Indian Weekender 15 April 2016

15 April, 2016 • Vol. 8 Issue 4 • www.iwk.co.nz

NZ’s first Kiwi-Indian weekly newspaper

The pulse of Kiwi-Indians

VAISAKHI IN NZ K IW N W I I DI A

N

Established 2013

N W I I DI A N

2015

VISIT INDIA KI

N

KI

I I NDI A

ROYALS

2015

2

CONTENTS

15 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Red

Black

Pg

Orange

6

New Zealand

ITA hosts legislators from India’s UP state

Pg

8

Southline The era of CERA ends in Christchurch

Pg

19

India The royals dazzle during their India visit

Pg

21

Sports

IPL 2016 begins with a bang

Pg

24

Features I am strong, I am invincible, I am woman

Pg

30

Face of the Week Musical pursuits

COVER STORY

www.iwk.co.nz | 15 April 2016

Red

Black

3

Orange

First-ever vibrant and heart-warming Vaisakhi celebration in Beehive Swati Sharma

Attended by around 300 people, the circular banquet hall of Parliament was a jam-packed venue that witnessed the who’s who of Punjabi community from across the country

W

hile the Sikh community around the world is whole heartedly praising the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his inclusiveness of the Sikh community, in the country, and organising Vaisakhi in the Canadian Parliament, they were probably not aware of the fact that New Zealand has also, for the first time ever, celebrated this auspicious day in the New Zealand Parliament.

Under the leadership of first Sikh Kiwi-Indian MP Kanwaljit Sikh Bakshi, the Beehive celebrated the harvest festival, which is also the founding day of Khalsa Panth, on April 12.

Vaisakhi is celebrated across India with different names and rituals—Rongali Bihu in Assam, Naba Barsha in Bengal, Puthandu

PM John Key and MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi with a group of participants during the Vaisakhi celebration at the Beehive

in Tamil Nadu, Pooram Vishu in Kerala and Vaishakh’ in the state of Bihar.

In the north (Punjab) however it is celebrated with great energy and enthusiasm as Vaisakhi Sikhism is a faith founded on the

principles of equality, freedom of religion, and community service.

As the fifth-largest religion in the world, one of the core teachings of the Sikh religion and tradition is that all Sikhs must cultivate spirituality while also serving

the communities around them.

It teaches that the role and significance of the community is not limited to the political domain but emphasizes the central roles that communities play in shaping our spiritual journeys and encourages practitioners to seek out intentional communities

that share the same ethical values and spiritual commitments. Sikhs, both men and women, cover their uncut hair with a turban which represents a commitment to equality and justice.

Vaisakhi is fundamentally about celebrations, brotherhood, the community and progress. This week Sikhs all over the world will gather with their communities at gurdwaras, local places of worship, and reflect on these values.

Prime Minister John Key was the chief guest for the occasion.

Other dignitaries who attended the event included Ethnic Communities Minister Sam Lotu-liga, the three Kiwi-Indian MPs Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Dr Parmjeet Parmar and Mahesh Bindra, Health Minister Jonathan Coleman, Transport Minister Simon Bridges, MP Melissa Lee Continued on page 4

4

COVER STORY

15 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Continued from page 3

Red

to the regard the leaders of

its contributions to the wider New

working Indian Community and

Zealand

Community.

U

IT

Y

U

Y

UNION & CO

R T DE AC UN TR N CO

N

I

T

25

Photos: Pal Productions

the country have for the hard

N C O M M U

scheduled around the country, but needless to say that this celebration at the beehive brings with it a sense of inclusion as the Indian Community feels embraced by the Country they have chosen to call home. A celebration of this scale and fervour is testament

N

across the country. Daljit Singh from Supreme Sikh Society alone was leading a group of more than 100 people out of almost 200 people from Auckland.

Mandeep Kaur, Gurpreet Arora and Rakesh Naidoo from NZ Police were also present on the occasion. Among others present were NZICA President Harshad Patel, former NZICA President Ratilal Champaneri, Jeet Suchdev from Bhartiya Samaj and Kharak Singh Sidhu.

A prominent Wellingtonian Nagin Bhai Patel was the point of attraction as he attended in a full traditional Punjabi attire.

There are several other big and small Vaisakhi celebrations

Orange

The entertainment quotient at the event was quite high with some of the most energising performances given by young boys.

IO

Clockwise from above: PM John Key and MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi with members of Punjabi community; Mandeep Kaur, Gurpreet Arora and Rakesh Naidoo from NZ Police with Daljit Singh of Supreme Sikh Society; MP Bakshi addressing the audience during the event; a group of ladies performing Punjabi folk dance- Gidda

Black

N

and Race Relation Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy.

Ethnic Communities Minister Sam Lotu-liga started his address with jo bole so nihaal, sat sri akaal (Sikh slogan or jaikaara).

In his speech, he mentioned that he was surprised to know that Sikhism is the youngest and the fifth largest religion in the world. He praised the hardworking Punjabi community and said that New Zealand is proud to have such a strong and vibrant community.

The entertainment quotient at the event was quite high with some of the most energising performances given by young boys. Gatka (Sikh martial arts) was the main attraction of the evening. Another performance that garnered a lot of praise was the Punjabi folk dance gidda by a group of young, middleaged and senior women. Other performances included bhangra, Bollywood and western fusion dance, and kavishri (cultural poetry) by young boys.

Navtej Randhawa of Radio Spice, who was the master of ceremony for the evening, gave presentations on the history of Sikhs in New Zealand and about the history of Vaisakhi in Sikh culture along with the accompanying historical pictures.

Attended by around 300 people, the circular banquet hall of Parliament was a jam-packed venue that witnessed the who’s who of Punjabi community from

IO N

U C O M M

N

“YOU CAN ALMOST SEE AUSTRALIA....”

ATTEND

Protected Harbour and Mountain views

VIP PRE-LAUNCH

SECURE ON A

PRICED FROM $458,000

$1000 DEPOSIT NOTHING ELSE TO PAY UNTIL SETTLEMENT*”

Perched on the ridgeline between Auckland’s bustling CBD and the leafy suburb of Freemans Bay. Union & Co is a boutique residential community of 148 Residences and 4 Retail spaces that capitalises on position, amenity and practicality.

VIP PRE-LAUNCH ONSITE DISPLAY SUITE

OPENING 13TH APRIL 11am - 5pm, 15 - 17 UNION STREET PLENTY OF CARPARKING ONSITE

ACTUAL VIEW - WILL VARY FROM RESIDENCE TO RESIDENCE

HAYLEY SOK 021132 8985 h.sok@barfoot.co.nz LICENSED UNDER THE REAL ESTATE AGENTS ACT 2008

Artist Impression Only

Artist Impression Only

Artist Impression Only

Artist Impression Only

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. 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.

www.iwk.co.nz | 15 April 2016

COVER STORY

Otahuhu streets come alive with Sikh celebration

Red

Black

Orange

IWK Bureau

T

o mark the celebration of Vaisakhi, a procession was led from Otahuhu Gurudwara to the Otahuhu shopping mall. The 21st nagar kirtan (Sikh parade) was the biggest ever since the first procession in 1996. The parade, led by panj pyare (five beloved ones) saw participation from the public who walked alongside the Sri Guru Granth Sahib placed on a decorated trailer. Gatka teams (Sikh martial arts) from Auckland and Hastings were also a part of the procession.

Fruit and soft drinks were distributed among the viewers. The police, council and traffic management played a vital role in the success of the parade. Supreme Sikh Society Spokesperson Daljit Singh thanked the gathering who had come together to observe the harvest festival of Vaisakhi in high spirits.

Nosh corporates store franchise opportunities Nosh is a well established and respected brand in the specialist food market category offering an exciting business and lifestyle opportunity.

There are 6 Nosh Gourmet Food Markets for sale Management and sales skills would be an advantage. If this is a business that is of interest to you please e-mail me or call to make an appointment to discuss further. P.O.A.�

For More information call Dilip on 022 354 0440

5

6

NEW ZEALAND

15 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

ITA hosts legislators from India’s UP state Red

Black

Orange

IWK Bureau

A

high-level delegation of legislators from India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, visited New Zealand last week as part of their visit to the Australasia region.

India-New Zealand trade and investment organisation India Trade Alliance (ITA) hosted the 20 plus strong delegation at a dinner at the Langham in Auckland.

Mohammed Azam Khan, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly led the delegation, which included a number of senior ministers and legislators from major political parties of the state.

Nearly 100 guests attended the dinner. Recently appointed Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand HE Sanjiv Kohli addressed the gathering shortly after ITA Chairman Giri Gupta formally welcomed the guests.

Delegation leader Mr Khan addressed the audience in chaste Urdu, one of the languages spoken in Uttar Pradesh and other northern Indian states. He covered considerable ground in his speech touching upon politics, development, economics, progress his state has been making in the past three years and relations between India and New Zealand.

Fluent in his delivery, Mr Khan spoke eloquently, sometimes breaking into verse to illustrate a point. He invited New Zealand businesses to visit Uttar Pradesh not just to view the Taj Mahal, India’s most well-known icon.

He invited entrepreneurs to share knowhow and reap the benefits of volumes offered by its considerable population.

Covering a geographical space roughly as

Clockwise from above: ITA Chairman Giri Gupta and Vice Chairman Dr Don Brash (centre) with the deligates from Uttar Pradesh; Uttar Pradesh Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mohd. Azam Khan; ITA Chairman Giri Gupta; and Indian High Commissioner HE Sanjiv Kohli

Mohammed Azam Khan, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly led the delegation, which included a number of senior ministers and legislators from major political parties of the state.

much as New Zealand, Uttar Pradesh has nearly 200 million people compared to just 4.5 million Kiwis.

ITA also presented its vision for the India Village, a multi-faceted platform and framework for increased people-topeople engagement between India and other nations, beginning with New Zealand.

The idea is to supplement the efforts of governments to foster and strengthen ties by increased people-to-people involvement in activities such as business, trade, investment, sport, culture and other human endeavours.

Mr Gupta said that the delegation and its head, Mr Khan, were receptive to the idea and were keen to see it progress. ITA CoVice Chairman Dr Richard Worth rendered the vote of thanks.

Meanwhile, guests took the opportunity to mingle and hold discussions and network with members of the state government before and after the event.

Electorate Office: 7 Fulton Cres, Otara 09 274 9231 or 09 278 9972 jenny.salesa@parliament.govt.nz Papatoetoe: YouthLine Building, 145 St George Street, Friday mornings 9.30am to 12pm

BUYING A BUSINESS? SELLING A BUSINESS?

I have had considerable experience, both in NZ and overseas, including over 22 years in business, sales and marketing. I have owned and successfully run a number of businesses including service stations, Lotto and superettes, dairies, liquor stores and am also very familiar with the hospitality sector. With the backing of NZ’s premier business brokerage I can offer the degree of professional service that effectively brings business buyers and sellers together to conclude successful outcomes.

Otahuhu: Otahuhu Town Hall, 10 -12 High Street Monday mornings 9am to 12pm

NZ’S #1 BUSINESS BROKERAGE 2010 - 2014 REINZ AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Authorised by Jenny Salesa, Parliamentary Buildings, Wellington

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS • ABC Lister of the Year 2015 • ABC Runners Up Salesperson of the Year 2014 • Rising Star of the Year (National Award) 2013 Call me today for a free appraisal and a confidential discussion.

AFFILIATED BUSINESS CONSULTANTS LTD LIC REAA 2008

SHAUN KHANNA M. 0297 709 767 | E. shaunk@abcbusiness.co.nz

T. 09 215 7491 www.abcbusiness.co.nz 20151006 - Salesa ad 125x170.indd 1

06/10/15 11:24

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 15 April 2016

Deconstructing bharatnatyam

Red

Black

RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

Orange

T

he audience settle on their seats in the Q Theatre. It is 7:05 p.m. on a breezy Saturday evening. The crowd murmurs as the curtains go up and two classical dancers dressed in creamcoloured cotton garments with golden stripes, also called Kara in traditional Kerala dressing, appear on the stage.

With shades of blue and white light on the backdrop and a spotlight on the duo, the dancers perform to Sanskrit chants reverberating through the venue.

Intellectuals, patrons of art and classical dance enthusiasts had gathered last week to witness one of the finest dance performances in the southern hemisphere.

Govind Pillai and Raina Peterson took the audience on an hour-long journey of visual meditation with their deconstruction of the ancient dance form. Earlier this year, In Plain Sanskrit had sold-out shows in Melbourne and Sydney. Both Govind and Raina reside in Australia and have been performing in different art festivals across the world.

The show brought a fusion of classical Bharatnatyam and contemporary dances, choreographed like a storm of natural flavours minus the unnecessary added spices; A complete deconstruction of the add ons such as jewellery, ornaments, props or exaggerated moves. The simplicity of the dance was visible from the attire of the performers, who were clad in a simple cotton garment instead of the traditional heavy silk costume with jewellery and make-up to highlight facial features.

The platform had three silver pots (kalash) filled with water, scattered flowers

TWO WEEK FREE TRIAL Register with your local Kumon Instructor Before 9 May! and a mud pot with wheat flour used as props for the dance. Govind emptied the mud pot and the duo drew a rangoli on the stage, only to later smudge it. Rangoli represents a beautiful creation and messing or defiling it means provoking ancient beliefs and defying the custom. The idea to smudge the rangoli was to break stereotypes, challenge the norms and do something unconventional.

“I have witnessed one of the most soulliberating forms of artwork today. It was so spiritually uplifting and connecting,” exclaimed one from the audience.

More than 70 per cent of the viewers were Kiwis and their curiosity about the dance and the dancers was evident at the Q&A session after the show.

The show ended with a standing ovation and a thunderous applause.

Trial the Kumon English or Maths Programme from 16–31 May 2016 and find out how Kumon can develop in your child • calculation and reading ability • concentration • a daily study and reading habit • the confidence to learn independently.

Call today to secure your child’s place in the Free Trial.

Call 0800 458 666 for contact details of your nearest Kumon Centre.

NZ IMMIGRATION Do You Need New Zealand Work Visa/Residence?

We Can Help You!

Woburn’s Professional team can help you towards: • NZ Work Visa • Student Visa • Visitor Visa • Job Search Assistance • Occupational Registration • NZQA Qualification Recognition • NZ Residence through Skilled Migrant • NZ Residence through Family Sponsorship • NZ Residence through Partnership With 25 years’ experience we can help • NZ Returning Resident’s Visa you achieve your goals. We do not lodge • Residence through Investment/Business applications unless we are confident you meet all the requirements for success.

Initial Consultation upto 45 mins. $150+GST Charges deducted off overall fee when proceeding

We provide Hindi, Gujarati, and English Consultancy Service.

Meena Patel

License No. 201200726

Contact us today:

T 04 5694861 or

021 02749743

KUMON CENTRES IN NEW ZEALAND AUCKLAND ALBANY BIRKENHEAD BROWNS BAY DANNEMORA EPSOM FORREST HILL GLENFIELD HENDERSON HOWICK MANUKAU HEIGHTS MANUREWA MT ALBERT MT ROSKILL NEW LYNN PAKURANGA PAPATOETOE REMUERA ROYAL OAK TAKAPUNA WEST HARBOUR

CHRISTCHURCH FENDALTON ILAM DUNEDIN SOUTH DUNEDIN HAMILTON ENDERLEY WELLINGTON JOHNSONVILLE KARORI KILBIRNIE LOWER HUTT MT COOK NGAIO

June Ranson

License No. 200800674

Visit us at:

Level 2, 15 Daly Street, Chamber of Commerce House, Lower Hutt www.woburn.co.nz

Terms and conditions apply. Please visit

http://nz.kumonglobal.com

7

8

NEW ZEALAND

15 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Red

Black

Orange

The era of CERA ends in Christchurch Gaurav Sharma

W

ith the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Bill gathering unanimous support during its third and final reading in Parliament on March 31, and Prime Minister John Key announcing the establishment of a new ministerial portfolio supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration to replace the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery portfolio, the era of CERA (Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority) has ended in the city.

When CERA ceases to exist on Monday, April 18, various government agencies will be inheriting its functions including Land Information New Zealand, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Ministry of Health, and Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Gerry Brownlee is now the minister supporting the Greater Christchurch Regeneration and Nicky Wagner has been appointed his deputy or associate minister supporting the Greater Christchurch Regeneration, effective from April 11, 2016.

“The rebuild of Canterbury is one of the most ambitious undertakings in New Zealand’s history, and supporting the rebuild remains of one of National’s main priorities. The passing of the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act and the disestablishment of CERA marks a new phase in the Canterbury rebuild,” noted the

Two monuments – one is the newest Margaret Mahy Family Playground(right) in Christchurch’s CBD and the other is city’s iconic Cathedral(top) – representing what went right and wrong in the earthquake rebuild after 2011

PM. Greater Christchurch Regeneration Bill Brownlee was especially pleased at the passing of the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Bill, which: • establishes Regenerate Christchurch, an entity jointly controlled by the Crown and Christchurch City Council • sets out the process for regeneration plans, which replace recovery plans • sets out the powers available to the Minister and Chief Executive, particularly in relation to land use and planning • sets the path for a return to local leadership and • as well as has the key objective of moving on from the earthquake recovery phase and into the regeneration phase.

“While we have achieved a significant amount of progress in Christchurch and its outlying areas, which would have been impossible without the Canterbury

Earthquake Recovery Act 2011, the passing of this bill heralds a new opportunity for Christchurch and its communities as we work to create a vibrant, regenerated greater Christchurch,” noted the Minister.

Interestingly, since there is no existing shared ownership model, w hich meets the objectives of both the Council and the Crown, the government had introduced the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Bill in the Parliament last year, supporting regeneration of Greater Christchurch following the expiry of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act 2011 on April 26, this year.

Regenerate Christchurch As reported by Indian Weekender last year, and in a first for the country with potential for replication beyond Christchurch, the Crown and Christchurch City Council had earlier outlined plans to establish Regenerate Christchurch (RC)—“a jointly owned and funded entity tasked with overseeing the long-term $40 billion development and enhancement of the Central City, residential red zone, New Brighton and other potential regeneration zones”.

With a working mandate of five years— till 2021—RC is to have an independent board reporting to both the Crown and Council. This is to ensure that the new agency is managed completely different from CERA. Moreover, RC will work in close coordination with the city council’s newly established development company Development Christchurch Limited— the point of entry for new investors in the city—as well as a Crown-controlled company. Notably, after five years, the RC will be transfer to the city as a fully Council Controlled Organisation (CCO).

Both, Brownlee and Lianne Dalziel, the Mayor of Christchurch, had welcomed the development at that time, calling it a new beginning in federalism in the country.

So with the ball set in motion now, Christchurch has officially shifted its focus from “recovery to regeneration”—a phrase used by both these senior politicians last year.

Ram Navami celebrations

by Fiji-Indians Gaurav Sharma

T THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL at the gateau house Marble Chiffon Gateau, Standard Size

Normally $52 / Now $46 Only Offer valid only from 01/04/2016 ~ 30/04/2016

Green Tea Mousse Log Normally $26 / Now $22 Only Offer valid only from 16/04/2016 ~ 30/04/2016

More cakes are available for Birthday, Wedding and special occasions

www.gateauhouse.com

Mt Eden (Head Shop) Queen Street, CBD High Street, CBD Newmarket Dannemora Henderson Glenfield

he Christchurch Fiji Association organised the nine-day long Ram Navami celebrations in the city between April 8 and 15.

Association members and the wider community participated in bhajan programmes, rituals such as pujas, and distribution of prasad every evening.

Jagat Singh, President of the Association informed, “According to the Hindu calendar, Lord Rama was born on navami tithi during shukla paksha of the Chaitra month, exactly at mid-day or madhyahna.

In simple terms, Ram Navami, which

falls on the ninth day of the Hindu lunar year, is on Friday, April 15, this year.”

The festival falls eight days after Ugadi and coincides with Vasant Navratri or Chaitra Durga Puja, resulting in celebrations being spread over nine days.

Along with marking the birth of Lord Rama, it is also observed as the wedding day of Rama and Sita, the organisers informed.

“While our bhajans extol the virtues of Rama, Lakshman, Sita, and Hanuman, Ram Katha—be it the entire Akhanda Ramayana, or just a part like Sunder Kand discussing the exploits of Hanuman and his meeting with Sita in Lanka—has so many lessons for all of us,” Singh added.

www.iwk.co.nz | 15 April 2016

Celebrating the Telugu New Year

Red

Black

Orange

Gaurav Sharma

T

he Telugu Association of South Island New Zealand (TasiNZ), an informal group in existence since 2006, celebrated Ugadi, the Telugu New Year, in Christchurch on April 9.

Diwakar Kandula, a researcher at the Lincoln University and one of the founding members of TasiNZ, informed, “We had 240 people attending the festivities, which included prayers, poetry recitals, dance and Telugu song performances as well as two teams of ladies and gents fighting it out in a game of dumb charades. The evening ended with dinner comprising traditional cuisine of this festival including dishes [such as] Pulihora, Bobbatlu, and Ugadi Pachchadi—a dish prepared with jaggery, raw mangoes, neem flowers and raw tamarind.”

Ugadi or Yugadi, as it is called in the Deccan region of India, marks the commencement of the Hindu New Year by recognising a change in the lunar orbit. It also signals the advent of spring. The first day of bright half of the lunar month Chaitra is considered to be the day for Ugadi celebration, which generally falls in the months of March/April of the English calendar.

Hindu mythology says that the day is dedicated to Lord Brahma, the almighty

creator, who began his creation on this day.

Celebrations include decorating houses with mango leaves and rangolis, and ritualistic worship to pray for good health and prosperity in the coming year. The nine-day-long spring festival of Vasanta Navratri begins on this day and concludes on Ram Navami, informed the organisers.

NEW ZEALAND

9

10

NEW ZEALAND

15 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Red

Black

Orange

Employment tool shows Brain Research NZ commitment to small businesses opens dementia clinic

T

S

mall business owners are now able to quickly and easily create employment agreements online with the launch of a refreshed Employment Agreement Builder tool, Minister for Small Business Craig Foss says.

“Hiring an employee can be stressful for a small business but, with the updated Employment Agreement Builder, we’re making the process easy. This means less time working on contracts and more time working on your business,” Mr Foss says.

“Using the Employment Agreement Builder, you can quickly create an agreement on your mobile, tablet or PC tailored to your business and to each person you employ.

“In New Zealand, a written employment agreement is compulsory no matter who you employ, what they do, or for how long. It means both you and your employees know where you stand from the beginning and, if there is a disagreement, all parties

have rights and protection under the law. A good employment agreement is the foundation of a good employment relationship.”

Since it was first launched in 2010, the Employment Agreement Builder has proven popular with employers. The tool has been refreshed by Business.govt.nz, part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, to enable employers to easily identify

what clauses are mandatory, what clauses are voluntary and when they are appropriate to use. It will also help employers comply with recent employment law changes.

“This project demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving services to small businesses through user-friendly and simplified tools that help meet their compliance obligations,” Mr Foss says.

ertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce opened the Brain Research New Zealand Dementia Prevention Research Clinic in Auckland on April 8. The clinic is part of the $29.8 million Brain Research Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE).

“The Clinic will allow New Zealand researchers to carry out world-leading studies about how to slow the progression of dementia,” Mr Joyce says. The first clinic will open in Auckland and similar clinics are planned in Christchurch and Dunedin later this year.

“The clinics will work closely with patients, allowing researchers to investigate the progression of the disease. This could lead to new treatments and therapies which could ultimately increase the quality of life of patients and reduce health care costs.”

The CoREs Fund was established in 2001 to encourage the development of excellent tertiary education-based research that is collaborative and strategically focused.

A total of ten CoREs have now been funded through to 2020.

Government has provided more than $635 million in funding to current and previous CoREs.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 15 April 2016

Ending tax breaks for the rich

Red

Black

11

Orange

Barry Coates Green Party

T

he recent leak of the Panama papers lift the lid on a huge cesspit of tax evasion and money laundering hosted by the world’s tax havens. It is shameful that the papers show New Zealand to be one of those tax havens.

The 11 million leaked documents show that a single law firm, Mossack Fonseca, set up 200,000 secret companies.

There may be some legitimate reasons for their existence but most of these companies have been established in countries where there has been little financial disclosure and where tax is avoided.

Tax havens have become parasites on the world economy and a deeply unfair burden on the vast majority of people who pay their taxes and support public services.

Tax havens should not just be reformed to allow a bit more disclosure; they should be abolished. Wealthy individuals and large corporations are required to pay their fair share of tax.

In New Zealand, it is shameful that there has been silence about the wealthy, who have avoided or evaded taxes on a massive scale while there has been public outrage levelled at a few beneficiaries who may try to claim more than their allowance or tradesmen who don’t declare cash income.

Governments have allowed tax havens and other mechanisms for tax avoidance by the wealthy to continue for decades. In the case of countries such as New Zealand, the government has actively set up structures that enable it to happen, such as the secretive foreign trusts that exempt foreign income from taxation.

In a familiar pattern of behaviour, the prime minister denied there was a problem and then when this became politically impossible to defend, set up a process that would address a small part of the problem and recommend a minimal change.

The prime minister’s damage control mechanism is that single tax expert will look at disclosure rules for foreign trusts.

The problem is far wider. Structures such as New Zealand foreign trusts have been used for illicit arms deals (such as the case of a New Zealand involvement in trading North Korea weapons), crime syndicates and money laundering and large-scale theft of money from developing country governments and tax evasion.

These loopholes should be closed.

There is a pattern of behaviour in protecting the rich and loading the burden onto the rest of society.

This is also evident in the government’s reluctance to make large multinational companies such as Apple or Google pay their fair share of taxes in New Zealand, allowing shifting of income outside New Zealand to avoid paying a fair share of tax.

And the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) would give foreign corporations new rights, including the right to take the New Zealand

government to an international tribunal and claim compensation for laws and regulations that reduce their profitability.

There needs to be a change.

The rules need to ensure that all individuals and companies pay their fair share of taxes. There needs to be more support for local companies struggling to survive against multinational corporations that get all the rights and advantages, as well as avoiding tax. It is our small and

medium enterprises that create jobs, deliver local benefits and build our economy, not the multinationals.

Instead of tax havens, loopholes for multinationals and agreements like the TPPA, we need fair rules for all.

Barry Coates is next on the Green Party list to get into Parliament. He is an economist with a Masters degree from Yale School of Management and was the former CEO of Oxfam New Zealand.

McCLYMONT AND ASSOCIATES Immigration Law Specialists

DR PARMJEET PARMAR NATIONAL LIST MP BASED IN MOUNT ROSKILL

Alastair McClymont

Experience.

Advice.

Results.

MOUNT ROSKILL OFFICE: A: 1/165 Stoddard Road, Mount Roskill P: 09 620 6707

Aakanksha McClymont

E: Parmjeet.Parmar@Parliament.govt.nz

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

Call us for free consultation on 09 6233344 or

021 994033

www.parmjeetparmar.co.nz facebook.com/DrParmjeetParmarMP Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by Dr Parmjeet Parmar MP, Parliament Buildings Wellington

www.national.org.nz

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

NEW ZEALAND

12

15 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Red

Tax-dodging trusts damage New Zealand Phil Goff

Labour MP

N

ew Zealand’s reputation took a hit last week when it was listed internationally with places such as Jersey and the Cayman Islands as a tax haven. Our reputation for integrity was sullied after it was revealed that this country has been complicit with the powerful and wealthy using it to register trusts here to dodge meeting their tax obligations. The leaked Panama Papers showed that more than 12,000 offshore trusts registered here, apparently to avoid taxation because New Zealand laws don’t require disclosure of beneficiaries or accounts.

Just a couple of weeks earlier, New Zealanders were outraged to learn that large multinationals earning more than $10

billion a year in sales from New Zealand paid just $1.8 million in tax here. That tax rate means that very wealthy companies are paying a tiny fraction of the rate paid by New Zealand’s lowest income earners.

Like most New Zealanders, I have no problem with people becoming wealthy through hard work and their business skills.

Good luck to those who do. What I and other Kiwis object to is when people avoid paying their fair share towards the cost of the benefits we all enjoy from the services the taxes pay for. Those who dodge their tax simply transfer the burden onto honest New Zealanders who pay their share.

The government’s response was that dealing with the big multinationals was something it couldn’t do much about. They said it was for the international community, through bodies such as the OECD, to respond by changing international tax law. We would, National said, contribute towards that effort. Now it seems that we have lost our credibility in that area by not responding to tax dodgers exploiting

our country’s tax laws. If we expect other countries to stop companies avoiding paying tax here, we need to do likewise when individuals or corporates are using New Zealand to avoid taxes in their own countries. New Zealand was rightly proud of its reputation for good governance, lack of corruption and high standards. Until recently we were rated as the best country in the world in this respect. Sadly over the last couple of years, we have slipped to fourth and the latest scandal will further damamge our reputation. In light of the damage this is doing to us, John Key’s response was disappointing. His first reaction was that there was no problem with what we were doing and no need to act to deal with tax-dodging trusts. Perhaps this isn’t surprising because John Key himself, with a background in the international financial industry, is on record as saying that he wanted New Zealand to be “the Jersey of the South Pacific”. That sounds very much like advocating for New Zealand to be a tax haven. National also drew attention to the

Improving NZ’s global connectivity Parmjeet Parmar

National List MP

A

s a small country isolated by vast areas of ocean, air links are essential to New Zealand’s connectivity with the rest of the world.

Our trade and tourism industries are heavily reliant on visitors arriving by air.

That’s why the government has made expanding air services a priority. To fly in and out of the countries, agreements

need to be put in place between countries to allow services. These agreements with other countries remove restrictions and help pave the way for airlines to operate new routes in and out of New Zealand.

More flights allow for more high-value freight connections and increasing regional connections to international flights creates more opportunities for provincial exporters.

Increasing competition and the number of available seats drives down prices and gives prospective visitors to New Zealand more choices.

Since the government launched its International Air Transport Policy in 2012, more than 50 new or amended agreements have been negotiated, bringing the total to just more than 70. Last week the government

signed several new air services agreements with Israel, Mauritius, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, and Portugal. We’re also expanding our existing agreements with Turkey and France. Growing our network of air service agreements means more flights from more airlines in and out of New Zealand to more and more parts of the world. The government has a strong track record of negotiating air service agreements and New Zealand is reaping the benefits as a result.

We are seeing record numbers of tourists arriving—3.2 million in the past year.

Most of the major airlines in the world are now able to operate services to New Zealand without restriction. There’s been an unprecedented flourishing of

Young entrepreneurs and the future of work Jenny Salesa

Labour MP

M

any business people, workers, students, economists and academics from New Zealand and overseas attended Labour’s recent Future of Work conference in Auckland.

It was an exciting two days that created a lot of buzz around the changes in the global marketplace, emerging jobs and professions, and the skills Kiwis will need to keep abreast of fast-paced change over the next few decades. During the Conference, Labour released 10 Big Ideas, gathered

from all our own conversations with a huge variety of people around New Zealand about these issues. Since an estimated 46 per cent of jobs will be disappearing in the coming decades, people are getting involved in helping shape the future and creating the toolkits Kiwis will need to flourish.

These 10 base concepts, such as Digital Equality, Business Clusters and maximising competitive advantage, Building Wealth, and Reforming the Transition Between Education, Training and Work, provide the framework for specific policies and actions that will ensure decent work and income security for all.

In January, we announced we’d be phasing in three years of free post-school education or training across a person’s lifetime for anyone who hasn’t had those opportunities.

However, not everyone

VACANCY

Auckland based Motel looking for an Assistant Manager to start immediately.

Should have Business/Hospitality Diploma and 1-2 years experience in customer service.

Valid work visa/ PR required.

Contact: reporter@indianweekender.co.nz

is suited to formal education or training.

Some people learn by doing. Some of our best-known entrepreneurs have learnt everything on the job.

The young people of today will most likely have to generate more of their own income and will experience far less stable work than their parents and grandparents.

Encouraging their business skills will be crucial. Knowing the next generation of smart and innovative young Kiwis will need nurturing and capital to get successful ideas off the ground, the next Labour government will establish a Young Entrepreneurs Plan.

We will encourage innovative, young entrepreneurs, aged between 18 and 23, to create their own successful businesses by providing them with training, a business mentor and up to $20,000 in a capital grant for successful applicants.

Black

Orange

fact that lawyers and accountants made $24 million a year out of setting up overseas trust accounts. They have now been forced to do a complete U-turn and not before time. Was the $24 million really the value of our reputation for doing the right thing and our ability to win cooperation from others to deal with tax dodgers in New Zealand?

Tax experts, academics and newspaper editorials have all joined in the condemnation of the government’s donothing approach. Most New Zealanders are adamant that wealthy foreign firms should be paying their fair share of taxes from the money they earn here. Equally, we should not be letting wealthy individuals from overseas be registered tax-free here and not pay tax in their own countries.

Being wealthy and powerful is no excuse for those individuals and entities taking and giving nothing back and freeloading on the backs of others. The immediate reaction of New Zealanders is that this is not right.

That should have been the government’s reaction too.

new air services starting with 18 new air routes announced in the past year alone including services to Dubai, Singapore, and Los Angeles.

Just this week, Air New Zealand announced a new Auckland-Manila service creating the first ever direct air link from New Zealand to the Philippines. This is a direct result of an enhanced air services arrangement the government signed with the Philippines in 2014.

Air service agreements are a core part of this government’s efforts to promote and open up New Zealand to the world. Being a trading nation, we’re reliant on air links with other countries.

That’s why we’ll continue our efforts to grow and enhance these connections.

The one-off start-up grant has a safety net of funded business training, an ongoing business mentor and a business plan approved by an independent panel of experts. Grants would be capped at 100 per year for the first three years.

This would mean that young people who have a good business brain and the drive to make their ideas work would have every opportunity to establish a good business and help determine the future of work.

New Zealand needs more innovation and more successful entrepreneurs. This small investment would help create the next generation of them.

Making sure every New Zealander is prepared for the changing nature of work is one the biggest tasks facing this country.

EXPERIENCED TRAVEL AGENT REQUIRED • Malayalam speaking • 2-3 years work experience

Email your CV at reporter@indianweekender.co.nz

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 15 April 2016

Red

Black

Orange

Auckland Council keeps up surge in building consents

A

uckland’s housing boom shows no signs of slowing, with a record 23,220 building consent applications received in the last year, up by 12 per cent.

“Demand for consents has been relentless. The numbers keep on jumping so to manage the constant workflow we’ve brought on board the consents teams from Wellington and Porirua,” says Auckland Council Building Control Processing Manager Doug Naylor.

Mr Naylor has been involved with building consent lodgements for 27 years and believes this is the highest surge of applications he’s seen in that time.

To manage the heavy volume, the consents team has contracted Wellington and Porirua city councils, initially for 12 months, to ensure Aucklanders don’t experience unnecessary delays with their applications.

“The boom has made it difficult to find experienced design and construction specialists the council—and the wider industry—require to meet demand,” says Mr Naylor. The council has approached

the resourcing challenge by making greater use of technology, stepping up training and development programmes and tapping into consent processing capacity in other parts of the nation. The council is currently in negotiations with a number of other potential providers.

The increase in consents is partly due to the establishment of 154 Special Housing Areas across Auckland with a potential yield of 56,000 new homes.

Wellington City Council Building Compliance and Consents General Manager Mike Scott says there haven’t been any logistical or administrative issues processing consents for Aucklanders.

“Wellington City Council has longstanding connections with Auckland Council, and this is a natural extension of our collegial relationship and is beneficial to both organisations and cities,” he says.

IMMIGRATION LAW

COMMERCIAL LAW

Skilled Employment

Sale & Purchase of Residential Property

All kinds of Work Visas

Sale & Purchase of Business

Student Visa,

Lease

Appeals, Deportation

Wills & Family Trusts

Over Stayers (S-61)

Mediation

Come and meet our experts for a free initial consultation*

Immigration & Protection Tribunal Judicial Review High Court

CRIMINAL LAW

FAMILY LAW

Drink Driving

Domestic violence

Careless or Dangerous Driving

Divorce/seperation

Common Assaults

Child custody

Work License

Parenting/ Protection orders Adoption/ guardianship

BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS

Ashima Budgoojar Barrister/ Solicitor LLB/MIT/BCom

Raj Pradeep Singh Barrister/ Solicitor LLB/BA(Hon)

CONTACT US AT: RAJ: raj@legalassociates.co.nz ASHIMA: ashima@legalassociates.co.nz * Terms & conditions apply

Ashima Singh: 02102417161 31, East Tamaki Road, Level-1 Papatoetoe, Auckland.

Ph.: +64 9 2799439 | Fax: +64 9 2799419

PO BOX 23445, Hunters Corner, Papatoetoe, Auckland. 2025 (Above Bank Of India) www.legalassociates.co.nz

13

14

FIJI

15 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Red

Black

Orange

UNICEF NZ Director visits affected families

U

NICEF New Zealand’s Executive Director, Vivien Maidaborn, is currently in Fiji to see first-hand how UNICEF is responding to the needs of children and families across Fiji.

UNICEF New Zealand’s Executive Director, Vivien Maidaborn, is currently in Fiji to see first-hand how UNICEF is responding to the needs of children and families across Fiji.

Just six weeks after Category 5 Cyclone Winston devastated Fiji, affecting 40 per cent of the Pacific Island nation’s population, three simultaneous tropical disturbances brought unprecedented rainfall to many parts of the country, including

several areas already affected by Cyclone Winston.

Entire communities have been flooded, roads blocked and crops destroyed, deepening the vulnerability of many families dependent on harvests as a key source of income and food. In cyclone-affected communities, the flood waters also washed away newly replanted seeds, erasing recovery efforts including the whole Fiji seed stock.

From her current location of Rakiraki, a town on the northern coast of Viti Levu, Ms Maidaborn said, “The families I have been meeting with have been through so many catastrophic events in the last few weeks. They are mentally and physically exhausted and

the parents are worried about the affects all of this upheaval will have on their children, particularly their health and

Locals pitch in with support to help Fiji recover from cyclone

T

auranga locals continue to band together to help Fiji after Cyclone Winston ripped through the island country.

Kimberly D’Mello, Sophie Thompson, Hannah Skelton, Jamie Regan and Andrew Randrup are among the group of Aquinas College students fundraising for $20,000 to help with the rebuild.

They plan to travel to Fiji with teachers and some parents who have construction, trade and first aid experience, between July 10 and 20.

A group from the college usually go over to Fiji every one or two years to build homes for families in the village of Vanuakula, but now “there is more of an immediate need”, said Miss D’Mello.

Mr Randrup said they may be going outside the village for repair work as it was less affected by the cyclone compared to other parts.

Students Kimberly D’Mello, Sophie Thompson, Hannah Skelton, Jamie Regan and Andrew Randrup are fundraising for their rebuild trip to Fiji

Mr Regan said he was expecting they would see the difference “between where you go on holidays, and the real thing”.

Miss Skelton said they had all been working hard to raise an extra $1800 on top of the $20,000 to get themselves to Fiji and for their accommodation.

The Red Cross in Greerton donated first aid kits, and Tauranga Party Hire gave him some old marquees to send to his

village. The Tauranga SeventhDay Adventist Church was also helping Mr Biu by holding a concert to fundraise to help get the items to Fiji. Break Free Expeditions has loaded up its aid container for Fiji.

It will be going to the hardest hit areas including Rakiraki and Savusavu. “Local businesses have been incredibly generous with their donations of materials,” Ms Judge said.

F

Source: Fiji Sun

Minister visit’s NZ on the recognised seasonal employer work scheme

T

Ambassador Prakash for UAE iji’s new Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Mr Kamlesh Prakash recently presented his credentials to the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His Highness Al Maktoum is also the Ruler of Dubai.

Ambassador Prakash conveyed the warm greetings of Fijian President, H.E Major General (retired) Jioji Konrote and Fiji’s desire to further enhance bilateral relations.

Ambassador Prakash presented a copy of his credentials to H.E Mohammed Mir Abdullah Al Raisi Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

Under-Secretary Al Raisi wished Ambassador Prakash every

education. “Children themselves are aware of dramatically reduced lifestyles with their houses broken, food supplies very limited

success in his efforts to enhance bilateral co-operation between the UAE and Fiji.

Ambassador Prakash reciprocated that he looked forward to further enhancing areas of mutual interest between the two countries and that it would be an honour to represent Fiji in the UAE, a country with a prestigious reputation as

a regional and international hub realized by the vision and wise policies of His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Ambassador Prakash will also serve as non-resident Ambassador to Fiji’s other countries of accreditation in the region and as Permanent Representative to IRENA whilst based in the UAE.

and schools closed. Josiana, 15 years old from Nasolo Village, told us that education is the most important thing in the wake of a disaster and that she hopes to be a teacher someday.

The current outlook remains precarious for people in Fiji with health issues continuing to be a priority for UNICEF. Water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea are on the increase, as is conjunctivitis for large parts of the affected population.

Access to clean and safe water for drinking, cooking and washing also continues to be of paramount concern.

To date UNICEF has helped to restore access to safe water for 200,000 people.

he Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Honourable Semi Koroilavesau and a team of senior officials from the Ministry is currently in New Zealand to discuss the labour mobility portfolio with counterparts in New Zealand and meet Fijian seasonal workers currently employed under the RSE scheme.

“It is also to ensure that the expectations New Zealand Minister for Immigration, Honourable Michael Woodhouse with Fijian Minister for Employment, Productivity and of Fijian workers Industrial Relations, Honourable Semi Koroilavesau and New Zealand employers are in line with the Murray McCully, the New Zealand Inter-Agency Understanding Minister for Foreign Affairs (IAU) arrangements,” during his visit to Fiji last month.

The Minister thanked the said the Minister.

The demand for Fijian workers New Zealand Government for is expected to grow and as a result the invitation and welcomes of good performance the first his New Zealand counterpart group of 31 pilot workers in 2015 to Fiji as part of its strategic has returned to NZ to commence partnership arrangements.

The inclusion of Fijian workers work for another season in 2016.

During this visit, the team to participate in the RSE work met with employers, senior scheme was through the signing of New Zealand Government the lnter-Agency Understanding Officials, Fijian workers and the (IAU) agreement on December 10, 2014 between the Ministry Fijian community.

The visitation is part of the of Employment, Productivity & RSE bilateral agreement between Industrial Relations, Fiji and the the Governments of New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Fiji following the invitation and Employment (MBIE), extended by the Honourable New Zealand.

FIJI

www.iwk.co.nz | 15 April 2016

15

Fiji takes on the world’s best

Red

Black

T

he abbreviated code of rugby is the only place right now where Fiji is able to beat Tier One nations on the rugby field, says Sports and Youth Minister Laisenia Tuitubou.

He made these comments after the Ben Ryan coached Vodafone Fiji 7s team retained their champions title for the second consecutive year at Happy Valley making Fijian rugby fans around the globe the happiest.

“We cannot really shrug off the

Orange

fact, that we are pretty good at it.

In fact for thousands of Fijians, and fans around the globe, we are world champions.

“We dictate, to a large extent, how the game is played or should be played. That is why I like this abbreviated code as smaller rugby nations like us compete with, and beat Tier One rugby nations that beats us in 15s,” Tuitubou said.

He added, “It seems we can never be too comfortable when it comes to sevens rugby. In fact it

Healthcare family helps cyclone victims

R

yman Healthcare in New Zealand has raised more than $93,000 to assist Fijians affected by Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston.

The company employs a large number of expatriate Fijian staff, some of whom had approached the company for help after the cyclone on February 20.

In a statement, the company said those directly affected included the families of more than 160 Ryman Healthcare staff members, who were given cash by the company to send back home in Fiji.

Ryman’s 9000 residents and 4000 staff also had fundraising cake stalls, BBQ and raffles, which raised $93,213 for the Fiji cyclone appeal.

The money has been given to the New Zealand Red Cross.

Ram Navmi celebration

T

he Hindu community around the country are celebrating Ram Navmi — the birth of Lord Rama.

The eight days prayer and celebration started last Friday and will end on April 15 with songs and dances by devotees to mark the birth of Lord Rama.

Ram Navmi is an annual event and an important one for the Hindu community all over the country. Lord Rama was born to conquer evil and bring about prosperity and peace to the world.

Meanwhile, Schools in previous years that had closed to celebrate the Hindu festival of Ram Navmi will not do so this year.

Education Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy says the event should be explained and celebrated in schools with other children of different faiths instead.

He says the closure of schools to observe this had gone on for too long and that all of the country’s majority faiths were appropriated public holidays accordingly throughout the year.

Acting National Secretary of the Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha Fiji – Virendra Lal says they are disappointed that they were not consulted before this directive was issued. SABHA is the largest Hindu organisation that manages hundreds of primary and secondary schools across the country.

Lal says, Ram Navmi is celebrated at midday and it has been the practise since the colonial days that all Sanatan managed schools close to celebrate the auspicious occasion.

is given that we are arguably the most vocal fans when it comes to the abbreviated version of this tough contact sport.

“When the national side wins, the country comes to a standstill.

This was witnessed last night and today, as members of the public were seen smiling and not even a voice heard, of those experts that I always hear when we lose.”

Tuitubou said the best place to be when Fiji was playing in Hong Kong was home.

Fiji celebrate after retaining the Hong Kong Sevens title

Accredited Agent

(Head Office)

toll free 0508 15 16 17

Special Fares to Indian Subcontinent Happy Baisakhi Delhi

Kolkata

*All fares mentiond in this ad are Inclusive of all taxes and return ticket

Colombo

Mumbai

$760*

$840*

Pakistan

$890*

we will beat any valid written fare*

Kathmandu

$1260*

Dhaka

$790*

$939*

$820*

December Specials for Indian Sub continent

Mumbai

Colombo

Kolkata

$1145* (Incl. Taxes)

Starting from

Chennai

Delhi

$1600*

$1475*

$1465*

Starting from

$1155* (Incl. Taxes)

$1550*

$1600*

Around the world fare

Starting from

$1525* (Incl. Taxes) Fiji

Los Angels

Manila

Bangkok

$599*

$969*

Vietnam

$775*

$785*

$785*

Starting from

$1205* (Incl. Taxes) Canada

$1139*

Dubai

Singapore

$1115*

$785*

iPad

Every Month • Henderson: 0800 024415 • Manurewa: 0800 024413 • Mt. Roskill: 0800 024414 • New Lynn: 0800 031565

$1175* (Incl. Taxes)

$1125*

BOOK & WIN • Mt Albert: 0508 15 16 17 • K’ Road: 0508 15 16 17 • Papatoetoe: 0508 15 16 17 • Flat Bush: 0800 031 113

Starting from

Uk/ Europe

• Pakuranga: 0800 024423 • Papakura: 0800 204503 • Airedale: 09 550 6236 • Three Kings: 0800 024410

Lucky winner of April 2016

Vikramjit Singh • Christchurch: 0800 024418 • Hamilton: 0800 024408 • Pukekohe: 0800 024246

• Tauranga: 0800 024417 • Wellington: 0800 031129

*Conditions Apply. All above fares are starting from and subject to availability.

INDIANEW ZEALAND

Thought of the week

I am not much but I’m all I have.

— Philip K. Dick

Editorial

From the desk of the Managing Editor

A

Chinese proverb says that those who drink the water must remember those who dug the well. Everything we do, every accomplishment we have, every milestone we pass has come in part because of the efforts of others. There are no self-made men or women. If we can remember that, we can be grateful. And if we are grateful, we are more likely to develop good character than if we aren’t.

Confucius asserted, ‘Humility is the solid foundation of all the virtues.’ In other words, it paves the way for character growth. And that sets us up for personal growth.

These things are definitely connected.” ~John C. Maxwell from The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth These words are absolutely true. There is evidence to show that all arrogant people who thought they owed their success to no one and did not realise the value of the efforts of others, seldom stayed on the top for long. Such people eventually are taught a lesson by life itself. If one were to face oneself in a moment of truth, one would clearly see how others have been instrumental in adding to your growth and success at every step. It is, therefore, important to realise the importance of every single person in our life and their contribution to our success and be grateful. As they say, “gratitude is the best attitude”. The more gratitude we have for the good things and people in our lives, the better our lives become.

The Indian community has been rejoicing at the grand celebration of the festival of Baisakhi or Vaisakhi at the New Zealand Parliament. It is proof of the recognition that the 200,000-strong Indian community is getting from the leaders of the country.

We carry a story about this along with some great pictures for everyone to enjoy.

Vaisakhi is also being celebrated in other parts of the country. On behalf of the entire team at Indian Weekender, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous Vaisakhi. The auspicious day, which marks harvesting of crops is celebrated across India under different names and rituals. It is celebrated as Rongali Bihu in Assam, Naba Barsha in Bengal, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Pooram Vishu in Kerala and Vaishakha in Bihar.

Our wishes for these to the entire Indian community.

The nominations for the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame are still open and even though we have been consistently receiving nominations for our three categories, I would like to encourage our readers to keep sending in nominations. There are three categories that you may nominate people t —the central award being the Kiwi Indian Hall of fame and the two awards that were added last year, the Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero and the Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the year. We look forward to receiving your nominations. which can be submitted via our website halloffame.co.nz oryby filling out the form in this paper.

It is heartening to note that more and more people and organisations are now connecting to us to share their stories, events, and happenings. Should you have anything interesting to share, please feel free to write to us at editor@ indianweekender.co.nz.

Until next time.

Giri Gupta

Pick of the week

A magical night: Northern lights toss ribbons of colour across the sky in Finland where scattered trees are draped in heavy snow. Photograph by Satu Juvonen, National Geographic Your Shot

Indian Weekender : Volume 8 Issue 4 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 Reporter: Esha Chanda | iwk.eshac@gmail.com Reporter: Kumar Suresh | iwk.kumar@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.: Farah Khan | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Sales, Marketing & Distribution: 022 3251630 / mahesh.iwk@gmail.com 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.

Phrase: The wops Meaning: Far away, middle of nowhere Usage: She lives far away, out in the wops.

Tip from the trenches

Meditation tips for beginners 1. Begin with quick five-minute sessions and gradually increase the time length 2. Switch off your phone to avoid distractions.

Remove distractions and meditate in a room with a closed door.

3. Set a timer so you don’t have to keep checking the clock 4. Don’t beat yourself up if your mind wanders.

It’s normal in the beginning and with time and practice, you will learn to control your thoughts.

5. Sit or lie down depending on what is more comfortable for you

HALL OF FAME

www.iwk.co.nz | 15 April 2016

Red

Inviting nominations for Kiwi Indian Honours 2016 Black

Orange

K IW

I I NDI A

The guidelines, which need to be adhered to, for nominations, are as follows:

N

Established 2013

The Indian Weekender calls upon nominations for those who have built a road to glory for themselves and left a path for the coming generations to tread on; who have touched the lives of thousands and enriched the society with their being; who’ve brought fame and respect to New Zealand and the KiwiIndian community. The Indian Weekender invites nominations for such personalities from the community for getting inducted into the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2016. We also invite nominations for Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the Year and Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero of the Year 2016.

Nominate Online : http://bit.ly/1QZJcTO

Entry Form: Form for nominating candidates for Kiwi Indian Honours 2016

Nominator Details

Nominee Details

Name of the Nominator

Name of the Nominee

17

|

1. He/she needs to have an undisputable recognition in his or her field of work.

2. Nominated by a nominator of repute. Further, the nominator has to be in confirmation with the nominee.

3. The nominator has to provide their full contact details. No anonymous applications will be accepted.

4. All fields of work are welcome. For the purposes of this award, ‘field of work’ can be politics, business, sports, art, culture, or any profession.

5. The definition of Kiwi Indian, for the purposes of this award, hereby, is defined as follows: any person of Indian origin, from any part of the world, who has settled here in New Zealand. To be of Indian origin, at least one of the parents of the nominee have to be Indian, by blood. Thereby making the nominee of Indian lineage.

6. The nominee must have either a Permanent Residency (PR), or Citizenship of New Zealand to be eligible for consideration.

7. The nominee should have no prior convictions.

8. Age is no bar; for minors, under the age of 18, parental consent will be required.

9. The successful candidate will be required to attend the ceremony in person. In case a person is not able to attend, due to any unforeseen circumstances, the jury will use its discretion.

10. The jury’s decision will be final and binding; and cannot be challenged.

Please fill and post it to the address below

About the Nominee For how long have you known the Nominee?

Professional details of the Nominator

Age of Nominee

Why do you think the nominee qualifies for the honour?

Please state your reasons for nominating the above person. You may mention the achievements of the Nominee in his/her profession.

Sex M F

Address & Contact number of Nominator *

Category

Address & Contact number of Nominee *

Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame

How according to you has the Nominee brought fame and respect to the Kiwi-Indian community?

Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the year (16 to 35 years only) Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero of the year

Declaration by Nominator I have received confirmation from the Nominee for this application.

Nominee has accepted to appear in person for the ceremony, if he/she gets accepted for the induction to Hall of Fame 2016.

Yes No

Yes No

I hereby declare that the above information is true to the best of my knowledge. I also allow Indian Weekender and the Jury to use the information provided for background checks and to contact either me or the Nominee for the purpose of getting any more information.

Signed:

What to do next?

Please take a print out of this form, sign and send to us at: Jury Panel, Kiwi Indian Honours 2015 98, Great South Road, Epsom, Auckland

(Add extra pages to this form if required.)

For details contact Indian Weekender on 09-2137335 or go to: www.indianweekender.co.nz

18

INDIA

15 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Red

Black

Orange

India to invest $20bn in Indian ports added Iran’s port development highest capacity

I

I

ndia is ready to invest $20 billion in the development of Iran’s Chabahar port and has requested it to allocate adequate land in the Chabahar Special Economic Zone (SEZ), staterun Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) said in a statement on Sunday, April 10.

India’s intent to invest was made by Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Bijan Zangeneh in Tehran on April 9.

“Pradhan conveyed to the Iranian side that Indian companies could invest up to $20 billion and were interested in setting up petrochemical and fertiliser plants, including in the Chabahar SEZ, either through joint venture between Indian and Iranian public sector companies or with private sector partners,” the statement said.

“In this regard, he requested Iran to allocate appropriate and adequate land in the SEZ. He also expressed India’s interest in setting up a LNG plant and a gas cracker in the Chabahar port,” it said. “He also requested

the Iranian side for favourable treatment in the pricing of gas for India and also supply of rich gas at competitive price and on long-term basis for the life of the joint venture projects that Indian companies are interested in setting up,” it added.

In May 2014, India and Iran signed a MoU to jointly develop the port once the international sanctions against Iran were lifted.

Chabahar is located in the Gulf of Oman on the border with Pakistan, and Iran plans to turn it into a transit hub for immediate access to markets in the northern part of the Indian Ocean and

Central Asia. The statement said Pradhan also expressed India’s interest in importing LPG from Iran and said that companies from both sides could, if required, discuss setting up an extraction plant in Chabahar.

On the final day of his twoday visit to Iran on Sunday, the first visit by an Indian minister to the country since sanctions against it were lifted earlier this year, Pradhan and his delegation visited the Chabahar free trade zone and port and discussed the facilities and incentives which could be offered to Indian companies, it added.

ndian ports sector witnessed the highest-ever capacity addition in fiscal 2015–16 at 94 million tons per annum (MTPA) being added, Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Saturday, April 9.

“The financial year 2015–16 has been historic for the port sector in the country, with 94 MTPA capacity added through 34 capital investment projects which is the highest in major ports history,” he said after the second meeting of National Sagarmala Apex Committee (NSAC).

According to Gadkari, Kandla emerged as the first major port to attain 100 million tonnes traffic in a single year, propelled by 20 per cent improvement in port efficiency while Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) was the first major port to earn Rs.1,000 crore net profit aided by 12 per cent efficiency boost.

“Paradip Port achieved highest coal loading volumes of 24 million tonnes with 30 per cent efficiency improvement.

Port efficiency improvement has added 50 MTPA of cargo handling

capacity leading to high returns for ports with comparatively low investments,” he said.

Stating the Indian ports are continuing their recovery, the minister noted major ports’ operating profit improved from 27 per cent in 2013–14 to 39 per cent in 2015–16.

“The major ports have increased their operating profits from Rs.3,593 crore in 2014-15 to Rs.4,268 crore in 2015–16,” he said.

Efficiency improvement reduced logistics cost for trade at the ports and turnaround time fell by 40 per cent at Paradip, Tuticorin and Vizag.

Gadkari said projects worth Rs.72,818 crore have been awarded for port modernisation and new port/terminal development.

Emphasising on the need for port and port-led development, he said the forthcoming Maritime India Summit will be a game changer.

“Port-led development has potential for direct employment generation for 40 lakh persons while indirectly for 60 lakh persons,” he added.

FLY TO INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT China Eastern Airlines starting from $831* Very limited Availability | Travel until 30 Nov 2016.

Air China December specials are here!!!

DEL / BOM / CMB from $1479* Travel between 1 Dec 2016 – 15 Jan 2017

Singapore Airlines from $1559* (DEL / BOM) From $1699* (MAA / BLR / CCU /AMD / HYD / CJB / COK / TRV/ VTZ / CMB / KTM) Travel until 30 Nov 2016 / Blackout dates apply. *Tickets must be issued within 2 days of booking to avoid auto-cancellation. *Some of the above fares are non-refundable & non-changeable *Taxes may vary for different cities are are subject to FX variation. *Airfares include Fuel and Insurance surcharges but not Govt Taxes

Shell

Tony

Evangeline

021 915 346 021 915 329 021 915 340

Email. info@travelshopnz.co.nz | www.travelshopnz.co.nz

INDIA

www.iwk.co.nz | 15 April 2016

19

The royals dazzle during their India visit

Red

Black

Orange

Highlights from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s maiden visit to India

P

rince William and his wife Kate Middleton started their first visit to India by paying homage to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Landing in the metropolis just before noon on their seven-day tour of India and Bhutan, the royal couple went to Hotel Taj Mahal Palace, where they were accorded a ceremonial welcome.

Shortly thereafter, they paid homage to the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks by laying a wreath at the 26/11 memorial at the hotel, where they will stay during their Mumbai trip.

They interacted with the staff who witnessed the attack by 10 Pakistani terrorists in November 2008. The iconic hotel stands just opposite the historic Gateway of India, built to commemorate the visit of their illustrious ancestor, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. In the evening, Prince William and Kate attended a gala charity reception and dinner for raising funds for various NGOs, in the presence of some of the top names in Indian business and Bollywood.

British royals meet young entrepreneurs, write in Braille The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton, wrapped up their two-day Mumbai trip by interacting with budding young Indian entrepreneurs on Monday, April 11.

They arrived for the Young Entrepreneurs Event at The Social, a cafe which is also a collaborative workspace for emerging business talents. At the event, they launched the Tech Rocketships Awards and called upon young Indian entrepreneurs and start-ups to “go global”, and listened attentively to their startup ideas and enterprises.

“Being here today, it is clear that India is leading the way in so many areas of innovation

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge speak with Boman Kohinoor during a meeting in Mumbai on April 10, 2016. Kohinoor, 93, has a strong claim to be India’s biggest fan of the British royal family.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge meet young entrepreneurs during a visit to Mumbai on April 11, 2016 in Mumbai, India.

and technology,” Prince William lauded the entrepreneurial spirit of the gathering. During the interaction with entrepreneurs, both Prince William and Kate tied blindfolds and experienced how to type in Braille, typing the word ‘George’ as the gathering cheered and clapped.

A visit to the Delhi monuments Prince William and Kate Middleton visited Gandhi Smriti and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi who fell to an assassin’s bullets in 1948. Prince William later said Queen Elizabeth II was fond of India and it was “enormously important” to her. The British royals arrived at Gandhi Smriti on

Tees January Marg after laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti—the eternal flame memorial dedicated to the ‘Unknown Soldier’—at India Gate.

They visited Gandhi’s memorial and paid tributes at the Martyr’s Column—the spot where Gandhi was assassinated.

The couple was accorded a traditional welcome with a stole each of hand-spun khadi and were shown around the museum, which houses articles related to the Father of the Nation.They later

Modi plans sign language centre

A

centre would soon be established to develop Indian sign language, and the government is “fully committed” to achieving empowerment and inclusion of disabled people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said.

“My government is fully committed to the UN Convention of Rights for Persons with Disabilities, for achieving empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities,” Modi said in his message ahead of the ninth World Assembly of the Disabled People’s International (DPI) held from April 11 to 13 in New Delhi.

“The cost of exclusion of people with disability from the workforce is three to seven per cent of the GDP, as per World Bank estimates.

Initiatives such as ‘Accessibility India’ campaign aim to male the

built environment inclusive for persons with disabilities.

“We are also making Indian Railways accessible and starting a centre to develop Indian sign language,” he said.

Thaawar Chand Gehlot, minister for social justice and empowerment, will address the plenary session of the event that is being supported by the UN and G3ICT. G3ict or Global Initiative for Inclusive Information and Communication Technologies is an advocacy initiative launched in December 2006 by the UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development, in cooperation with the Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. In March 2016, the government’s Inclusiveness and Accessibility Index that measured actions and attitudes

of organisations towards disabled employees called for enabling access to them in buildings and workplaces, public transportation, etc. Javed Abidi, the global chair of DPI, which has members from more than 150 countries, said, “Rebuilding and retro-fitting to accommodate people with disability must be discouraged.”

“Accessibility has to be built into both public and private sector procurement.

Otherwise the disabled people cannot even get education, let alone employment,” he said. More than 70 DPI representatives from all over the world would speak at the event including Yuri Afanasiev, UN resident coordinator and UNDP resident representative in India, Yes Bank managing director and CEO Rana Kapoor, and American India Foundation country director Nishant Pandey.

attended an official garden party reception at the British High Commissioner’s official residence to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday. Speaking at the reception, Prince William said the queen was very fond of India, the biggest country in the Commonwealth.

“Tonight, we are celebrating the links between our two countries.

This is the first time Catherine and I have been to India and we have been incredibly impressed to see just how much this great country is on the move, and how India’s dynamism is matched by the warmth and welcome of its diverse people,” he said.

Modi hosts lunch On Tuesday, April 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lunch for Prince William and Kate Middleton.

“A royal summer in Delhi!

PM @narendramodi receives the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Hyderabad House,” external affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup tweeted along with pictures of Modi with Prince William and Kate. During his visit to Britain in November last year, Modi was hosted to a lunch banquet by Queen Elizabeth II. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge left for Assam later on Tuesday where they visited the Kaziranga National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Jaitley justifies one per cent duty on gold jewellery

J

ustifying the imposition of one per cent excise duty on gold jewellery, union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday, April 10, said a luxury item such as gold should not be exempted from the manufacturing tax when the country is moving towards Goods and Services Tax. “There is no reason why a luxury item [such as] gold should be kept out of the ambit of a manufacturing tax [such as] excise duty. Since the manufacturing tax is levied on essential commodities such as steel, cement, jute, cotton and others, why not on gold.

“The country is to move towards Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Gold will also follow towards GST. Most states levy value added tax on gold,” he said.

He also noted that if gold is kept out of GST ambit, tax rate on rest of the goods would have to be

increased. “There is no reason why a luxury item should be exempted from the tax and a higher rate of tax be imposed on other goods,” he said. The government, in the budget for 2016–17, had proposed one per cent excise duty on jewellery without input credit or 12.5 per cent with input tax credit on jewellery excluding silver other than those studded with diamonds and precious stones. Jewellers went on strike opposing one per cent excise duty on gold jewellery.

The central government subsequently clarified even for one per cent excise duty, manufacturers were allowed to take credit of input services, which could be utilised for payment of duty on jewellery.

Also, there is no requirement to file a stock declaration to the jurisdictional central excise authorities, it added.

20

INDIA ABROAD

15 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Red

Indian-origin scientist selected for NASA’s pioneering programme

A

n Indian-origin scientist’s proposal has been selected for NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) programme— an initiative that invests in transformative architectures through the development of pioneering technologies.

Ratnakumar Bugga from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, is among 13 other researchers who will be awarded nearly $100,000 for nine months to support the initial definition and analysis of their concepts, the US space agency said in a statement on April 9.

If the basic feasibility studies are successful, awardees can apply for phase two awards, valued up to $500,000 for two additional years of concept development.

Bugga’s concept is titled “Venus Interior Probe Using In-situ Power and Propulsion.”

The India-born scientist who has PhD in electrochemistry

from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, is currently involved in the development of low temperature lithium-ion rechargeable batteries and in the ultra-low temperature Li primary batteries for Mars probes.

He leads a task force responsible for demonstrating the technology readiness of lithium-ion batteries for Mars missions. Bugga was the task

manager for the Mars Exploration Rover Thermal, Rover and Lander batteries.

Other selected concepts include a proposal for reprogramming microorganisms that could use the Martian environment to recycle and print electronics and a two-dimensional spacecraft with ultra-thin subsystems that may wrap around space debris to enable de-orbiting.

Black

Orange

Indian professor brings ‘smart hands’ closer to reality

I

n a boost to the idea of human hand becoming an ideal display screen for the next generation of smartwatches and other devices, an Indian-origin scientist-led team has created tactile sensations on the palm using ultrasound sent through the hand. The research, funded by the Nokia Research Centre and the European Research Council, is the first to find a way for users to feel what they are doing when interacting with displays projected on their hand.

According to Professor Sriram Subramanian from the University of Sussex, technologies will inevitably need to engage other senses such as touch as we enter into an “eye free” age of technology.

“Wearables are already big business and will only get bigger.

But as we wear technology more, it gets smaller and we look at it less, and therefore multisensory capabilities become much more important,” Subramanian added.

The new innovation called SkinHaptics sends sensations to the palm from the other side of

the hand, leaving the palm free to display the screen.

The device uses “time-reversal” processing to send ultrasound waves through the hand.

This technique is effectively like ripples in water but in reverse.

The waves become more targeted as they travel through the hand, ending at a precise point on the palm. It draws on a rapidly growing field of technology called haptics, which is the science of applying touch sensation and control to interaction with computers and technology.

“If you imagine you are on your bike and want to change the volume control on your smartwatch, the interaction space on the watch is very small. So companies are looking at how to extend this space to the hand of the user,” Subramanian noted.

What we offer people is the ability to feel their actions when they are interacting with the hand, he pointed out.

The findings were presented at the IEEE Haptics Symposium 2016 in Philadelphia last weekend.

SPORTS

www.iwk.co.nz | 15 April 2016

Red

Black

21

Orange

IPL 2016 begins with a bang

News, scorecards and match highlights straight from the pitch Gujarat Lions beat Kings XI Punjab on IPL debut ebutants Gujarat Lions began their IPL journey with an impressive five-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab on Monday, April 11.

With a 162-run target, Lions reached the mark with 14 balls to spare with Australian opener Aaron Finch (74) scoring the majority of the runs. Dinesh Karthik (41, not out) was also a chief contributor.

Their run chase stuttered early on when former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum departed for a second ball duck, advancing down the track to be smartly stumped by Wriddhiman Saha off the bowling of Sandeep Sharma in the first over.

But Lions recovered from the loss, spearheaded by skipper Suresh Raina (20) and Finch.

Raina guided the team past the 50run mark in the sixth over with a big six over midwicket. But then he fell off the very next ball, foxed by a Marcus Stoinis slower delivery to offer a simple catch to mid on.

Finch remained unperturbed by Raina’s dismissal and used all his experience to lead his team’s chase, bringing up his 50 in the eight over. He forged another 50-run partnership with Karthik to bring up the 100 in the 11th over.

(3/19) and West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell (3/24) were the pick of the bowlers for KKR. Quinton de Kock (17) was the highest scorer for Delhi.

The total was also the lowest in the tournament at the Eden Gardens ground. The Daredevils got off to a flying start with 23 runs coming off the first two overs. However, in the third over, Andre Russell struck a double blow for the hosts by picking up Quinton de Kock and Shreyas Iyer. De Kock (17) perished trying to pull a short one while Iyer (0) was trapped right leg before wickets in front of the stumps. By the end of the powerplay, Delhi had lost two more wickets in the form of Mayank Agarwal (9) and Karun Nair (3) with the score reading 35/4.

With the top-order back in the dugout, the Delhi innings moved forward at a snail’s pace. Pawan Negi after a brief partnership of 20 with Sanju Samson got stumped trying to push the accelerator.

The West Indies’ World T20 star Carlos Brathwaite too departed a little later after a monstrous six, foxed by a Piyush Chawla googly. After 13 overs, the visitors were left struggling at 84/7 with their hopes pinned on Samson. But he departed in the very next over edging one to the wicket keeper.

Thereafter, it was only a matter of time before the Daredevils were bowled out and the inevitable happened in the 18th over.

D

Lions were costing at that point but Finch’s sudden stumping in the 12th over, leaving them 117/3, gave Punjab hopes of a turnaround. Lions still needed 41 runs from 42 balls. Ravindra Jadeja’s (8) run out made the game more interesting. But Karthik ensured they crossed the line without any more hiccups.

KKR skittle out Delhi Daredevils for 98 Two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) put up a clinical performance with the ball to skittle out Delhi Daredevils for a mere 98 runs in 17.4 overs in an encounter at the Eden Gardens on Sunday, April 10. Chinaman bowler Brad Hogg

Indian hockey team claims victory over Canada

I

ndia’s hockey team claimed a 3–1 victory over Canada to move to the third spot in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Sunday, April 10.

India, coming into the match with a 1–5 defeat against world champions Australia, caught a flying start with forward Nikkin Thimmiah scoring in the third minute.

Keegan Pereira, however, made it 1–1 for Canada in the 23rd minute. Later drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh gave India the lead in the 41st minute before forward Talwinder Singh sealed the game in India’s favour with just three minutes left on the clock.

With this win, India has six points—two more than fourth-placed Canada. Australia is on top of the table with three wins from as many games. They thrashed Pakistan 4–0 earlier in the day. New Zealand, who saw off Japan 4–1, is second on the table with eight points from four matches. Rolant Oltmans’ India had been criticised for poor show in the two matches so far, albeit they have a young team, bereft of at least six settled players. However, they turned out in style, right from the pushback. A brilliant pass

by Rupinder Pal Singh split the Canadian defence open to allow Ramandeep Singh who set up Nikkin for a simple tap in the third minute. Chinglensana Singh had another attempt—a superb reverse hit saved by the goalkeeper to ensure Canada went into the 150-second break just a goal down. The Canadians responded strongly in the second quarter, coming back and matching India strength for strength.

Canada’s best showing came in the second quarter as they managed a massive seven circle penetrations, and 50 per cent of the

possession. Appropriately, they scored the equaliser with six minutes of the quarter remaining via Pereira. The two teams walked into half-time level at 1–1. Rudely awakened, India did not allow any such lapses in concentration in the second half as they came out looking to close the

match strongly. Having not been awarded a single penalty corner in the first half, India managed to win one ten minutes into the third quarter and duly converted it in style.

India’s young drag-flicker Harmanpreet scored his second goal of the tournament to give India the lead. India did not let up in the

fourth quarter, controlling the possession and had seven circle penetrations in the final period. In contrast, Canada managed a solitary penetration in the entire period.

Another penalty corner by India was saved smartly by Canada.

NEW ZEALAND FIRST LIST MP

MAHESH BINDRA BASED IN AUCKLAND

Contact Auckland Office

Level 1, 21 East Tamaki Rd, Papatoetoe, Manukau 2025 Ph: 0800 BINDRA (246372) mahesh.bindra@parliament.govt.nz

Authorised by Mahesh Bindra, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

22

KIDS ZONE

15 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Fun with knowledge Red

Black

Orange

A new day As I lay on my bed Peacefully staring at my roof Thinking about tomorrow Thinking about what mystery it will bring Slowly my eyes close and in a minute it was morning I stare at the morning sun ready for another day.

Word Search BAT

It is better to be a failure at something you love than to be a success at something you hate. –George Burns

k r o t s r e v e l c e h ore soup! nning fox and t I can't take any m

The cu time, there lived a very cunning stomach is upse"I'mt, ansodrry for troublineg yofou,x." saThide th nce upon a speak plied, fox. He used to us vo ie stork reout ch is m d t, an Work the O eir trus th in ga d an pl y Spooky Maths , tl swee Oh dear ease to other animals

TREAT

COBWEB TRICK Farm Animal Word Search MONSTER TOMBSTONE

Farm animal word search

SPELL t f i r

p t c n o c h i c k e n sums n w

o f f t e u e r c h e a s d u p a s s d n c o r t c e m r m a h r s c a below u c f q y s

a i k n o c l l l a c m r h r

m e m p m k t s g o e s e e d

d l c i a s h o r s e p c p o

VAMPIRE c r c a t

u d o g t r l i r f l r r k g

s h e e p e o w d c t o s t

s d h h i s p a r o c w c k

t m y r e s u o h m r a f o

i c a e d n p i l b d d j r

b a r n n s r f g o a t s q

s l u o r c e c e g f l m i n

e a r n e k e i c o w g l p h

icks on them. don't say sorry. before playing tr et a stork. He befriended I have some One day the fox m e a very good friend. ted lik health problem barn farmhouse the stork and ac e stork to have a feast th and cannot enjoy Soon, he invited k happily accepted the cat field or what you offer. with him. The st of the feast came, and e th chicken goats y She left invitation. The da the fox's house. To her x, fo e th ng cow horse to thanki the stork went ointment, the fox said after e . ac er pl pp nn di sa r di as fo d crops pig t e surprise an make a big feas him to her hous day ng ti he vi yT in or d St an k or , that he could not St dog scarecrow e Clever promised Cunning Fox and th reached the stork's place. st ju d an x ducks sheep rived and the fo santries, the stork served o f f e r e d ar ea pl ng gi farmer tractor jar with a T fter exchan BAT s o m e A them, in a narrow soTREA of th ry bo ve r fo up up have the soup. When so neck. She wCOBW as able toEB TRICK ously ng lo but the fox obvi , ll bi he brought ng lo r he h sily wit MONSTER the soup ea d not.

TOMBSTONwww.kidspuzzlesandgames.co.uk E coul k asked the fox if or st e th , rs out of the he g embered IRE After finishinSPELL up. The fox remVAMP so e kitchen, the th ng yi jo en d felt The he was ven the stork, an gi l! d w ha lf bo se w m lo hi e al he was in a sh the feast , I‌I'd better leav ed er m am st stork saw that it t have any soup with its long He . very ashamed no . poor stork could sily licked the soup from the ve a tummy ache ace running. ha I . w no ea x fo h it e ft the pl bill, but th the soup w Humiliated, he le begets another. ork just touched r, How is the st e th s A e. at pl oral: One bad turn e fox asked he M th , ll bi s it of p the ti like it?. soup? Don't you replied, Oh it is good, but my The hungry stork

Word Search

To Colour

Spooky Maths

Cobweb Maze

Work out the sums below

Send us stories, drawings, www.kidspuzzlesandgames.co.uk poems and other

contributions by your little ones along with their photographs for this page.

E-mail us at editor@ indianweekender.co.nz

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 15 April 2016

Crime, safety and race relations in NZ

Red

Black

23

Orange

Priyanca Radhakrishnan

Policy Council member, NZ Labour Party

T

he issue of race relations in New Zealand has reared its ugly head again in light of a spate of violent assaults on Asian students and the ongoing issues of violent robberies of dairies around the country.

Are these attacks racially motivated or are they crimes of opportunity?

Not long along, I had a discussion on this topic with a friend. He felt that they were racially motivated and I argued otherwise. I saw them as opportunistic. I was not convinced that the offenders were targeting Asian students and dairy owners specifically because of an underlying hatred towards East and South Asian people. He argued that even if Asian students were being targeted because they tend to be smaller, perceived to be less likely to make a fuss or report the crime and perceived to be wealthy, that still meant that they were being targeted because of their ethnicity and the associated stereotypes.

A few days later, I watched the security footage of a robbery in a South Auckland dairy. A group of masked offenders along with an unmasked one entered the dairy, shoved a fair amount of stock into their bags and proceeded to punch the woman behind the counter. It was savage, unrestrained and unnecessary.

They could have just stolen the stock and left. From my vantage point, the offender had so much pent up aggression that he/ she took it out on the vulnerable woman. I watched the violence in horror, wondering what would motivate a group of youngsters (they were masked but it was obvious that they were quite young) to commit such violence.

Whether the attacks on Asian students and the numerous attacks on dairy and other small business owners are racially motivated or crimes of opportunity, they need to stop. They also should not be used to justify further race-based discrimination.

Following the attacks on Asian students, some advised students to run if they saw a Maori or Pacific youth. Stereotyping an entire community based on the actions of a few is inaccurate, unhelpful and dangerous.

A couple of weeks back I attended an event organised by the New Zealand Chinese Students Association to address the attacks on Asian students. The students were understandably afraid for their safety and called for more lighting and surveillance,

Immigration NZ crackdown on Indian education agents providing illegal advice Sue Reidy

F

or the past five years, education agents in India have been stepping outside their mandate and undertaking illegal immigration work.

In India, education agents can only provide assistance with student visas.

Only lawyers and licensed immigration advisors are permitted to provide immigration advice.

Immigration NZ (INZ) has traditionally ignored this, but recently it has begun to take a more hard-line approach to education agents who break the law.

If a husband or wife applies for a visa to accompany a student to New Zealand and receives advice and service from an education agent, they need to be aware that they will now be interrogated

by INZ about how their applications were lodged.

If the applicant provides false information during their interview with INZ regarding the assistance they received, they run the risk of having their application declined.

“We understand that unlicensed education agents have been instructing clients applying for a partnership-based visa not to reveal to INZ that their visa has been lodged by an education agent,” says immigration lawyer Alastair McClymont from McClymont & Associates. “INZ is now attempting

to stop this illegal activity and put such agents out of business.

These education agents are telling applicants to lie just to protect their own incomes.

“We strongly advise all applicants to tell the truth in their interviews with INZ and identify who provided them with immigration assistance and advice, regardless of what they were instructed.

“The person breaking the law is the education agent, not the individual applicant.”

more police presence, and an independent body that would support them. I agree with the calls for more lighting and cameras but am slightly less certain about the call for increased police presence especially in light of the police commissioner’s recent admission of unconscious bias towards Maori within the police. The last thing we need now is to go down the slippery slope of racial profiling.

Safety is a basic human need and everyone has a right to it regardless of their immigration status. It is not enough to extol the benefits of the export education sector, which contributes $2.8 billion to the New Zealand economy. We must also ensure that we do all we can to keep the students who come here safe.

There are systemic issues that produce young offenders capable of committing these heinous crimes. Many such youth offenders, such as the 12- and 14-yearold kids responsible for Mr Arun Kumar’s murder, grow up in highly dysfunctional homes where drugs, domestic violence, and alcohol abuse were normal. While

nothing ever excuses violent offending, it is important to understand what role factors such as poverty, income disparity and domestic violence play in youth offending.

What is the government doing to address these drivers? A recent report by the Maxim Institute tells us that 10 to 15 per cent of New Zealand families are stuck in persistent poverty because of loss of work or insufficient hours of work. Poverty in New Zealand is less blatant than in countries such as India but it exists. Evidence shows that low educational attainment for children from low-income families means that it is incredibly difficult to break the cycle of poverty.

Violence, like poverty, is intergenerational, and New Zealand continues to have one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the OECD. Rising inequality appears to be the norm in the developing world but few countries have seen it increase by as much as New Zealand has. Sadly, the answers don’t lie in tax cuts for high-income earners, requiring the police to absorb $300 million, shutting 30 police stations and turning New Zealand into a tax haven.

We need to ensure that systemic issues are addressed and that offenders are caught, held accountable and that reoffending is prevented. New Zealand is safer than many other countries but we can do much better. Everyone, regardless of ethnicity and immigration status, has a right to feel safe. But the reality is that there are many who don’t.

24

FEATURES

15 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

From the desk of

Diversity • Empowerment • Celebrating womanhood

Red

Black

Orange

I am strong, I am invincible, I am Woman Maya Shivam

T

hese are the lyrics of a song written by AustralianAmerican artist Helen Reddy and singer-songwriter Ray Burton and performed by Reddy, who often said she wanted to do a song that aptly described women. Set out with some similar ideologies, I am Woman is a woman’s networking initiative to bring together women of diverse cultures, ethnicities, and walks of life, to a place that helps them “step it up”.

After its inception two years ago at a women’s empowerment meet in the beautiful city of Florence in Italy, it was first introduced to a group of Women Power Houses in New York. Eventually, in May 2014, the New Zealand chapter was announced and I am Woman has worked behind the scenes since then alongside different women. Encouraged by the growing networks and circles of women on their journey to recognising and tapping into their highest potential, I am Woman is

proud to announce its first public event, which is scheduled to be held at the Langham, Auckland on April 30.

The event is the first public event in the series of programmes and events planned. Being called the Women Inspiring Women—High Tea Series, the event will feature the renowned and acclaimed Anna Stretton, who is the founder of the Annah Stretton fashion label and is a wildly successful New Zealand entrepreneur, author and

speaker. With an online following of more than 210,000 and more than 30 retail stores, five books and a strong business leadership programme under her belt, Annah frequently appears in the media and on stage to discuss everything from entrepreneurialism, living fearlessly and females in the workforce, right through to her philanthropic efforts that provide substantial support to a wide range of charitable groups and organisations across New Zealand including RAW, her newest initiative, working with women and domestic violence. Annah has been the recipient of the coveted Veuve Clicquot Award and has an Order of Merit for services to fashion business and community.

In 2015, she was recognised as the EY Social Entrepreneur of the Year. Annah will be delivering her Live Life in Colour Series, where she engages and inspires her audience to love the life they live and to become the best versions of themselves.

Also planned for the event is an audience with a personal stylist followed by an inspiring fashion show where real/professional women will walk the ramp defining confidence and breaking through the barriers that we women lock ourselves behind. There are other exciting activities and giveaways planned for a morning well spent while you enjoy a delectable high tea at the Langham.

Prerna Sinha, a young professional involved with I am Woman said, “ I am very excited about the event, which seems like an inspiring must do for all women.” Valerie Mayer, another professional, mother and wife, stated, “We as women naturally put ourselves way down on our priority list. I am Woman seems like a platform where we can be inspired to find the balance and honour our own inner potential, while also performing all our other roles.”

The details of the event can be found on the next page.

Superlative performance adds to the charm of Kuchipudi IWK Bureau

L

ife in a Full Circle—the title and theme of the Kuchipudi dance concert conceived and presented

by Ratna Venkat on Saturday, April 9 at Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls’ Grammar School.

New Zealand audiences have witnessed Ratna’s versatile dance performances on numerous occasions at several corporate and community events, and so expectations ran high for her first solo performance since her Arangetram held at the same venue on March 10, 2007.

Unique and versatile The concert was unique and versatile in several aspects and did not disappoint.

On the contrary, it left the audience mesmerised and inspired.

The first point of difference was that the concert did not have a master of ceremony as Ratna compered her own show, describing eloquently each item before and after its presentation. She also recognised the sponsors and the supporting vocalists and instrumentalists from time to time.

The confluence of classical and fusion orchestra was another first in this concert, which by the use of quotes, expressions and spiritual connectedness always revolved under the central theme of life expressed as a full circle.

Handcrafted jewellery An important feature of this unique show was the introduction and display of ethnic jewellery from the villages where Kuchipudi originated in India. Ratna adorned several pieces of this jewellery that

Mastery over the art

The Simhanandini

Beginning the classical segment of the concert with a short invocation to Lord Ganesha and Mother Goddess, Ratna showed her mastery of the Kuchipudi art form in the popular Bhama Kalapam and standard Manduka Shabdam items.

Both were characterised by crisp dialogue delivery in Telugu language, which incidentally is not Ratna’s mother tongue.

In the first item, the personification of Satyabhama, a strong, independent queen with a dominating nature contrasted well with the portrayal of Gajendra, the elephant who was meek and helpless caught by the crocodile’s jaws in Manduka Shabdam.

Ratna aptly demonstrated that everything goes back to its origin when she resorted to two classical items in the concluding stages of her concert.

Simhanandini, in which the dancer draws a figure in colour powder with her toes involved Ratna tracing a lion as part of her dance routine. The dance invoking the blessings of Goddess Durga and the accompanying lion drawing resulted in a standing ovation as the audience witnessed such a dance form for the first time in New Zealand. The concert ended with a question mark as to ‘what next?’ with an exclusive dance for a song by Sri Annamacharya, which rocked the hearts of the audience.

With exquisite gestures and footwork, display of deep emotions and evidence of extensive research behind the selection of items and their presentation and execution, Ratna transported the viewers to a higher realm with her dance concert and left them wondering what more they can expect in her next concert.

Dr Padma Govardhan, her daughter Vishnu Priya on vocals and son Balu on mridangam and ghatam, Syamala Hariharan on violin and Narsing Rao (from Hyderabad, India) as the nattuvanar complemented the classical portion of the concert.

Amit Sengupta on harmonium, Basant Madhur on tabla, Shivan Padayachi on bass guitar, Joseph Alexander on electronic drums and octopad and Hemant Thaker on keyboard added to the fusion magic and charm of the dance concert.

Delicate balance

were fashioned from light-weight wood and specially handcrafted for her. During her costume change intervals, the audience were shown short videos of the artisans involved in the creation of these pieces, traditional origin of the dance centering around female impersonation, and the lifestyle of the people living in the villages where this dance form evolved.

The highlight of the first half of the programme was the Tarangam, and herein Ratna danced on the edges of a brass plate while balancing a pot of water on her head.

This lasted for more than 30 minutes and held the audience at the edge of their seats.

The other items of the classical element were Dasavatharam incorporating the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu and a padam depicting the longing of a lovesick woman.

The concept that Kuchipudi can truly adapt to emerging and contemporary situations without losing its distinct identity was well explored in the ensuing dances after the intermission.

The fusion segment included dancing for a song dedicated to Lord Jesus passionately sung by Jeffery Nathan, a Shirdi Sai Baba bhajan sung by Vidya Teke, an Amrapali number melodiously rendered by Vishnu Priya Mallela and a multi-media rhythmic presentation involving cymbals and foot percussion.

FEATURES

www.iwk.co.nz | 15 April 2016

Red

Black

Orange

Diversity • Empowerment • Celebrating womanhood

P R E S E N T S

Women inspiring Women

HIGH TEA

LIVE LIFE IN

Colour

EVENT SERIES HOW MANY OF US ARE NOT IN WITH THE LIFE WE LIVE? Annah is about to change the way you tackle your day to day.

Enjoy an elegant high tea with your friends. Support a great cause, receive an Annah Stretton goodie bag and be inspired to step-up to a new you!

Where: Saturday 30th April 11am to 1pm | Where: The Langham Auckland Early bird (first 75 tickets): $55 | Regular Tickets: $75 Tickets available via eventfinda

Proceeds go to RAW www.eventfinda.co.nz/2016/live-life-in-colour-with-annah-stretton/auckland

Event supported by:

New Zealand Chapter

info@iamwoman.nz iamwoman@xtra.co.nz www.iamwoman.nz

25

ZODIOLOGY

26

15 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Red

Black

Orange

Weekly forecast: April 15 to April 21 ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Responding positively & quickly to new ideas in business will go in your favour. Benefit from the free time by enjoying some lovely moments with family members this week. Make sure you do not overspend on household luxuries. Romance will be exciting provided you contact partner to make it the best week. Blessings of a saintly person will give peace of mind. Excitement for a vacation is not enough, planning is also required. Mortgaging your plot is not right for you at this point, crisis may arise. You may harm personal interests by revealing confidential information to a third person.

Business partners would be enthusiastic about new plans & ventures. Engaging yourself in praiseworthy things would add to family’s reputation. Crucial decisions regarding investment should be put off for another week. Travelling proves a blessing in disguise by bringing a love in your life. Chances of recovering from physical ailment are high; keep up your spirits. It is advisable to be careful regarding your safety, while travelling. Time to make investments on farmlands, if you have been planning for long. Chances that trusted friends are likely to mislead by giving false information.

Professional life requires some time and effort this week. Also make sure you do something exciting and different with people at home. You need to control your spending by purchasing only essential items. Your physical charm would catch the attraction of opposite sex. Your lack of will might make it difficult to achieve your goals towards second half of the week. Before you travel, examine yourself and your travelling partner, to determine what you expect from your vacation. Lifestyle home is what you are looking for particularly later this week. At personal front you could be full of good ideas but might find a little difficult to translate them.

Self-confidence would enable to convey your point of view with ease at workplace. You will enjoy the time spent with family members and friends. Tuesdays would be promising days to earn profits in real estate and financial transactions. Love life blossoms paving the way for lovely times ahead. A beneficial week to work on things that will improve your health. Shape your travel plans in such a way that they are not stressful. Deals on commercial property can tend to be at full boom Wednesday onwards. If possible,

Luck Colour: Purple Lucky Number: 6

Luck Colour: White Lucky Number: 8

(March 21-April 20)

(April 21-May 20)

Luck Colour: Red Lucky Number: 8

(June 22-July 20)

(May 21-June 21)

LIBRA

(Sep 24-October 23)

LEO

VIRGO

Mental clarity gives a decisive edge over all competitors at professional front. Performing rituals/auspicious ceremonies at home prove highly beneficial. An improvement in monetary position makes it convenient to purchase essential items.

A romantic encounter is likely to add spice to life.

Your confidence and energy will be high this week.

Dreaming of travelling is good, but if possible than plan a trip side by side too. Investing residentially is one thing you can rely on. You need to exploit your active, pioneering and exploring nature to your benefit.

Luck Colour: Baby Pink Lucky Number: 5

Calculated risks would enable to complete the project on time. Your generous behaviour would enable to enjoy some lovely moments with family.

If possible take independent decisions when it comes to making fresh investments. Infatuation fails to buy real love. A friend might test your tolerance power. If you want to enjoy a hassle free trip then plan your expenses in advance. Investment on overseas property has to be considered seriously. A promising week to revive old contacts.

(July 23-August 23)

(August 24-Sep 23)

A firm commitment will not only enable to achieve professional targets but also to realise your dreams.

Friends and family members would lend a helping hand. Investment should be handled with extreme care and avoid being lured by dubious money ventures.

Romantic partner would try innovative methods to catch your attention. A week when smile will perpetually be on your face and strangers will seem familiar. Take some time to travel with your spouse for romance and seduction. Second half of the week is also the time to spend money on your homely accommodations. If possible, make people realise that the path of truly successful & significant life is through friendship and acts of generosity & self-sacrifice.

Luck Colour: Blue Lucky Number: 5

Luck Colour: Yellow Lucky Number: 3

in

e n l i g h te n i n g

SAGITTARIUS

series

of

ta l ks

New Zealand

by revered master

ANANDMURTI GURUMAA 22 nd - 25 th April, 2016 22nd April: 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm 23rd - 25thApril: 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm

FREE ADMISSION

VENUE

Shri Shirdi Saibaba Temple 12-18 Princes Street, Onehunga, Auckland, New Zealand

CONTACTS Chandrakant Patel: 09 6251975 Sween Bhalla: 027 8174371 Manish Sharma: 027 5700702 Vineet Sharma: 021 1300034 www.gurumaa.com | info@gurumaa.com | gurumaanz@yahoo.co.nz

Watch daily episodes of AMRIT VARSHA on at 6:30 am (Mon-Fri)

Luck Colour: Blue Lucky Number: 2

SCORPIO

(Oct 24-November 22) Cooperative nature brings desired results at professional front. An unexpected message from a distant relative brings happy news for the entire family. Avoid being volunteer to overspend otherwise you will have to come home empty pocket. Initiatives in love bring positive results as you catch the desired attention. Your enormous confidence would help in enjoying a healthy life. Going for a vacation is always a big expenditure- you must plan everything beforehand. A good week to make some investment on kitchen items. Vigilance is needed as overt enemies might try to harm you.

Luck Colour: Sea Green Lucky Number: 1

CAPRICORN

(Nov 23-December 11)

Join

just motivate others to make their life worthwhile by involving themselves in some charitable work.

(Dec 22-January 21)

For some, change of job would bring mental satisfaction. You succeed in making new acquaintances provided you participate in social /family function. Be careful with whom you deal financially this week. Your generous attitude would contribute much in your love life this week. To enjoy the richer grandeur of infinite life, make it more sublime by absence of worry, which is the first step in this direction. You can make your vacation extra special by planning it with your family and friends. You might be purchasing a refrigerator or any other gadget for your house. The desire to do things on your own would pave the way for success.

To take business to newer heights you will have to induct highly motivated persons with excellent interpersonal skills in your team. Relatives are likely to give some valuable advice regarding personal life. This week long-term investment would enable to make substantial gains. Extremely supportive & loving partner would help in withering away your troubles. A very healthy week filled with happiness & vitality. Minor preparations before you travel overseas will make your trip a lot smoother. Purchasing of electrical appliances can be done. You might feel frustrated at times as temporary but unexpected personal disturbances trouble you.

Luck Colour: Green Lucky Number: 9

Luck Colour: Grey Lucky Number: 1

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Your inner values coupled with a positive attitude will bring success at work. You receive care and affection from family members. Financial hassles will be eased out with the help of your friends. Romantic vibrations from someone unknown would lift your spirits taking imaginations to scaling heights. Pleasure trip would help in maintaining sound health towards the last week of the week. Spiritual vacation is a quest for life, plan it and enjoy it with your family. A good deal for residential property is ahead. Involving yourself in voluntary work would bring popularity.

Luck Colour: Magenta

This week, stars suggest you to gracefully accept the invitation with family, if you are invited somewhere you haven’t been before. Avoid overspending on entertainment and luxuries especially in the first half of the week. Love life brings immense romantic pleasure. Yoga and meditation would help in keeping in shape and mentally agile. Travelling with kids can be a challenge, try to reduce the stress. Preparations are must before you plan for a new house. It will certainly be a wonderful week to contact people who share the common dreams.

(Jan 22-February 19)

Lucky Number: 7

(Feb 20-March 20)

Luck Colour: Maroon Lucky Number: 1

By Manisha Koushik Manisha Koushik is the talented daughter and associate of world renowned celebrity astrologer Dr Prem Kumar Sharma. She is gifted with strong intuitions and clairvoyance right from the childhood. 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. Reach out to her to explore what the future holds for you. 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, 26489899 | Mobile/Whatsapp: +919716145644

FEATURES

www.iwk.co.nz | 15 April 2016

27

Reconnecting science with spirituality B

Red

Black

Orange

Ravinder Grover

rahmrishi Sri Guruvanandji, lovingly called Gurudev, the Spiritual Master par excellence, was born on January 12, 1941, in New Delhi, India.

Academically, to his distinction, he has M.Tech from the highly reputed institute of IIT (Kharagpur, India), MA in Sanskrit, Vedas and Jyotisha and Ph.D. in astrology. Further to his qualifications and achievements, he has participated in many international conferences globally including the All Religion World Conference where he was conferred with The Best Personality and a gold medal.

He has also been conferred the Jyotish Murmagya award by the German Astrological Society. He has been the Honorary Principal and Professor at various academic institutions including BHU (Banaras Hindu University).

His spiritual journey began in his childhood under miraculous circumstances when his spiritual mentor, Yogiraj Devaraha Baba (known as ‘ageless yogi’), saved his life from a terminal illness. A reputed scientist with the flavour of spiritual upliftment from childhood, he was highly influenced by Swami Vivekananda and the teachings of Lord Mahavira. He has the urge to see the inner connection between science and spirituality. Under the guidance of his guru and

through intense penance, he has awakened the Kundalini Shakti (primal energy coiled and located at the base of spine) resulting in acquiring a range of Siddhies (divine powers) and spiritual enlightenment. In a nutshell, science meets spirituality and the scientist becomes the saintist.

Devaraha Baba predicted that Gurudevji would achieve the heights of spirituality and would render his life to healing and serve the humanity.

Today, scientist turned saintist is known as highly evolved spiritual master imbued with tremendous power and is a unique divine gift to humanity in the modern age of spiritual turmoil and tussle. He is the embodiment of love and compassion, coupled with humility and simplicity, thus making him one of the most revered accomplished saints in the current era. He has the deep and practical understanding of

the Vedas, the Bhagavad Gita, astrology and other spiritual scriptures from Jainism, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam. He has the unique capacity to impart a deep spiritual message in layman’s language that people can translate this into their daily lives.

His transformative message to masses is “Manava Seva is Madhava Seva” (service to man is service to god) and “Daiva Preeti” (love for god), which he emphasises are the best spiritual practices for this age.

He does not want people to change their religion but to get better in their own religion. He believes that the religion should be the way of life. He strongly advocates that “religion does not bind us, but rather frees us from all bondages of karma (deeds)”.

He emphasises that saints and gurus should not give us a cult

or a new religion but rather the correct way of life ensuring a smooth and successful transition from the worldly bondages of family and society towards and into the Almighty.

His teachings, preaching and blessings have the power to alter the direction and the destiny of one’s life. Once in his fold, he proved to his devotees that he knew what they were thinking, saying and doing when hundreds of miles away from him.

Frequently, he appeared wherever he was needed and rescued his devotees from the crisis. If time and space permit, in the forthcoming issues, we will share some of the experiences of the devotees and what benefits they have achieved from this divine soul walking on two feet.

Such miracles do not matter.

What matters is the source, which is beyond evolution.

Darshan is the powerful super conscious vibration that is present around an enlightened being at all times. Just as the sun continuously radiates light, whether anybody is present to receive it or not, the enlightened consciousness is continuously radiating its presence. The auspicious moment when we are able to ‘catch’ it becomes the moment of darshan for us.

Just having a glimpse of the enlightened being is believed to cleanse the karmas of lifetimes and create a deep and lasting transformation. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

to cleanse your karmas and uplift yourselves spiritually as Gurudevji would be radiating his darshan in Christchurch at Sudima Christchurch Airport Hotel on Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m. and in Auckland at Mahatma Gandhi centre on Sunday, May 1 from 4 p.m.

Christchurch Date : Thursday, April 28 Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Venue: Sudima Christchurch Airport Hotel 550 Memorial Ave, Christchurch, New Zealand Contact : Thomas Shahji 021 2397167 Laxmi Jhunjhnuwala 021 778322 skthomas0908@gmail.com Free admission and prasad, Limited seats. Must register at iftih@sudimachristchurch.co.nz Auckland Date: Sunday, May 1 Time: 4 p.m. onwards Venue: The Mahatma Gandhi Centre, 145 New North Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1021 Contact: Laxmi Jhunjhnuwala 021778322 Shivani Arora 021870012 Praveen Patel 0211646468 guruvandananz@gmail.com laxmijj@gmail.com Free admission and prasad All attendees will be given a Rudraksha blessed by Sri Gurudev. Must register to receive one at guruvandannz@ gmail.com

28

ENTERTAINMENT

15 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Award coming from India is very important for me: Priyanka

A

ctress Priyanka Chopra, who has conferred the Padma Shri by President Pranab Mukherjee at an investiture ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on April 12, says Indian awards are very important for her.

The Mary Kom actress, who has garnered international recognition through her stint in the American TV series Quantico, also added that her late father Ashok Chopra would have been “very proud” of her. Asked even though she has created waves internationally, how much importance does an Indian award is for her, Priyanka said, “Very important...

First of all being from a defence family, this means a lot. My father would have been very proud. Getting an acknowledgement for my job is another feeling all together...It’s an incredible feeling.”

The Bajirao Mastani actress is currently busy with Quantico and her first Hollywood film Baywatch with actors Dwayne Johnson and Efron. Priyanka says she has left days of shooting for coming back to India, and also praised her international team for understanding the importance the award is for her.

“Two days of shooting were put on hold to come here.

Now the entire cast will work on Saturday because I had to come here. They (international team) never work on weekends, but they understood how important it was for me,” she said.

The Jungle Book shines at box office

US. Along with Neel, the film is supported

by Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong’o, Scarlett Johansson and Christopher Walken. Bollywood stars such as Irrfan Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Nana Patekar, Shefali Shah and Om Puri have lent their voice for the Hindi version of The Jungle Book.

“The Jungle Book is eyeing Rs 38 crore to Rs 40 crore in its opening weekend, which clearly indicates the love it is getting from moviegoers,” trade analyst Taran Adarsh posted on Twitter.

Ranbir best star actor this country has seen: Sayani Gupta

Red

A

ctress Sayani Gupta has lauded actor Ranbir Kapoor, with whom she will be seen sharing screen space in the upcoming film Jagga Jasoos, calling him the “best star actor” in the country.

“Ranbir is the best star actor this country has seen. He is incredibly effortless and versatile as an actor. While working with

Orange

A

him, I realised he uses a method and has a strong process, but never exhibits it,” Sayani said in a statement. “His mind works like a director, so his overall understanding of the mise-en-scène is from a film-maker’s point of view and not just an actor’s,” she added. The actress also feels that they share a “similar approach”, but says that she is not even “close to his potential as an actor”.

“He is such a breeze to work with and even to watch on screen! He is aware, easy, crafted and unassuming,” she said.

Sayani, who made her debut in Bollywood with the film Margarita With A Straw, also said that Ranbir’s “special” quality is that he “never behaves like a star”.

She will soon be seen in superstar Shah Rukh Khan starrer Fan and is also busy shooting for Baar Baar Dekho.

A

Black

ctress Parineeti Chopra, who will go behind the mic to sing for Meri Pyaari Bindu, says it would be “wonderful” if there’s ever an opportunity to sing with her cousin and actress Priyanka Chopra. Priyanka has earlier crooned foot tapping numbers such as In My City ft. will.i.am, Exotic ft. Pitbull, and even the title track of Dil Dhadakne Do. Asked if she plans to sing a number with Priyanka, Parineeti said,“ Wow! (Singing with Priyanka) that would be wonderful.

That would be really wonderful, but I have to ask her.”

“That is a great idea, we should do it,” she added in an ecstatic tone. Priyanka, who has got global recognition with her stint in the American TV series Quantico, has now bagged a Hollywood film Baywatch alongside actors Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.

Parineeti says for crooning a number together, they first “have to be in the same country”.

For now, Parineeti is all set to play an aspiring actress in the upcoming film Meri Pyaari Bindu, which is set in Kolkata and also features actor Ayushmann Khurrana.

The film is directed by debutant Akshay Roy and is a Maneesh Sharma production.

Hrithik’s Mohenjo Daro to release on August 12

F

ilm-maker Jon Favreau’s 3D liveanimation adventure fantasy film The Jungle Book has received an overwhelming response at the box office in India and raked in more than Rs 20 crore in just two days since its release.

The film, which collected Rs 10.09 crore on its opening day in India on April 8, witnessed good growth on Saturday by collecting Rs 13.51 crore, thus taking its cumulative total to Rs 23.6 crore, read a statement. Released in India in four different languages (English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu), the film brings a story straight from the enchanting forest of India and presents a modern take on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless classic, originally published in 1894. The film, with Indian-American actor Neel Sethi as Mowgli, made its way onto the screens in India a week ahead of its release in the

Singing with Priyanka will be wonderful: Parineeti

ctor Hrithik Roshan’s forthcoming film Mohenjo Daro will hit the screens on August 12.

The 42-year-old Bang Bang star announced the release date of the Ashutosh Gowariker directorial on Twitter.

“Journeys that test strength of character are ones you should be most proud of! It’s a wrap! Mohenjo Daro, Pooja Hegde,” Hrithik posted. The actor also shared an image of himself holding a clapboard flashing the release date with the Lagaan film-maker in the background.

Also starring debutant Pooja Hegde and veteran actor Kabir Bedi, the movie is an epic adventure-romance, set in the ancient city of Mohenjo-daro, Sindh, Pakistan in the era of the Indus Valley civilisation that dates back to 2600 BC. The movie marks Gowariker’s second collaboration with Hrithik after 2008 film Jodhaa Akbar.

I feel very scared to direct: SRK

A

successful actor and producer, Shah Rukh Khan says he fears treading the path as a film director as he is not confident of “calling the shots”.

Asked if he ever plans to turn director, Shah Rukh replied, “I find it a very lonely job. I think if I have to direct, I need to gain my confidence in the next five years. [As of] now I just feel very scared to direct. I don’t know when to say, ‘Okay, cut’.”

“I have plans that in the next two to three years, I should go and take some course for three months to see how exciting it would be to tell a story. I don’t know if I can call the shots,” he added.

Shah Rukh is currently busy promoting his forthcoming release Fan, and he says the director of the film Maneesh Sharma has lived with the script for 10 years.

“Maneesh had this idea seven years ago, but Adi (producer Aditya Chopra) felt Maneesh is not ready to do a film with me because there is a responsibility to work with a star. Adi knows me well... That I am very sensitive and I cannot just be called to work. I like to be treated well, and be nice to. Maybe he was too young to be in that space.” Fan is releasing on April 15.

ENTERTAINMENT

www.iwk.co.nz | 15 April 2016

Red

Black

Orange

N O O S G N I COM

www.ecotravels.co.nz

29

30

FEATURES

15 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Musical pursuits

Red

Black

Orange

Twenty-one-year-old pharmacy student Akhila Puthigae comes from a musically inclined family. She says her mother was her first guru, and her sister, her first student. A trained opera singer, Puthigae has been performing ever since she can remember and has enthralled audiences in Sweden and the US before. And now she is geared up to set the stage on fire in the upcoming Jam Lounge show in Auckland. Indian Weekender spoke to this young talent to find out about her musical endeavour.

IWK Bureau IWK: When did you develop an interest in music?

Akhila Puthigae

Akhila: I was singing before I could even talk. My mother noticed that I had an interest in music and decided that she would foster it. She made me perform wherever I could, and so I started singing from a young age; perhaps from the age of two! When I was five, I started to learn the piano, and from then, my musical journey started. I took several Royal School of Music examinations and then started to learn the bassoon in high school. Since then, my music has just boomed, especially after competing in competitions and singing in shows such as the upcoming Jam Lounge.

There are plenty of opportunities in New Zealand such as the Jam Lounge show coming up, where they try out different music styles and the concepts are new and fresh.

IWK: You’ve performed previously in Sweden and the US. How different is the experience of performing live in these countries compared to New Zealand?

Akhila: Quite frankly, I performed there when I was young, so I don’t quite remember performing there. I’ve only seen videos of myself performing there. However, from what I’ve seen, the audience is usually quite welcoming and supportive, especially of youngsters, just like here in New Zealand.

IWK: How easy/difficult is it to make your mark as a singer in a country such as New Zealand?

Akhila: There are plenty of opportunities in New Zealand such as the Jam Lounge show coming up, where they try out different music styles and the concepts are

Indian Classical Music: Rithvik Raja in Auckland

Date: Saturday, 23 April 2016 Time: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Venue: Raye Freedman Arts Centre, Silver Rd, Auckland Rasikas NZ and Sangeetha Bharathi are pleased to present a team of young Carnatic music professionals from India. Emerging Masters is a special series featuring the young and highly talented musicians from mainly India and around the world. The Emerging Masters series is the first tour for 2016. A grand vocal concert by a team of highly proficient young musicians: Vocal – Rithvik Raja, Violin – Parur MS Ananthakrishnan and Mridangam – Sumesh Narayanan. Tickets are available for door sale only: reserved: $30.00, general: $15.00 and child (under 16 years)/senior citizen: $10.00. Contact: Priya Srinivasan - 021613155 - rasikas.nz@gmail.com for more information.

A Bollywood Dreams Musical ‘Meri Padosan PK’

Date: Saturday, 23 April 2016 Time: 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Venue: Aurora Centre for the Performing Arts, Cnr Greers Rd and Memorial Ave, Burnside, Christchurch In Loving memory of the legendary singer, Kishore Kumar, Mike Pero Bishopdale presents ‘Meri Padosan PK’ - A Bollywood Dreams Musical. Based on the 1968 Indian Bollywood Classic film - Padosan (starring Kishore Kumar, Sunil Dutt, Saira Banu and Mehmood), ‘Meri Padosan PK’ features 45 local performers and 45 Bollywood dance medleys to bring you the world’s first

new and fresh. When there are such opportunities, I believe that if you want to pursue them, you can. It is quite easy to make a mark as a singer, provided that you have the talent to do so. We can see that with the amazing talent we have here in New Zealand.

IWK: Is singing a mere hobby or would you like to pursue it professionally?

Akhila: Up until now, singing has been just a hobby. I am quite dedicated to my studies and do have a passion towards that, so perhaps music will remain a hobby for a while. But you never know.

I’m always open to opportunities and if I can make a career out of it, then I’d love to.

IWK: Who are your musical influences? What songs did you grow up listening to?

Akhila: My main influence is my mother. I share much of her taste, and I feel like her song choices for me never go wrong. Because she used to listen to a lot of old Hindi songs, I grew up listening mostly

ever dance musical based on the 1968 classic. The 2 hour musical is directed by Shawn Thomas, dialogues by Waleed Bukhari and features choreography by Zia Garcia and Supriya John.

Women Inspiring Women High Tea

to classics by Lata Mangeshkarji, Asha Bhonsle, Mukeshji and Mohammed Rafi Sahab. However, I do love to listen to rock music, new Hindi music, and I’m quite a fan of western classical music and jazz.

IWK: Your dream collaboration with an artist/ producer?

Akhila: My dream collaboration would be with any jazz artist in the world. I am a crazy fan of jazz, and I guess, if I could go back in time and collaborate with Frank Sinatra, I would be extremely happy. He was so talented and such an amazing singer. Singing with him would be a dream come true. I guess, for now, singing along to his songs will have to do.

Citizen Advice Bureau Workshops Employment strategies for newcomers

Date: Saturday, 16 April 2016 Time: 10 am to 3 pm Venue: Level 1, 3091 Great North Road, New Lynn Date: April 30, 2016 CAB New Lynn will hold a free information session for Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. newcomers on Employment Strategies for Newcomers.

Venue: The Langham, Auckland0 The Langham, Auckland Are you a newcomer to New Zealand? Do you want to I Am Woman presents High Tea Rendezvous, designed know your employment rights? How and where to look to engage women (and men) to be inspired to discover for jobs? How to write your Kiwi CV and Cover Letter? their inner potential, featuring Annah Stretton, live life in And get job interview tips and practice. This information colour event series. How many of us are not in love with session will be facilitated by Adon Kumar. To register the life we live? Annah is about to change the way you please drop in, call or email at Citizens Advice Bureau tackle your day to day. Enjoy an elegant high tea with New Lynn, Library Building, 3 Memorial Drive, New Lynn. your friends. Support a great cause, receive an Annah Phone 827 7830 or 827 4731, Email newlynn@cab.org.nz Stretton goodie bag and be inspired to step-up to a new you! Tickets: $75, early bird for the first 75 tickets: $55.

Tickets available via eventfinda. All proceeds to RAW. For more information contact infor@iamwoman.nz or iamwoman@xtra.co.nz Date: Tuesday, 19 April 2016 Time: 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm Venue: Pohutukawa Room, Kapiti Community Centre, Ngahina Street, Paraparaumu CAB Kapiti will hold a free information session for Date: Monday 25 April 2016 newcomers on Accessing Health Services in Kapiti.

Time: 4.45am to 5.00pm Learn about Accessing New Zealand’s Health Services Venue: Region wide from: A local general practitioner, a representative from Anzac Day is a time to reflect on the servicemen and Wellington Free Ambulance and get all your questions servicewomen, past and present, who have displayed answered. For more information call CAB Kapiti on 04 courage and self-sacrifice serving our country. There 298 4944 or Email: cab.kapiti@clear.net.nz or just come are more than 70 Anzac Day parades and services along being held across the Auckland region on Monday 25 NOTE: Citizen Advice Bureau has now opened a branch April 2016. (Details of the venues can be found at http:// ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/events). at Botany Town Centre.

Accessing health services in Kapiti

Auckland Anzac Day Parades and Services 2016

FEATURES

www.iwk.co.nz | 15 April 2016

Red

Black

Orange

Earlybird Fares Return fare starting from

Delhi ...................... $1234* Amritsar ............... $1288* Hyderabad ........... $1174*

Mumbai ................... $1244* Kolkata .................... $1175* Ahmedabad ............ $1278*

*Offer ends on 31st May 2016 unless sold out prior. Advertised fares are all inclusive for travel on the route Auckland-India-Auckland(via Sydney/Melbourne/Delhi), priced as on 01st April 2016 for outbound travel on 16th April 2016 and inbound travel on 17th May 2016, with 8 kg carry-on luggage and 30 kg check-in baggage. Travel between Auckland and Melbourne/Sydney permitted on our interline partner Air New Zealand (NZ) Virgin Australia (VA), Qantas (QF) only. Outbound travel is permitted from 01st April 16 to 21st June 16 or 06th July 16 to 13th September 16 or 28 September 16 to 10 November 16. Travel must be completed within 3 months from the date of departure. Prices are correct as on 01st April 2016 and small variations in prices may occur as a result of changes in airport taxes or currency fluctuations. Offer is subject to availability and fares are valid on Air India operated flights only. Basic fare and fuel surcharge are non refundable and change/ no-show fees apply. For full terms and conditions, please visit www.airindia.com or contact your local travel agent or call Air India on (03) 90218720 / (02) 92833370.

Note:-Passengers travelling to Amritsar will be provided with STPC at Delhi airport if the same day connecting flight is not operated.

31