks
from inside and without too much of
fuss about in whose favour we cast
the vote. The assisting officials were
so welcoming and continuously gave
us real smiles.
It took many years before we got
the opportunity to see identifiable
candidates. But somehow their party
allocates them sure losing seats
and then takes them in as Members
of Parliament through MMP a
system that gives us representation
with no consent of ours And the
farce continues.
Veer Khar is the community
leader and former president of
the India Association of New
Zealand (IANZ). The views
expressed here are those of
the author's alone and do
not neccessarily represent or
reflect the views of The Indian
Weekender
OPINION/EDITORIAL
Divert part of UN peacekeeping
budget to peace-building: India
I
ndia has suggested diverting
a portion of the peacekeeping
budget to the under-funded
peace-building activities because
there can be lasting peace only with
development and political solutions.
Criticising UN peacekeeping,
India's Deputy Permanent
Representative Tanmaya Lal called
for reforming the operations to align
them with peace-building objectives
and finding political solutions to
conflicts a view shared by UN
experts and several countries,
including the US.
"There is an obvious lack of
appropriate investment into the
political dialogue and a huge
mismatch between resource
allocation for peacekeeping and
peace-building," he told a Security
Council debate on peacekeeping and
sustaining peace.
While this problem was
acknowledged, only lip service was
paid finding the resources, he said.
Lal noted that only meagre
resources are now available for
development programmes and
peace-building is allocated less than
one per cent of the funds set aside
for peacekeeping. The 2017-18 UN
budget for peacekeeping operations
is $7.3bn. Therefore, he said: "We
may consider whether allocation of
an appropriate percentage of funds
from the peacekeeping budget to
activities related to peace-building
and sustaining peace in those
situations could be an option to
move forward to achieve sustaining
peace in the various intra-state
17
conflicts we are facing." "The long
extending peacekeeping missions
that go on for decades and elusive
political solutions remind us the need
to focus on long-term investment
in sustainable development or
institution building and inclusive
political processes," he added.
While peacekeeping operations
rely on the deployment of troops
contributed by member-nations to
try to physically prevent conflict,
peace-building and finding
political solutions require civilian
developmental, diplomatic and
institution-building resources.
Lal welcomed Secretary-General
Antonio Guterres's idea of ensuring
greater cooperation between
different departments of the UN,
in particular bringing together the
department of political affairs and
peacekeeping operations for closer
internal coordination, to effectively
17
carry out its role of ensuring peace
and security.
The Chair of Advisory Group
of Experts on UN Peacebuilding
Architecture Review, Gert Rosenthal,
pointed out that organisationally the
responsibilities for peacekeeping and
development were split between the
Security Council and the Economic
and Social Council and the General
Assembly.
"While there is considerable
overlapping in carrying out these
functions, generally the traditional
'pillars' of peace, human rights
and development do operate in the
proverbial 'silos' we all sadly have
become accustomed to," he said.
 18 NEW ZEALAND
Jacindas plan for Canterbury
GAURAV SHARMA
L
abour leader Jacinda Ardern
has promised to fast-track
Christchurchs rebuild with
a $300 million capital injection, if
her party comes to power after the
September elections.
This fund will be subject to
compelling business cases showing
strong potential for economic,
environmental or social returns to
the city.
"Well negotiate a global
settlement with the Christchurch
City Council, settling the long-term
ownership, opportunities and funding
for the anchor projects, Ms Ardern
said at the launch of Labours plan
for Canterbury on Sunday, August 27
in Christchurch. This will provide the
certainty that residents, developers
and investors need, she added.
Under her leadership, a Labour
government will also commit an
additional $100 million for multi-
modal public transport for Greater
Christchurch, including commuter
rail from Rolleston to the Garden
Islam Awareness Week concludes with the Mosque Open Day
GAURAV SHARMA
A
s part of the nation-wide
Islam Awareness Week,
the Masjid Al Noor of
Christchurch organised a Mosque
Open Day on Saturday, August 26.
SOUTH LINE
Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern with committee members of Canterbury IndiaNZ
Labour in Christchurch on Sunday. Picture courtesy Narinder Warraich
Citys CBD, as well as restore
full democracy to Environment
Canterbury.
Noting the importance of mental
wellbeing in post-earthquake
Christchurch, her government will
fund an extra eighty mental health
professionals across primary and
intermediate schools in Christchurch,
and a two-year pilot programme
of mental health teams to work
throughout the health sector, she
said. Importantly, a University of
Imam Gamal of the Masjid, who
is from Egypt but has been in New
Zealand for over a decade now said,
During this week and especially on
the Open Day, we aim to present a
unique and intimate look of Islam
and the Muslim community in New
Friday, September 1, 2017 The Indian Weekender
News-in-brief
from South Island
South Indian badminton
tournament coming up in Chch
with the Telugu and Malayali communities separate
badminton tournaments over, plans are in place for a
tournament for South Indian communities involving Telugu,
Tamil, Kannada and Malayalis, to be organised next month
GAURAV SHARMA
T
he newly-formed Telugu
Badminton Club of
Canterbury (TBCC), which
is a part of the Telugu Association
of South Island (TasiNZ), will be
organising a badminton tournament
for South Indian communities
involving Telugu, Tamil, Kannada
Canterbury study whose findings
and Malayalis, in Christchurch
were released last week, has found
next month. TasiNZ first-ever badminton
that 80 per cent (four in five) primary
Rajeswar Peddisetti, Organiser tournament's final in action
school-goers in Christchurch are
TBCC, said, As a precursor
exhibiting symptoms of post- 21-17, 16-21, 19-21. Before this, the
to the upcoming South Indian
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Christchurch Kerala Associations
tournament, we conducted a
The Labour leader also promised annual Onam-2017 indoor badminton
tournament especially for the Telugu
to establish an arbitration tribunal to
community last week, in which 32 tournament was held on August 22,
fast track the resolution of insurance
players participated. with 10 teams participating.
issues, as well as provide extra
After a total of 28 matches, the Now, the communities have started
funding for the Residential Advisory
team of Ajay and Girish won the practising for the upcoming South
Service, if she becomes the next
nerve-wracking final with the scores Indian tournament with bragging
Prime Minister of New Zealand.
rights on the line.
Zealand to the wider community. Its tour of the mosque, followed by a Christianity especially as regards
an opportunity for Muslims to dispel few informative seminars by the to Jesus. While I explained the five
pillars of Islam to everyone, I also
common misconceptions in the Imam, which ended with a question
noted that the most important pillar
society, as well as to celebrate their and answer session.
is the belief in God, as everything
own uniqueness and contributions to We talked about human rights in
Islam, Islamic actions and beliefs, else emanates from it. the
the country. During the Open Day,
as well as similarities in Islam and Imam said.
the attendees were given a guided
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 The Indian Weekender Friday, September 1, 2017 OPINION/EDITORIAL 19

Ganpati Bappa Morya

Chch celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with gusto

GAURAV SHARMA

L
ast week, Christchurch got an
opportunity to celebrate the annual
Ganesh Chaturthi festival publicly
at two different functions. First up was the
celebration on Friday, August 25 at the New
Brighton Community Centre, which was a
personal initiative of Sandeep Khanna and
Hitesh Sharma, and was attended by over 200
people. The day started with murti sthapana
around noon, and ended with evening prayers.
The make-shift Ganesh temple decoration
was done by Pramila Nand and prasad was
distributed courtesy Yogiji stores.
The festival is huge back home [Sandeep
hails from Mumbai] and we used to miss it
when we moved here. That prompted us to start
organising the festival at this scale since 2015,
noted the two organisers.
Then on Sunday evening, the Telugu
Association of South Island (TasiNZ) also 19
celebrated Vinayaka Chaturthi, clubbing
it together with the Associations Indian
Independence Day celebrations. Along with
the prayers sung in praise of Lord Ganesh, the
event saw a Bharatanatyam dance performance
by Ms Sneha Kasibhatla.
TasiNZs volunteers also performed a skit
at the occasion depicting the devotion of
Lord Ganesh to his parents, Shiv-Parvati. The
evening concluded with everyone singing the
Indian national anthem, with the gathering
treated to some tasty Andhra Pradesh delicacies.

Onam celebrations begin

Gathering in traditional clothing at CKA's Onam

celebrations in Christchurch on Saturday

GAURAV SHARMA the Thiruvathira, a traditional dance of Kerala.

C
hristchurchs Malayali community
never disappoints when it comes to the
Onam celebrations.
Same was the case last Saturday, when first of
the two Onam celebrations scheduled in the city
was held, organised by the Christchurch Kerala
Association (CKA) and attended by more than
300 people. September 2 will see another one
by the city-based social organisation Kerala
Cultural Forum. Mr Mathew Rafi Mathews,
President of CKA, said, Celebrations started
at 10am with a few Malayali dance and music
performances, most notable among those was
"Our team at CKA also put in a lot of hard
work in the traditional ritual laying of Pookalam
or floral carpet.
"A major event of the day was the Miss
Malayali Manga contest, and the highlight, of
course, was the sumptuous Onam Sadya feast
at the end.
The sold-out event had National MPs
Nicky Wagner and Jo Hayes, as well as
Labour candidate for Ilam Anthony Rimell,
attending as chief guests, who shared with the
gathering their happiness in getting to know
the Malayalee culture first-hand and seeing it
thrive in New Zealand.

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 20 FEATURES
September 1 to September 7 | By Manisha Koushik
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: +919015607139 www.askmanisha.com
Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20)
You may find the grass greener on the other
side of the fence, but looks can be deceptive.
Enlisting for a social cause is indicated for
some. Organising a function or an event on the
home front can keep some busy this week. A
lot of planning may be required before starting
a project, so put on your thinking cap. Weigh
someones advice carefully before you commit
your money as it may not give the promised
returns.
Lucky Number- 9 / Lucky Colour- Saffron
Taurus (Apr 21-May 20)
You will need to come into the flow of things
quickly at work. This is a good time to organise
a gathering of your near and dear ones at your
place. Meeting people and visiting places will
keep some happily engaged. You are likely to
keep the ones who matter in good humour on
the professional front. Your bargaining skills
are likely to come to your rescue in negotiating
a deal. Regular workouts will help in keeping fit.
Lucky Number- 22 / Lucky Colour- Turquoise
Gemini (May 21-Jun 21)
Dont be impulsive in a matter that seems
pressing, but bide your time. Complete recovery
from an ailment is foreseen for those unwell.
Some of you may resolve to come back in shape.
A fun time is foreseen for those planning to visit
an out of town friend or relation. Strengthening
of romantic bonds is indicated. Some changes
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envisaged on the home front will be initiated.
You may find yourself underemployed at work,
but keep it to yourself!
Lucky Number- 1 / Lucky Colour- Lemon
Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 20)
You may take a serious view of someone not
toeing your line at work or at home. Changes on
the home front may not be to the liking of other
members. Someones attitude is likely to put
you off at work. You may feel a bit stifled in your
current occupation. Someone may smooth talk
you into parting with your money, if you are not
careful. A journey that you were looking forward
to may get postponed indefinitely.
Lucky Number- 6 / Lucky Colour- Violet
Leo (Jul 21-Aug 22)
You will need to be absolutely clear regarding
your career options. Getting more focussed on
the academic front will not be difficult. Someone
at work may have a pleasant surprise waiting for
you. Dont be impulsive in spending money or
you may regret your actions later. Not adhering
to doctors advice may have its repercussions.
You manage to bring peace and tranquility on
the home front. A short journey will help in
refreshing and unburdening your mind.
Lucky Number- 8 / Lucky Colour- Electric Blue
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 23)
Dont trust anyone blindly, who promises you
the moon. You will financially be in a position
Friday, September 1, 2017
to upgrade an expensive gadget. A good advice
will let you seize an investment opportunity.
An evening out with lover is indicated. Loving
bonds are likely to get strengthened for newly
married couples. Children are likely to brighten
the domestic atmosphere. Shifting to a new
house is indicated for some. Health remains
perfect by being regular in your daily exercises.
Lucky Number- 15 / Lucky Colour- Turquoise
Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23)
You may have to get a pressing matter sorted out
quickly, before it becomes an albatross round
your neck. Those suffering from some medical
problem will be able to make full recovery.
Resuming an exercise routine is indicated for
some. You will be able to add to your wealth as
profits accrue. Money is not likely to pose any
problems for those thinking of a new venture.
Salaried persons can expect additional perks
on the professional front.
Lucky Number- 7 / Lucky Colour- Cream
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Helping others is in your nature and you will
get your due soon. You are likely to take long
strides in achieving something important on
the professional front. Professionals will be
able to add to their clients list. An exciting week
on the family front is foreseen with the arrival of
someone close. A drive with family will be most
refreshing and help bring the members closer.
No difficulty is foreseen in securing a loan.
Lucky Number- 2 / Lucky Colour- Indigo
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Keep emotions under check to keep from
spilling the beans in a confidential matter.
Spending time with lover is foreseen and will
help you in letting your hair down. Someone
may motivate you to accompany him or her for
a short journey to someplace interesting. You
may become extra careful of what you eat and
drink for retaining good health. Something not
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The Indian Weekender
completed at work may make you spend extra
time in office. Sale of property is likely.
Lucky Number- 4 / Lucky Colour- Sky Blue
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 21)
An excellent opportunity awaits some on the
academic front. You are likely to plan something
exciting with family and friends. Lover responds
positively to your romantic aspirations, so
brace yourself for an electrifying evening. You
may be in a mood for a vacation and may drive
off to someplace exotic. Something committed
to you on the professional front will be fulfilled.
Keeping fit and healthy will not be too difficult,
as you make all the right moves.
Lucky Number- 3 / Lucky Colour- Rosy Brown
Aquarius (Jan 22-Feb 19)
You may not want to involve yourself in a
situation that may damage your reputation.
Mental clarity about a particular problem at work
will help you find the solution. Professionals
will find this week exceptionally rewarding. An
outing with family may be planned and will
help strengthen the family ties. You are likely
to add to your wealth substantially. Someone
from the opposite camp is likely to fall prey to
your charms! Shifting to a better residence is
indicated.
Lucky Number- 6 / Lucky Colour- Crimson
Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)
There is a bright chance of performing beyond
your expectations on the academic front. You
are likely to feel more fit and energetic this week.
Things that are weighing heavy on your mind are
set to disappear soon. A suitable match for the
eligible is likely to be found. Some celebration
or ritual may be performed at home. Spending
time with lover is foreseen. An adventure trip
undertaken will prove most exhilarating. Taking
up a hobby seriously is possible.
Lucky Number- 1 / Lucky Colour- Magenta
22 NEW ZEALAND Friday, September 1, 2017 The Indian Weekender

NZ Indians celebrate Ganpati Utsav

T
he festival season has officially begun and the Indians are in a mood to celebrate. This
week, Indian living in India and overseas have invited a special guest to their home who
stays there for a few days before finally taking a leave.
Gannu, Bappa, Ganpati, Vighnaharta are some of the many names this special guest is called
by. While Indians are celebratig Ganpati utsav around the world, our readers in New Zealand
have shared with us, the pictures of the celebration at their home. As it is truly said, you can take
an Indian our of India but can never take India out of an Indian, and these pictures are certainly
prove that correct.

Ankit Gumber of Auckland lives in Auckland without his family but that doesn't NIta Dharmadhikari has decorated her temple with beautiful toarns,
stop him from celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi here. fruits and nuts, flowers and lights and is celebrating the festival
with full fervour.

To mark the ocassion, Usha Nanji of Auckland is

making a Ganesha clock. Her friend Bhavisha Pala
shared these pictures of masterpiece-in-making.

Rajan Patel sent us these pictures of Ganesh Mahotsav in Otago

Taking care of environment while celebrating the festivals. Preeti Sharma made where the festival was celebrated with chappan bhog (56 type of
an eco friendly Ganesha with turmeric and did the visarjan at home. prasadam). The visarjan will be done on Saturday, September 2.

Palak Makwana
made 108 modaks
or laddoos at home
for Ganesha om the
ocassion of Ganpati
Shivani Katyal celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi at her home with this cute little Rohan Chakrabarti shared the pictures of Ganesh Chaturthi Utsav.
Gannu idol. celebrations in the Chakrabarti household.

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 24 FEATURES Friday, September 1, 2017 The Indian Weekender

Four cups of coffee a day

may help you live longer
W
ant to increase your lifespan? Drinking upto four cups of coffee every day compounds which interact with the body, including
may help you reduce the risk of an early death, research suggests. caffeine, diterpenes and antioxidants, and scientists
The findings showed that people who consumed at least four cups of coffee believe some of these have a protective impact.
per day had a 64 per cent lower risk of all-cause mortality than those who never or almost Coffee is also rich in antioxidants, anti-
never consumed coffee. inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and other
There was a 22 per cent lower risk of all-cause mortality for each two additional cups beneficial properties which may lower the risk
of coffee per day. of chronic liver disease and liver cancer, the
"Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages around the world," said Adela researchers explained.
Navarro, a cardiologist at the Hospital de Navarra in Spain. For the study, the team included 19,896
"We found an inverse association between drinking coffee and the risk of all-cause participants, whose average age at enrolment was
mortality, particularly in people aged 45 years and above. 37.7 years old.
This may be due to a stronger protective association among older participants," Navarro During the ten year period follow-up, 337
added. The results were presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in participants died.
Barcelona.Previous studies have showed that drinking up to five cups of coffee a day In those who were at least 45 years old, drinking two
may halve the risk of developing the most common form of primary liver cancer and additional cups of coffee per day was associated with a 30 per
over three cups a day may halve prostrate cancer risk. Coffee contains a number of cent lower risk of mortality during follow-up.

Eating dark chocolates may prevent diabetes

L
ove to gorge on dark
chocolates? According to
a study, compounds found
in cocoa the main ingredient of
chocolate can actually help prevent
as well as treat diabetes.
The findings showed that cocoa
compound named epicatechin
monomers helps the body release
more insulin and responds to
increased blood glucose better.
When a person has diabetes, their
body either does not produce enough
insulin or does not process blood
sugar properly, because of the failure
of beta cells, which produce insulin.
However, the study found that the
increased presence of epicatechin
monomers helped beta cells to
"What happens is epicatechin
monomers is protecting the cells,
increasing their ability to deal with
oxidative stress," said lead author
Jeffery Tessem, assistant professor
at Brigham Young University
(BYU), US.
"The epicatechin monomers are
making the mitochondria in the beta
cells stronger, which produces more
ATP (a cell's energy source), which
then results in more insulin being
released," Tessem added.
For the study, published in the
Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry,
remain stronger as well as enhanced the team first fed the cocoa compound
their ability to secrete insulin. to animals on a high-fat diet.
The results showed that by adding
it to the high-fat diet, the compound
would decrease the level of obesity
in the animals and would increase
their ability to deal with increased
blood glucose levels.
"These results will help us get
closer to using these compounds
more effectively in foods or
supplements to maintain normal
blood glucose control and potentially
even delay or prevent the onset of
Type-2 diabetes," said study co-
author Andrew Neilson, assistant
professor at Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State University.

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 26 INDIA
India can't afford delay in
infrastructure modernisation: Modi
P
rime Minister Narendra Modi
on Tuesday said India could
no longer afford to delay
modernisation of infrastructure if it
was to scale new heights, and added
that his government was committed
to completing infrastructure projects
in time.
Infrastructure played a huge role in
the nation's development but earlier
governments and policy-makers
often avoided such time-consuming
projects involving large investments
"as people often lose patience", Modi
said at a public meeting here.
"But, we know that if we have to
take the nation to new heights, there
is a pressing need to modernise our
infrastructure," Modi said.
"Be it rail, road, water or power
supply, optical fibre network,
waterways, or coastal connectivity,
India will not benefit from any
further delay in setting up this
modern infrastructure," he added.
The Prime Minister said that once
everything was in place, it would
bring many positive changes in
people's lives.
"For example, road projects
entailing expenditure of Rs 9,000
crore being launched in Rajasthan
will benefit farmers in taking their
produce to markets of their choice. It
will also enable a sick mother to get
good healthcare, which may not be
available in her village," Modi said.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivers his address after inauguration and
foundation stone laying for several major highway projects at Udaipur in Rajasthan
Be it rail, road, water or
power supply, optical
fibre network, waterways,
or coastal connectivity,
India will not benefit
from any further delay in
setting up this modern
infrastructure.
He was speaking at an event
to mark the inauguration of 12
National Highways projects entailing
expenditure of Rs 5,610 crore and
laying of foundation stones for
another 11 projects costing Rs 9,490
crore. He said these highways would
not only help link Rajasthan with the
outside world but also be gateways
to progress. Giving example of
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former Prime Minister Atal Bihari
Bajpayee's Golden Quadrilateral
project, Modi said it enabled farmers
of Gujarat to take their produce to
markets in Delhi within a day, which
substantially increased their incomes.
He said road infrastructure was
especially beneficial for Rajasthan,
a big state with huge potential
for tourism. "We are committed to
completing projects in a time-bound
manner. We are trying to bring in a
culture that we finish the works we
start," he said. The Prime Minister
said it took 11 years for a six-lane
bridge over Chambal river, costing
Rs 278 crore, to be completed.
"Compare it with projects, costing
Rs 5,600 crore, which have been
completed since 2014 and are being
inaugurated now," Modi said.
Performances of South Asian & other
ethnic community Seniors
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Where: Shanti Niwas Senior Centre, 14 Spring Street, Onehunga, Auckland.
When : Saturday, 7th October 2017, 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.
The celebration is free and an open event for the public
Friday, September 1, 2017 The Indian Weekender
Sushma: India rescued 80,000
distressed citizens in 3 years
A
s many as 80,000 distressed certificate were not entitled to
Indians were rescued safely passports. Similarly was the case for
from different countries divorcees. We have changed the rules
in three years since the NDA to make them more citizen-friendly."
government led by Prime Minister Maharashtra Chief Minister
Narendra Modi took office, External Devendra Fadnavis said it is the
Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said. first Videsh Bhavan of the country
"The MEA now has a humane and "will be a model for other states
face... Earlier, we kept hearing that to follow".
even if there are a couple of their "Being an international-class city,
citizens in distress, countries like the Mumbai works very closely with
United States and Israel would rescue the MEA and the Videsh Bhavan
them from anywhere. It is heartening will help even more in this regard,"
to share that we have rescued 80,000 he said.
Indians in three years," Swaraj said. Under a pilot project, four offices
She was speaking at the of MEA -- Regional Passport Office,
inauguration of the country's first Protector of Emigrants office, Branch
Videsh Bhavan, assimilating all Secretariat and the Indian Council for
Regional Passport Offices and allied Cultural Relations' Regional Office
departments under a single roof at -- have been integrated and brought
the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). under one roof at the state-of-art
Swaraj said the government had office in BKC, Regional Passport
brought in several changes due to Officer Swati Kulkarni said.
which "India has emerged as an
influential and sensitive state across
the world". On the issue of passports,
she reiterated the government's
resolve for effective and speedy
service delivery.
"Till 2014, only 77 Passport
Seva Kendras were operating in the
country. Now, 251 such centres are
working, of which 235 were made
functional in the last six months."
On the efforts to streamline
procedures for issuance of passports,
she said many rules that created
hurdles in this regard have been
discarded and made more relevant to
the present times.
"Earlier, orphans without birth
Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust Inc.
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Shanti Niwas is celebrating
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 28 ENTERTAINMENT Friday, September 1, 2017 The Indian Weekender

Kangana:
AUCKLANDS HOTTEST BOLLYWOOD STATION

When Deepika felt strange

connection with Princess Diana

Wouldve proudly A
ctress Deepika Padukone
says she would have loved to
meet late Princess Diana as,

said so had I
while growing up, she felt a strange
connection with the royal.
The Piku actress has marked 20
million followers on Twitter, and is

directed Simran
said to be the most followed woman
in Asia. She celebrated this milestone
with her fans by answering some of
their questions on Twitter.

N
One asked: If you could meet
ational Award winning actress Kangana Ranaut,
anyone in the world, dead or alive,
who was earlier slammed by writer Apurva
who would it be and what would you
Asrani for taking the co-writer credit in
say to them?
Simran, says she didnt take part in the direction of
She replied: I would have
the film and would have proudly said it openly if
loved to meet Diana. I was a
she had done it.
little girl, obviously never
Kangana was slammed by Asrani after the
met her but felt a strange
poster of Hansal Mehtas Simran released,
connection. She radiated
showing Kanganas name as co-writer.
warmth and humility.
Apurva took to Facebook to raise objections
While she expressed
to it and slammed the actress for taking
her love for the show for her choice
undue credit.
The Crown, she told her of music to
In a conversation at the NDTV Youth For
followers that horror is not some extent.
Change Conclave, Kangana was asked if she
my most favourite genre. Her When singer
had any part to play in the films direction.
tweets also reflected love for her Anup Jalota, known for
Kangana said: I have not done anything
family. devotional music, asked about her
to do with direction in Simran. I have acted
One asked: What cheers you up? favourite Bhajan singer, she said:
in it and written it. If I had directed the film,
She said: Food, family and You are definitely one of them, sir.
I would have proudly said it, but I have not
friends. In fact, her favourite My sister Anisha and I have grown
done it. Kangana, who comes from a non-
superhero is also her father, Prakash up listening to your music, thanks to
filmy background and hails from Mandi
Padukone, a former badminton our parents!
district of Himachal Pradesh, also spoke about
player. And when she wants to boost She will be next seen on the big
her background.
her confidence, she thinks of all the screen in Padmavati playing the title
Big cities are money-oriented, small towns
good things in her life, including her role, which she considers to be the
are more concerned about what people buaji,
parents, sister and friends. most challenging role she has played
mausiji will say? I come from an extreme
Deepika also thanked her parents in a film.
environment, a conservative background. I

Ganesh Chaturthi one of my

felt stifled and just wanted to be free, said the
National Award winner.

favourite festivals: Arjun

Kangana, who has been appreciated for
films like Fashion, Queen and Tanu Weds

A
Manu Returns, says she tries to be away from
ward shows. ctor Arjun Rampal says the Gawli while south actress Aishwarya
There is a lot of manipulation in colourful festivities and Rajesh will be seen playing the role
decorated pandals during of his wife Asha Gawli.
our award shows. Like they will "I Ganesh Chaturthi have always Scheduled to release on September
tell you in advance that you should be able fascinated him. 8, the film is an Indian political
will get this award, but will to communicate to Ganesh Chaturthi is one of my crime film based on the true story of
ask to perform for them. I my audience directly and favourite festivals. The colours, Arun Gawli.Presented by Kundalini
try to stay away from all cause some sort of impact, festivities and beautifully decorated Entertainment, Daddy also stars
this. Kangana, 31, said which will bring me closer pandals have always fascinated me, Nishikant Kamat, Anand Ingale,
in future she would like to to them. Thats what I am Arjun, who visited Radio Citys Shrikant Yadav, Vijay Sanap and
do things that have some planning to do when I will studio here during the festival to Abhimanyu Arun in pivotal roles.
underlined significance. take up direction." promote his film Daddy, said.
At 30, I have seen a lot of Arjun also praised the radio
things in my life. A film nearly network for its Bappa Aayenge
takes two years of your life. Thats Gaadi Layenge campaign. The grand
the kind of contribution that I like to give to finale will be held on September 3.
films. Other than entertainment, I will not like to I am very happy to see the
do something which doesnt have any underlined network take the fervour of the
significance, Kangana said. festival to a new level... A brand new
I should be able to communicate to my car is sure to brighten up the spirits of
audience directly and cause some sort of impact, the participants and I wish all of them
which will bring me closer to them. Thats what best luck, the actor added.
I am planning to do when I will take up direction, she added. At the moment, Arjun is excited
Simran is slated for release on September 15. about Daddy, in which he will be
seen playing the lead role of Arun

Akshay has been great to work with says Suneel Darshan

F
ilmmaker Suneel Darshan,
who directed Akshay Kumar
in films like Jaanwar, Ek
Rishtaa, Talaash: The Hunt Begins...
and Mere Jeevan Saathi, says the
National Award winning actor is
very disciplined and fun loving as
a person.
To celebrate Akshay's 50th
birthday on September 9, Zee
Cinema is hosting Shanivaar Ki
Raat Akshay Ke Saath. It will
showcase four of Akshay's films
Jaanwar, Andaaz, Ek Rishtaa and
Dosti: Friends Forever.
"Working with Akshay has
always been a great experience. He
is disciplined and fun loving at the
same time," Suneel said.
"(After 15 flops at the box office)
Akshay made a comeback with
Jaanwar, strengthened his position
with Ek Rishtaa and skyrocketed
after Andaaz.
"I have launched many
newcomers like Karisma Kapoor,
Miss Universe Lara Dutta, Miss
World Priyanka Chopra, Kareena
Kapoor opposite Akshay Kumar.
"I am excited to see the
audience's response.
"It is the same feeling one gets
when a film is about to hit the
theatres. I am hopeful of receiving
greater adulation than we did during
the theatrical release," he added.
30 FEATURES Friday, September 1, 2017 The Indian Weekender

NZ Senior INDIAN Idol a first in NZ

MOHAN NADKARNI FOUNDATION International Day of Older Persons
(IDOP), is celebrated worldwide on
in association with Might-I
October 1 each year.
PRESENTS
To commemorate the occasion, Shanti
Niwas is celebrating IDOP by organising a
multi-cultural community programme at their
Onehunga Centre.
The event has been organised and will be
primarily performed by seniors, incorporating
music, dance and performances of South Asian
and other ethnic communities.
Activities and information stalls for leading
a healthy life style and community interaction
Tickets at will be made available.
www.eventfinda.co.nz With a view to recognise and appreciate
$29.95
the many hidden talents of the seniors, Shanti
Free Parking
or call Dev on Niwas will also be organising the NZ Senior
021 171 2777 INDIAN Idol.
The aim of the NZ Senior INDIAN Idol
is to bring out the multi faceted and hidden
vocal talent of the seniors. Registrations
are open, please phone 096221010 or email
shantiniwas@xtra.co.nz.
The IDOP programme will be held at the
Trusts Onehunga centre, 14 Spring Street,
beside Dolphin Theatre, Onehunga on Saturday,
October 7, 2017, from 10:30 a.m.
Shanti Niwas, with such programmes,
provides a platform for the seniors to organise
and show case their talents, skills and ability to
the community.
These programmes help our seniors in
integrating within the community and gain the
well deserved respect due to them from the
younger generation and help in bridging the
inter-generational gap.

CAB Manurewa
Date: Saturday, September 2
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
with LIVE I Venue: Manurewa Library Community Room, 7 Hill Road, Manurewa
Yati Bhagwat N CONCERT CAB Manurewa will hold a free information session for newcomers on Employment
on Tabla and Title Sponsor Opportunities. Please come and join to find about understanding what Employers are
Atmaram Bicholkar looking for from job applicants and how do I qualify for full-time Employment?
on Harmonium Registration and light refreshments will be at 10am. The session will promptly start at 10.30am and
finish at 1.30pm followed by light lunch.
TRAVEL For more information please call at Patricia Pera at 021 133 2014 or Armmajit Kaur at 021 142 1855
or Email at settlement.manurewa@cab.org.nz

In association with Catering Supported by

Anil and Reena Kant Live-in concert
Date & Venue: Saturday, September 2 at Waikowhai Intermediate School Hall
650 Richardson Road, Mount Roskill
Sunday, September 3 at Hillsborough Baptist Church
179 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough
Time: 6 p.m. onwards
Internationally renowned singer and songwriters Anil and Reena Kant are coming to New Zealand to
perform a free concert in Auckland. The concert will feature songs in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Gujarti,
English and Telugu. Anil Kant has recorded numerous music albums in the past 17 years after a
lifetime of travelling the world as a composer, lyricist, singer and music director. After marrying
Reena, Anil spent three years in Singapore and ten years in Indonesia pursuing a career in music.
His album Pray for India was his biggest album success.

Dussehra 2017
Date: Sunday, October 1
Time: 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Venue: Alexandra Park, Greenlane West, Auckland
Dussehra is one of the major Hindu festivals of India. It is celebrated with great zeal
and enthusiasm.
It is the day when Lord Rama killed the ten headed
demon king
Ravana and gave the throne of his kingdom Lanka
to his brother Vibhishana. JOIN US FOR
The programme will include Cultural
Performances, Ramleela performed by kids,
Ravana Dahan (Burning of the effigy of Ravana)
andFireworks display. There will be stalls for food, DUCHENNE AWARENESS DAY
traditional Indian clothes,fun rides for the kids etc.
9 September 2017, 9am-12pm,
NZ Senior Indian Idol Blockhouse Bay Primary School
Date: Saturday, October 7 A FAMILY EVENT TO RAISE AWARENESS
Time: 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. OF DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
Venue: Shanti Niwas Senior Centre, 14 Spring
Sausage Sizzle and more
Street, Onehunga, Auckland Family Fun activities Face
NZ Senior INDIAN Idol a first in New Zealand painting, Balloon twisting for kids
International Day of Older Persons (IDOP), is Learn more about about Duchenne
celebrated worldwide on October 1 each year. Muscular Dystrophy
To commemorate the occasion, Shanti Niwas is Live music.... and much more!
celebrating IDOP by organising a multi-cultural
community programme at their Onehunga Centre.
The event has been organised and will be primarily
performed by seniors, incorporating music, dance
Kuldeep Singh &
Yasha Aggarwal

and performances of South Asian and other ethnic

communities. Activities and information stalls
for leading a healthy life style and community
interaction will be made available.

Immigration Translation Centre

Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Urdu, Sinhalese, Arabic, etc.
Accurate, professional, prompt service by accredited translators.
Approved by LTSA/AA/Immigration New Zealand.
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