Indian Weekender 10 June 2016

10 June, 2016 • Vol. 8 Issue 12 • www.iwk.co.nz

NZ’s first Kiwi-Indian weekly newspaper

The pulse of Kiwi-Indians

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Established 2013

June 23, 2016

kiwi indian hall of fame is here

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CONTENTS

10 June 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Tribute

Picture Perfect

The world bids goodbye to the greatest of all time

Understanding exposure—Part 3/3

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Theatre’s rising star: Vanessa Kumar

Movie Review: Housefull 3

McCLYMONT AND ASSOCIATES Immigration Law Specialists

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Face of the week

Entertainment

WOW... INVEST AND OCCUPY, TENANT OR DEVELOP 9 PAUL MATTHEWS ROAD, ALBANY, AUCKLAND

We provide legal advice and representation to clients needing help with all New Zealand Immigration and Citizenship Issues including: • Resident Visas • Work Visas • Student Visas • Appeals • Hearings and Complaints

Experience.

Advice.

Results.

Aakanksha McClymont

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Will Modi bow to RSS on Raghuram Rajan?

Queen’s birthday honours for KiwiIndians

Alastair McClymont

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Opinion/Editorial

New Zealand

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Call us for free consultation on 09 6233344 or

021 994033

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3 Boundary lines are indicative only

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Physical address : Level 1, 2 Owens Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023 Phone :09 623 3344 | Email : amcclymont@amlaw.co.nz http://www.amlaw.co.nz/

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Total Land Area Total Floor Area Current Zoning Title

2,336m2 315m2 (approximately) Business 9 Freehold Fee Simple

Tenancy Details

For sale with vacant possession.

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NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 10 June 2016

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Wenceslaus appointed as chairman INZBC to hold the first-ever agritech summit of Bank of Baroda New Zealand IWK Bureau

IWK Bureau

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n another proud moment for the Kiwi-Indian community, Wenceslaus Anthony, the exchair and current head of Government Relations of Indian New Zealand Business Council (INZBC), has been appointed as the chairman of Bank of Baroda (BOB), New Zealand—the first Indian bank to foray into the country.

Following the appointment, Managing Director, Bank of Baroda, Auckland, Prahlad Gupta welcomed Mr Anthony and said that he looks forward to working under his guidance and leadership. Ranjna Patel of East Tamaki Healthcare, who is on the bank’s board, also took the opportunity to congratulate Mr Anthony. Robert Barker, Chairman of INZBC, while congratulating Mr Anthony was proud to note that a member of senior leadership team of INZBC has been given the honour and responsibility by one of India’s largest banks. He termed this as another positive step in the India-New Zealand relationship. In 2013, Mr Anthony was conferred upon the title of Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit by the Governor General of New Zealand for his services to the community. He migrated to New Zealand in 1999 and established WA Marketing Ltd Group

Newly appointed chairman of Bank of Baroda New Zealand, Wenceslaus Anthony

with offices in New Zealand, Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Singapore and other countries. In June 2012, Mr Anthony was appointed as a Director on the board of BOB New Zealand.

BOB New Zealand is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda—India’s international bank. Headquartered in Mumbai, India, the bank has grown over the years to emerge as an Indian financial powerhouse. It has more than 93 overseas branches/foreign offices in 25 countries across five continents serving a global customer base of more than 39 million. Bank of Baroda New Zealand was incorporated on May 27, 2007 and its main office is located in Mount Eden in Auckland with branches in Manukau, Auckland, and Wellington.

he agricultural industry is the backbone of the New Zealand and the Indian economy with agriculture, forestry and fishing contributing 6.1% to the country’s GDP (in 2015) while agriculture and related industries contributing 17% of India’s GDP (2014).

This is the primary reason why INZBC is holding the first-ever agritech summit for India-New Zealand industries.

The summit on June 13 at Langham, Auckland will touch upon areas such as major trends and future market opportunities in the sector, technology advancements, animal husbandry for increased productivity and scope of growth in dairy farming.

The summit is being held in partnership with New Zealand National Fieldays, the most respected organisation in New Zealand for agriculture.

The summit has an interesting line-up of speakers from both New

Zealand and India including representatives from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Kwality Dairy India Ltd., Agriculture Skill Council of India, Binsar Farms, Qualitat Products (India), Fieldays, ATEED, Fonterra, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Callaghan Innovation, Pipfruit and Waikato Innovation Park.

The entire list of speakers can be viewed on www. inzbusinesssummit.com.

Sameer Handa, Executive Board Member, INZBC, said, “I am delighted to see such a strong gathering of excellent speakers from India and New Zealand for agritech summit organised by India NZ Business council. The background and experience of speakers is diverse as they come from dairy, farming, banking, innovation, fruits, robotics fields. I don’t think we have seen such a strong gathering at one place before.

“The timing of this summit is very appropriate to discuss the future growth of agritech, as this will be followed by the

Executive Board Member of INZBC Sameer Handa

Fieldays in Hamilton, our annual agri show, which is the biggest show of its’ kind in the southern hemisphere.”

There will be a session with a focused discussion on different areas of agritech.

The sessions will be managed

by NZTE, ATEED and Callaghan Innovation.

The INZBC Summit looks to take the conversation further, on how collaborations can be done in this sector between India and New Zealand.

The event is open to the public and will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on the INZBC Summit website.

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3,575m2 (more or less) 1,001m2 (approximately) Business 10

Tenancy Details

For sale with vacant possession.

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NEW ZEALAND

10 June 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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our Kiwis of Indian origin were recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours list announced on June 6. While two Kiwi-Indians have been awarded Queen Service Medal, one has been named as New Zealand Order of Merit officer and the other as New Zealand Order of Merit member. It is a proud moment for Kiwi-Indians as individuals from different walks of life have been named for the coveted honours. Below are the recipients of this year:

Dr Pushpa Wood

The New Zealand Order of Merit officer For services to financial literacy and interfaith relations r Pushpa Wood, Director of Westpac Massey Financial Education and Research Centre and Chair of the New Zealand Chapter of the World Council of Religion and Peace, has played a key role in improving the financial literacy of New Zealanders and interfaith relations. She is recognised as an international expert in financial literacy and has contributed to discussion documents on financial literacy for the OECD. While with the Commission for Financial Capability, she developed a quality assurance system for financial literacy providers and developed a

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From left to right: Dr Pushpa Wood, Dr Nadarajah Manoharan, Karnail Singh Badhan, and Nanette Nathoo

Financial Literacy Competency Framework for adults that is now widely used by the education and industry sectors including NZQA. She has developed financial literacy training models for indigenous communities and was a member of the Steering Group for Improving Māori and Pacific Financial Literacy. In 2015, she developed the National Strategic Plan for Financial Literacy and a five-year Action Plan for Timor Leste. She was a founding member of the Wellington Interfaith Council and Women’s Interfaith Network. She was instrumental in organising New Zealand’s first National Interfaith Forum.

Dr Nadarajah Manoharan

The New Zealand Order of Merit member For services to health r Nadarajah Manoharan has been practising as an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeon in New Zealand since 1974, primarily in small centres

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beginning in Whanganui and permanently in Palmerston North from 1982.

Dr Manoharan continued to provide his services to smaller centres throughWhanganui clinic and Masterton clinic in addition to other centres. He has advocated for greater access to affordable healthcare for children and has never allowed finance to be a barrier to patients in need of his services. He is a voluntary teacher for trainee registrars and a member of the Mid Central Health District Health Board since 2013. He is a member of the Board’s Public Health Advisory, Funding and Audit, and Disability Support Advisory committees.

He established the Whanganui ENT Department and significantly developed the Palmerston North ENT Department, leading to its recognition as a training institution under the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2008. Dr Manoharan was Clinical Director of Surgery for

Palmerston North Hospital from 2008 to 2010.

Mr Karnail Singh Badhan, JP

Queen’s Service Medal For services to the Indian community r Karnail Badhan has contributed to the Indian community in Auckland since the early 1990s. Mr Badhan is a founder and Life Member of the Ambedkar Sports & Cultural Club and has been president since 2014. He is also the current coach of the club’s volley ball team and has been involved with fundraising for and organising the club’s annual sports tournament in Pukekohe.

He is currently National Coordinator for Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) New Zealand and a member of GOPIO International. He was Secretary of the Pukekohe Indian Association from 2011 to 2012 and President of GOPIO Pukekohe from 2010 to 2012.

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Mrs Nanette Nathoo

Queen’s Service Medal For services to the Indian community rs Nanette Nathoo has been the Chairperson of the Law and Order Crime Prevention Committee of the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA) since 2011, and served on the Executive of NZICA from 2008 to 2012.

Mrs Nathoo has contributed to the Indian community since 1982 and was Vice President of the Auckland Indian Association (AIAI) from 2007 to 2015. She is also currently Law and Order Crime Prevention Chairperson of the AIAI. She has worked with the Auckland City Police Asian Liaison Officer in developing safer community and crime prevention videos, workshops, and safety messages in community newsletters. From 1999 to 2002, Mrs Nathoo was a Trustee of the Mahatma Gandhi Centre.

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The profiles have been sourced from www.dpmc.govt.nz

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www.iwk.co.nz | 10 June 2016

Postage stamp released to mark 125 years of sikh migration

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postage stamp to mark 125 years of Sikh migration was recently released by National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakhi. Earlier this year, due to efforts of Mr Bakshi, the Indian community celebrated Vaisakhi in the New Zealand Parliament for the first time. This was a special occasion to mark the arrival of Punjabs in New Zealand as well as to highlight Indian culture and contributions.

Mr Bakshi then worked with the New Zealand Punjabi Foundation to honour the arrival of first Indian origin Sikhs to New Zealand by releasing Vaisakhi postage stamps.

This effort eventually came to fruition on Sunday, June 5 in Papatoetoe at an event organised by the New Zealand Punjabi foundation.

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Presence of family members from the first pioneer Indian Punjabi families who migrated to New Zealand in the early 19th century made the occasion more special. Mr

Bakshi says that it is because of the hard work and sacrifices made by early settlers from India that the current and future generation of Indians will enjoy successful and happy lives in New Zealand.

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10 June 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

A Pacific fusion fashion show

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he brainchild of Director Nora Swann, the Pacific Fusion Fashion Show (PFFS) was created for a number of reasons: firstly, for designers from South Auckland to showcase their fashion aesthetic and South Auckland’s ability to host a highend fashion event in the heart of the pacific demographic of New Zealand.

Secondly, to exhibit the fashion talent that comes from the people of Pacific ancestry, allowing exposure and network opportunities that can further enhance their fashion design careers.

Swann will also be running an up-styling show on the night and will be using the Ivy Park brand to put together fashionable ensembles in collaboration with Topshop to give the audience ideas on how to mix and match pieces to create fresh, stylish looks. PFFS will be held on Saturday, September 3 in Botany. Tickets will go on sale via Eventfinder in early July. A pop-up shop will be available on the night for the audience to purchase the designer’s garments.

The event, originally targeted towards pacific designers, generated a massive interest from non-Pacific designers, and therefore, is opened to all ethnicities. PFFS is both a

fashion show and a competition.

The judges’ panel include representatives from NZ Fashion Week, VIVA (Herald) and Auckland Arts Festival. The prizes are donated by Spotlight, Bernina, and MIT Enterprise to name a few. Swann says, “I can’t

believe how big the event has grown. My little community event just kept on expanding every time I shared my vision with others.

To me, that says there is a hunger for this event. We’ve had interest from Australia and the Pacific Islands from designers wanting to

take part in the event.” PFFS ran their first workshop on May 28 at Botany Town Centre with guest speaker fashion designer Louina Fifita. The workshop also included a Q and A session and offered a great networking opportunity for the designers. The next workshop

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will take place on June 25. The organising committee are calling for interest from both, emerging and established designers, and aspiring and professional models looking to be involved in a new and exciting fashion event.

Wellington-based fashion designer Dane Dagger, who specialises in creating limited edition pieces with an avant-garde, streetwear integrity, will be showcasing in the show along with local streetwear designer KUJO clothing. PFFS will also be looking for the Face of Fusions 2017 with the modelling competition scheduled to take place on the same night.

Swann added, “One thing is certain. Our show is all about innovation and will be full of surprises. It is not going to be just another fashion show.”

Support from both the local and wider community is enabling the event to take place although it is currently being self-funded by Swann. There is room for further development of this event in years to come, and Swann believes the show will be a success and can hopefully draw in a sponsor next year. Registrations of interest for designers close on August 6 and the model casting call will take place on June 11 at Botany Town Centre. Enquiries can be made online via the event website fusionfashion.co.nz

A broader more intelligent immigration debate required Sue Reidy

Auckland specialist immigration lawyer Alastair McClymont is concerned that immigration statistics are being distorted by politicians and fed to the media to fit political agendas and do not reflect the true situation. He says that the debate about whether or not New Zealand needs to reduce its annual number of migrants needs to be widened.

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NZ First leader Winston Peters has publicly stated that he recommends migration be reduced to a maximum of 15,000 per year. But which categories is he planning to cut? I don’t think you can have a debate about the high number of Indian and Chinese migrants who gain residency status unless we also have a debate about the numbers of international students who are permitted entry to New Zealand on a student work visa,” says McClymont. “And the numbers will vary from year to year based on factors that are not within our control.”

For example, two years ago New Zealand lost 11,000 people to Australia. If we hadn’t lost this number, our net migration could have been approximately 45,000.

“Two things have changed recently. There has been an

Alastair McClymont

increase in international student numbers and we’re not losing so many people to Australia. Partly as a result of the collapse of the mining bubble and undergoing a recession, Australia has become less appealing to New Zealanders as a migrant destination. We received a net gain of 2000 people from Australia to New Zealand in the 12 months to the end of April.” So just who are

these people coming into New Zealand? They are a complex mix of international students, temporary workers, holiday makers, Kiwis returning home to live and new residents (a number of whom first entered this country on student visas).

According to Statistics New Zealand the 68,000 net migrants in the past 12 months up to April 2016 include: • 27% work visa holders who originate primarily from the UK, France, Germany and Australia. This includes young people on holiday work schemes who may be in New Zealand only for a year.

Many in this group identified their occupation in the hospitality sector.

• 28% New Zealanders who have been overseas for one year or more returning home to live and Australians who intend to live here for more than a year • 22% students who are counted as net migrants because they stay here for one year or more • 23% people coming to settle in New Zealand and of these 45% are Indians and Chinese nationals. This is because most international students are Indian or Chinese and apply for residency here after completing

New Zealand qualifications and then succeed in applying for residency for their parents (but not their siblings).

“Anecdotally, I understand that a large number of international students who come here to try to obtain residency succeed,” says McClymont.

Stats for Indian international student arrivals

• Nine thousand seven hundred new students came to New Zealand from India in the past 12 months • At a conservative estimate, each foreign student spends $15,000 per year on their course of study—a total of $145 million per year. Most courses are for two years’ duration at the very least.

• Each student is required to bring with them into New Zealand $15,000 in financial maintenance—an additional $145 million

• Total spending in New Zealand by new Indian students for the past year was at least $290 million The Minister for Economic Development, and Associate Minister of Finance, Steven Joyce, reported in mid-2015 that tuition fee income from full feepaying international students had increased by $129 million to $884 million, an increase of 17%. International education is New Zealand’s fifth largest export industry, contributing $2.85 billion to the economy annually and supporting more than 30,000 jobs.

“If Winston Peters had his way and New Zealand reduced its migrants to a maximum of 15,000, would we accept fewer international students?” asks McClymont.

“This would result in a massive hit to our economy. Fewer young Europeans on working holiday visas? This would affect tourism and the hospitality industry staffing. Or do we make it tougher for young Kiwis wanting to return here to live?

“There are serious implications in every category if we reduce immigration. The debate about migrant numbers is a lot more complicated than Mr Peters would have us believe.”

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www.iwk.co.nz | 10 June 2016

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Mahesh Bindra

NZ First MP

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hen members of the KiwiIndian community met in Papatoetoe recently to discuss the deteriorating law and order situation, particularly in our South Auckland communities, the anger and frustration were palpable.

More than 200 community members were present at the meeting, some of them recent victims of crime, and they raised their concerns in no uncertain terms.

We hoped the National government would hear and act on those concerns since a government MP was present.

Those hopes were shattered when Budget 2016 came out.

We hoped the Budget would announce increased police numbers in our communities. But this did not happen and all that was mentioned was a paltry

$8.5 million allocated for Police Primary Response Management.

Our population has increased by 286,740 or 6.5% since 2012.

Taking into consideration that inflation over this period has been 4.7%, the actual increase in Budget works out to only 1.8%.

This is from a government that claims: “We will take a tough stance on crime!”

Our policemen and women do a great job under the circumstances but they are under-resourced.

The government has unfortunately chosen to ignore that fact.

The crime resolution rate has dropped to just more than six per cent while the government has been busy fudging figures and spinning stories of how they “have been able to do more with less”.

With tobacco prices going up, dairy owners and others are concerned that robberies and violence will increase, particularly in South Auckland.

Action speaks louder than words, and the government needs to live up to their claim they are “taking a tough stance on crime.”

INDIAN WEEKENDER

HALL OF FAME 2016 SPECIAL ISSUE Jun 23, 2016

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10 June 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Exhibition in Ashburton details the experience of Indian migrants

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INZBC launches its Christchurch chapter

Gaurav Sharma

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multidimensional public art exhibition currently on in the small rural town of Ashburton near Christchurch has detailed experiences of few Indian migrants of “integrating into a new community and creating a sense of belonging while negotiating their own identities in different communities”.

Titled Crossing the bridge, the exhibition brings together photography, film and individual narratives. It is the brainchild of Anthropologist SophieClaire Violette, who is originally from Mauritius.

With help from photographer Petra Mingneau, videographer Vanesa Paredes and producer Lucy Holland, Sophie took almost eight months to develop the project and believes that sharing migrant experiences “will encourage people to step out of their comfort zones and start talking to each other so that strangers can become familiar and eventually friends”.

One of the migrants featured in the exhibition is Amninder Kaur, who came to Auckland from Punjab in 2013. Her experiences, as detailed in the exhibition, was the familiar story of difficulty in finding any job in Auckland, and when she did, it was often poorly paid labour that relied

From left to right: Dignitaries at the launch of INZBC Christchurch chapter—Jay Changlani, Robert Barker, Wenceslaus Anthony, Mayor Lianne Dalziel, City Councilor Raf Manji, Prince Kumar, Bhav Dhillon, Beth Knowles and Keith Allan (Westpac)

Gaurav Sharma

G Clockwise from above: Crossing the Bridge exhibition at Ashburton, portrait of Amrit Singh, portrait of Amninder Kaur

on migrants’ willingness to compromise. Later, she moved to Ashburton and got married to Amrit Singh, a young Sikh man.

Now settled, Amninder thinks “that it is important for everyone to learn about the cultures and values of people around them because it is our cultural and religious differences that will help us grow as a community”.

Amrit, too, has experienced prejudice in Ashburton, as people confuse him for being a Muslim, but as detailed in the exhibition

Ara ties with Indian institutes for student visits

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“this injustice was counteracted by a positive action”.

Narrating the incident, Amrit told that an older man who was walking past and heard the abuse being thrown at him, came up to him and apologised on behalf of the people who had yelled at him. This is what Amrit chooses to focus on.

He prefers to uphold the positivity that underlies the Sikh religion and his life. His message is simple, “Don’t hate,” noted the exhibition organisers.

iving a major boost to Canterbury’s economic ties with India, India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC), which promotes trade, investment and business cooperation between the two countries, launched its Christchurch chapter recently.

At a function held on May 25 at Ara Institute of Canterbury (AIC) and attended by the city’s mayor Lianne Dalziel as well as several members of the INZBC, the launch is a signal of the growing importance of India for Canterbury as regards to trade and education sectors, noted Beth Knowles, AIC’s International Director.

INZBC’s Christchurch chapter will be led by Sushrutha Metikurke who is also the market sector manager for India at AIC. “India is our fastest growing market. Last year, we had 518 Indian students studying at AIC. These are students who are already highly skilled and are incredibly important in helping to fill the

skills shortage in Canterbury,” Knowles added. “Moreover, the establishment of the Christchurch chapter will lead to greater opportunities for Canterbury industries and businesses, as it will make networking and collaboration between Canterbury and Indian organisations even easier.”

Notably, AIC already has put in place two student visit programmes with educational institutes in India to give students of both countries international exposure and help develop varied business skills by gauging each other’s economic environment.

Also, there are various Canterbury businesses with considerable interests in India including the Redesign Group and Hamilton Jet. “INZBC is a great way to develop networks and create opportunities for our students as well as help stimulate the Canterbury economy. Everybody benefits from such collaborations,” Knowles concluded.

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W W W. U N I O N C O. C O. N Z DISCLAIMER: *Subject to approval by Home Bond New Zealand Limited of a Development HomebondTM security, the value of the required deposit, over a purchaser’s existing property. +Please refer to view disclaimer on Marketing Material. No responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of the information contained herein or for any action taken in reliance thereon. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to seek legal, technical or other advice to satisfy themselves on all aspects. Details and statements contained herein do not constitute any representation by the vendor or by the agents and are excluded from any agreement for sale and purchase. Changes may be made during development including to dimensions, finishes, fittings and specifications without notice.

A reflection of growing relations between India and Canterbury Gaurav Sharma

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n a sign of growing significance of educational and business links between Ara Institute of Canterbury (AIC) and India, seven students from the Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT), Coimbatore, India, visited AIC last month to study New Zealand business.

The visit came just weeks after a MoU was signed between AIC and KCT

by AIC’s business department head Teresa Schwellnus.

“India has the world’s second largest population and offers huge potential for business opportunities.

It is important for students to be able to explore each other’s countries and discover these opportunities and establish networks themselves.

The two-week visit by the business students gave them the opportunity to study New Zealand business practices, our economy and entrepreneurship,” noted AIC’s International Director Beth Knowles. Some AIC staff

Students from Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, India, at AIC’s campus

members will be travelling to India in coming months to further develop the relationship for the engineering and computing departments with KCT. Early this year, six AIC students visited Jaipuria Institute of Management, one of the top private business management schools in India, on a similar twoweek study tour programme.

One of them was AIC’s Bachelor of Applied Management student Matthew McPherson. Recounting his experience, McPherson said, “I learnt about the Indian culture. And most importantly, the understanding of the wealth gap there made me

realise the opportunities that exist for businesses to be socially responsible and help in alleviating poverty.” AIC’s students’ tour included classes, industry visits, and cultural activities. “CPIT Aoraki and Jaipuria are collaborating to increase international opportunities for students of both institutions. Last year we hosted a group of Jaipuria students, and this opened up an opportunity for our students to visit India. Our focus was for students to experience Indian businesses and industries first-hand and gain credits towards their respective qualifications,” informed Schwellnus.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 10 June 2016

India and NZ in trade An appeal: come forward to negotiations end homelessness

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Barry Coates

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uckland is about to host India and other countries for negotiations on a massive trade agreement— the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

The negotiations will be held at Sky City from June 12 to 18.

RCEP negotiations started in November 2012 with the participation of New Zealand, Australia, India, China, Japan, South Korea and the 10 ASEAN nations. India is under pressure to reduce tariffs, agree stronger patent rights, open up service sectors, and agree to a mechanism that would allow foreign investors to sue India in an international tribunal. RCEP would be the first trade agreement between India and New Zealand.

There has been controversy

in New Zealand over the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), particularly over the restrictions on government powers to regulate the economy. Legislation needed to implement the TPPA is in New Zealand Parliament, but the future of TPPA is in doubt due to strong opposition in the US. The RCEP negotiations include many of the same issues as the TPPA. There will be public meetings to discuss the negotiations, with a panel of New Zealand and international experts, to be held at: • 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 16, at Massey University in Wellington, Theatre 10A02 Buckle St • 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 17, at St Matthew in the City (corner Hobson and Wellesley St) in Auckland

Rupal Chiragsinh Solanki

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eing a Mumbaikar (from Mumbai, India) it is a common sight to see poor people including small children begging on streets be it sun or rain, with no clothes, food and shelter.

Growing up, I realised it is the reality of life to see these people; it cannot be avoided. Feeling sad, sympathising, praying for them, giving them some food or clothes has been a common act by those who are keen to help. But it is not enough.

Walking past Queen Street or Newmarket, you cannot miss the sight of homeless people sitting amidst the top shopping outlets and food joints. How much dropping a coin or two helps?

Some people don’t even want to give them their hard earned money saying they would spend it on booze and ciggie. Yes, it is true.

They don’t need coins, they need a change.

But that homeless person is forgotten once you reach your home or office. It reminds me of the quote I recently read: “Your job is not to judge. Your job is not to figure out if someone deserves something. Your job is to lift the fallen, to restore the broken, and to heal the hurting.”

NZ’s birthday gift to Her Majesty the Queen IWK Bureau

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rime Minister John Key announced that a new education centre at the

Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington has been chosen as the gift from New Zealand to mark the 90th birthday

of the Queen. “The Queen has agreed to the new centre being

named the Queen Elizabeth II Pukeahu Education Centre,” says Mr Key. “This Education Centre, in the former Home of Compassion crèche, will be a lasting tribute to Her Majesty’s long life of service.”

An event to celebrate the opening of the Queen Elizabeth II Pukeahu Education Centre will be held later this year.

Rupal Chiragsinh Solanki

I t always made me wonder why somebody didn’t do something about it. But then I realised I am that somebody.

This is the first thought I got when I was approached to be a part of Lifewise Big Sleep Out. It was not an easy decision.

However, since the issue of homelessness is close to my heart, I feel privileged to be a part of this fundraising event.

Someone asked me why don’t I just donate instead of taking this step of spending one night on the streets sleeping rough on a cardboard. To that I replied, “Telling someone you care about them and not doing anything to

prove that, is a waste. So I liked this idea of actually experiencing what living on the streets is like; the feeling of disconnecting yourself from your loved ones and [letting go the] comforts of a cosy night; the idea of putting yourself in someone else’s shoes to fundraise for them.”

Being a full-time volunteer worker, one of my jobs involve being a victim support worker and working for the betterment of the community.

The Lifewise Big Sleepout is a fundraiser to tackle the growing issue of homelessness in Auckland. Lifewise has a unique no band-aids approach for ending homelessness to help people get off the streets and into permanent homes.

I have decided to help the homeless find shelter but I cannot build a house alone. I will need your help because every single cent will make a difference. You can be proud of yourself by being a supporter who helped someone get a permanent home.

I request everyone reading this article to support me by donating on the link www. bigsleepout.org.nz/page/ rupalchiragsinhsolanki or you may send an e-mail to roopsjen@ yahoo.com to know more about this.

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10 June 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Food Safety Law Reform Bill introduced

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ood Safety Minister Jo Goodhew last week introduced the Food Safety Law Reform Bill to Parliament. The Bill is the final step in implementing the recommendations from the Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) Contamination Inquiry.

“We have made substantial progress implementing the WPC Inquiry recommendations through operational means. The final step is implementing the recommendations, which require legislative change.

“The Food Safety Law Reform Bill will address these recommendations and reinforce New Zealand’s reputation as a reliable supplier of safe and suitable food,” says Mrs Goodhew.

The Bill will amend the Animal Products Act 1999, Food Act 2014, and Wine Act 2003 so that the dairy-focused WPC Inquiry recommended improvements can be applied across the system.

“Businesses these days are multi-faceted and many work under more than one food safety Act. By better aligning

the processes under these three food safety Acts there will be a more consistent approach for businesses across the whole food safety system.

“The Bill includes a range of changes to strengthen our responses to food safety incidents, create a more consistent and fair approach to enforcement for non-compliance, and improve

the government’s accessibility to information from third-party verifying agencies.

“The Bill is a further step in the government’s ongoing programme to streamline food safety legislation. We need a food system that encourages innovation, drives value-add, and inspires more food businesses to export,” Mrs Goodhew says.

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2013 and associated regulations came into effect on December 1, 2014 and industry participants were given a two year transition period to become fully compliant and licensed.

“As industry participants such as banks and fund managers are preparing their businesses for the December 1, 2016 deadline they have identified some technical issues with how the regime works in practice in

different circumstances.

We are responding to this feedback by making a number of small and technical amendments to improve the laws,” says Mr Goldsmith. The key changes are: • Supporting the professional management of workplace savings schemes while maintaining appropriate controls on related-party investments

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New MIT Pacific centre opened

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inister for Pacific Peoples Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has praised the Manukau Institute of Technology for going out of its way to recognise and embrace its Pacific population with a Pasifika Community Centre.

Mr Lotu-Iiga and Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce opened the MIT centre on June 3.

“I see this new space as a place where ideas and inspiration will thrive. I see it helping to grow our young people to have an increasing influence on the economy and culture of New Zealand. I see it as a place where we can all come together to help build skills and knowledge,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“It will increase learning opportunities and ultimately lead to higher paying jobs for our pacific people.”

Mr Lotu-Iiga says the government is dedicated to helping give young Pacific people the support and resources they need to thrive.

“Counties Manukau has New Zealand’s largest Pacific

Minor changes to financial markets regime

ommerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Goldsmith announced the approval of a number of changes to the financial markets conduct regime following industry feedback.

“These small changes will further improve the regime and provide clarity to industry participants as they transition to the new regime,” says Mr Goldsmith.

“The Financial Markets Conduct Act

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• Enabling the transition of superannuation schemes that were closed to new members prior to 1997 • Continuing the ‘category 2’ classification of bank notice products, meaning comparatively lower regulatory obligations for these relatively simple bank products The Act aims to improve the quality of disclosure to investors,

population. It also has one of the largest Pacific populations in the world. More than 110,000 Pacific people live in the Manukau area and 35 per cent of MIT’s students are Pacific,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

This centre is the latest project specifically designed to meet the needs of the region’s growing population of Pacific people.

“One in four babies born in Auckland are now of Pacific descent. As the Pacific population grows many more of our Pacific children are multi-cultural. It is fitting to have this facility here for all Pacific cultures to use,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Budget 2016 allocated the most funding ever for the Ministry for Pacific Peoples at just under $10 million. This includes Pacific Employment Support Services, which will help pacific youth find work or take up suitable training programmes.

More funding was also allocated in Budget 2016 for Maori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT).

This will provide places for 2,500 young Maori and Pasifika learners in MPTT programmes this year.

strengthen the governance of financial products and enable more innovative and flexible methods of raising capital.

“We will continue to monitor these regulatory reforms, which are an important part of the Government’s Business Growth Agenda to build confidence in our financial markets, allowing firms to raise capital efficiently to grow their business and our economy,” says Mr Goldsmith.

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NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 10 June 2016

$3.6m to help NZ firms succeed internationally

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n extra $3.6 million over four years has been allocated in Budget 2016 for the New Zealand Story—the initiative that builds New Zealand’s profile internationally to benefit our exporters.

The New Zealand Story provides a marketing toolkit used by thousands of companies across all of New Zealand’s export sectors to promote themselves and the New Zealand brand internationally.

“New Zealand is a small economic player, so it’s important that we take every opportunity when we’re overseas to work together and tell people what’s unique about us as a country and what we bring to the world,” Economic Development

Minister Steven Joyce says.

“The New Zealand Story helps companies of all types tell a consistent message about New Zealand’s commitment to high quality and fresh thinking that builds our brand in cities as diverse as Singapore, Shanghai and Houston.”

Minister Joyce announced the additional funding while on a visit to Vietnam and Singapore promoting New Zealand trade, tourism, and international education.

“This visit to Ho Chi Minh City underlines the size of the challenge of growing and maintaining the awareness of

New Zealand not just here but in hundreds of key cities across the Asia-Pacific region and the wider world,” Mr Joyce says. New Zealand Story was launched in 2013 as part of the government’s Business Growth Agenda and will contribute to the goal of increasing export earnings from 30 per cent

of GDP to 40 per cent of GDP by 2025. The additional funding for New Zealand Story will help lead the shift in perception needed in key target markets, and engage targeted international buyers and influencers. It will also enable regional partners to support exporters to tell their own versions of the New Zealand Story.

“We have to work hard to differentiate ourselves against other nations to be visible and competitive.

“The New Zealand Story helps get more cut through with markets, influencers and buyers of New Zealand goods and services,” Mr Joyce says.

First home buyers must be protected from ‘unintended consequences’ of DtI ratios

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abour’s Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson says that the Labour government would protect first home buyers from the ‘unintended consequences’ of debt to income ratios.

“Macroprudential tools such as debt to income ratios can often be far too blunt when applied in a blanket fashion. We saw that with loan to value ratios that were originally applied to all buyers in all regions at the same rate.

“Blanket debt to income ratios will cause havoc for first home buyers who won’t have the income to buy houses, especially

in places such as Auckland, Tauranga and Queenstown.

“According to economists, spiralling home loan debt has been driven by investors.

“If the government wants to use debt to income ratios, they should limit them to the speculators and investors and give first home buyers a break.

“Along with building more affordable homes through KiwiBuild, Labour would focus on cracking down on the speculators, not punishing first home buyers,” says Grant Robertson.

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NEW ZEALAND

10 June 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Cracking down on crime John Key

Prime Minister

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he National-led government remains as focused as ever on preventing crime and helping keep our communities safer.

That’s why last month’s Budget included a nearly $300 million boost to support police and the good work they do preventing crime in our communities. Since we came into Government, we’ve increased the number of police on the beat by 600.

We’ve also increased frontline policing by half a million hours a year by investing in new technology—that’s equivalent to around 350 more police out and about protecting New Zealand’s communities.

Our unrelenting focus on tackling crime is delivering results. Total crime is down 16 per cent on five years ago; that’s 53,000 fewer crimes, and youth crime is down almost 40 per cent.

In 2011, we made reducing crime part of our top 10 better public services targets, which are aimed at getting better results for New Zealanders and their families. As part of that, we set an ambitious target to reduce overall crime by 20 per cent by 2018. These latest figures show we are well on our way to achieving that. We are also focused on rehabilitation and reducing re-offending.

We set a similar target in 2011 to reduce re-offending by 25 per cent by this time next year. This would mean around 18,500 fewer victims each year and we are making progress on that.

Our Budget 2016 investment of more than $53 million into initiatives that support reintegration and rehabilitation, as well as GPS monitoring for the highest-risk offenders, demonstrates our commitment to reaching this target. We’re also setting up a child sex offender register to keep Kiwi children safer.

As part of our social investment approach, we are investing more money in vulnerable New Zealanders early on to help them lead better lives and prevent them from potentially going off the rails.

Budget 2016 includes a $652 million

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social investment package that is focused on evidence-based early intervention and tailored public services in areas such as corrections, education, and health.

We know from the evidence that if you carefully target early investment in young people, the benefits over a lifetime can be significant—for themselves, their families, and for the wider community.

A major part of this package is nearly $200 million to overhaul our child care and protection system to ensure it has a more child-centred approach to help keep our young people safe.

There’s always more work to be done and we want to build on this good progress.

We will continue to focus on getting better results for New Zealanders and investing in areas that really matter to people’s lives.

Health investment increases to a record $16.1bn Parmjeet Parmar

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elivering better health services remains this government’s number one funding priority.

Budget 2016 sees substantial investment in health reaching a record $16.1 billion in 2016–17 with an extra $568 million to be invested—the biggest increase in seven years and almost $170 million more than last year. DHBs will benefit an extra $1.6 billion over four years to invest in services, improve access, and to meet cost pressures

and population changes. This increase in funding sets the direction for a more integrated and patient-centred system and will help New Zealanders continue to access the healthcare they need.

This extra funding over the next four years includes: • $124 million for Pharmac to provide more access to new medicines • $96 million to provide more elective surgery • $39.3 million to start the roll-out of a bowel screening programme • $42 million for vulnerable groups: • $18 million to expand the Healthy Homes Initiative, which aims to reduce preventable diseases in young children • $12 million to increase support for primary care and social services to

enable people to access mental health help earlier • $12 million to expand a successful programme, which provides intensive alcohol and drug support for pregnant women Access to elective surgery is a priority for this government. As New Zealanders live longer, doing more elective surgery each year is crucial. Providing New Zealanders with better access to elective surgery will make a real difference to patients and their families.

With around 3,000 New Zealanders diagnosed with bowel cancer each year, the government is committed to better access to early detection and treatment. The roll-out of a national bowel screening programme is on track to begin in 2017, starting with Hutt

Budget disappointment Phil Goff

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ucklanders looking for solutions to growing gridlock on our roads and the worsening crisis in housing affordability from the Budget would have been disappointed.

Over recent months, I’ve got a good idea of the things that concern people in our city. I’ve talked at meetings organised by political parties across the spectrum including Act and National, business and residents associations and service clubs such as Rotary.

There’s been surprising unanimity about what people regard as the critical issues for which they want answers from the government.

Overwhelmingly, they are worried about traffic congestion and that our roads and motorways are becoming increasingly gridlocked. They can’t understand why government seems prepared to tolerate $3

billion a year being wasted in lost productivity and other costs arising from congestion. It would surely be better to invest in improving transport infrastructure to deal with the problem than continuing to pay the price for inaction.

People are also worried about housing availability and affordability, if not for themselves, then for their children and grandchildren.

Those who own their own homes quite like the thought of what their homes are now worth.

However, if they or their children have bought them in the last few years, they are concerned about how they will service mortgages of $500,000–$800,000 when interest rates rise again.

With such high mortgages they are worried about what will happen if immigration slowed dramatically or the economy stumbled. That would cause the housing bubble to burst. People could end up with finding their mortgages are larger than the value of their homes if prices fall.

How then will they be able to hold onto them?

When first home buyers are watching their dreams of ever owning their own homes fade, they ask why property speculators can make thousands of dollars a week from inflation in

house prices. Understandably they believe that this is unfair. With 4,000 fewer houses being built each year than what is required to meet the needs of a growing population, more families cannot find houses. When people see a new born baby living in a tent because her parents are homeless, they know this isn’t right and we need to tackle the problem.

It is hard to understand why the Budget did not address the problems of housing and transport in Auckland. The government was keen to put the blame on Council for Auckland’s housing problems and it is true that Council could do better. Yet it is central government that has the resources and levers of power to make the greatest difference to solve these problems.

The government is happy for the population to grow in Auckland by more than 800 people a week. If we are to have that growth, it also needs to ensure that the needs created by growth for better transport and more houses are properly met.

Treasury has advised the government that Council cannot borrow and ought not to raise rates to cover the $17 billion cost of new infrastructure that is needed.

Central government has the ability and

Valley and Wairarapa DHBs. Once fully implemented, the programme is expected to screen more than 700,000 people every two years.

Our dedicated health workforce is making a difference to the lives of New Zealanders. As of 31 March 2016, there were more than 7,880 doctor full-timeequivalents and 22,500 nurse full-time equivalents employed by DHBs. In total the number of doctors and nurses working in DHBs across the country has increased by more than 6,100 since 2008—an increase of 25 per cent. New Zealanders need a health workforce that is well equipped to handle current and future demands. More doctors and nurses in our DHBs will ensure faster treatment and better experiences for patients and their families.

the responsibility to raise money for infrastructure bonds to meet those costs. It should do so or empower Auckland city to do so.

Speculation should not be allowed to run rampant while home buyers are squeezed out of the housing market by investors.

The government needs also to embark on a partnership with the building industry to create affordable homes. Currently, almost no houses catering for lower income families are being built.

People do not want to see a blame game develop between central and local government while the problem is allowed to get progressively worse. What they really want is to see the two branches of government work together to tackle the problem.

That’s what I will be working for if I’m elected mayor later this year. I’ve been in the government long enough to know there are no silver bullet solutions. However, I also know that until you acknowledge the problems and show the determination to address them, things can’t start to get better.

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www.iwk.co.nz | 10 June 2016

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Musicians wanted for Music in Parks

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Auckland Council’s Music in Parks

than 40,000 Aucklanders turn up to their local park to enjoy great NZ music from more than 85 artists. From its beginnings as Peoples in Parks 36 years ago, Auckland Council’s Music in Parks now features 80+ artists performing live at more than 18 Auckland venues.

How to apply

Music in Parks will kick off in January 2017 and will run for 12 weeks.

To submit an application, visit musicinparks.co.nz before midnight on Sunday, August 7, 2016.

he Auckland council is proposing a change to the way it manages its portfolio of housing units for older Aucklanders.

The new proposal is to partner with a third party social housing provider to form a new Community Housing Provider (CHP) that is separate to the council but that council has a minority interest in.

The new CHP will have expert input from the chosen partner and will be entitled to access the government Income Related Rent Subsidy (IRRS).

It will also consider and undertake refurbishment of the council’s current portfolio over time to improve its quality.

This will be carried out under a management agreement and a development agreement.

The council is urging Aucklanders to have their say to help shape Auckland’s housing for older people.

Visit Shape Auckland and find out how you can provide your feedback in person at one of the Have Your Say events in your local area.

A full list of Have Your Say events, and the council’s proposal and supporting information, are also available at Shape Auckland and at your local library, service centre and local board office.

Consultation started on June 1, 2016. Have your say by 4 p.m. on Friday, July 1, 2016.

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ant to perform for thousands of Aucklanders in one of the region’s most beautiful parks?

Following the outstanding success of last summer’s Music in Parks series, Auckland Council is now seeking artist applications from all over Aotearoa to perform as part of the line-up for 2017.

“Music in Parks is all about supporting and celebrating New Zealand music,” says Auckland Council event organiser Leanne Roche.

“Whether you’re emerging or established in the local music scene, we’re looking for artists across a range of genres– from electronic production to contemporary cultural artists.”

Other genres include pop, rock, jazz, country, blues, urban roots, reggae, soul, funk, classical and world/alternative, with gigs offered right across the region.

Music in Parks 2016 saw more

Auckland council proposes third-party provider for housing

DR PARMJEET PARMAR

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10 June 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Student reception hosted to strengthen New Zealand-Fiji ties

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egional students sponsored by the New Zealand Aid Programme were hosted to an annual reception at the New Zealand’s High Commission in Nasese, Suva, on Thursday, June 2.

NZ High Commissioner to Fiji Mark Ramsden said the reception was a way for the commission and NZ government to recognise their relationships both across the region and at the centre in Fiji.

“Tonight’s (Thursday’s) event recognises two parts of our scholarships programme and Pacific scholars who come here to

Fiji to study,” Mr Ramsden said.

“New Zealand sponsors nearly 180 students from around the Pacific to study at regional institutions [such as] USP (University of the South Pacific) and FNU (Fiji National University).

Mr Ramsden said having students to come and study here showed off Fiji as a regional hub.

“Fiji is an important regional hub. The main campus of the premier regional University of the South Pacific is here,” he said.

“New Zealand has already had a long established relationship with USP as we were a foundation

member of the university back in 1968. And so that relationship remains really strong to us and really important.

“And we have Fiji National University and New Zealand has had a really long standing relationship with FNU particularly through the Fiji School of Medicine.” USP vice-chancellor and President Professor Rajesh Chandra said the NZ scholarship programmes not only strengthened their relationship with USP but also contributed to regionalism. Vanuatu student Gwendoline Kalsev, who is a

final year student at USP, was thankful to the NZ government for the opportunity.

“This scholarship has helped me financially and has allowed me to come to Fiji with my family. I enjoy studying here in Fiji and it feels like home away from home,” she said. Solomon Islands student Jesse Dorauvo, 34, who is completing his Diploma in Electrical Engineering at FNU also shared similar sentiments.

“I have benefitted a lot from this scholarship like financially and other areas,” Mr Dorauvo said. Despite having health

problems, Mr Dorauvo said he was determined to complete his studies with the help and support from NZ Aid. The New Zealand Aid Programme offers several different types of scholarship, two of which benefit Pacific island students such as the New Zealand Pacific Scholarships and the New Zealand Regional Development Scholarships.

The regional students are from the eight regional countries—Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Khatri named Fiji’s envoy to India Cane farmers move to overcome labour H shortage is Excellency, President Major General (Retd) Jioji Konrote commissioned Namita Khatri as Fiji’s new High Commissioner to India.

A seasoned diplomat, High Commissioner Khatri recently served in Switzerland as Deputy Permanent Representative at the Fiji Mission in Geneva.

She has served at Fiji’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, Fiji’s Embassy in Brussels and has served in various senior capacities at the Foreign Ministry.

Ms Khatri completed her Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand in 2000 and then did her Postgraduate

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Diploma (History/Politics) from the University of the South Pacific.

She has also completed her Masters of Arts in International Relations from the Australian National University and post graduate qualification in WTO Trade Law from the TMC Asser Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands. As

Fiji’s High Commissioner to India, she will be responsible for advancing Fiji’s interests in India and grow Fiji’s bilateral relations with her.

She replaces Yogesh Karan who has been appointed Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office.

ith the cane h a r v e s t i n g / processing season nearing, farmers are once again challenged with securing labourers and cane cutters for harvesting.

Fiji Sugar Cane Growers Council chief executive, Sundresh Chetty, said this has unfortunately been an ongoing issue.

He said the situation is such that farmers are trying to get labourers from far away and accommodate them near the farms.

In order to combat this shortage, cane farmers are now forming more cooperatives and buying mechanical cane harvesters.

Sigatoka on Saturday, June 4. An improvement from last year when foundation donated $35,800 for 15 community based clubs.

Foundation executive Ambalika Devi said, “As a follow on from last

year, the foundation continued to reach Nadroga/Navosa province building capacities of youth and women’s club to access grants for social entrepreneurship and income generation.”

She said the aim of the programme was to share information and knowledge on successes from other provinces.

“As a lead on, we saw an influx of proposals from Nadroga/ Navosa province for income generation and empowerment activities for women and youth,” Ms Devi said.

“The board

farming, catering, fishing, Internet Cafe, etc.

“Our handover of grants now sees building capacities and connecting clubs to microfinance services too.

From left to right: Nadroga Navosa Provincial Council Youth Cordinator Selita Saula, Sigatoka Town Council Tulsi Ram, Vodafone acting Marketing “ O u r Officer Keshwin Prasad, Miss Coral Coast Carnival 2016 Bindya Gounder network on the and Minister for Local Government Praveen Kumar with the cheque ground with managed to approve another charities are forever evolving and grant of $42,000 for 18 youth and complementing our vision for women’s clubs. We work closely stronger and a connected vanua.”

Since the Vodafone ATH with Nadroga/Navosa Provincial Foundation’s inception Council and relevant stakeholders Fiji to ensure proper monitoring and in 2004, it has contributed more than $18 million towards evaluation of projects.

“The support will be pushed community projects. Minister towards villages within tikina for Local Government Praveen Nadrau, Draiba, NaKorovou, Kumar, Sigatoka Town Council Komave, Nasikawa and Korolevu- and Nadroga Navosa Provincial i-wai. We received proposals from Council youth Co-ordinator Selita these clubs requesting for support. Saula thanked the foundation for The projects range from canteen, the boost.

Fiji’s new Hogh Commission to India Namita Khatri

Fiji farmers face a shortage of cane cutters

Mr Chetty said they expect to see more mechanical cane harvesters in operation this year compared to only 15 the past year.

The Labasa Mill will begin processing cane on June 16 followed by Rarawai Mill on July 19 and Lautoka Mill on July 20.

Mr Chetty indicated they expect 1.4 million to 1.5 million tonnes of cane to be harvested this year.

Foundation donates $42,000 for youth empowerment

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n a bid to empower youths in the Nadroga/Navosa province, the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation handed a cheque of $42,000 during the Vodafone Coral Coast Carnival in

Source: Fiji Sun

15

FIJI

www.iwk.co.nz | 10 June 2016

Fiji, Indonesia sign MoU for disaster management

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he Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu signed a Memorandum of Understanding with his Indonesian counterpart, Willem Rampangilei in Suva on Monday, June 6.

Mr Seruiratu thanked the Indonesian delegation for visiting Fiji and being part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two countries on Disaster Risk Management.

The signing of the MOU marks another milestone of bilateral relationship between

the Fijian Government and the Indonesian government in addition to the many bilateral accords the two countries had agreed and signed.

The MOU entails: • Strengthening the exchange of knowledge and expertise in prevention and preparedness on disaster risk reduction • Climate change adaptation and recovery • Enhancement of human resources quality through understanding best practices • Participation in joint trainings, workshops and programs related to disaster risk management

• Mutual assistance in cases of natural disaster and • Engagement in other method of cooperation as mutually agreed in writing by both parties In response, the Indonesian Minister, Mr Rampangilei said Fiji and Indonesia share similar climate conditions prone to natural disaster.

“I am happy to say that the MOU marks the beginning of new relationship in the area of disaster relief and management,” Mr Rampangilei said. He added that Indonesia

The Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu (right) with his Indonesian counterpart Willem Rampangilei

stands ready to support Fiji in the name of humanity.

NEWS in BRIEF Fiji’s historic win in World Hobie Championship

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fter three days of tight racing in the Hobie World Championships in Dapeng China, Fiji’s Grahame Southwick and crew Sharon Rayner finished in first place and have taken out the World Great Grand Master title.

This is the first time that Fiji has ever won a World Hobie title.

“This is a wonderful moment and I’m delighted,” Southwick said.

“I’m proud to have represented our country successfully against some of the world’s best.”

Conditions were tough with winds ranging from mild seven to eight knots to gusts of 40 knots plus that upended more than half the fleet.

Southwick and Rayner led the race from Rod and Kerry Waterhouse of Australia.

Seruiratu invited to Queen’s Parade

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he Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) chief of staff Colonel Litea Seruiratu has been invited to witness the Trooping the Colour parade to commemorate the Queen’s Birthday on June 11.

“On Saturday, June 11, I have also been invited to witness the Trooping the Color ceremony, the official commemoration of the Queen’s birthday at 10 a.m. at Buckingham Palace,” Colonel Seruiratu said via e-mail on June 7.

According to London’s Evening Standard the traditional Trooping the Colour parade and carriage procession would kick off in the morning.

Evening Standard reported that the Queen, accompanied by Prince Philip and other royals, would watch the Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade at which the Queen’s Colour of Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards would be trooped.

Afterwards, the royals will join a carriage procession back to the Palace.

Royal fans will be hoping to catch a glimpse of Princess Charlotte if she makes her first appearance on the balcony for the annual RAF flypast.

Colonel Seruiratu is in Britain attending a senior military leaders’ symposium titled Building Integrity for Senior Leaders.

Source: Fiji Sun

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Thought of the week

Only in the darkness can you see the stars — Martin Luther King Jr Editorial

From the desk of the Managing Editor

“

Like [Sherlock] Holmes, hackers strip the unnecessary from their lives. They zero in on what matters. Like great writers, innovators have the fortitude to cut the adverbs.This is why Apple founder Steve Jobs’ closet was filled with dozens of identical black turtlenecks and Levi’s 501 jeans—to simplify his choices.

US presidents do the same thing. ‘You’ll see I wear only grey or blue suits,’ President Barack Obama told Michael Lewis for his October 2012 Vanity Fair cover story. I don’t want to make decisions about what I’m eating or wearing. Because I have too many other decisions to make.’” ~Shane Snow from Smartcuts Many things have been written about not sweating the small stuff. There’s also the 80–20 rule. So it is about zeroing in on what is most important and zoning out on what does not really matter. In that way, our genius is concentrated on the most important.

In some ways, our Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame is much the same. It engulfs everything in one big honour. Anyone who qualifies to be inducted into the Hall of Fame has been unparalleled in every sphere of their area of endeavour. No wonder the awards is considered the highest honour in the Kiwi-Indian community.

The date in now drawing closer and we are all looking forward to seeing who it will be this year.

We bring you a packed issue again. Some interesting happenings from around the world, too, with the Obama-Modi friendship taking the next step, Hillary proving her grit and preparing for the final leg, and the loss of Cassius Clay or Mohammed Ali as we fondly know him. We bring stories on each of these and hope you enjoy keeping abreast with your news and views with our publication.

Junk Free June is on and while this is a call to consider what we eat, let us also make sure we are looking after our health. It seems like it is the peak of the flu season, and so it is important to look after our immune systems and keep hydrated. Also with the cold weather, make sure we keep warm. And while we do that, let us spare a thought for the homeless. If there are old blankets or warm gear that we have, this may be a good time to consider donating it so it can be used by someone less fortunate.

Pick of the week

Until next time.

Giri Gupta

Seeing double: Gulls soaring over the beach in Alibag, India, cast precise shadows over the sand and water, seeming to double their number.

Indian Weekender : Volume 8 Issue 12 Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited Managing Editor: Giri Gupta | girigupta@xtra.co.nz Editor: Annu Sharma | editor@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Reporter: Swati Sharma | reporter@indianweekender.co.nz Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | iwk.rizwan@gmail.com

Word: Cracker Meaning: Great Usage: What a cracker of a day!

Reporter: Esha Chanda | iwk.eshac@gmail.com Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | designer@indianweekender.co.nz Accounts and Admin.: accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Sales, Marketing & Distribution: 022 3251630 / mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent the views of the team at the Indian Weekender Published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great South Road, Auckland • T. +64 09 213 7335 Printed at Horton Media, Auckland Copyright 2016. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

Tip from the trenches

Tips to conserve energy during winter • Limit your use of portable heaters • Cover bare floors with rugs and carpets, as they retain heat • Keep window shades and blinds open during daytime to keep your room warm • Lower the thermostat every time you leave the house • Change the filters in your heating system regularly for optimum efficiency

www.iwk.co.nz | 10 June 2016

17

OPININON/EDITORIAL

Will Modi bow to RSS on Raghuram Rajan?

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Amulya Ganguli

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n addition to the NGOs, including the one run by Teesta Setalvad, the saffron brotherhood’s new target is a formidable one—Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan.

Till now, the Hindutva camp hadn’t trained its guns on one so high who is not a politician. There is little doubt, however, that the Sangh Parivar’s motive is political.

The attack on Rajan is not a frontal one. It is a flanking movement with none other than the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha member, the perennially combative Subramanian Swamy, leading the charge.

It is not clear if the targeting of Rajan has the approval of the BJP’s top brass, for there are conflicting indications.

While Finance Minister Arun Jaitley disapproves of the personal nature of the attacks, he has been silent on the question of extending Rajan’s term beyond September considering that Swamy wants his immediate dismissal.

However, the problem with Swamy’s offensive—he has accused Rajan of acting at the behest US multinationals to damage the Indian small and medium industries—is that the

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) with RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan

voluble MP cannot always be taken seriously. The reason is that he is a maverick to beat all mavericks.

As a result, he is perceived of as something of a loose cannon that can go off at a tangent from his party’s line.

As much is clear from his earlier backing of the disgraced godman, Asaram Bapu, to the more recent call for building the Ram temple by the year-end, about which the BJP has been more than circumspect.

Moreover, he is supposed to have been elevated to the Rajya Sabha only to serve a specific purpose—that of needling the Nehru-Gandhis—and not open

fire at random. Swamy has been performing the first task with considerable zeal, pursuing the allegations against the Congress’s first family in the National Herald and Agusta Westland cases.

More recently, he has called upon the Enforcement Directorate to probe the supposed transgressions of the business deals of Robert Vadra, the first family’s son-in-law.

In the midst of these endeavours, the sudden turning of his attention to Rajan is surprising.

In view of the government’s eagerness to maintain friendly

ties with the corporate sector, the latter’s unfavourable reaction to Swamy’s antics was only to be expected. The Confederation of Indian Industry has already expressed its displeasure.

None of this is unexpected, for Rajan is known to be a favourite of India Inc. and of the media, especially the financial newspapers.

The hullabaloo created by Swamy appears to have persuaded Rajan to decide not to seek a second term although he has described the controversy as evidence of a “noisy” democracy and the “sign of its vibrancy”.

It is possible that Rajan’s observation about India being the king in a land of the blind hasn’t pleased the BJP. Besides, he is something of an odd man out where the Hindutva camp is concerned, being a typical representative of the urbane, English-speaking, secular establishment that is vastly different from the Hindispeaking, conservative-minded present-day rulers.

It is not impossible, therefore, that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the BJP’s mentor, wants to see the back of him.

After all, the RSS has succeeded in placing its nominees in most of the institutions—the Indian Council of Historical Research

(ICHR), the National Book Trust, the Film and Television Institute, the Central Board of Film Certification, and so on.

The objective behind all these appointments was, firstly, to find sinecures for its followers and, secondly, to peddle the proHindu agenda. So, why should the RBI be left in the hands of a purported secularist?

It goes without saying that if India Inc’s blue-eyed boy quits office, the initial effect on the market will be worrisome.

That is not something that Modi will appreciate. But he has generally had to walk a tight rope between the predilections of the RSS and his own more openminded attitude. There has been a constant give-and-take between him and the Nagpur patriarchs in this respect.

In some matters, Modi has had the upper hand such as in persuading the saffron fundamentalists to go easy on their ghar wapsi and love jehad campaigns.

In others, he has given way to the RSS as, for instance, in the appointments of unworthy nominees to the ICHR and other institutions.

The Rajan affair will be a major test for Modi. Will he bow to the RSS or will he allow his pro-business instincts to prevail?

Are Indian cities ready for the coming migration wave?

Amit Kapoor

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ccording to the World Urbanisation Prospects of the UN Population Division, the percentage of people residing in urban areas is slated to rise to 60 per cent by 2030 and to 66.4 per cent by 2050, up from 54 per cent in 2015. In 1950 the corresponding figure was just under 30 per cent. This shows the magnitude of change happening across the world with an everincreasing percentage of people residing in urban areas.

India, as a country, has been slow to urbanise. At present, according to census 2011, roughly 31 per cent of Indians reside in urban areas. Over the next few years, India is expected to urbanise rapidly—and this percentage is slated to rise sharply.

A pertinent question that arises is: do Indian cities have the wherewithal to be resilient in the face of such un-precedented migration?

At the core of finding an answer is a multi-stakeholder group comprising citizens, governments and businesses that can solve many of the urban issues that are being faced.

In the case of India, governments before the present dispensation and the present dispensation have been trying to find solutions to these questions.

The earlier JNNURM and the Smart Cities Mission now are both

India, as a country, has been slow to urbanise. At present, according to census 2011, roughly 31 per cent of Indians reside in urban areas. part of the resolve to improve India’s urban ecosystem.

It is in this context that a recent book by the World Bank becomes pertinent. Regenerating Urban Land—A Practitioners Guide to Leveraging Private Investment has laid focus on a hitherto less-focussed area in urban affairs that can be leveraged for better livability and competitiveness, namely, regenerating urban land.

The book details a conceptual

framework for understanding the urban regeneration process as well as mentions eight case studies of such projects from across the world.

According to this important work, urban regeneration is done in areas where there are pockets of underused and under-utilised land or distressed and decaying areas.

A successful urban renewal process has four phases. These include an initial ‘scoping phase’, which primarily provides decision makers with analytical tools to confront issues facing the city. It is both forward looking and backward looking. It looks backwards for the city’s history and DNA and looks ahead to what is required.

The book goes on to cite Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati

Riverfront Development project (SRDP), one of the eight case studies, as an example of a scoping exercise that took a long time for completion.

The second step is the ‘planning phase’. This involves ‘designing a web of actions and institutions’.

The book explicitly mentions that a successful planning framework brings together an inspiring vision with a clear regulatory process. A planning process with the help of scoping process must detail all the vital assets and elements including land, community and environmental issues. In the case of SRDP, the planning phase was initiated once the special purpose vehicle (SPV) for riverfront development was established.

Post this, the third stage is financing. Here, there are generally two types of tools available. Financial tools involve direct financial assistance such as value capture methods (impact fees, special assessments, extractions). Regulatory tools utilize regulatory powers of a city to incentivise private sector participation in the form of taxbased/non-tax based incentives, zoning, land use planning and the like. In the case of Ahmedabad, an innovative financial scheme was utilised for financing.

Fourteen per cent of the reclaimed land was used to finance complete regeneration of the riverfront. The city used its serviced public land to

raise a loan from the Housing and Urban Development Corporation, a central government public sector undertaking.

The final step is the implementation stage that translates the vision for sustainable change into financial, contractual and institutional relationships between the public and private sectors. This involves creating an organisational structure, which is sustainable and can exist through multiple political administrations.

In the case of SRDP, post the establishment of SPV, a diverse board was enabled with members from the private sector, the bureaucracy and the political parties (both ruling and opposition) which enabled the project to be viewed as a civic work rather than one aligned with any party’s agenda.

The other case studies in the book are equally insightful. The book is a welcome addition to the body of work for policymakers and development practitioners in India and elsewhere. It will aid development professionals and policymakers understand how urban regeneration projects can be conceived and can contribute to revitalising the economy and build its competitiveness and resilience for the future.

Over the next few years, more such thinking is required for countries like India to face some of the challenges that may arise due to their massive and haphazard urbanisation that is underway.

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10 June 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Indian couple sets record by conquering Everest together Anil Giri

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ight from when they got married in 2008, this couple, both in the Maharashtra Police, dreamt of together ascending Mt Everest, the tallest peak in the world—a dream that came true on May 23.

Dinesh and Tarakeshwari Rathod, both Maharashtra Police constables, also became the first couple to reach the summit of Everest—a feat they accomplished a few days after Constable Rafiq Shaikh of Aurangabad became the first Maharashtra policeman to reach the top of the world.

Addressing a press conference to apprise media of their feat, the two, known as the “adventure couple” in Maharashtra Police, said that they became the first Indian couple and first security personnel couple to reach the top of Mt Everest. Our dreams have come true, said the couple.

“We committed that we will not give birth to a child until we climb Mt Everest,” said Rathod, adding that they were immensely pleased to achieve their goal and happy to share the news with the rest of the world. Tarakeshwari also said that they had even put off their plan to become parents. “With pride now, we

Dinesh and Tarakeshwari Rathod, the first couple to conquer Mt Everest

want to become parents,” she said, and cited the “love and dedication afforded by my husband” for accomplishing their cherished goal. Rathod, however, said that they were really saddened after hearing that three Indian nationals lost their lives in the climb, but once they reached at the top themselves, they were overjoyed. Three Indian nationals from West Bengal were killed during their attempt to ascend the Everest this season. The Rathods, both aged 30 years old, entered in police service in 2006.

Before this, they had climbed the highest peak of Australia and other peaks and

conducted several adventure sky diving and other mountain related expeditions.

Along with the Indian couple, two Nepali Sherpas, Furba and Fushemba, also reached the top of Everest. The trip was organised by Makalu Adventure.

More than 70 Indian nationals have successfully climbed Mt Everest this season.

Mohan Lamsal of Makalu Adventure said that such kind of attempts will help trust between the people of Nepal and India. The couple took permission to climb Everest in 2015 but due to the earthquake, postponed their plan.

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Kejriwal alleges ‘jungle raj’ in Delhi, targets Modi

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lleging “complete jungle raj” in Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has blamed Prime Minster Narendra Modi and Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung for the state of affairs.

“Complete jungle raj in Delhi. LG/Modiji failed miserably. What have they done to control deteriorating law and order?” the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader asked in a tweet on Monday, June 6.

His comment came a day after a 50-year-old woman and her two daughters, aged 19 and nine, were found murdered at their house in Delhi’s Brahmapuri area.

Separately, a four-year-old girl was allegedly raped by an 11-year-old boy in Mangolpuri area.

Kejriwal said rapes and murders were happening in Delhi but Jung “is busy round the clock creating hurdles in (our) government’s works. He is unable to perform his duty”.

“Will LG and Modiji do something please? Law and order situation deteriorating by the day in Delhi,” he added.

Because of the national capital’s unique status, Delhi Police reports to the central government, not to the city government headed by Kejriwal.

Kejriwal and his government have been feuding with the central government since taking power in February 2015 over issues of governance.

Kejriwal is pushing for full statehood for Delhi, saying this will help him implement his plans for the capital in a better way and also improve the law and order situation.

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www.iwk.co.nz | 10 June 2016

Delhi govt clears solar policy with 1 GW target by 2020

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he Delhi government on Monday, June 6 announced implementation of its solar policy with the aim of making the national capital a solar city with installation of 1 GW solar power capacity by 2020. This target is proposed to double it to 2 GW during further next five years (by 2025). The decision to clear the policy, which “outlines a combination of regulations, mandates, incentives, and tax breaks for the growth of rooftop solar power in the capital” was taken by Delhi cabinet in a meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

“The policy promotes net-metering for all solar plants above 1 kW based on the netmetering regulations already issued by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission.

It also mandates the deployment of solar plants on all government-owned rooftops in the next five years. It requires Discoms to meet at least 75 per cent of their solar renewable purchase obligation (RPO) within Delhi,” said a statement.

Kejriwal said, “Making Delhi a solar city is one of our 70-point agenda points. This policy, which is very progressive will help in providing clean and green energy.

“Rooftop solar systems offer sustainable energy, environmental benefits, low gestation period and minimum transmission and distribution losses.”

Land That Job Now! WHY WAIT?

The Delhi government also expressed its commitment to work towards increasing Delhi’s share of renewable energy to help combat climate change, reduce air pollution, and enhance energy security.

The key highlights of the policy are mandatory deployment of solar on government/public institutions, concept of virtual net-metering, group net-metering, generation based incentive for three years, building bylaws amendment for rooftop solar installations, tax breaks, benefits and subsidies, and solar system up to 200 KWp being exempt from certification by an electrical inspector.

Now, no permission needed for building on plots up to 105 square meters in Delhi

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he Delhi government has notified new building bye-laws, which now permit construction on residential plots of up to 105 square meters without any requirement of get the building plans cleared. “Residential plots of size up to 105 square meters are not required to obtain sanction of building plans,” an official statement said on Monday, June 6.

With the new bye-laws that has been changed after 33 years, the owners only need to submit an undertaking about the construction along with requisite fees and other documents to begin construction.

“The local bodies have to grant the permission within 30 days,” the statement said, adding, “Building with built up area

AUCKLAND IS ON THE MOVE!

between 20,000 to 150,000 square meters will now get environmental clearance from urban local bodies.”

The new bye-laws also allows the applicant to just fill one centralised online form, and the application would automatically be forwarded to the agencies concerned such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Jal Board and fire department. The new bye-laws also require measures for ensuring safety in terms of provisions for structural design and earthquake disaster mitigation. They also talk of a single window mechanism so as to improve the ease of doing construction business in the national capital, thus promoting investments.

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10 June 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Obama backs India’s membership in Nuclear Suppliers Group Red

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he members of the Missile Technology Control Regime, a key anti-proliferation grouping, have agreed to admit India, diplomats said, in a win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he met President Barack Obama in Washington on Tuesday, June 7.

“I’d point you back to what the president said during his visit to India in 2015, where he reaffirmed that the US view was that India meets missile technology control regime requirements and is ready for NSG membership,” State Department Spokesman John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference in Washington.

Building on their close personal bonding, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama promised to work together for the sake of global peace and security and the benefit of developing countries.

“India has made a name for itself as the fastest growing economy in the world,” Modi said in a joint address to the media with Obama following bilateral talks in the Oval Office of the White House.

“We (India and the US) will work together for the world’s peace and security,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the two sides discussed a range of issues of cooperation from business and technology to governance.

“In the last two years, India and the US worked shoulderto-shoulder on issues such as nuclear security, global warming, counter-terrorism, and Paris (climate) agreement,” Modi said.

Top: PM Modi at an interaction with think tanks in Washington DC Above: PM Modi paying homage at Space Shuttle Columbia Memorial in Washington DC

his support to India’s

Top: PM Modi addressing the US Congress Above: PM Modi meets the USA President Barack Obama in Oval Office, at White House in Washington DC, USA on June 7, 2016

and we are aware of the talent it has. We will membership continue to in the Missile work together Technology in the future too,” Control Regime he said.

(MTCR) and the The President also said Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). the two sides discussed about the Obama said India and the US progress made in the bilateral were the largest democracies in civilian nuclear agreement and the world.

India’s membership of the NSG. “Our wider cooperation will be “We also discussed about helpful for developing countries of nuclear technology falling into the world. wrong hands,” he said.

“India is a young country and Obama later hosted a lunch in honour of Modi.

This was the seventh meeting between Modi and Obama as Prime Minister and President.

NEW ZEALAND FIRST LIST MP Modi arrived in Washington on June 6 from Switzerland on his second bilateral visit to the US after his trip in September BASED IN AUCKLAND 2014.

He is visiting the US at the invitation of Obama, who in the last year of his presidency is inviting a few world leaders with whom he Auckland Office shared a “close Level 1, 21 East Tamaki Rd, Papatoetoe, Auckland 2025 Ph: 0800 BINDRA (246372) and productive mahesh.bindra@parliament.govt.nz w o r k i n g Authorised by Mahesh Bindra, Parliament Buildings, Wellington relationship”.

“Today (Tuesday), we discussed about taking our economy to new heights and about cyber security.”

The Prime Minister described India as a young country with 800 million people under the age of 35.

“India and the US can work together to use this talent and youth power for the welfare of the world,” he said.

He also stressed India and the US have been cooperating on global issues such as nuclear security, global warming and terrorism.

Modi also thanked Obama for

MAHESH BINDRA

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Later on Tuesday, Modi attended a meeting of business leaders and addressed the annual general meeting of the US-India Business Council (USIBC).

Earlier, Modi visited the Arlington National Cemetery and laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Space Shuttle Columbia Memorial.

He then attended a meeting with heads of US think tanks.

Modi later took part in function in which some valuable Indian artefacts were repatriated.

“We are very grateful for government of the US and the President for returning a part of our culture. This heritage inspires us for the future,” he said.

During her address at ceremony of Repatriation of Cultural Property, US Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch said, “Today (Monday) we begin the process of returning more than 200 stolen cultural objects back to India.”

The highlight of Modi’s visit this year will be his address to a joint sitting of the US Congress on Wednesday.

He will be the fifth Indian Prime Minister to address the US Congress after Rajiv Gandhi, P.V. Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh.

In a special gesture, House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan will host a lunch in the Prime Minister’s honour.

A joint reception is also being organised by the Senate, the House of Representatives and the India Caucus. Prior to Switzerland, he visited Afghanistan and Qatar.

INDIA ABROAD

www.iwk.co.nz | 10 June 2016

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Indian couple launches lawsuit against Australian bank

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n Indian businessman and his wife on Monday, June 6 launched the largest legal action in the state of Victoria, seeking more than $1 billion in compensation from an Australian bank.

Pankaj and Radhika Oswal accused the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) of underselling shares in their West Australian fertiliser company after it was seized by receivers, Xinhua news agency reported.

Opening the case in Victoria’s Supreme Court on Monday, senior counsel for the Oswals, Tony Bannon, said his clients’ 65 per cent stake in Burrup Fertilisers was sold for $400 million in 2010.

Bannon said he will demonstrate to the court that the true value of the couple’s shares was in fact $990 million.

“Our evidence will demonstrate the current value is in the order of 2.36 billion Australian dollars ($1.68 billion),” he said.

Oswal claims he was bullied by ANZ executives during the sale six years ago, alleging that one executive put him in a headlock and threatened to “destroy” him before Burrup went into receivership.

The Oswals found themselves in significant debt last month when the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) issued a departure prohibition on the couple over an unpaid $136 million tax bill.

A $50 million house dubbed the “Taj Mahal on the Swan River” was left halfcompleted by the couple when they were forced to sell their share in Burrup as well as a luxury jet worth tens of millions of dollars and a fleet of luxury cars.

The trial has already cost tens of millions of dollars with 25 barristers appearing in court on both sides on Monday.

It is expected that the complex trial will run for between three and six months.

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Five Indian-origin people to contest in Australian general election

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ive candidates of Indian-origin will contest in Australia’s general election next month.

In the House of Representatives all 150 seats will be contested, as well as the 76 Senate seats—the first time this has happened in an early election since 1987.

Among the 200 candidates, the Indianorigin candidates in the fray include two women of Indian origin, 51-year-old Australian Sikh Alex Bhathal representing the Greens Party and 43-year-old Fiji Indian Lisa Singh of Labor Party.

Shashi Bhatti, who migrated from India in 1989 and Chris Gambian, an Australian born to Indian parents from Bangalore, are also contesting the elections from Labor Party. 39-year-old Mohit Kumar is the only India-born who is contesting the elections from Liberal party. He is a Faridabad resident who migrated to Australia in 1994 as an international student.

Kumar said it was his consistent hard work that paid off for him to win the party ticket.

It was imperative for Indians to join the high offices of the country and to be a part of policy making, he said. “True multiculturalism does not come from lip service or attending Indian events. It also comes from having a fair representation at all the levels including government, parliament, business and other areas,” Kumar said.

Gambian said, while there was a low representation of Indians in the Australian politics more Indian background people should become its part.

“I joined the Labor party when I was 16-years-old and I thought it was a party of social justice and fairness,” Gambian said adding that his key to win the party was getting involved in party works and believing party policies.

On May 8, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull had announced that Australia will hold elections on July 2, barely eight months after he ousted his predecessor Tony Abbott, promising to revive the sluggish economy.

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Qatar releases 23 Indian prisoners

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atar has released 23 Indian prisoners following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Gulf nation as part of his fivenation sojourn.

The prisoners were released on June 6, a day after Modi was in Doha where he met Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. The release is part of an annual Ramadan tradition of granting pardons by the Qatar government.

“A special gesture to mark the start of a special month (Ramadan). The government of Qatar releases 23 prisoners, who will

return home to India,” Modi tweeted on June 7.

“My deepest gratitude to the Emir of Qatar for the gesture,” he wrote from the US. During his five-nation six-day sojourn, Modi visited Afghanistan, Qatar Switzerland and Mexico.

India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also expressed her gratitude to Qatar. “Thank you Qatar. Thanks for releasing 23 Indian prisoners on the request of (the) prime minister.”

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WORLD

10 June 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

The world bids goodbye to the greatest of all time Red

After being hospitalised for a respiratory condition, former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali passed away on June 3 Esha Chanda

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he world mourns the loss of a man who has left a vacuum in many hearts. Muhammad Ali embodied greatness. The genius captivated the world with his magic not only in the ring but also beyond. An odd twist of fate led to the discovery of young Ali’s talent. At the age of 12, when his bike was stolen, he told police officer Joe Martin, “I’m gonna whup whoever stole my bike!” Martin, who trained young boxers at a local gym, told him that he better learnt to fight before he challenged people. And after a mere six-month training, Ali, then still known as Cassius Clay, won his debut match.

His untamed spirit and fervour continued in the years to come. In 1960, he was selected for Rome Olympics—a path that paved way for the future three-time heavyweight world champion.

His agility and effortless footwork in the ring and his lightning punches earned him the fearsome reputation as a fighter. Known for his sharp verbal jabs, the King

of Trash Talk remains infamous for taunting world heavyweight champion Sonny Liston: “If Liston even dreamed he could beat me, he’d wake up and apologise.”

But boxing was one facet of this towering figure who left an impression through his work as a philanthropist, a humanitarian and as a people’s champ. A vocal activist for civil rights, he spoke against racism, intolerance and war. His work built the America we know today.

In 1965, he renounced his “slave name” and declared that he has become a Black Muslim. When he refused to enter the Vietnam War—the first to speak out against the war—he was stripped of his championship titles, his licence was revoked and he was sentenced to five years in prison when found guilty of violating Selective Service laws.

Speaking on his stance to refuse to serve in the war, he said, “... I have said it once and I will say it again. The real enemy of my people is here... I have nothing to lose by standing up for my beliefs. So I’ll go to jail, so what?

We’ve been in jail for 400 years.”

Ali remained undaunted to voice his opinions. He fought not only inside the ring but also outside. In June 1971, the US Supreme Court overturned the conviction and he made an extraordinary comeback after four years of exile.

On Friday, June 3, the world lost not only the greatest sportsman of the century but also a man who was kind and benevolent; who was never afraid to speak his mind and who stood up for people’s rights.

Muhammad Ali will always be remembered as a man who inspired the world to chase their dreams.

He said it best himself: “I would like to be remembered as a man who won the heavyweight title three times, who was humorous and who treated everyone right. As a man who never looked down on those who looked up to him...who stood up for his beliefs...who tried to unite all humankind through fate |and love...”

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• 21-year long career • 37 wins by knockout • 5 defeats • 3 world heavyweight title victories

Hillary Clinton clinches Democratic Party nomination

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illary Clinton has clinched the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, becoming the first woman in America’s 240-year history to be the presumptive nominee of a major US political party.

Hours after the news, Clinton got endorsement from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, on Tuesday, June 7, as voters in California headed to the polls.

Clinton, 68, secured 1,812 pledged delegates and 572 superdelegates for a total of 2,384 delegates—one more than needed for the nomination.

The former first lady, senator from New York, will officially become the Democratic nominee at next month’s convention and face Republican nominee Donald Trump in a general election battle.

The former Secretary of State clinched the required number after a strong showing in Puerto Rico’s Democratic primary on Sunday and additional support from superdelegates.

“According to the news, we are on the brink of an historic, historic, unprecedented moment.

But we still have work to do, don’t we?” Clinton said in Long Beach on Monday, June 6.

Democratic Party’s presidential nomination Hillary Clinton

It’s been an incredible journey.

Having a woman president will make a great statement, historic statement about what kind of country we are and what we stand for. It’s really emotional.

Her nomination will put further pressure on her Democrat rival Bernie Sanders to exit the race.

Clinton raked in the magic number a day after President Barack Obama spoke to Sanders over phone for around 30 minutes in a bid to unify the party ahead of the general election against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, said Bloomberg.

However, Sanders has vowed to stay in the race and force a contested convention. “Secretary Clinton does not have and will

not have the requisite number of pledged delegates to secure the nomination,” Sanders said in a statement on Monday.

“She will be dependent on superdelegates who do not vote until July 25 and who can change their minds between now and then.”

As she crossed the final threshold, Clinton said in Compton, California: “It’s been an incredible journey. Having a woman president will make a great statement, historic statement about what kind of country we are and what we stand for. It’s really emotional.”

Hillary Clinton enjoys near universal name recognition after her almost four-decade-long public life, which started as a political spouse in 1979 when her husband Bill Clinton became the governor of Arkansas.

In 1992, when Bill Clinton campaigned for the presidency, he once quipped that he was offering voters two presidents “for the price of one”, Xinhua news agency reported.

As the First Lady of the US, Hillary Clinton raised her profile in 1993 by aggressively campaigning for universal healthcare for all Americans. The campaign ended up being a fiasco.

Between the mid-1990s and the end of his second term in office, Bill Clinton became deeply involved in various scandals, including an investigation into a failed real estate project in which the Clintons had invested and his affair with a White House intern that led to impeachment proceedings.

In 2000, Hillary Clinton successfully ran for senator in New York State and easily won reelection in 2006.

She launched her first White House run in 2008 and was immediately viewed by many as the front-runner in the Democratic field.

However, she was defeated by then first-term Senator Barack Obama from Illinois in the nomination race, who later won the general election and became the first US African-American president.

Hillary Clinton was confirmed by the US Senate as Secretary of State in January 2009.

She entered the 2016 presidential race with strong momentum in April 2015.

But since then, her candidacy has been dogged by controversy around her exclusive use of a private email account and server while helming the US State Department.

SPORTS

www.iwk.co.nz | 10 June 2016

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Sorting out batting order will be a challenge: Dhoni

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ahendra Singh Dhoni, who will lead a second string India team for the limited overs tour to Zimbabwe, said that his first challenge will be to get the batting order right.

Ahead of the team’s departure on Tuesday, June 8, Dhoni, while addressing the press, said India cannot afford to be complacent and the African minnows can pose a challenge for his rookie side.

“Zimbabwe can be challenging at times, our challenge will be slot placing in the batting order. It will be a different experience, will be

playing with many players for the first time,” Dhoni said.

India will take on the hosts in three One-Day Internationals (ODI) and as many Twenty20 Internationals at the Harare Sports Club with the first match to be played on June 11. Dhoni, however, put the ball on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) court when he was asked to comment on former team director Ravi Shastri’s statement to elevate Test skipper Virat Kohli as captain in all the formats. “I enjoy my game, captaincy decision will be taken by BCCI,” he said.

S. Rajesh

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Ace tennis player Novak Djokovic

he won four of the first five games after dropping serve in the opening game. He was able to dictate play with his powerful serve and then easily served out the set at 6-3.

In the second set, Murray got an early break point but Djokovic snuffed that out and held serve in the opening game. Murray’s first serve began to falter and the World No.1 was able to gradually stamp his authority on the match with his aggressive returns and dominated proceedings.

In the third set, Murray checked the onslaught by holding in the

My pairing with Bopanna India’s best medal hope at Rio: Paes

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Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Djokovic beats Murray to win his first French Open title erbian tennis star Novak Djokovic on Sunday, June 5 won his first French Open title, after defeating Britain’s Andy Murray 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in 3 hours and three minutes in an overcast day Paris, thus becoming the eighth man in history to complete the career Grand Slam.

It was his fourth Grand Slam title in a row. The last man to hold all titles at the same time was Rod Laver in 1969.

The crowd has not always been in the favour of Djokovic in previous years but this year he has had to overcome the heavy conditions by playing three matches on four consecutive days and he garnered a lot of the support of spectators after his celebratory dance with the ball kids after winning the matches.

The atmosphere at times was more like that of Davis Cup rather than a Grand Slam. Ironically, it was Murray who had spent more time on court as compared to Djokovic.

It was the British World No.2 who made the stronger start as

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first game but at 1-1, some poor volleying from Murray enabled Djokovic to reach breakpoint and he broke serve on another simple volley error from Murray.

Thereafter Murray was in constant trouble on his serve and the Serbian was quick to run down a good drop shot to hit a cross court winner for the double break to 4-1. Murray, to his credit, showed character gaining four breakpoints but couldn’t get the vital break and he went down two sets to one. Djokovic now had the momentum and quickly went up 2-0. Soon it was 5-2 and Djokovic was serving for title at 5-2. The Serbian showed he was human showing some nerves with a double fault and Murray seized the opportunity to break serve.

At the second time of asking, Djokovic reached double championship point after Murray missed a lob. Again there was drama as Murray saved both. However, on his third championship point, Murray’s backhand won the net and Djokovic fell on his back after completing a famous victory.

eteran doubles specialist Leander Paes said on Tuesday, June 7 his partnership with Rohan Bopanna will be India’s best bet for a medal at the Rio Olympics.

It will be Leander’s recordsetting seventh appearance at the mega event for his country. But his dream has seen a potential roadblock after falling down the men’s doubles rankings in recent times.

He moved up five spots to 46 in the latest men’s rankings but that wasn’t enough to get a direct qualification berth for Rio. Bopanna grabbed that berth after gaining a place in the top 10 rankings and has the luxury of choosing his partner from among Paes, Purav Raja (103) Divij Sharan (114), Saketh Myneni (125), Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan (134) and Mahesh Bhupathi (164) for the Rio Games.

“Without a shadow of doubt, Rohan and I are the best team for a medal at Rio. I am sure that AITA (All India Tennis Association) will send the best team in doubles for Rio,” Paes said at a press conference.

Bopanna has a history of bitter relation with Paes after refusing to partner him during the London 2012 Games. Paes’ relationship with Bopanna and Bhupathi has been a long-standing issue for Indian tennis.

India’s doubles star Rohan Bopanna says the bitterness that had developed between him and Paes in the build-up to the 2012 London Games is “long gone and over” and he was not averse to playing with the Kolkatan again for the sake of the country. Paes won the recent French Open

Indian tennis players Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna during a Davis Cup doubles match

mixed doubles title with his Swiss partner Martina Hingis, his 18th Major victory. But his mixed doubles form didn’t translate into success in men’s doubles with the 42-year-old losing in the quarterfinals of the major event.

The right-hander, however, remains positive in his approach and said his first-ever mixed doubles trophy at Rolland Garros was a career highlight and showed he has still got it.

“This French Open trophy is very special, we have shown the world that Indians can be world beaters,” he added.

His advancing age has forced him to face uncomfortable questions regarding his future and willingness to retire, but Paes remained coy to make a call, playing the guessing game when asked again.

“One day curtains gonna come down, maybe at Rio, maybe after another Grand Slam, may be after another 2–3 years... the day I feel am done,” he said.

India finishes third at Asian junior athletics meet

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ettering their previous medals tally of 12, India ended their 17th Asian Junior Championships campaign on Monday, June 6, at third place with 17 medals.

India bagged seven gold, four silver and six bronze medals to take their overall tally to 17 while Japan topped the table with 14 gold medals followed by China with 11 golds.

India seemed to save their best for the last day when they bagged three gold and as many silver medals along with two bronze, with two of their athletes, Lily Das

and Jisna Matthew, completing a double with their second gold medal in the championships.

Seventeen-year-old Lily from Triveni in Hoogly district (West Bengal) clocked 2:06.64 sec to win the women’s 800 metre, her second Gold in the championships.

Earlier, the youngster who had started as a child in the 400m and 600m and later shifted to longer distance, won the gold in her favourite event, the 1,500m.

As in the 1,500m race held earlier on Saturday which was won by the Indians in both the men and women section, the

DAV College students Neeraj Chopra (left) and Pankaj Malik (right) won silver medals in the 17th Asian Junior Championships

800m race witnessed an encore today as Amoj Jacob won the gold in men’s 800m, with a timing of 1:51.82 sec. The women’s 4x400m relay team struck the last gold for India with PT Usha’s protégé

Jisna Mathew romping home in style when the Indians were lagging behind with some distance to go in the race. The Indian women’s relay quarter of Jisna, Shaharbana Shidiqui Thadian Parambil, V. Subha and George Linet clocked 3:43.57 sec to take the top honours.

Rio aspirant Neeraj Chopra won the Silver in the men’s javelin with a best throw of 77.60 metres, behind Japan’s Sado Juniya (77.97m).

The Indian men 4x400m relay team, comprising of Kiran Murugan, Pankaj Malik, Harsh

Kumar and Amoj Jacob finished with a silver, clocking 3:12.12 sec, behind Thailand’s 3:11.59. Earlier, in men’s 10,000m, Abhishek Pal bagged the silver with a timing of 31:24.06 sec while compatriot Kishen Narsi Tadvi took the bronze medal with a timing of 32:07.12 sec. Sonu Kumar added a bronze medal in the men’s triple jump with a performance of 15.99 metres.

The 2015 Asian Youth Championships gold medallist Beant Singh finished fourth in the men’s 800m, clocking 1:53.16 sec.

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FEATURES

10 June 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Understanding exposure—part 3/3 T Jeffery Chan

he next element in understanding exposure is shutter speed. Also referred to as exposure time, it is measured by the length of time the shutter remains open. The shutter is like a curtain in front of the camera’s sensor and depending on how fast it opens will determine the amount of light is captured by the sensor.

The longer the shutter remains open, the more light is captured and vice versa.

Shutter speed is measured in milliseconds. A very fast shutter could be 1/1000s and a slow shutter could be 1/4s. A fast shutter will be useful to freeze motion; for example, a moving object such as a car.

A slow shutter is used to capture movement like a waterfall that will produce a milky effect to the water movement.

Here’s a guide of shutter speed and how it can be applied.

This will result in the object looking sharp and the background blurry.

This takes some experimenting to determine the speed of the object. Try to photograph with and without panning and see the difference.

To take milky water photos (image 3), you’ll need to use a tripod, as any handheld at 1s will produce blurry shots. To be sure, a remote trigger for your camera will be handy or you can set your camera to delay trigger by 2s. Check your camera manual on how to do this.

Long exposure is also used in night photography (image 2) where you want to capture the surrounding landscape. It’s common to use a shutter speed of 1s and above when photographing the landscape.

In the photo below, the shutter was 2s.

Tripod is a must.

TRY

Panning is a method of focusing on an object while following its movement. So in the photo (image 1) to the right, I started by focus when the bike is at my 10 o’clock and followed it until it is right in front of me.

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o determine what shutter speed to use, first determine what kind of effect you would like to achieve. Then it’s a matter of trying out different shutter speed, and don’t worry if you don’t get it right the first time round.

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enerally, if you are photographing indoors while holding your camera, you do not want to go below 1/60s, as that can cause blurry shots. I normally keep mine to 1/125s. It also depends on how steady your hands are.

PHOTO REVIEW

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e invite readers to submit their photos for a constructive review. I will highlight the positive attributes and suggest what can be improved. Due to limited space, I will only review and post three images in my next article. Please send your photos to jeff@studio81.co.nz. We have some sponsored gifts from Auckland Camera for the images that we publish for review.

Jeffery is the owner and photographer at STUDIO81 photography and is located in Newmarket and East Tamaki. STUDIO81 is one of Auckland’s leading portrait photography studio and specialises in modern glamour transformation. Jeffery is an award winning photographer and NZIPP Master of Photography. You can view his latest works on Instagram at STUDIO81NZ or Facebook at STUDIO81

By Manisha Koushik

Weekly forecast: JUN 10 to JUN 16

Manisha Koushik is the talented daughter and associate of world renowned celebrity astrologer Dr Prem Kumar Sharma. A practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and fengshui consultant is based in India but maintains a global presence through the online channels. She is available for consultations online as well.

Let her tarot cards do the magic and numbers make you understand which choices in life will be best for you!

E-mail: support@askmanisha.com | Website: www.askmanisha.com Contact: +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp: +919015607139

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

You are likely to remain positive this week because things remain favourable for you both in personal and professional fronts. Things work with clockwork precision at work. Good transaction is foreseen in a deal for businesspersons. A social gathering will prove most entertaining. Those romancing will find this phase exciting, as you get to spend quality time with lover. A property decision will be in your favour. You will be able to catch up with others on the academic front.

Lucky No.: 15 / Lucky Colour: Sea green

You may have to make extra efforts on the professional front. Friends and relations may keep the home front abuzz. Someone you had absolutely forgotten may enter your life. A strange attraction may draw you towards someone of the opposite gender. Plans for a short vacation are likely to be finalised. Keep an open mind while negotiating a deal on the professional front as it can go either way. This is not the time to be extravagant.

Someone who likes you is likely to help you out at work. Storm clouds gather on the academic front and threaten dire consequences. Be sensitive to subordinates at work or you can have an awkward situation on your hands. Someone is likely to charge you way beyond your expectation for something that you had got done. Maintaining your standard of living may prove a bit difficult and prompt you to cut corners. A family youngster may require disciplining.

This is not the time to bring in major changes in your life, as things may not turn out as expected. You may find it difficult to achieve what you set out for on the professional front. Man management may not be your strong point but you will need to be just and fair. It will take some time to regain your financial equilibrium but you will achieve it. Keep major purchases on the hold for now.

Lucky No.: 22 / Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky No.: 11 / Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky No.: 11 / Lucky Colour: Orange

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Hectic schedule may give you little time to attend to personal things. You will be able to make much progress on the professional front. Things will be much smoother now at work as you come to terms with your present circumstances. Good returns from investments are foreseen. Arrears or increments can be expected by some. If you are feeling under the weather, consider it a temporary phase, as your condition is set to improve.

Lucky No.: 3 / Lucky Colour: Golden

You will need to keep your options open on the financial front. A satisfactory phase in both personal and professional spheres is indicated.

Adjustment problems in a new set-up at work will be overcome. You may remain at loggerheads with spouse over some domestic issues. A family youngster may make you see red by not heeding you. Some of you may devote your energies in looking for love and romance. Health problems may need to be tackled on priority.

Good rapport with people who matter is likely to lighten your burden at work. There is someone waiting for you with open arms, so expect this week to be romantically fulfilling! Certain things on the home front may not be to your liking, but you can hardly do anything about it. However, you will do your level best to make things pleasant at home. Some pending decisions threaten to halt the progress of your current task.

Lucky No.: 17 / Lucky Colour: Parrot green

Travel stars burn bright, so expect a journey to materialise. Things look promising for those who feel a need for change from the present job. Someone’s good advice will help you save money. Mood swings of spouse will be tackled well and you will manage to brighten the domestic environment. You are likely to make the first move in getting to know someone who is giving unusual attention to you on the romantic front. Health remains good.

Lucky No.: 7 / Lucky Colour: Golden

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

An excellent opportunity is likely to come to you soon. Better equation is likely to ensue in your relationship with spouse. You will be afforded a chance to climb up the corporate ladder on the professional front. Getting a better grasp of things being taught on the academic front will help you forge ahead confidently. An exciting overseas trip is in the offing for some. This is a good time to look up your near and dear ones.

Lucky No.: 8 / Lucky Colour: Parrot green

This is an auspicious time for those wanting to begin construction. Expect praise at work. You are likely to come to grips with something being done on the financial front. Deliberating deeply on an issue at hand will be necessary to avoid complications at a later date. Acting on someone’s feedback will be in your interest. A family member experiencing health problems may need your full support. Travelling long distance will be without any hitches.

Lucky No.: 2 / Lucky Colour: Cream

You will manage to handle complex issues by taking initiative based on your judgement.

Promotion is on the cards for some. Your ideas on the professional front are likely to be well taken.

Monetary worries are set to ease as you receive money from an unexpected source. Keeping yourself active will save you from bodily ailments.

You may get involved in preparations for an event on the home front. Delay in meeting lover can make you restless.

Lucky No.: 11 / Lucky Colour: White

You may resent someone dictating terms to you on the domestic front. A job you are trying to avoid may come to you and there is little you can do about it. Problems on the academic front are foreseen.

Spouse may want your full attention and can make an issue of it. Frustration cannot be ruled out on the romantic front. Roads don’t appear safe for you for speed driving, so remain careful. A property issue may be challenged in court.

Lucky No.: 9 / Lucky Colour: Dark green

(March 21-April 20)

(July 23-August 23)

(Nov 23-December 11)

(April 21-May 20)

(August 24-Sep 23)

Lucky No.: 18 / Lucky Colour: Maroon

(Dec 22-January 21)

(May 21-June 21)

(Sep 24-October 23)

(Jan 22-February 19)

(June 22-July 20)

(Oct 24-November 22)

(Feb 20-March 20)

KIDS ZONE

www.iwk.co.nz | 10 June 2016

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Brain teaser questions with answers

Calm waters

ge d e l w o n k ith w n Fu

The water seemed so calm I dangle my fingers swiftly It felt chilly but welcoming Perfect for a swim On a sunny day like today

Riddle Time – WHO AM I?

Find Me! I start with P and end with E, but I have thousands of letters. Who am I?

Answer: Post Office Crossword

The first letter of each answer appears next to its clue in alphabetical order. All the first letters have been entered into the grid. Can you complete the puzzle?

A. Fruit of the oak tree (5) B. Something to read (4) B. Insect (3) C. Taxi (3) C. Desert animal (5) D. Sand hills (5) E. The night before (3) G. Type of antelope (7) G. Precious stones (4)

I. Ice hut (5) I. Writing fluid (3) J. Type of music (4) J. Fruit drink (5) K. Tap on a door (5) L. Jump (4) S. Unhappy (3) S. Brief periods of rain (7) S. Snow runner (3)

A Merchant a n d h is Donkey

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ne beautiful spring morning, a merchant loaded his donkey with bags of salt to go to the market in order to sell them. The merchant and his donkey were walking along together. They had not walked far when they reached a river on the roa d.

Unfortunately, the donkey slipped and fell into the river and noticed that the bags of salt loaded on his back became ligh ter.

There was nothing the merchant cou ld do, except return home where he loaded his donkey with more bags of salt.

As they reached the slippery rive rbank, now deliberately, the donkey fell into the river and wasted all the bags of salt on its back again. The merchant quickly discovered the donkey's trick. He then returned hom e again but re-loaded his donkey with bags of sponges.

The foolish, tricky donkey again set on its way. On reaching the river he again fell into the water. But instead of the load becoming lighter, it bec ame heavier.

The merchant laughed at him and said : You foolish donkey, your trick had been discovered, you should know that, those who are too clever sometimes ove r reach themselves.

Send us stories, drawings, poems and other contributions by your little ones along with their photographs for this page. E-mail us at editor@ indianweekender.co.nz

If 5 men takes around 3 hours to dig 3 holes, how long will it take for 2 men to dig half a hole?

Answer: There is nothing called a half whole and it cannot be dug!

Brain teaser questions with answers

Sanskriti Prabhakar

Rain rain we love you Rain you are the best as you bring Such lovely rainbows, muddy puddles and most important you make our plants grow The most exciting part is when the breeze blows.

Please don’t mind if someone don’t like you Just remember because of you everything on earth stays beautiful.

We love you...

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Say no to junk, yes to food Maya shivam

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he New Zealand Cancer Society has unveiled its official new fundraising event and the first of its kind anywhere in the world—Junk Free June. This is an endeavour to raise money for the Cancer Society of New Zealand by eating “junk free” for the month of June.

to the participant’s health, but also really fun to be part of,” says Junk Free June Creative Director Matt Clayton.

“The ideal scenario for us is that people have an awesome time trying new recipes and sharing their successes during June, then realising after the month that they feel better having eliminated their chosen type of junk.”

Here are some exciting and fun recipes to help curb those cravings:

Grilled Baby Potatoes Ingredients • 12 baby potatoes • 2.5 tbsp. natural Greek yogurt • 1 tsp. ginger and garlic paste • 2 green chilli’s shredded • Bunch of coriander • Turmeric powder, salt and pepper to taste • 1/2 tsp. garam masala • 1/2 tsp. chat masala • Juice of 1/2 a lemon Directions 1. Cut the baby potatoes in half 2. For the marinade, mix the rest of the ingredients together

3. Marinate the potatoes with the mix and set aside for 45 minutes to an hour 4. Pre heat the oven at 180 degrees. Grease a baking dish and lay the marinated potatoes on it.

5. Grill for 10–15 minutes and then turn. Grill for another 10 minutes.

6. Grilled baby potatoes are ready to be served 7. Serve hot with mint chutney

Chicken Chetinnad Dry Ingredients • 500 grams chicken (boneless, diced) • 1 large onion • 1 tomato • Few curry leaves • 1 tbsp. ginger garlic paste • 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder • 1 tsp. roasted cumin powder • 1 tsp. roasted fennel powder • 1 tbsp. coriander powder • 1 lemon • 2 1/2 tbsp. crushed pepper (or pepper powder) • Salt to taste • Oil as required • Coriander for garnish Directions 1. Clean and dice chicken 2. Marinate the chicken with the spices, except the pepper, and squeeze lemon on it. Set aside for one hour.

Kiwi’s are being encouraged to make positive nutritional choices by sacrificing a junk food or junk foods of their choice for the month of June, and have their friends and family donate money in support. While they do that, the participants are encouraged to share their little and big victories on social media using the #junkfreejune.

The definition of ‘junk’ has been kept fluid and can be self-defined and different for everyone. Junk Free June is about sacrificing something that you eat often and know is not good for you. By cutting out one’s own version of ‘junk’ for the month, individuals raise money for the Cancer Society of New Zealand.

The Cancer Society provides free and confidential support and information to people dealing with a cancer diagnosis, promotes ways we can reduce our risk of cancer and invests in cancer research.

“Our goal was to create a charity event that was not only beneficial

The Cancer Society provides free and confidential support and information to people dealing with a cancer diagnosis, promotes ways we can reduce our risk of cancer and invests in cancer research.

The interesting thing though is that for New Zealand, June is the middle of winter when it can be so easy to cave into those temptations of comfort food. So, rather than make your month boring and about cutting out, why not make it a month of trying out new and fun recipes, discover new places to eat out , try new flavours and generally have fun.

3. Heat oil in a wok. Add finely chopped onion and sauté till it turns soft. Then add ginger garlic paste and cook till the mix turns brown and the oil begins to leave the sides of the pan. Add curry leaves and mix well.

4. Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook till tomatoes turn soft and mushy. Add pepper to this.

5. Now add the marinated chicken and let it cook until you can tell that the chicken is cooked and all the moisture has evaporated 6. Hot and flavourful chicken chettinad pepper dry is ready. Serve on toothpicks.

Zero Guilt Kaaju-Coconut Barfi Ingredients • 1/2 cup cashew powder • 15–20 seedless dates • 3/4 cup desiccated coconut powder • 1/2 cup milk • 1 tbsp. ghee • 1 tsp. cardamom powder Directions 1. Soak the dates in milk. Set aside for a couple of hours.

2. To prepare barfi, get ready with all the ingredients and grease your plate or pan where you will be removing your barfi dough to cut into shapes.

3. Cashew powder is made best at home in a mixer grinder but you can also use the store bought one.

4. Make a thick puree of dates by wet grinding it in the mixer

along with the milk 5. Heat one tbsp. ghee in a saucepan kept on medium high and once the ghee melts, add dates puree. Sauté it for about five minutes.

6. Add the ground cashews and mix well. It should form a nice and dry dough.

7. Add coconut and mix well for about two minutes and switch off the flame.

8. Add cardamom powder and mix 9. Pour this barfi mixture on the greased plate or pan that you had prepared 10. Press and spread the recipe well with a spoon. Sprinkle some dry desiccated coconut on top for garnishing and press.

11. Cut into shapes and serve when cool

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I hope people make Udta Punjab tax-free: Shahid Kapoor Uma Ramasubramanian

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is much-awaited film Udta Punjab is still awaiting clearance from the censor board, but actor Shahid Kapoor hopes that the film, which addresses the issue of drug menace in Punjab, is made tax-free so that it could reach a wider audience.

Asked about how important it is for an actor to do a film with a relevant social message, Shahid said, “It is a choice.

I don’t think when you sign a film as an actor it is your duty to do that. If the opportunity comes along which is passing a message that is beneficial then it is great. I can’t take any credit for it as the entire credit goes to Abhishek Chaubey.”

The actor, who is essaying the character of a high-ondrugs, long-haired rock star Tommy Singh, who sings with glee and abuses with impunity, asserted that it is important to add entertainment quotient to “reach out” to the masses.

He added, “To be able to put a message across and to reach out to a number of people you have to entertain them.

I hope they make this film tax-free so that people can watch this for less money because it is telling something that you need to know.”

Udta Punjab, which also stars Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh, is a story that revolves around drug abuse in north of Punjab and how the youth there have succumbed to it.

According to media reports, the Central Board of Film Certification denied a release certificate for Udta Punjab, citing “excessive swearing, abusive language and drug consumption” in its content. But the film’s coproducer Anurag Kashyap put an end to the rumours surrounding the alleged ban on the film and asserted that Udta Punjab has not been banned. When questioned about the ‘no-permit’ buzz, Shahid said, “I don’t want to comment on something that hasn’t been defined yet. Once it gets defined and once we understand what the expectation is and what the final decision is (then we can talk about it). Right now, it is in the process

Dia Mirza named ambassador for Swachh Saathi programme

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ctress Dia Mirza has been named the ambassador for Swachh Bharat’s youth based Swachh Saathi (student internship) programme.

“Swachh Bharat is amongst the most important initiatives taken up by the government and I believe that the Swachh Saathi programme will be an extremely important part of our dream to realise a clean, healthy and environmentally conscious youth and country,” Dia said in a statement.

Under the programme more than 2,000 interns would be enrolled, who would coordinate with around 10,000 schools

of dialogue. I don’t think it’s annoying because I think it’s part of the process. I just feel that when I did Haider the content was definitely evolved and the film came out and it is one of my most liked films... You need to make films which talk about something which has certain substance.

The censor board is the right body to give a certificate to your film so I don’t have problems with the process.

Co-produced by Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane and Vikas Bahl as part of their Phantom Films banner, along with Shobha Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor, Aman Gill and Sameer Nair, Udta Punjab is slated to release on June 17.

Shahid was given the tag of an actor with ‘chocolate boy’ looks when he started off his career with Ishq Vishk in 2003. But since then, the actor has tried to explore various genres from Haider, Vivah, and R... Rajkumar to Kaminey.

Shahid, who is awaiting his first child with wife Mira Rajput, says it is liberating to not be limited to any category.

He said: “I am very happy.

It’s very liberating to not be limited to any category. People tell me they like me more when I am experimenting so it is great to know people are ready to back me when I am taking a risk... That is a great thing to know as an actor then there are no boundaries, you can go out there and express yourself.”

Shahid also feels settled on the personal front. The Jab We Met star said: “I feel settled. I feel at ease. I feel centred. I don’t look at things as best and worst because I really feel there is always something

across the country and ensure that all students in these schools take the pledge for Clean India.

“Dia is a youth icon and has been an active campaigner for Swachh Bharat.

We felt that she would be the best person to help us reach out to more youngsters.

Our aim is to make it a viral youth led movement,” said Swachh Bharat Mission Director Praveen Prakash. As the brand ambassador, Dia would be interacting with thousands of school and college students from across the country through awareness sessions, community cleaning activities and motivational videos.

“Over the years I have tried to engage as many minds as possible to understand that our planet and our country need the immediate involvement of all its citizens, so that we can take responsibility and make our world a better place to live in,” said Dia.

Housefull 3 collects more than Rs 30 crore in two days

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ilm-maker duo Sajid-Farhad’s directorial Housefull 3, which stars Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh and Abhishek Bachchan, has amassed Rs 31.51 crore in just two days of its release.

The third instalment of the Housefull franchise released on Friday, June 3.

The day two collection was Rs 16.30 crore nett (India) and opening day collection figures were Rs 15.21 crore taking the total to Rs 31.51 crore, read a statement.

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great that is happening and there is always a problem to solve.”

The film also features Jacqueline Fernandez, Nargis Fakhri and Lisa Haydon.

This is not the first time that Akshay, Riteish and Jacqueline are seen in the comedy film’s franchise. The three have also been part of the first and second instalments, directed by Sajid Khan.

Housefull 3 is produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment.

Producer Nadiadwala shared, “It is heartening to know that audiences are loving the film. The film has been garnering a positive response from all the corners.”

He added, “All the appreciation, which have been pouring in makes me and my team feel proud of our work.”

all the time.” There were reports in April last year that a quirky comedy with which Verma was going to make his directorial debut, was ditched by a production house and actress Anushka Sharma agreed to produce it. Although there are reports claiming that this film starring Saif is the same, it is not confirmed yet.

Actor Akshay Oberoi, who has acted in films such as Pizza, Fitoor and Laal Rang

Film with Akshat Verma different than Delhi Belly: Saif

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ctor Saif Ali Khan says that his film with debut director Akshat Verma is different than Delhi Belly, which Verma had written.

Spotted while leaving a script-reading session for the film and asked if the film is similar to Delhi Belly, Saif said, “I don’t think so, it’s a little different. You should probably ask him (Verma)... He is a nice director; he writes well but he also teaches you to act well, so I’m excited.”

He added, “It’s script-reading guys, there’s nothing to get that worked up about.

I didn’t know if that is news. It’s very nice, but we’re just reading a script. We do this

and also played a cameo role in Piku is a part of the film. He said, “Currently rehearsals are going on. The shoot would begin in 1–2 days. So quite excited; it’s a very special film. So it is going to be fun. He’s (Verma) going to make a great film.”

Rumours suggest that the film is titled Kala Kaanti.

ENTERTAINMENT

www.iwk.co.nz | 10 June 2016

MOVIE REVIEW

What to watch this week

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U. PRASHANTH NAYAK

dramatic loony élan with which he nails it, had me in splits.

Ritesh Deshmukh is in his defaultmode—getting pass grades in comedies where there are two other heroes. Even less impressive is Abhishek Bachchan who caricatures himself with gratuitous references to Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, which flatter them but not him. I find Boman Irani to be a much superior actor in serious movies (as in My Wife’s Murder) than the comic roles, which audiences in general like him more for.

Double standards afflict the film’s race-based takes. A soccer selector yells: “Indians are only fit to remain slaves”, and ignores Akshay’s fantabulous football strikes. Later we see that the three female

maids in the Patel palace are all of African ancestry. Granted that there are lots of African descendants living in England but the film-makers seem to have conveniently assumed the film to be set in Uganda, not U.K while casting those roles.

Or did casting white ladies as maids pose the danger of deflecting attention from the pic’s three Indian beauties for an audience, which is often assumed to be skin-colour-sensitive?

Housefull 3 is at its best when it brainstorms to unleash the shenanigans of its three handicapped heroes.

While taking care not to make fun of the disabled, the film’s dialogues and slapstick humour are at their broadly funny peak when it focuses on their fabricated histories and others’ attempts to expose their pretence.

Writer-directors Sajid-Farhad do not similarly succeed on the storyline’s other tracks.

This is a technically solid movie with first-class cinematography and crisp editing. The best asset of the songs is that they don’t grate on your nerves.

It doesn’t take a ‘trade pundit’ to figure out that Housefull 3 will mint millions at the box office, and yes, it sure does sport some hilarious moments but more consistency in smart scripting would have elevated this occasionally funny movie into a truly memorable one.

Rating: 2.25 stars out of 5 Directors: Sajid-Farhad

where vegetarianism was only a little less rare than were mango trees, he felt obliged to cook his own food and half-starved with irregular mealtimes and demanding work.

World War I thundered in with its own set of horrors and shortages. The screenplay

pulls no punches in revealing how doomed the young man felt.

We may never know whether it was tuberculosis, hepatic amoebiasis or some other agent of doom that brought on the fevers, deliriums, aches and coughs that haunted Ramanujan. The irony is that while proofs for his dazzling formulae were continually asked of Ramanujan, there was no laboratory proof of tuberculosis for which he was continually treated to no avail.

Doctors failed this great mathematician, otherwise, he would have lived longer but the movie is not interested in further investigating this key issue.

That should not detract from the fact that Brown marshals his actors’ abilities, recreates a yesteryear Cambridge and builds emotion, all so effectively that although I had keenly sifted through Ramanujan’s life several times in the past, I felt more deeply for this great man at the movie’s end.

Rating: 4 stars out of 5 Writer-Director: Matthew Brown

Housefull 3

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tar-studded comedies such as Housefull 3 , I regret to say, are criticproof. No matter what the critics say, audiences will flock to the theatre expecting their dose of masala, cotton candy, nitrous oxide and Khudaa jaane what else. But laughter even in small quantities is good for health and even critics need to look after their health, and so it is that I went to see Housefull 3 for health reasons.

Admittedly, I laughed many times but those instances were outweighed by a bigger number of mediocre sequences, weak jokes and cringe-worthy situations. Writers of mainstream Hindi cinema, shackled by dim-witted producers, are perfectly capable of penning hilarious lines but struggle mightily in constructing consistently funny storylines.

The basic plot is actually geared for ripe comedy. Batook Patel is a big-shot London businessman who has a decent bank account—50 billion pounds to be precise— and lives with his three darling daughters in a Disneyland modern castle.

The three young and attractive ladies seem destined for an army of suitors but Patel cites his traumatic past and bars them all strictly from the perils of matrimony. To circumvent his draconian diktats, his bitiyas surprise Pitaaji with three bridegrooms—

one is blind, another is mute while the third is lame. Three beautiful and glamorous actresses—Jacqueline Fernandes, Lisa Hayden and Nargis Fakhri (we are gloriously secular when it comes to filmi beauties)— round up the troika of daughters but only Jacqueline enhances those gorgeousprincess looks with a brightly breezy turn.

Among all the current crop of experienced actors who have perpetrated their herogiri mostly in second-class movies, Akshay Kumar ranks first.

Excelling in his gags, crackling with wicked energy and armed with all the best lines, his is the film’s best act. Witness his narration of an incident at a dinner table where a toy train delivers naans—the story he tells is not very funny but the sobbing

The Man who knew Infinity

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he life of Srinivasa Ramanujan ranks as both a great treasure and an immense lost potential in the history of modern knowledge. He bequeathed to us a mountain of pioneering mathematics that continues to inspire and awe the best minds in the field. Drawing on Thomas Kanigel’s book, writer-director Matthew Brown marries fact and cinema with exemplary finesse in this biopic about the iconic Indian mathematician, while never forgetting to inject the requisite dramatic energy.

Born in 1887 in Kumbakonam, a humble town in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Ramanujan grappled with penury and the lack of an academic degree even as his staggering mathematical intuition made him conjure complex unheard-of formulas. His pleas for guidance finally caught the attention of G.H Hardy—a leading Cambridge mathematician who brought Ramanujan over to the prestigious university. Clash of methodology, culture and religious beliefs aside, Hardy held Ramanujan’s talent in the highest esteem, putting him on the same rarefied level as Euler and Jacobi. They eventually collaborated on acclaimed papers that finally merited the latter the Fellowship of the Royal Society.

The opening sequences in Kumbakonam sport a carefully composed mise-en-scène that unwittingly misses the redolence of the real India. Done-to-death flute music, with little tune variations, permeates the film with its melodramatic cloy. But the picture admirably allocates enough space and sensitivity to show Ramanujan’s disrupted marital life (their real-life age difference was much more awkward).

Jeremy Irons is pitch-perfect in his performance as G H Hardy. With a consistently droll sense of humour, he comes across as a tough world-weary Cambridge don who reserves an honest and good heart. The film is terrific in showing

how he calmly and relentlessly instructs the increasingly frustrated Ramanujan that showing methodical proofs is more important than miraculously birthing incredible formulae.

Dev Patel, in a commercially safe casting choice, essays Ramanujan; as though he were expected to pull off a different kind of Slumdog Millionaire. Patel is a British-bred actor of Gujarati ancestry and although he is intense and reasonably convincing in the film, I did not find the expected Tamilian either in his speech or physicality (accents aside, the real-life Ramanujan had a fullness of face and body unlike the lean Patel).

Regrettably, we never witness Patel being given his personal space for reflection so that we could glimpse more of the man behind that vaulting genius. But one of Brown’s best triumphs is evidenced in his indirect way of showing the film’s terminal event and the hidden reason behind this choice. We see the exquisite emotion in a person in whom we never saw that depth of feeling before.

The film is unflinching in showing the violent jealousy and racial hatred that additionally afflicted Ramanujan’s progress.

A strict Brahmin transplanted to a land

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Her father has his business in Hyderabad. One younger brother works in Canada.

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Theatre’s rising star

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A recent graduate of Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School, Vanessa Kumar plays the protagonist Leela Devi in Indian Ink’s recent production The Elephant Thief. She made her debut with The Court Theatre’s Peter Pan and was later seen as Sue Lewis in The Battalion and Celia in As You Like It. Indian Weekender spoke to Kumar to know more about her first production with Indian Ink. Esha Chanda

IWK: This is your first production with Indian Ink. How has the experience been?

Vanessa: It is a blessing to work with performing arts practitioners that I have admired (such as Nisha Madhan) long before I could comprehend acting to be a possible career path for me. A week after I graduated from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School, I was in my first workshop with Indian Ink. That was a year and seven months ago.

This is my first taste of working on a process of this length. I have been able to see how much of the show has changed since the first draft till now and it continues to evolve. This is helpful to my own practice. I am picking up things that I can apply to my own work: how to not be precious with my ideas—to let them go if they don’t serve the piece/what you want to say.

IWK: What inspired you to take up the role in The Elephant Thief?

Vanessa: When Jacob Rajan and Justin Lewis offers you a role in

Vanessa Kumar

Vanessa Kumar as Leela Devi in The Elephant Thief

an Indian Ink play you don’t pass up the chance. They have been a successful theatre company for 20 years. I think they know their stuff by now. I want to make work of substance and quality, work that celebrates my heritage.

Indian Ink Theatre Company encompasses that and so much

Khushi – A Family Fun Day

Date: Sunday, 12th June 2016 Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Venue: Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall, Anzac room, 13 May Road, Mt Roskill, Auckland Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust invites you to attend Khushi—a family fun day to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Event includes awareness on elder abuse and neglect, and cultural programs. For more information, contact Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust 09-6221010 www.shantiniwas.org.nz

CAB Workshops Health and Safety for Newcomers Date: Saturday, 11 June 2016 Time: 10 am to 12.30 pm Venue: Level 1, 3091 Great North Road, New Lynn Are you a newcomer to New Zealand? Would you like to understand the New Zealand public health service?

CAB New Lynn will hold a free information session for newcomers on Health and Safety for Newcomers in New Zealand. Hear from and talk to New Zealand Police about safety in the community. Presenters: Raj Singh of Waitemata District Health Board and Mandeep Kaur, Ethnic Peoples Community Relations Officer of New Zealand Police. Refreshment provided. To register please drop in, call or email at Citizens Advice Bureau New Lynn, Library Building, 3 Memorial Drive, New Lynn, or call 827 7830 or 827 4731, email newlynn@cab.org.nz.

Employment for newcomers

Date: Saturday, 18 June and 2 July 2016 Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Venue: Howick Local Board Meeting Room, Pakuranga

more. Leela appealed to me right from the first reading. She was hilarious and there was plenty of room to play as an actor. Comedic roles are where I have the most fun.

IWK: What are the challenges of performing on the stage?

Vanessa: Working in any theatre show, I believe, is always

a learning experience. I am constantly practising how to be in front of an audience, how to listen to what is needed in the room and then adjust the performance accordingly.

Indian Ink shows appeal to a wide range of people, from high school students to the middle aged.

It is interesting to see what parts of the play lands with each demographic, [and] what points commonly evoke strong reactions.

Deciphering the different energies in the room while remembering the lines and listening to my fellow cast mates constantly keeps me on my toes.

IWK: What are your views on the theatre culture in New Zealand?

Vanessa: I want to see more indigenous theatre. I want to see more people of colour on our stages, sharing our stories.

New Zealand stories. We are a multicultural society and that needs to be reflected on the main

Library Building complex, 7 Aylesbury Street, Manukau 2010 CAB Pakuranga-Eastern Manukau will hold two free information sessions for newcomers on Employment Learn about: CV writing, importance of cover letter, interview techniques, marketing oneself effectively and boosting self-confidence. Presenter: Val Maskell, CAB Career Club facilitator. Lunch provided. To get more information please email CAB Pakuranga at settlement. pakuranga@cab.org.nz or call Vani at 021459520

International Yoga Day

Date: Tuesday, 21 June 2016 Time:7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Venue: Mt Albert War Memorial Hall, Auckland.

Celebrate International Yoga Day Tuesday 21 June.

Program includes simple yoga stretches, meditation relaxation, kirtan. Free entry. BYO mat/towel. Bring a friend. For more information, contact: MeditationNZ classes@nzsm.co.nz

stages. Pro black, pro brown, pro red, pro yellow, pro purple; whatever your skin colour is, it does not mean less of something else. It should not mean a threat to anybody else. We need to be heard by others and by ourselves.

IWK: The most memorable role that you’ve played.

Vanessa: The nurse from Romeo and Juliet and, of course, Leela Devi.

IWK: What will the audience take away from The Elephant Thief?

Vanessa: The audience will take away great catchy tunes composed

by David Ward and hopefully a sense of empowerment and an impetus to act on questions and new perspectives that arise from watching the show.

The Elephant Thief runs from June 15 to July 2 at Q Theatre, Auckland. Tickets are available for purchase on www.indianink.co.nz.

Matariki Festival 2016

Date: 18 June to 17 Jul 2016 Time: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Venue: Region wide The rising of the Matariki star cluster heralds in Māori New Year and a month-long celebration with more than 100 events across the Auckland region, including concerts, theatre, exhibitions, kapa haka, kite flying and much more. Visit matarikifestival.org.nz for details (from 9 June). Matariki Festival 2016 has more than 100 events across the Auckland region. Prices vary – many free events

Wellness retreat

Date : June 25th 2016 Time : 10.00 AM -4.30 AM Venue : Mt. Eden War memorial Hall Chamber room 487 Dominion Road, Balmoral Auckland, Wellness Retreat on 25th of June 2016 in Auckland in the auspicious presence of Dr. Hazel Wardha (one of the closest inner circle members of Grand Master Choa Kok Sui). Course registration for highly sought out Dynamic self development programme along with the fastest & most effective “Therapeutics Skills Enhancement Techniques”: For the details about venue and cost of above course do contact us Lynn Hull-0211197286, Atrayee Roy0226037951 ,Faye Taylor-0272797322 & Ramesh Gupta -021986801

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