Indian Weekender 1 July 2016 by Indian Weekender

1JULY2016

RAMAN RAGHAV 2.0 MOVIE REVIEW

Vol. 8 • Issue 15

NZ’s only Kiwi-Indian weekly

The Pulse of Kiwi-Indians since 2009

Kiwi Indian Hall Of Fame 2016

www.iwk.co.nz

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New Zealand What motivates people to join NZ Police? Pg

Sports Coach Kumble – A new role for the old horse

Entertainment IIFA 2016 leaves Madrid with Bollywood high

India

India deserves to be in NSG: US

World Brexit – A symptom of discontent against inequality Pg

Face of the week The young app–rentice

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 July 2016

Glitz, glamour, stars and winners

The biggest celebration of the Kiwi-Indian community culminated in a gala celebration. Here are some highlights of the evening for our readers. Compliments from our guests ¡¡Maya Shivam

he Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame finally came together at the Pullman Hotel on June 23 at a gala event and dinner. Like each year, the who’s who of the KiwiIndian community gathered to celebrate and applaud the achievements of three exceptional individuals. This was the fourth edition of the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame and was appreciated by all who attended. In our cover story this week, we bring the details of the evening and of our three winners who dazzled the evening.

Clockwise from left: PM John Key signing the silver tray, PM unveiling the special issue, Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand HE Sanjiv Kohli and Penny Simmonds, SIT CE

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“

To the most amazing team at Indian Weekender. How wonderful was this evening! Lots of love, colour, smiles, achievement. Thank you so much!” —Helen Tua “Fantastic event! So proud to be a part of it. Well put event. Congratulations to the team for such a wonderful time.” —Mandeep Kaur, NZ Police “Thank you, Indian Weekender. I came from Fiji. It was a great experience. PM John Key said it all. Job well done. Love you, Indian Weekender.” —Mukesh Chand “Par excellence! Each year, the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame event has achieved a milestone. Most rewarding, entertaining and inspiring. God bless!” —Subhag and Dr Ajit Swaran Singh “Such an inspirational group of award winners.” —Jacinda Ardern, MP “Well organised, entertaining and short and sweet. Thank you!” —Nathan Saminathan “Fantastic evening! Fantastic publication! Best wishes to Indian Weekender.” —Penny Simmonds “Awesome event, IWK. Loved every bit of it. Well done to the A-team.” —ANZ “Celebrating success with humour. Wow!” —Mayor Tim Shadbolt and Asha “Voice of the Indian community. Keep it up!” —Counties Manukau Police “Thank you, for a beautiful evening and congrats to the team and awardees!” —Priyanca Radhakrishnan

1 July 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

The winners and their success stories It was essentially, a night to celebrate the achievements of three Kiwi-Indians through the highest honours of the Kiwi-Indian community—the Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the Year, the Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero and the big Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame N W I I DI A N

Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame

he Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame was instituted to recognise the unparalleled achievements of an individual in their field of endeavour that have brought name, fame and glory not only to the individual but also to the Kiwi-Indian community at large. Through this award, Indian Weekender provides a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the success of these Kiwi-Indians. The first inductee to the Hall of Fame was Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, followed by Dr Ajit Swaran Singh and Dr Kantilal Naranji Patel. None of these individuals need any introduction and are exemplary in their own areas of endeavour. They were all there to honour the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2016 inductee.

Dr C S Benjamin, Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2016 inductee Born in Tamil Nadu, India, Dr Chellaraj Satyasdas Benjamin has worked as a cancer specialist for the past 30 years at the Auckland Public Hospital where he has treated more than 500 patients a year. He was the Clinical Director of Radiation Oncology at Auckland Hospital where he efficiently ran the oncology department until September 2007. He has organised several health expos for the community. As the President of Auckland Indian Medical Society for the past 15 years, he represents them in several charity meetings and annual medical conferences for Indian doctors. Dr Benjamin has made exceptional contributions to the community in South Pacific. He has worked with NZAID and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 10 years as the coordinator of New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme for seven South Pacific countries that includes Fiji, Samoa, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Tonga, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. He is a regular visitor to the Samoan capital and is well known for his

efforts to life public health in the country. In 2007, he took 35 volunteers to Samoa and saved 10 children with open heart surgery that was performed for the first time in the history of the country. They performed 14 surgeries in 2008 and the team performed these services for no monetary value. In 2005, he was bestowed with the title of Papalii by the Head of the

State, Samoa. The same year, he played a major role in establishing the first Kidney Dialysis Unit in the country. Three years later, he established the first Kidney Dialysis Unit in Fiji. His services in Samoa continued. He coordinated the New Zealand Medical

N W I I DI A N

Top left: Mr Giri Gupta, and Dr CS Benjamin accepting the award from PM John Key; Top right: Dr Benjamin receives the New Zealand Order of Merit from the then Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand; Above: Dr Benjamin with Samoan PM and Health Minister at the AIMS conference in Samoa; Inset: Dr Benjamin with his family

Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero

he Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero was instituted last year to honour individuals who have gone above and beyond their everyday life in their area of endeavour. These are individuals who have dedicated themselves to achieving and engaging in their area that has benefited their entire community and country without a care for name, fame or glory for themselves. These are heroes who have gone unnoticed, and we seek to honour and acknowledge them.

Ramesh Patel, Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero of the Year

Ramesh Patel (left) accepting the award from Penny Simmonds

As a youngster, Mr Patel had a natural flair in sport that developed him into one of New Zealand’s most recognised Indian

sportsman and administrators. He started playing hockey for St Lukes Hockey Club in 1963 and soon gained a place in the

Treatment Scheme for Samoa for 10 years and has been looking after the Samoan Medical treatment scheme for more than 14 years. He also played an important role in the formation of National Heart Foundation six years ago. Dr Benjamin is credited for organising two OUM medical conferences and two international medical conferences in Samoa. In 2006, he was awarded the Certificate on Honour by Helen Clark, the then Prime Minister of New Zealand. Two years later, he was honoured with Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to medicine and the community. Last year, Dr Benjamin was awarded the Order of Merit Samoa. Currently, he is the Dean at the Oceania University of Medicine, the Clinical Director at Auckland Radiation Oncology, Mercy Hospital; a consultant oncologist at Auckland Hospital, and a director at CS Benjamin Ltd and Universal Medical and Surgical Care. Auckland Hatch Cup and NZ Hatch Cup tournament teams; thus commenced his illustrious career in the sport. But before he committed himself to playing hockey for Auckland and New Zealand, Mr Patel had a short stint with Auckland Indian Sports club as a cricketer where he was a part of the New Zealand U-21 Brabin Cup tournament team. The same year, Mr Patel was conferred the New Zealand Herald Junior Sportsman of the Year award. As a sportsman, Ramesh was a perfectionist at technique and a great team member. He was part of the Auckland Hockey team from 1971 to 1986. He was the captain of the team from 1983–86. From 1972 to 1986, he played for the New Zealand Hockey team where he was the vice-captain from 1981–86. He was selected for four Olympic Games for hockey and was also selected into four World Cup team for hockey. Mr Patel has been a member of the New Zealand Indian Sports

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 July 2016

Above: Ramesh Patel (second row, third from left) with his team Inset: Ramesh Patel with his wife

Associations, representing hockey teams since 1983, captaining and playing in a number of provincial and international fixtures. Outside the hockey field, he was the Chief Executive of Hockey New Zealand for two decades. For his outstanding achievements and contribution to hockey, Mr Patel received the Queens Service Medal in 1988, and on June 23, Indian Weekender presented him with the Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero of the Year award. Through his passion and commitment to hockey, he has brought glory and fame to the Kiwi-Indian community.

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Cover story continued on Page 26

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Little Hands childcare for your young ones ¡¡IWK Bureau

their full potential within the child centred programme following Te-Whaariki curriculum. The childcare guides children to become confident citizens of the society and value their culture and individuality, thus contributing to in their holistic development. Mr Manmohan Bhatia of Little Hands childcare says, “Our philosophy at Little Hands childcare and early learning centre is that we believe children

learn through playing and this arises from their daily life experiences. We believe today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders and we see children as powerful, capable, confident and independent learners. As they say that a healthy mind lives in a healthy body. So we provide fresh cooked nutritional meals to the children at our childcare.” Their special programme ‘transition to school’ is designed to help children get ready for higher schooling. The childcare is offering free 30 hours’ sessions for three to five years old and other special offers for 0–3 year old. They an open door policy and staff is available answer any queries that you may have anytime between 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday on 092799946 or contact Sunaina Bhatia 0211212735.

and its benefits being recognised around the world, BSCT endeavors to introduce this art of healthy living to the younger generation as well. Yoga is a 5,000-year-old physical, mental, and spiritual practice and is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. Yoga expert volunteer Ms Apoorva demonstrated the asanas

in a fun way for the children. The organisation believes that learning would be sustainable when it is accompanied with fun; it serves a dual purpose. Yoga becomes a part of the routine for children who start practising it from a young age. Children with healthier lifestyle would undoubtedly have an influence on the society’s future.

ith an aim to provide affordable and high quality education in a safe, caring and homely environment to the children and families of the community, Little Hands childcare has started its operation at 20 Middlemore Crescent, Papatoetoe, next to the Middlemore Hospital. At Little Hands childcare, the qualified staff are committed to provide not only your kids a family environment but also the families an opportunity to strengthen the bridge between their work and family life. Children are encouraged to learn at their own pace in a challenging environment that allows them to explore, make new discoveries, grow, thrive and reach

Little Hands childcare centre

BSCT observes International Yoga Day ¡¡IWK BUREAU

Attendees at the launch of Global IndiaNZ

¡¡IWK BUREAU

arlier this month, the Lower North Island Global IndiaNZ was launched, attracting more than a 100 people who were keen to get involved. Global IndiaNZ is an interest group within the National Party that aims to give New Zealanders of Indian descent or birth a bigger voice in the party and the political process. It has more than a 1,000 members nationwide and continues to grow fast. The latest chapter was launched in Wellington by the President of National Party, Peter Goodfellow, along with Indian National MPs Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi and Dr Parmjeet Parmar. The event was attended by Speaker of the House Rt. Hon David Carter, Hon Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries and Hon Craig Foss,

Associate Minister of Immigration along with several other MPs— Hon Chester Borrows, Tim Macindoe, Ian McKelvie, Brett Hudson, Christopher Bishop, Paul Foster-Bell, Alastair Scott, Jono Naylor and Joanne Hayes. The launch was organised by Mr Aashish Suri who put a lot of effort along with MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi into making it a success. The concept of Global IndiaNZ was first originated in Auckland by MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi in 2008 and following the first launch in Auckland, Global IndiaNZ started in places such as Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua and Christchurch. MP Bakshi visited Palmerston North to meet the Indian community as the recent formal launch in Lower North Island was to generate more awareness among Indians about Global IndiaNZ.

BC5523_IW_1

he Children Wing of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust observed International Yoga Day on June 19 at the community hall with the intention of inculcating the importance of healthy living among children. With the importance of yoga

Launch of Global IndiaNZ Lower North Island

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Campaign raises awareness on drug abuse

Kick-off time!

The team from Rwanda | Photo credit: Rosemine Mutamuliza

¡¡IWK BUREAU Spreading awareness: volunteers with placards and pamphlets at Aotea Square

¡¡IWK Bureau

n June 26, International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed at Aotea Square, Auckland. Despite bad weather conditions, the event saw a huge turnout of volunteers who made the event successful. Aam Aadmi Party New Zealand, which was forefront in launching the AntiDrug campaign worldwide, launched the #KickNasha campaign at the event. An official video, keeping in mind the drug epidemic in Punjab, was screened. Nearly 70% of youth in Punjab are victims of drug abuse or are a part of the illicit drug trafficking business. Through placards and pamphlets, volunteers created awareness about

the dangers associated with drugs. The highlight of the event was the street play that was highly appreciated by the audience. Directed by Aam Aadmi Party convenor Mr Rajeev Bajwa, the play showcased the dangers associated with drugs. Mr Bajwa mentioned that all New Zealand volunteers were working hard under the able leadership of Dr Kumar Vishwas (Overseas Convenor) to put an end to drug menace of the current government in Punjab. Mr Bajwa and Sr Kharag Singh thanked all the volunteers for their support in making #KickNasha campaign a huge success. The hashtag KickNasha was trending number one in India on Twitter on Monday morning.

Paresh Patel

s Rio Olympic games begin in September, West Auckland will have its local version of an event around the time to bring multiple ethnicities together to celebrate the first-ever West Auckland Ethkick Football Tournament. To be held on September 17 in Starling Park, Ranui, the tournament will see men’s and women’s team, all seven a side and aged 16 years and above. The first 32 teams to register will be accepted; one from each ethnicity or country. The additional teams will be placed on a waiting list. Registrations have begun and teams are sought from ethnic communities, be it refugees, recent migrants, or long established. Members of West Auckland’s Rwandan, Congolese, Kurdish, Nepalese, Samoan, Tuvalu, Zo, Chin and Fijian communities have already expressed interest and more teams are expected to

come forward. The tournaments started in Palmerston North in 2009 but this is the first such tournament to be held in West Auckland. Football is a language that many cultures speak, from Scottish to Sri Lankan and Samoan, Norwegian to Niuean, and Croatian to Chilean and Kiribati. The aim of the tournament is to have a marvellous fiesta while encouraging acceptance and celebrati on of the cultural diversity of West Auckland: fostering friendship through football. Ethkick West is organised by Community Waitakere in partnership with Auckland Council, the Northern Football Federation and NZ Police, supported by Local Boards, the Waitakere Ethnic Board, Sports Waitakere, the Human Rights Commission, and The Trusts Community Foundation. More details can be found on www.communitywaitakere.org. To register your team, contact mandy@ communitywaitakere.org.nz

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Chch education sector will cross $1b by 2025, courtesy Indian students ¡¡Gaurav Sharma

Sector profile

ccording to the Canterbury International Education Destination 2025 Strategy released by the Canterbury Development Corporation, the international education sector in Canterbury is projected to enrol 25,580 students by 2025, generating more than $937 million in EVA (Economic Value Added). Of these, the biggest chunk is coming from India. EVA is an estimate of the contribution of international education towards national Gross Domestic Product, reflecting expenditure by international students on tuition fees and living costs. Even now, international education is one of Canterbury’s most valuable exports, contributing $253 million of total economic value to the region in 2014 and making it the region’s fifth largest export earner. In fact, and importantly for Canterbury’s economy, the number of international students coming to the region has risen by $20 compared to last year, with majority coming from India. While these students are adding to the pipeline of skilled workers in the region, they often attract relatives from overseas bringing CT RA NT CO EK ER H WE D UN 11T

hristchurch’s tertiary education sector consists of three universities—University of Canterbury, Lincoln University and the University of Otago, Christchurch—one Ara Institute of Canterbury as well as several Private Training Establishments (PTEs), Industry Training Organisations (ITOs), and community training programmes. While University of Canterbury is known for engineering and sciences, and Lincoln for land-based research, the University of

Otago, Christchurch, specialises in health research and teaching. The three largest institutions— University of Canterbury, Lincoln and Ara—bring approximately $50 million in international student revenue. The University of Canterbury’s figures for 2013 show that approximately 1,000 (seven per cent) of its students were from overseas. In comparison, approximately 1,200 (35%) of Lincoln’s students are international. Courtesy: Canterbury Development Corporation

Christchurch Educated

C This illustration was published in The Canterbury Report Winter 2016 by the Canterbury Development Corporation

in precious tourism dollars for the region. Taking New Zealand as a whole, the student visas granted to Indians have gone from 611 in 2004 to 10,000 in 2015. In fact, according to the Migration Trends and Outlook Report 2014–15, which was published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and

Employment, “a total of 84,856 international students were approved to study in New Zealand, an increase of 16% from 2013–14, the second year-on-year increase. China has remained the largest source country of international students (27%) followed by India (23%) and South Korea (six per cent). The numbers from

hristchurch Educated is a collaboration of education providers based in Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region. Members span all parts of the education sector from primary schools to universities and include both public institutions and privately owned and operated businesses. More details can be found on www.christchurcheducated.co.nz The collaboration also runs a website askchched.co.nz providing one-stop-information-shop for potential and newly-arrived international students.

India continue to rise sharply”.

had transitioned to residence

Interestingly, the report goes on to

five years after their first student

add, “International students have

visa. In 2014–15, 43% of skilled

become an important source of

principal migrants were former

skilled migrants for New Zealand.

international students.”

By June 30, 2015, 17% of students

Indian taxi drivers to protest against Uber in Christchurch ¡¡GAURAV SHARMA

he city’s taxi drivers, majority of whom are migrants from India, are planning a protest outside the office of MP for Christchurch Central, Nicky Wagner, at Salisbury Street, on July 4. A group of more than 200 taxi drivers, belonging to all major taxi companies in the city, including Blue Star and Gold Band, are planning to organise a two-hour protest on July 4, against what they call government’s “inadequate action” on dealing with Uber drivers. Jaspinder Pal Singh, who has been driving a taxi in Christchurch since 2009, and is the main organiser of the protest informed, “We will block one lane of the Salisbury Street from 11 a.m. on that day. What Uber drivers have been doing in our city is completely illegal. Their tariff is not fixed, they drive without proper endorsements on

their driving licenses, they don’t maintain any log-books, have less rigorous background checks, and they don’t have any camera installed in their cars. Since the government is not listening, our only resort is to protest outside the minister’s office. While we welcome competition, it has to be within the confines of the law. There has to be a level playing field for all concerned parties.” Noting that majority of taxi drivers in Christchurch are migrants, Singh added, “Almost 70 to 80% are migrants from the sub-continent and Uber is making survival difficult for many of them.” The New Zealand Transport Authority, meanwhile, has noted that what Uber is doing in Christchurch, and rest of the country is “illegal”, and that it has made “this clear to Uber, to the public and to potential Uber drivers in Christchurch”. “The Transport Agency has been contacted by many prospective

Uber drivers seeking information on what is required of them to legally carry passengers. We’ve informed these drivers what is required of them to operate legally, and we’ve explained the possible consequences of driving without an appropriate licence or providing an unlicensed service, which can result in significant fines. We encourage anyone considering becoming a passenger transport provider to contact the Transport Agency for help on 0800 822 422,” said the authority. “It’s important to note that until late April, Uber’s operational model required their driver-partners in New Zealand to comply with our passenger service regulations. The majority of the actions were undertaken since the company changed its model in late April, and enforcement activity will rampup as more evidence is gathered and investigated,” added NZTA.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 July 2016

What motivates people to join NZ Police? NZ Police is recruiting Asian Police Officers, and I am honoured to have the opportunity to interview Constable Chris Byun from the North Shore Police Station Constable Chris Byun Jessica Phuang

Asian liaison co-ordinator Jessica: Why you wish to NZ Police?

Jessica: What challenges for

Chris: Sometimes Police have to inform family members and friends of a sudden or unexpected death and work together to find out what may have happened. For me, I feel privileged to be able to help them by providing the information they need and to console them.

did join

Chris: When I was in my second year at Auckland University, I volunteered to join a programme called Teach and Learn in Korea. It was a programme that was designed and organised by the Korean government to have students in rural areas educated in English by native English speakers for free. Many students in rural areas are poor and do not have enough money for education to catch up with the students in urban areas. While I was in Korea in an area called Mun Baek in Chung Cheong Buk Do Province for a year and a half, I realised how valuable and important it was to help others in need. Coming back to New Zealand, I heard about opportunities to join the New Zealand Police. I realised that it could be the job where I got to help people on a daily basis. As a Christian, it is also important to me to be able to help others in need. were the you when

Jessica: Is there an incident you attended to that was specifically significant to you and why?

you were going through the recruitment process? Chris: I did not like exercising. I would rather play computer games and hang out with friends in town. Therefore I was not fit at all. So training for the Physical Competency Test and swimming test was difficult. Also, I was not good at communicating with people that I didn’t know. Jessica: How did you overcome the challenges? Chris: At the time, I was an Auckland University student. So the only time for me to train was in the morning. On Mondays and Wednesdays, I

ran with a marathon group at AUT Millennium Gym. After the running, I went to the gym and did a bit of weight training. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I did more intense weight training followed by swimming. To improve my communication skills, I joined the Asian Safety Patrol Group where I got to work with Police Officers from Auckland City District Police, patrolling around Auckland CBD area. Whenever I was patrolling with them I would talk to members of the public and the constables I was working with. By doing so, I learnt how police interact with the public and I also gained more confidence in my communications.

Jessica: Do you recommend NZ Police as a worthwhile career? Chris: Yes. I would recommend people join NZ Police. If you are a person who likes a variety of duties and you wish to work for an organisation that will provide career opportunities, then you should make an effort to attend the recruitment seminar. Jessica: What attributes should one have in order to reach their goal? Chris: They should have good stress management skills, endurance, good listening skills, maturity and be able to perform under pressure. NZ Police often attend to incidents that can quickly get out of control. We should be able to deal with these situations. We need to be able to

listen to victims and witnesses and engage effectively. The incidents we attend can be stressful, some people may be grieving, some may be angry at us, therefore, we need to be able to manage our stress well to do our job well. Endurance is also important. The recruitment process is long and there are many assessments to pass. Many face difficulties and give up. In order to become a Police officer, you need to be able to endure all the difficulties and find ways to overcome them. I would like to thank Constable Byun for sharing. I’m sure his story will encourage Asian people who are considering joining NZ Police. If you wish to learn more about joining NZ Police, join Auckland Recruitment Seminar on July 9 at the Fickling Center 546 Mt Albert Rd, Three Kings from 10 a.m. to noon. Entrance is free and there is lots of parking. Parents are welcome too. For those who wish to find out more, search “events” on NEWCOPS.CO.NZ or call Jessica on 021 1920935. She is also available on e-mail at Jessica. phuang@police.govt.nz

Wishing you a shower of

Blessings

in the holy month of Ramadan

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$3.56m programme to support our communities

n June 25, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Jo Goodhew announced the new Community-Led Development Programme (CLDP), supporting community-led initiatives into the future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This new programme marks a step change for the long-term support of community projects, and will have significant positive impacts for successful applicants,â&#x20AC;? says Mrs Goodhew. The programme will allow selected communities to identify community aspirations, then partner with the Department of Internal Affairs, other

government agencies, local government, private funders, businesses and local iwi to achieve their goals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As the pilot Community Led Development Programme draws to a close on 30 June, it is timely to announce the CLDP, which will build on the pilotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success and facilitate a larger number of communities taking a similar approach,â&#x20AC;? Mrs Goodhew says. Participation in CLDP will consider the strengths and readiness of communities to adopt a Communityâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Led Development approach. CLDP work together in a location to create and achieve locally-owned visions and goals.

Otahuhu community gets new social housing

he Otahuhu community has received a much-needed housing boost with the completion of 18 new social housing properties, Social Housing Minister Paula Bennett says. Built on the site where just five 1950s state houses once stood, all of the 18 new Housing New Zealand (HNZ) properties will soon be home to some of Aucklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most needy families and individuals. The houses on the 4,352 sq m Special Housing Area site include eight two-bedroom homes, two three-bedroom homes, six four-bedroom homes and two five-bedroom homes. Mrs Bennett, who visited the site to see the finishing touches being added to the homes before they are tenanted, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;These homes are a great example of how a community can benefit from the redevelopment of old state house that are no longer fit for purpose. Local stakeholders including local board members have also seen the new houses and were impressed with the new homes in their community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Given the high demand for housing in Auckland, it is no longer realistic for us to have three-bedroom houses on large

Social Housing Minister Paula Bennett (centre) with Dean Delaney (left) and Richard Vokes (right) of Woodview Construction

sections. Developments like this allow us to use our land more efficiently and build more housing of the right size and type to meet demand.â&#x20AC;? HNZ has land in about 50 Special Housing Areas across Auckland. The areas will enable HNZ to create up to around 3,000 new houses on sites where there are currently only about 690 homes.

Trade Minister seeks Brexit meetings

rade Minister Todd McClay says he is seeking meetings with trade ministers from the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) to discuss the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to leave the EU. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I expect to meet with many of my European counterparts at the G20 meeting in Shanghai, July 9â&#x20AC;&#x201C;10, and I have already requested meetings with key ministers and the EU Trade Commissioner to discuss New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best way forward, in light of the referendum result,â&#x20AC;? says Mr McClay. Mr McClay says the process of discussions between the UK and EU Member States is likely to take up to two years, once negotiations begin with commentators suggesting that a final Brexit could be five or six years away. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have already begun talks with exporters and will continue to engage with the sectors most affected including our meat, dairy, and horticulture industries. It

is important that they are fully informed, and fully engaged in the process as it develops. Even before Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s referendum, we had sought assurances from UK and EU officials that the rules around New Zealand access would not change until they have negotiated new ones with us. We have received those assurances,â&#x20AC;? says Mr McClay. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And we will continue to talk to both sides, with the aim of ensuring that the quality and the value of our access to both the EU and UK markets is retained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of important work has been put in by both sides over the past 12 months. New Zealand has a significant number of supporters in the EU and we retain a strong relationship with the UK. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will be taking a calm and considered approach to this discussion, while using the two-year negotiating period to New Zealand exporters best advantage,â&#x20AC;? says Mr McClay.

The key elements will be:

Paid community development workers A partnership approach and a joint

commitment to adhere to Communityâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Led Development principles Promotion of community leadership Intensive advisory support from Internal Affairs Holistic and flexible funding Wide community engagement and support Sustainable and measurable action plans to support progress of the collective community vision

This new partnering approach will provide support for up to five years through the investment of intensive advisory support provided by the Department of Internal Affairs and through the investment of Crown funds. The CLDP budget starts at $1 million in 2016â&#x20AC;&#x201C;17 (with investments commencing in early 2017), rising to $3.56 million in 2019â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20. Over the same period the Community Development Scheme (CDS) will be gradually phased out. All funding from the CLDP pilot and the CDS will be combined for the CLDP.

Gambling review discussion document released

public discussion document about the sustainability of community funding from pub and club gaming machines is now available, Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne said on June 27. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Earlier this year, I announced a review of class four gambling and the release of a public discussion document gives the public a chance to have their say. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The release of the discussion document is the next step in the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s review of the class four gambling sector, which operates â&#x20AC;&#x153;pokieâ&#x20AC;? machines in non-casino venuesâ&#x20AC;?, says Mr Dunne. The discussion document sets out the key characteristics of the sector, and explores some of the challenges faced by those involved in class four gambling. It includes specific questions for the public about the challenges faced by the sector, and how to address those challenges. The public consultation period will run for seven weeks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The aim of the review is to ensure funding to communities from the class four sector remains sustainable, without any growth in gambling, and minimising harm from gambling.

Gambling review discussion document is the next step in the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s review of the class four gambling sector

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The class four sector is a valuable source of community funding, and we will be looking at proposals to future-proof that funding. This discussion document is an opportunity for the community to let the government know what they think are the challenges faced by the sector, and how to ensure that we get the maximum benefit from class four gambling, without growing gambling and minimising harmâ&#x20AC;?, said Mr Dunne. The deadline for submissions is August 12.

New data for identifying flood risk

cientists have released new data that will help planners identify the risks posed by floods and sea level rise, says Land Information Minister Louise Upston. Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) has completed a five-year project to improve New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vertical Datumâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a reference for measuring the height of the land and its features. â&#x20AC;&#x153;LINZ has flown the length and breadth of New Zealand gathering airborne gravity data to update the vertical datum. As a result of its work, planners, surveyors and engineers now have a consistent reference for measuring heights that is accurate to 3 cm,â&#x20AC;? says Ms Upston. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This helps planners model the height of our landscape and buildings so they can see how water will move during storm surges and floodsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most common natural hazard. It provides a consistent measure for monitoring sea level rise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Providing a consistent reference surface will also make it easier for local authorities to share information about the height of land, buildings and infrastructure across boundaries. After all, floods donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

recognise council boundaries. Another use is for engineers. The ability to accurately measure the height of our landscape means they can ensure sewage and water infrastructure flows downhill.â&#x20AC;? LINZ also has work underway to help make LiDAR data more consistent. LiDAR is three-dimensional data on our land and its features, which is collected by local and central government. Making LiDAR data more consistent will make it more useful for planning against the impact of floods and sea level rise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;LINZ is making this data more accessible,â&#x20AC;? says Ms Upston. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a result, LiDAR for the Auckland region is now freely available online to researchers, industry and others through the LINZ Data Service at no charge. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The work that LINZ is leading gives New Zealand the information it needs to improve resilience to natural disasters.â&#x20AC;?

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 July 2016

Auckland building activity at all-time high

n June 21, Building and Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith and Auckland Mayor Len Brown released the latest Auckland Housing Accord monitoring report. The accord set a target of 39,000 new sections created and dwelling consents issued over three years. By March 31, 2016, 30,389 had been achieved as compared to a target of 30,500 at that date— 99.6% of target. Keeping our foot to the “consenting gas pedal” will help keep the momentum going The good news is that the report shows the number of consented homes in multi-unit buildings is increasing, with the 4,174 such consents issued during the period accounting for more than 43% of all residential building consents issued. As on March 31, there were 118 Special Housing Areas (SHAs) declared, with the capacity to deliver more than 58,000 dwellings. There are now 154

Building activity in Auckland has reached an all-time high of $6 billion per year

SHAs in Auckland, with the potential to deliver up to 62,200 homes. Building is booming and more needs to be done. The level of building activity for the year to March 2016 is $6.1 billion, the highest in Auckland ever. The last boom was in 2005, which peaked at $3.8 billion or $4.8 billion in today’s terms. These impressive figures reflecting the real progress being made and showing Auckland Council has a plan and

it is working. Real progress has been made to fast track consenting to enable housing development in Auckland. Regulatory roadblocks have been removed, new tools have been provided and the provision of infrastructure development to enable major projects. The Development Programme Office also provides a one-stop-shop to facilitate infrastructure solutions for multiple developers and land owners. Auckland Council and the government will continue to work together to consider options across the board to ease Auckland’s housing issues. The next steps in the government’s programme include supporting the council in the completion of the new Auckland Unitary Plan, consulting on a new Urban Development National Policy Statement, reform of the Resource Management Act and developing new legislation on urban development authorities.

Auckland Council warns of phone scam

uckland Council is warning residents to be vigilant after a woman

fell victim to a scam from a person claiming to be from Auckland District Council. The woman says she received a phone call from someone with an Australian phone number who said they were from the Auckland District Council. She was then asked for her bank account details so that she could pay an infringement notice. Auckland Council Investigation Advisor Maureen Glassey says

victim’s bank statement and has been used to take around $150. Ms

Glassey

says

Auckland

Council, or any of its councilcontrolled

organisations

such

as Auckland Transport, would never ring ratepayers to ask for bank account details or request a direct debit to be set up to pay for infringements. “We strongly advise that no one gives out their bank account details over the phone to anyone, regardless of where they say they are from. “If anyone receives a call of

unfortunately the woman gave the

this nature, we would urge them

caller her bank account details,

to record the number it comes

which were then used to set up a

from, if that’s possible, and pass

direct debit. The name ‘Auckland

the details onto the police,” says

District Council’ appears on the

Ms Glassey.

SUBSCRIBE AND READ ONLINE AT issuu.com/indianweekender

NEW ZEALAND

1 July 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

National invests $600m to make roads safer John Key

Prime Minister

very year on our roads, hundreds of New Zealanders are killed and thousands are seriously injured. The National-led government is working hard to improve safety across the entire road system and bring the road toll down. Last week, we reinforced that commitment, announcing we will be investing $600 million to make safety improvements to 90 high-risk black spots

on rural main roads around the country. These safety upgrades will include nearly all high risk roads where there have been five or more fatalities in the last five years. It will make improvements to around 400 kilometres of rural state highways from Invercargill to north of Whangarei. The safety upgrades will include a combination of side barriers, rumble strips, wide centre line treatments and median barriers. In some areas, corners will be softened to improve visibility and road marking and signage highlighting the road environment will be upgraded. This programme of roading improvements is expected to result in 900 fewer deaths and serious injuries on our roads over the next 10 years. Currently, around eight out of 10 fatal and serious

crashes on state highways occur on rural roads. Of those crashes, 85 to 90% are head on or where the driver runs off the road. These improvements will make roads more forgiving of human error, helping to reduce the occurrence of these crashes in the first place and limiting their severity when they do happen. This is a significant step up in road safety investment by the government and reinforces our commitment to reducing death and serious injury crashes on New Zealand roads. This latest announcement adds to the broad programme of work we already have underway to improve road safety including funding the roll out of powerful advertising campaigns, lowering blood alcohol levels, and installing hundreds of kilometres of rumble strips

and median barriers. But at the end of day, the government can only do so much. That’s why it is also vital for all road users to take responsibility for their own safety and make smart choices—buckle up, slow down, and don’t drive impaired or fatigued. Last week was National Volunteer Week, where we celebrated the 1.2 million New Zealanders who have stepped up to make a difference in their communities by volunteering their time to one or more charities. I just want to take a moment to thank all those who lend a helping hand to help others, the work you do is invaluable, and your actions make New Zealand a better country. Thank you again and keep up the good work.

An open, diversified economy better equipped to deal with global events Kanwaljit Bakshi

National List MP

ational’s focus on making New Zealand an open, diversified, trading nation means we are better equipped to deal with global risks beyond our control. That includes any short-term economic volatility, which may arise from the UK’s decision to exit the European Union. Our books are in black. Treasury is forecasting rising surpluses and falling Crown debt. Expected growth is around three per cent on average over the next few years and wages are continuing to rise. It puts us in good stead to deal with any global

market uncertainty. Decades ago Britain was our number one trading partner and while that relationship remains important, we now have a much more diverse range of trading partners. Australia and China take more of our exports than the EU, and countries in the Asia-Pacific region make up our most valuable trading partners. The government realises, just as we won’t get rich selling things to each other, we won’t benefit from trading with only

one nation. Over the last seven years, our trading relationships around the world have grown in number and diversity. Since 2008, we have entered into free trade agreements with Malaysia, Hong Kong, Korea, and the ASEAN nations, and an economic co-operation agreement with Chinese Taipei as well as signing the Trans-Pacific Partnership with 11 other Asia Pacific countries. We have also started negotiations with India. We are a more diversified export economy than we were in the past. Total exports increased by almost $2 billion last year on the back of solid performances from tourism, the beef sector, ICT, wine and much of the manufacturing sector. In short, our economy now has a strong, broad foundation for future growth and is far more flexible than ever before. This year’s Budget builds on our strong

Seventy-one years of the UN David Shearer Labour MP

unday, June 26, marked 71 years since New Zealand’s then-Prime Minister Peter Fraser signed the founding charter of the United Nations. Fraser led the New Zealand mission to the founding meeting in San Francisco himself because he felt so strongly about the need for an organisation that promoted peace in the world. He was forward thinking: even back then he argued vigorously against the veto for the five big member states. How prescient his concerns have turned out to be. In the decades since, the veto has been used

to serve the interests of a few, powerful countries often at the expense of peace for many others. Ever since then, New Zealand governments, irrespective of persuasion, have carried forward Peter Fraser’s vision of a more inclusive and active Security Council. The UN often deserves criticism but some of it is unfair. Ultimately, it is a creature of the nation states. If it fails, it’s a

failure of states as much as a failure of the UN itself. And too often we focus on areas of the world where there is critical conflict, condemning the UN’s inaction, when it’s the member states themselves that are ignoring the UN’s resolutions. It’s also worth remembering all the crises that didn’t occur because of the UN, where, without the UN, tens of thousands may have perished. There are currently more than 100,000 UN troops, for example, keeping the peace across the world. That’s why it’s so often said that for all its faults, if we didn’t have the UN we’d have to invent it. Nevertheless, reform and modernisation are necessary to make the UN fit for purpose in the world we now live in. It’s my hope that this reform will be approached

economic performance delivering a $761 million Innovative New Zealand package to encourage entrepreneurship, skills and economic growth. The package includes funding for research, science and innovation, as well as support for regional economic development. Regardless of how future events unfold in Europe, New Zealand will continue its discussions with the EU on a possible FTA and will take calm and considered approach future discussions with a post-Brexit UK, to ensure the quality and the value of our access to both the EU and UK markets is retained. Despite uncertain times National’s sound fiscal management has led to a resilient, growing economy which is equipped to meet the challengers and grab the opportunities that lie ahead.

in the same spirit of idealism that Fraser and others took to the table 71 years ago. It won’t be easy because the UN is a complex beast: it’s a place where countries meet such as the 15 that sit around the Security Council and the 192 that join the General Assembly to decide on global matters of peace and development. Simultaneously, it’s a myriad of other organisations too, including the World Health Organisation, the World Food Programme, the Refugee Organisation that is trying to cope with a caseload of more than 60 million—the most since World War II. So we acknowledge Fraser’s foresight in seeing all the good things the UN could be, and we hope that others of his calibre can make the changes to the UN that will bring greater effectiveness in the challenging times of the 21st century.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 July 2016

July 1 initiatives delivering for families Parmjeet Parmar

National List MP

ational’s responsible management of the economy and the government’s books is giving New Zealand households and businesses confidence and helping build a growing, vibrant economy with more jobs and higher wages. Our latest measures to distribute dividends from our growing

economy to New Zealand families came into effect on July 1. We’re putting yet more money in your pocket with the average ACC levy for a private motor vehicle falling to around $130 per vehicle. This is down from $330 two years ago. Extra funding for Pharmac in Budget 2016, makes available new treatments for advanced melanoma, hepatitis C, and kidney disorders in children. Our Raising Healthy Kids target aims to get 95% of children, who are identified as obese in our free B4 School health checks, referred to a health professional for support to improve their family’s lifestyle

through better nutrition and more physical activity, by 2017. Income limits for KiwiSavers are being removed so second chance home buyers can access their KiwiSaver funds to buy a home regardless of how high their income is. All rental homes must have smoke alarms. This will affect 120,000 homes and is expected to save three lives a year, or 30 during the next decade, as well as reducing fire-related injuries and tens of millions of dollars in property damage. New insulation requirements for social housing also kick in

from July 1 and on all other rentals from July 1, 2019. This measure is expected to lead to 180,000 properties being insulated by 2019 and to save 129 lives a year. Our July 1 initiatives build on a number of measures to help families that began in on April 1—just three months ago. They include paid parental leave increasing to 18 weeks and broadening the eligibility to better reflect modern workplace and family arrangements. We put more money in New Zealanders back pockets with $232 million of ACC cuts to work levies, paid by employers and self-

employed people, and the earners’ levy that everyone in the paid workforce pays. New Zealand superannuation increased again this April, meaning it has gone up 34% since April 2008—more than double the inflation rate over that period. And we’ve provided the first real benefit increase for families with children in more than 40 years. We need to build on the progress we’ve made, to ensure the economy continues to grow solidly—year on year—so we can continue to help families get ahead.

US-led Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA). Public opinion polling in New Zealand has shown a majority of the public oppose the TPPA and there have been concerns expressed by legal experts, economists and academics. The TPPA has yet to be ratified by the NZ Parliament and is in trouble in the US where it is opposed by both Presidential candidates. There was also controversy when the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) met in Auckland for negotiations, their 13th round since starting in November 2012. The RCEP grouping is led by China and consists of India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand

and the 10 Southeast Asian countries in ASEAN. Most of the debate was about the speed of tariff reductions—India is calling for a gradual approach to protect its domestic businesses and agricultural producers—but there was also discussion about investor rights in services, investment, patents and copyright. The key issue in both the TPPA and RCEP is not whether or not New Zealand and other countries should trade with each other— trade is important to business and the economy—but whether agreements such as the TPPA should include far-reaching rights for foreign investors, including the right to sue governments over laws that adversely impact their profitability.

The growing number of cases taken by large multinationals against governments gives cause for concern. This week, TransCanada filed a claim against President Obama for not approving the KeystoneXL oil pipeline and Imperial Tobacco threatened a claim against New Zealand if the government proceeds with plain packaging of cigarettes. These issues are important to the environment, climate change, public health and national sovereignty. The small economic benefits from tariff reductions in agreements such as RCEP are the Trojan horse. The rights for foreign investors are the dangers hidden inside. There needs to be more public information on these

agreements. Unlike negotiations in the World Trade Organisation, the drafts are confidential and governments are not accountable for their proposals. India has faced 17 challenges from multinationals and has proposed safeguards on the rights of foreign investors in the RCEP, as has the EU has in other negotiations. India and other governments should be supported to go further, and exclude extreme measures to favour foreign investors. We need to achieve a balance that supports small and medium companies, allows flexibility to meet challenges such as climate change, and protects the rights of government to act in the public interest.

Trade as a Trojan horse Barry Coates Green Party

ndia’s position on trade and investment was the focus of a recent meeting in Auckland, as Indian negotiators argued for a gradual approach to opening up their economy. They came under pressure from other countries to drop their tariffs and agree favourable rules for foreign investors. However, India is right to be cautious about these complex treaties. These issues are controversial, particularly with regards to the

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1 July 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

Transport to reduce use of oil, gas

iji’s transport sector is focused on sustainable modes in both land and maritime transport to reduce the dependence on imported fossil fuels. This was highlighted by the Permanent Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport Paul Bayly while opening the 2016 National Transport Consultative Forum sub-sector consultation at the Novotel Suva Lami Bay Hotel convention centre on Monday, June 27. Key members of the land and maritime sectors were amongst the participants at the forum consultation. The bi-annual consultation gave the opportunity for the various transport sectors and participants to revisit their national performance in availing better transportation chances for all Fijians. Mr Bayly said they would focus on providing strategies and outcomes that would not

Permanent Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport Paul Bayley

only benefit the transport industry but also the people. “Fiji’s transport sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuel and is now focused on sustainable transport in both the land and maritime sectors,” he said. Mr Bayly said the national guiding policies such as the Green Growth and the Draft Fiji Development Plan sets the national platform not only for the transport ministry but all stakeholders to encourage the use of alternative fuels and better transportation options. “To achieve our goals

and create a bright future we must work closely with our private sector and the people,” Mr Bayly said. “Always act in their interests and work in an industrious, honest and creative way.” The consultation forum was divided into two sections focussing on both the land and maritime sectors. Some of the key areas in the transport sector that will be continuously focussed on are: to improve land and maritime transport infrastructures and their connectivity with the intent of making the transport systems accessible to all Fijians; continue to explore alternative reliable and affordable transport fuels including renewable energy sources in reducing Fiji’s dependence on imported fossil fuels; strengthening the legislative framework for both the maritime and land transport.

Budget opens pathways for businesses: Hazelman

he Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation, chief executive officer, Nesbitt Hazelman said the Budget had opened new pathways for businesses and entrepreneurs. With the government’s new initiative on tax rebates on businesses, Mr Hazelman said overall he was happy with the Budget. “All round very good budget given the business tax rebates, given employment of first time employers, it is focussed on business and employment,”

Mr Hazelman said. He said the tax rebates had relaxed trading as for too long the businesses had been tightened up by the rules and regulations. Mr Hazelman added the removal of credit card levies would now help businesses and that it was good that there was stability in the policy given not much changes occurred in the taxes for citizens He said currently 60% of small and medium enterprises were made up of informal and semi formal spaces with 45% of formal space

NFP wary of Rabuka

I will not back down: Rabuka ¡¡Arieta Vakasukawaqa

ewly appointed SODELPA Party Leader, Sitiveni Rabuka has made a stand that he will not back down even if the majority of party members decide to break away. In an interview at his residence in Namadi Heights recently, the former prime minister and coup leader said he was aware that few disgruntled party members had left the party because of the change in leadership. “I will only leave the party if the board sacks me,” he said. “I won’t be discouraged and this is something I’ve anticipated since 2014; I still hold it today,” Mr Rabuka said. He said being appointed as SODELPA leader was an uphill battle without the support of people who rejected his nomination as party leader in 2014. “I am sad that this has happened just because I have taken up leadership; I am just one member of the party and not the party. I have been made leader of the party and they should have worked with their own delegates

From left: National Federation Party general secretary Bala Dass, party leader Biman Prasad, and party president Roko Tupou Draunidalo at the NFP’s working committee meeting in Nadi | Photo: Arishma Devi

T who came to vote,” Mr Rabuka said. He called on supporters of SODELPA to continue supporting the party with or without his leadership. “If they reject me, I will ask my supporters to continue supporting the party and I will continue supporting the party and I hope that the party continues to be a political force in Fiji,” Mr Rabuka said. “Now we have seen the resignation of prominent party members; something I didn’t want to happen to the party. “The party has done well and they have managed to win seats

in Parliament and if so many are withdrawing because of me coming in then it will end up with negative results and one person coming and few hundred leaving is a very bad arithmetic fact,” Mr Rabuka said. He said what had resulted in the change in SODELPA leadership was expected as they also did it to him in 2014. “For this one I didn’t volunteer or apply; I was nominated by Cakaudrove West and I allowed the process to continue until the selection took place,” he said.

he National Federation Party is unlikely to engage with SODELPA after the appointment of Sitiveni Rabuka as party leader. On Sunday, June 26 at NFP’s working committee in Nadi, its president and suspended MP, Roko Tupou Draunidalo, did not mince her words about Mr Rabuka’s appointment. “I know that I have said that how a party governs itself is its own business, but how our party reacts to them is our business,” Ms Draunidalo said. “We cannot be seen in any way to endorse another party that has, as a leader, one that has brought ruin to this country for the past 30 years.” Mr Rabuka led the 1987 military coups. Ms Draunidalo said, “People in Fiji are sick of coup and coup makers because they have brought us 30 years of disaster. If our party doesn’t have the

It was forecasted that the Fijian economy would go through three years of continuous positive growth, Mr Koya said. Mr Koya said the Fijian government had recognised the significance of connecting Fijian businesses with opportunities in global growth markets

through supporting inbound missions from the various Chinese provinces. “Therefore, we look forward to strengthening our relationship with China connecting business and encouraging trade between the two countries, especially Guandong,” he said.

Mr Koya also encouraged Fijians to embrace these companies, expertise, products, information and data to expand their business. He said the national Budget showed the Fijian government’s determination on getting the economic fundamentals right

Newly-appointed SODELPA leader Sitiveni Rabuka (right) with his wife Sulueti Rabuka at their home in Suva | Photo: Filipe Naigulevu

courage to differentiate itself from parties and people that have the wrong focus or those that have participated in coups then I am wasting my time in Fijian politics.” Recently, Mr Rabuka had told SODELPA party members during their annual general meeting that they would need to reach out to other political parties to win the 2018 general election. But Ms Draunidalo was adamant that the NFP would not engage with people involved in coups. “We are almost in 2020 and we are still talking about coups. We need to be decisive on the issue and convince ourselves and the country that we are a party that is fittest for government, we need to convince people that there is hope for better and that the power is in their hands,” she said. Member of Parliament and NFP leader, Biman Prasad, aired similar sentiments.

High economic projection for next three years: Koya

t is expected that higher economic growth and stability will endure over the medium term in Fiji. Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Koya said this at the opening of the roadshow of Guandong Premium Products in the Pacific Islands.

for business to thrive in Fiji. The roadshow was attended by senior government representatives of Guangdong, 46 companies and more than 60 representatives and entrepreneurs from Guangdong province. The event was held at the Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa on Saturday, June 25.

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 July 2016

Women officers continue to make waves

aptain Kamilo said it was about setting the right priorities and putting God first in everything. “I’m a testimony and I’m not going to hold back that testimony because like everybody else, who has been through struggles and tough times in life—they should never give up.” Captain Kamilo’s promotion is part of the RFMF’s focus on integrating a gender perspective in all areas including peacekeeping operations. “I echo the words of my Commander on the day of commissioning—when he saw us getting commissioned, he said it had to do with decision making and that we’ve been entrusted with that role.” Captain Kamilo is currently posted to the RFMF human resource cell. Mere Rokowati Vunimo was also commissioned on the same day. She was a Lance Corporal in the other ranks corp and has been promoted to Lieutenant or Junior Commissioned Officer. Lieutenant Vunimo is from Navaka, Noco, Rewa. She is 34 years old. “It is a milestone of an achievement for me personally. The journey of wanting to become a commissioned officer started eight years ago when I initially attempted the Officer Cadet Course, however, that did not deter me. It took me all these years of hard work and studying before receiving this promotion. During that time I had completed my Bachelor’s Degree and

Ministry opens training centre for empowerment

T Fesaitu Fatiaki Kamilo (left) and Lieutenant Mere Rokowati Vunimo (right) Photo: Vilimoni Vaganalau

Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce in Professional Accounting at the University of the South Pacific by taking evening classes.” The promotion was a timely reward for the sacrifices made. “In terms of my career, the promotion means more responsibilities and I am excited at the prospect of broadening my professional responsibilities. Lieutenant Vunimo was employed at the RFMF from 2007 to 2012. She had a stint at the Fiji Corrections Service from 2013 to 2015 before returning to the Queen Elizabeth Barracks. She is currently posted with the RFMF Accounts Section under the guidance of the Director Finance Logistics and Acquisition.

Her inspiration comes from the upbringing and teachings of her parents. Lieutenant Vunimo disregards the view that only men can excel in the military. “The profession is just as rewarding to us women as it is for our male counterparts, provided we work hard and not rest on our laurels. There are more women in the military now than at any other time in its history. We must use the opportunity the RFMF has given us to continue the good work that our male counterparts have entrusted us,” she said. She also believes that there is nothing impossible if you believe in yourself, do your work and do it to your best.

he Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation opened a new training centre for Shrest Mothers Club in Samabula after granting the organisation $9500. The ministry also donated sewing machines. Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Rosy Akbar said, “Such a move is a great encouragement to other faith-based organisations and NGO’s to support the empowerment of women. “The world is realising that if you want to have sustainable development, you need to have women and men working in equal partnership. “The Fijian Government is committed to gender equality and in ensuring that women realise their full potential and has given our ministry a budget to extend our reach to many more communities.” The club was established in the year 2001 and has been supporting the women of the community with through donations. The ministry has been allocated $56 million for the 2016-2017 Budget.

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Congratulations

Kiwi Indian HOF 2016 winners

Chirag Sinh Solanki

www.icnz.ac.nz

Thought of the week

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. — Winston S. Churchill

Editorial

From the desk of the Managing Editor

n his well-renowned book, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Steven Covey says, “The commitments we make to ourselves and to others, and our integrity to those commitments, is the essence and clearest manifestation of our proactivity.” In the same vein, Tim Sanders from “Today We Are Rich” says: “Of all the values Billye holds, integrity is tops. “That’s all you’ve got in the end,” she told me once. She’s right, too. If you don’t respect yourself, you cannot maintain your confidence, regardless of how well you follow all the other principles in this book. Nothing will inform you as a person more than your actions, specifically your promise-keeping ratio during your life. It defines you as either a truth-teller or a liar.” We at Indian Weekender are committed to serving the community to the best of our ability and maintaining our standards of quality while we do that. The Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame awards is one such occasion where we bring to fore and celebrate those that have also committed to applying themselves to excelling in their fields of endeavour. Our commitment to maintaining our standards also means that we have to constantly upskill, train, and apply ourselves in keeping with the times. It also often means working outside our comfort zones, but we all know that that is where all the growth and development happens. So we encourage and support our team to take on bigger challenges and continue to develop.

Pick of the week

We bring you the highlights of our gala event with details of our winners for 2016. We are also grateful for the numbers of congratulatory messages that we have continued to receive towards our celebration and we have included them in this issue. We are indeed humbled, grateful, and overwhelmed at the love and support we have received from the Kiwi-Indian community and the larger community. As we move ahead into a whole new year, we would like to renew our determination to keep up with the commitment we make to our community. We realise that it is because we have always endeavoured to stay true and remain proactive in our pursuit of excellence that is behind the faith the community puts into us. We hope you enjoy our dedication to the winners of the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2016. Watch out for more pictures and video clips on our Facebook page.

Until next time. Giri Gupta

Indian Weekender : Volume 8 Issue 15 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 Chief Reporter - South Island: Gaurav Sharma Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | designer@indianweekender.co.nz Accounts and Admin.: accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Sales, Marketing & Distribution: 022 3251630 / mahesh.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 Indian Weekender is published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great South Road, Auckland Printed at Horton Media, Auckland Copyright 2015. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

Halo Effect Bioluminescent phytoplankton surround swimmers in circles of brilliant blue light in Krabi, Thailand. (Photograph by Will Strathmann, National Geographic Your Shot)

Phrase: Flat stick Meaning: Full speed Usage: The care was going flat stick before it crashed

Tip from the trenches

Reduce your daily calorie intake

• Start a meal with a salad and a glass of water to reduce your appetite • Snack frequently on nuts to curb your appetite • Eat more frequently at home • Bake and grill vegetables and meat • Use a smaller plate/bowl, as you’re more likely to control your portion sizes

OPINION/EDITORIAL

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 July 2016

US power: California has 3% of Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population, 125% of its GDP ÂĄÂĄDevanik Saha

s California, the USâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; richest state, recently overtook France and Brazil to become the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sixth largest economy, according to a Bloomberg analysis, a comparison with India reveals that California has three per cent of Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population but a gross domestic product (GDP) 125% larger. California, a powerhouse of innovation and technology, has 39 million people, less than Odisha that has a population of 41 million. Texas follows California with a GDP of $1.58 trillion (Rs 105 lakh crore)â&#x20AC;&#x201D;79% of Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current GDP with 2.1% of its population. This data offers some perspective as Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; ranked eighth in 2015 with a GDP of $2 trillion (Rs 134 lakh crore)â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is projected to climb past Brazil, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan and become the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third-largest in 2030 with a GDP of $7.3 trillion (Rs 489 lakh crore), according to an IndiaSpend analysis of 2015 US government data. Over these 15 years, Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

California has 39 million people, less than Odisha in India that has a population of 41 million

GDP is projected to double to $18.8 trillion (Rs 1,260 lakh crore)â&#x20AC;&#x201D;more than twice its current sizeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;helping narrow the gap with the US, whose GDP in 2030 should be $23.8 trillion (Rs 1,595 lakh crore), according to the US projection. The US economy made up a quarter of the global economy in 2006, 23% in 2015, and will be a fifth by 2030. Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GDP share in the world will almost double from 3.18% in 2015 to 6.2% in 2030. The Indian economy will more than double to $5 trillion in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;matter of few yearsâ&#x20AC;?, said

factoring in their population, to indicate the magnitude by which India lags the US in wealth and productivity. That lag also indicates the potential for Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future growth-if that potential is realised. The GDP Of Maharashtra, Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s richest state = GDP of Connecticut, 23rd richest US state With a GDP of $2.5 trillion (Rs 168,000 crore), Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;also the most populous stateâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;created the most jobs of any state in the US in 2015, more than the second and third-most-populous states, Florida and Texas, combined. Four of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10 largest companies are based in California. With far fewer people, US states have economies that are not just richer but more productive than those of Indian states. With a GDP of $0.26 trillion (Rs 18 lakh crore), Maharashtra is Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s richest state, followed by Tamil Nadu ($0.17 trillion, Rs 11.2 lakh crore) and Uttar Pradesh ($0.16

The Indian economy will more than double to $5 trillion in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;matter of few years

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in June, as the government steps on its reforms agenda to accelerate growth. The US projection said India will cross the $5 trillion mark in 2025. To illustrate the size and power of the US economy, we compared Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GDP to the GDP of individual US states,

trillion, Rs 10.4 lakh crore). Maharashtraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GDP almost equals that of Connecticut ($0.26 trillion), ranked 23rd in the US by GDP. Maharashtraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area is 21 times larger and it has a population 31 times as large as Connecticut. Tamil Nadu has a GDP almost equal to that of Iowa, the 30th richest state in the US. The Indian economy is a bright spot in an economically depressed global landscape, and is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest growing, said a 2015 report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Indian governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to improve business climate have gained momentum, the IMF report said, emphasising reforms in key areas. These include: Addressing bottlenecks in the energy, mining and power sectors Increasing investment to help close Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major infrastructure gaps Simplifying land acquisition and environmental clearances Reforming the agriculture sector to ensure greater efficiencies in food procurement, distribution, and storage

Is Aam Aadmi Party losing steam in Punjab? ÂĄÂĄJaideep Sarin

would be its face for the assembly polls. The main contenders are AAP Punjab Convener Sucha Singh Chhotepur, who has been leading the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s affairs for the past over two years; and the AAP MP from Sangrur, comedianturned-politician Bhagwant Mann. Even the name of Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal is mentioned sometimes but that is unlikely to happen. The AAP leadership has also not made much effort or headway in getting back into its fold two of

fter being seen as the strongest political challenger in Punjab ahead of next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assembly elections and even being touted to be the front-runner in occupying power in the state, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) seems to be losing a bit of that steam. The AAP leadership in the state is now grappling with problems such as finding a face to project as its chief ministerial candidate, deciding on tickets for the 117 assembly seats and even keeping its leaders and flock together. With the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance and the opposition Congress sharpening their attacks on the AAP, the newest political force in Punjab is finding it difficult to keep pace with the political peak that it had attained earlier this year. Opinion polls by private agencies, political parties and even some intelligence agencies had put AAP in the front seat as far as winning the next assembly electionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;likely to be held in February 2017â&#x20AC;&#x201D;is concerned. The AAP was being projected as getting between 72 and 85 seats

The AAP leadership is grappling with problems such as finding a face to project as its chief ministerial candidate

in the assembly. AAP leaders themselves started believing that the party would get more than 100 seats and would do a repeat of Delhi, where it won a whopping 67 of the 70 assembly seats in the February 2015 elections. Among other things, the AAP has not been able to announce its first list of candidates, which it had promised to announce by the last week of May or the first week of June. AAP in-charge for Punjab Sanjay Singh said earlier that the

first list of candidates would be released latest by the first week of June. The party has now put off the release till end of this month. Insiders say that too many candidates seeking a ticket from each constituency caused the delay. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When the names are announced, a lot of people will get upset and the party leadership is worried about a rebellion before the assembly polls,â&#x20AC;? one senior AAP leader said. The AAP has also not been able to select one leader who

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When the names are announced, a lot of people will get upset and the party leadership is worried about a rebellion before the assembly polls its sitting MPs from Punjab. Last August, the AAP had suspended party MPs Dharamavira Gandhi and

Harinder Singh Khalsa from its primary membership and initiated disciplinary proceedings against them. Gandhi, a cardiologist and known social worker, is an MP from Patiala constituency while Khalsa, a former diplomat, represents Fatehgarh Sahib. The Akali Dal is highlighting the â&#x20AC;&#x153;double standardsâ&#x20AC;? of the Kejriwal government in Delhi on contentious issues like river waters and justice for the 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims. The Congress openly accuses Kejriwal and AAP of misleading people and even charges them with telling lies. Both the parties are also trying to pin the â&#x20AC;&#x153;outsiderâ&#x20AC;? tag on the AAPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top leadership, which is mainly from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. It is clear that the Akali Dal-BJP alliance and the Congress are not comfortable with a triangular contest that the AAP is creating. The AAP, on its part, will have to get its act together well in time to ensure that it takes advantage of its position as a serious challenger in the assembly polls. Otherwise, it will have to pay the political price of having peaked at the wrong time.

1 July 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Treat urbanisation as opportunity, not calamity: PM P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, June 25, urged city planners not to treat urbanisation as a calamity but as an opportunity to enrich and improve the lives of the people in an all-inclusive manner. Inaugurating 84 varied Smart City Projects for 20 selected Indian cities under the Smart Cities Mission, Modi said until now the trend was to treat urbanisation as some kind of a bane instead of grabbing the opportunity to plan ahead for the future. “Cities have the strength to digest poverty and provide economic opportunities for the poorest coming from other less-developed areas. We must further strengthen the cities to increase this ‘digestive’ ability, make it faster and wider... economic prosperity will automatically follow,” he said. Terming the Smart City

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the launching of Smart City project

Dismissing apprehensions about Smart Cities, the prime minister said that it entailed providing sufficient water, electricity, cleanliness, traffic management, decent housing for all, solid and liquid waste management, emergency services, couple with technology to make life easy and comfortable for all. Lauding the people of the country for being the smartest, he said that once the masses are adequately

Mission as not just a concept or allocation of funds, but a public-based movement, Modi said that the experiment has worked successfully. Citing an example, he said Pune missed the top slot by a narrow margin to Bhubaneshwar and asked the city mayor Prashant Jagtap about what had happened? He expressed hope that in the next round of competition, Pune would emerge at the top.

empowered and their skills harnessed, there would be no need for governance and the country would progress smoothly. The 20 selected Smart Cities were linked to the Pune venue through video conferences wherein their states’ Chief Ministers and other leaders gave details of their plans for the Smart Cities in their states. Rajasthan’s Vasundhara Raje, Odisha’s Navin Patnaik and

Andhra Pradesh’s Chandrababu Naidu joined for a live interaction at the venue and outlined the mission statements for the Smart Cities selected in their respective states. Earlier Modi visited an expo on Smart Cities, inaugurated a contest on Make Your City Smart and a Smart Net Portal on the outskirts of Pune. Maharashtra Governor C. V. Rao presided over the function, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu gave an overview of the Smart Cities Mission, while Minister of State for Urban Development Babul Supriyo proposed a vote of thanks. Also present on the occasion were Union Environment Minister Prakash Javdekar, Maharashtra Food & Civil Supplies Minister Girish Bapat, Pune Mayor Jagtap, Chief Secretary Swadheen Kshatriya and other dignitaries.

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Sky is the limit for India’s infrastructural appetite: Jaitley

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tressing that India will improve upon its 7.6% growth of last fiscal, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said the sky is the limit for the country’s appetite to draw infrastructural investments. In an interview to China’s English language television channel, he said infrastructure finance is also one of the main focus areas for the first board of governors meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). “The potential for investing in infrastructure, urbanisation, housing, power, electricity, water, social sector, for us even today, the sky is the limit. That’s the kind of investments we require,” Jaitley said in the interview. “Depending on the kind of finances that are initially available, we would like to see which ones of these projects—some of them could be financed by the AIIBA,” he said. “India has a massive infrastructure programme which is going on. There are programmes of highways, railways, airports, sea ports and also programmes with respect to water supplies, sewages, smart city creation, more urbanisation,” he added. The finance minister said a good monsoon this year will boost rural economy and therefore add to the growth rate of the economy. “We grew by 7.6% last year, we’ll certainly maintain that and with a good monsoon, hopefully improve upon that. It (growth rate) is sustainable for the reason that India still has lot of distance in terms of economic growth to cover,” he said. Jaitley said currently the public finances

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are taking the lead in infrastructure financing in India, but in due course as the economy picks up, the private sector will also boost it. Emphasising that India has been the second largest partner in China-led AIIB, he said that these parallel institutions are developing because of the need of infrastructure finance. “I think it is inevitable that irrespective of the theme of the conference, this issue (infrastructure finance) will dominate all economic discussions,” he said. Even though the new technology industrial revolution is likely to come, in large populated economies such as India job growth is also extremely important, he said. “I think these are inevitable subjects but at the root of it all, the issue is that there is a global slowdown. As to how long will this continue, how does the world pull itself out of the situation, and how does growth return to the world,” he said.

India formally joins Missile Technology Control Regime

n a diplomatic success, India became a full member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) on Monday, June 26, three days after it failed to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) following China’s opposition. “India has joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) this morning. The MTCR Point of Contact in Paris has conveyed the decision regarding India’s accession to the regime through the Embassy of France in New Delhi as well as the Embassies of The Netherlands and Luxembourg,” the Ministry of

Indian army officers stand on vehicles displaying missiles during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi

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External Affairs said. India became the 35th member of the MTCR, of which China awaits membership. India first applied for the membership in 2008 and China in 2004.

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1 July 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

First Tejas squadron with two jets to be ready on July 1

he first squadron of indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas—christened ‘Flying Daggers 45’—will be in place on July 1 with the handing over of two LCA by the makers Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to the Indian Air Force. IAF officials said on Monday, June 26, the first LCA squadron will be based in Bangalore in Karnataka for two years before shifting to Sulur in Tamil Nadu. Starting with two aircraft, the squadron will get six more jets by 2017 to make it fully operational. The LCA is far superior to Pakistan’s JF-17 built jointly with China, the IAF added. The indigenous fighter jet, which is still to get full operational clearance, is expected to get into combat role next year, officials said. IAF’s squadron

Regarded as the smallest and the lightest combat jet in the world, the indigenously-designed Tejas during initial operational clearance (IOC-II) test in Bangalore

number 45, ‘Flying Daggers’, has to its credit the shooting down of a Pakistani naval surveillance aircraft in 1999, some 300 km northeast of Karachi, killing all 16 people on board. The squadron, which was based at Nalia air base in Gujarat, was

flying MIG-21 Bis at that time. “It is an excellent platform with proven airworthiness and superb safety record ever registered by any fighter jet in the world,” a senior IAF official said. “During its 3,000 hours of sorties in the development phase,

the LCA registered more than 2,500 hours of exceptionally clean flights,” he added. The first Tejas squadron will consist of 20 aircraft, with four in reserve. Officials said the second LCA squadron will be raised with improved capabilities, including

India deserves to be in NSG: US

he US reiterated its support for India’s admission to the Nuclear Suppliers Group in the wake of the latter’s failed membership bid at the NSG plenary meet last week in Seoul. “India has a strong record, and deserves to be included in the NSG. That is why the administration, including senior White House and State Department officials, made a concerted effort to secure India’s membership in the recent NSG plenary session held in Seoul,” US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said while delivering a talk on India-US trade relations. “We were disappointed India was not admitted during this recent session, but we will continue to work constructively with India and all the

US Ambassador to India Richard Verma

NSG members on India’s accession in the months ahead. Six years ago, President Obama first expressed his support for India’s membership in

the NSG. Since that time, we have worked closely with our Indian counterparts and NSG members to help advance India’s case for membership,” he said. India’s latest bid for an NSG membership that would allow it to trade in nuclear materials and technology was foiled by China on the grounds that New Delhi has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Referring to some hurdles in boosting Indo-US trade, Verma urged for progress on concluding a bilateral investment treaty (BIT). “We have been on-again off-again for about eight years in our pursuit of a treaty. And I’m afraid things have become a bit more difficult,” the envoy said.

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critical necessity of missile firing to Beyond Visual Range. The IAF plans to induct over 80 aircraft with better specifications, known as Tejas 1A. In the coming years, altogether 120 Tejas jets are to be inducted, replacing MiG-21s, which perform the role of close combat support. “Tejas is far, far better than MiG-21s in terms of safety as its fly-by-wire system is the stateof-the-art in the world,” an IAF official said. The improved Tejas-1A will be far more superior than the first two squadrons, since these will have mid-air refuelling, modern internal radar warning receiver and external self-protection jammer pod to enhance survivability and an active electronically scanned array radar, the officials added.

Andhra signs MoU with Chinese firms for industrial park

n international industrial park will come up in Andhra Pradesh, which is expected to attract investment of $6.4 billion. An MoU in this regard was signed by the state government on Monday, June 26, with China Association of Small and Medium Enterprises and China Small and Medium Investment Group Limited, Beijing during the current visit by 13-member delegation led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to China. The project to come at Donakonda in Prakasam district will comprise a Building Materials Industrial Park and Modern Building Materials Logistics Park. The industrial park, the first of its kind in India, will give a major boost to make in Andhra Pradesh, said a statement from the chief minister’s office. The Building Material Industrial park will come up in an area of 20 square km with an investment of $0.9 billion and will manufacture all categories of building materials and low-carbon energy-saving new materials. This park will provide direct employment to 10,000 people. The Modern Building Materials Logistics Park will also be set up in 20 square km with an investment of $5.5 billion and will take care of the distribution and be a logistics centre of all categories of building materials. As many as 35,000 people will be directly employed. The proposed total investment is $6.4 billion and the facility will be completed in three phases. The park will attract manufacturing industries and logistics companies from China and other countries to invest and set up units. The products manufactured will be supplied to local markets, other areas of India and the export market. The park will manufacture structured materials like wood, bamboos, stones, cement, concrete, metals, bricks, tiles, ceramics, glass, engineering plastics and composite materials, etc. Decoration materials like coatings, paint, cladding materials, veneering, ceramic tiles in all colours and glass with special effects etc will also be manufactured.

INDIA ABROAD

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 July 2016

Tata Trusts, Chicago university tie up to work on Indian development challenges ¡¡Vishnu Makhijani

new initiative between Tata Trusts and the University of Chicago will collaborate in ideation and solution-seeking to complex developmental challenges in crucial areas such as sanitation, energy and the environment, a US don of Indian origin who heads the venture said. “We are planning a three-year pilot of a new integrated approach to development work. We will work in a few verticals to start—health, water and sanitation and energy and the environment,” Anup Malani, faculty director of the newly-created Tata Centre for Development at the University of Chicago (UChicago) said. The health vertical will examine healthcare access through insurance with projects in Karnataka and Andra Pradesh. The water and sanitation vertical will begin a major project on decentralised irrigation with water tanks in Telangana. The energy and environment vertical will examine projects to improve reporting

of emissions by plants in Gujurat and Maharashtra, to provide rural electrical power via solar microgrids in Bihar, and to encourage individuals to pay for better electricity supply in Bihar. “We will also work on ideation— the generation of new solutions to development challenges—through two additional projects. We will support an Urban Challenge in Delhi that asks NGOs and government officials to propose new ways to tackle air pollution,” Malani, the Lee and Brena Freeman Professor at the UChicago Law School and Professor at the Pritzker School of Medicine, explained.

“We will also support a partnership between the UChicago’s International Innovation Corps (IIC) and OpenIDEO, a division of the design consulting firm IDEO, to use OpenIDEO internet based platform to crowdsource solutions to, for example, urban sanitation problems, and then to pilot those solutions using IIC teams in collaboration with municipal governments,” he added. Malani, the co-founder of the IIC and principal investigator on the Indian Health Insurance Experiment, a 12,000-household study of health insurance in Karnataka, also elaborated on how the initiative will work in the southern state. “First, the TCD will take on a large randomised control trial to examine the benefits and costs of expanding the government’s largest secondary hospital care insurance programme, the Rastriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), to Above-Poverty-Line (APL) households, a group not currently eligible for RSBY and underserved by commercial insurers. Second, it will send an IIC team to work with the Suvarna Arogya

French European Indian Organisation launched in Paris

Suraksha Trust (SAST), which operates both RSBY and the Vajypayee Arogyashree (a tertiary care hospital insurance scheme) to help improve the implementation of those schemes,” Malani said. How did the TCD, which will be based at the UChicago Centre in New Delhi, come about? “The IIC programme was already operating in India. However, we wanted to verify the government projects IIC helps implement. At the same time we wanted to ensure that impact evaluations UChicago was conducting in India had an impact on policy and implementation. “To address both problems, we proposed the TCD, which combines research (impact evaluation) and implementation (mainly through IIC). In addition, we folded in training component for government officials and NGO leaders because we felt they were the primary change agents in India and could best help scale impactful interventions,” Malani said. A proposal was then made to Tata Trusts, which were already working on two IIC projects.

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mbassador of India to France Dr Mohan Kumar, French European-Indian Organisation President Satish Reddy, First Secretary, Press and Culture, Lavanya Kumar and First Secretary, Community Affairs, Dheeraj Mukhia during the inauguration.JPG An organisation to promote social, economic and cultural cooperation between India and Europe has been established with a base in the French capital. French European Indian Organisation (FEIO) hopes to be a catalyst for the two sides to realise their full economic potential, a statement from the organisation said on Saturday, June 25. “It is very good that the organisation is getting both the

countries together as the members and its community can help the world and India to grow bigger,” Indian Ambassador to France Mohan Kumar said. The aim of FEIO is to promote entrepreneurship and facilitate industrial growth and assist organisations to network for strategic partnerships, either technical or commercial, the statement said. “This forum will help members to have bilateral trade with France, Europe, and India. “It plays an advocacy role on a wide range of matters and acting as an impetus to growth and development of businesses, on policy and implementation matters,” FEIO president Satish Reddy said.

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1 July 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Euro 2016: France and Germany enter quarterfinal Germany blow away Slovakia 3–0

orld Champions Germany pulled out the right cards to trump Slovakia 3–0 and enter the quarterfinals of the Euro 2016 on Sunday, June 26. Jerome Boateng scored the opener in the eighth minute of the game, which was followed by strikes from Mario Gomez (43) and Julian Draxler (63) in the round of 16 tie at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Germany tried attacking from the outset and Sami Khedira almost gave them the lead in the sixth minute but Slovakia goalkeeper Matus Kozacik was well positioned to thwart away his header. A little later however, Boateng found the back of the net with a crisp volley. It was a corner kick, which was cleared till the edge of the box, and the centreback let loose a strong shot that

was enough to beat Kozacik. Germany kept on the pressure and had a chance to double their lead in the 12th minute. Mario Gomez was brought down in the area and they were awarded a penalty. Mesut Ozil stepped up and let one fly of his left boot but Kozacik guessed it right and was able to palm away the strike diving to his left. Germany had two more chances to grab a two-goal cushion but both Thomas Mueller and Ozil’s efforts fizzed wide off target.Slovakia had their moment in the 41st minute but Juraj Kucka’s header was brilliantly tipped over the bar by German custodian Manuel Neuer. At the other end though, a few minutes later Gomez scored from close range. But the gigantic striker was set up by Draxler who delivered a pin-point pass after a delightful run. At the break, Germany led 2-0. Slovakia tried upsetting the German tempo by bringing

Germany's Jerome Boateng celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's first goal during the Euro 2016 round of 16 soccer match between Germany and Slovakia

in Jan Gregus but it did not work either. Germany still looked menacing everytime they were on the ball. Just after the hour mark, Draxler made sure his side had their third, as he volleyed home from close using great technique. All Germany had to do in the last 20 minutes or so was to not give too much possession away and that is precisely what they did to seal the victory.

France beats Ireland Antoine Griezmann scored twice to help hosts France beat Ireland 2–1 and reach the quarterfinals of European Championship. Griezman cancelled out a 1–0 lead of Ireland with a header in the second half and then scored the winner three minutes later during the match on Sunday.

Ireland took a surprise 1–0 lead after only two minutes when France midfielder Paul Pogba made a foul on Shane Long from behind and Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli immediately pointed at the penalty spot. Robbie Brady, who plays for English Championship side Norwich City, stepped in to fire a low penalty into France keeper Hugo Lloris’s left-hand post. France looked nervous in front of a watching President Francois Hollande but they soon controlled the game and their attacking trio of Olivier Giroud, Dimitri Payet and Griezmann regained sharpness as expected. In the 58th minute, Payet found Bacary Sagna on the right wing and the Manchester City right backcrossed for Griezmann to head home on the penalty spot. Quarterfinals will also see Poland battle against Portugal on Friday, July 1 and Wales face Belgium on Saturday, July 2.

Coach Kumble—a new role for the old horse ¡¡Kumar Suresh

eldom does it happen that a big decision taken at the BCCI’s headquarters is not only unopposed but also unanimously applauded across various forums. Indian legendry spinner Anil Kumble’s appointment as the Indian coach is one such instance. With voices ranging from former and present cricketers to sports journalists across the globe hailing the appointment, BCCI for the first time in many years have proved that it can do things in a transparent manner too. This, after Indian courts drubbing BCCI as unconstitutional and a body with many irregularities requiring reforms, is a shot in the arm for the board that is desperately trying to set things straight within its rank. Without an iota of doubt, credit for this masterstroke goes to three of the best batsmen in Indian cricket: Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, who formed the committee that overlooked the process of selecting the head coach for the Indian team. It would be worth imagining how the mood of the meeting room would have been when these players from the recent past, who have played more than 100 tests with each other, joined hands to take one of the most important decisions in Indian cricket.

Kumble as coach This former Indian captain is a fighter. In his playing days, he was an epitome of courage, determination and grittiness.

One look at his career stats is enough for anyone to fall in the line of his long queue of fans. He is the third highest wicket-taker in the cricket history and one of the most respected cricketers in the world. Be it his 10 wicket haul against Pakistan or the images of him coming to bowl with heavy bandage strapping up his broken jaw against West Indies in 2002, this man can only inspire youngsters in a positive manner. An Indian coach is required to be extremely efficient in managing people in and around the team and still take a backseat. Kumble ticks all the boxes. The best example of that can be the way he handled the sponsorship crisis just before the 2003 World Cup when he became the face of the agitating player’s union. Another example can be when he took over the captaincy in 2008 at the age of 37 and singlehandedly sailed the ship of Indian cricket during the infamous ‘monkey gate’ incident involving Symonds and Harbhajan Singh during the Australian tour. On all occasions, Kumble came out with his head held high.

Handling captain In Indian cricket, the coach’s term at the helm is directly proportional to the relationship he has with the captain. In this regards, Kumble has had a nice start already. He has previously captained Virat Kohli in IPL and his stature as a player will have a forceful impact on the captain. Compared to others, it will also be a lot

easier for Kumble to show the ‘aggressive’ Kohli the other side of the coin if the need arises, simply because of the stature of this man. Also, it can be safely assumed that the two will get along well because they both are extremely competitive and have no non-sense approach to the game.

Handling team Coming to the team, it is totally different from the team he once captained. It doesn’t have stars and apart from Kohli and R Ashwin, there hardly seems to be a player who has cemented his place in the national squad yet. His main goal would be to identify players who can form the core the team for a long-term. He also needs to address the bowling department, which has faltered more than the number of times it has actually delivered. Although Kumble doesn’t have prior experience as a coach, he has all the ingredients to become a great one. His never-say-die attitude, hunger for success and commitment are only a few qualities among many he possesses. It now remains to be seen how he goes about converting these qualities into being a mentor for youngsters who look up to this cricketing giant with respect. For now, it is the beginning of the

Kohli-Kumble partnership. One can only hope that the two take the Indian cricket to new heights. Kohli and his team would do well in trying to emulate Kumble’s feats and Kumble, on the other hand, would have done a wonderful job if he leads the youngsters to achieve even half of what he achieved as a cricketer.

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 July 2016

e g d e l w o n k h t i Fun w The greedy mouse

A Find the paths to help the baby fish find their moms fish

greedy mouse saw a basket full of corn. He wanted to eat it. So he made a small hole in the basket. He squeezed in through the hole and ate a lot of corn. After he felt contended, the mouse tried to come out, but he failed. His belly was too full. He tried over and over again but he couldn't manage to squeeze out. Helpless, the mouse started crying. A rabbit, who was passing by, heard the mouse's cry and asked, Why are you crying, my friend? The mouse explained: I made a small hole and came into the basket. Now I am not able to get out through that hole. To this, the rabbit replied, It is because you ate too much. Wait till your belly shrinks. The rabbit laughed and went away. The mouse fell asleep in the basket. Next morning, his belly had shrunk. But the mouse wanted to eat some corn. So he ate and ate, and his belly was full once again. He thought: Oh! Now I will go out tomorrow. Hoping that someone would pass by, the mouse waited. But the next passerby was a cat! He smelt the mouse in the basket. Overcome with hunger and greediness, the cat lifted the lid of the basket and ate the mouse.

Fun Facts

Connects the dots

1. The sun is more than 30,0000 larger than the Earth 2.

Venus is the hottest planet in our solar system

The universe has no centre and is constantly expanding every second, making it impossible to reach the edge

A day on Mercury lasts longer than its year. Mercury moves around the sun faster than any other planet, making its year the equivalent of 88 Earth days.

There are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on all the beaches on Earth. That's at least a billion trillion!

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

WORLD

1 July 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Brexit—a symptom of discontent against inequality ¡¡Dev Nadkarni

an overwhelming vote to remain, it is being forced to toe the majority line to leave. So it is seriously considering a second referendum to ask its people whether it should leave the United Kingdom. Over in the EU, member nations are beginning to worry if Brexit is the beginning of the end of the EU. Would other countries see less and less value in remaining in the union in the coming months and years? There is discontent in some countries already while in some others, the voices to leave are becoming shriller post-Brexit.

ike a massive earthquake, Brexit, in one fell swoop, has laid bare the many deep fissures and fault lines that so dangerously divide not just Britain but the world at large in so many different ways today. Statistical and psephology analyses quickly revealed that the vote was split between blue collar and white collar, urban and rural, the less educated and university graduates, haves and have-nots and along distinct geographical areas (think Scotland, which has created a whole new post-Brexit problem for Britain, but that’s an entirely different story). The ‘leave’ voters clearly had a deep sense of disenfranchisement that has been bubbling away for years. The establishment, not only in Britain but also in many western countries around the world, seems increasingly out of touch with the hoi polloi—the people at the grassroots. In recent decades the nexus of mutual convenience between the political and business elite is so blatantly self-serving that those who don’t see themselves belonging there have been hardened to embrace ideologies of the far right: nationalism, insularity, and xenophobia. This is happening around the world. The success of Donald Trump’s campaign for his presidential nomination is another example of this. A certain sizable demographic at the grassroots level is fed up with the politically correct, please all brand of centrism. People increasingly want leaders to take a stand. Go left or right. The centre isn’t cool anymore, at least among those who feel they’ve been left out by that self-serving nexus between politics and big business. India, the world’s biggest democracy, too, has in recent years displayed a marked shift to the right, with the centrist UPA and the once ubiquitous Congress party nowhere in the political reckoning in recent years.

Lessons for New Zealand

and the disenfranchised go out to vote, they vote with more emotion than rationality and it is no surprise that many weren’t even aware of the full consequences that would unfold after Britain left the European Union. Reports said that ‘EU’ was among the most searched words on Google after the Brexit vote. The ‘remain’ voters accused the government of not adequately explaining the repercussions of leaving to those backing that move.

When the disappointed and the disenfranchised go out to vote, they vote with more emotion than rationality and it is no surprise that many weren’t even aware of the full consequences that would unfold after Britain left the European Union.

The malaise of inequality Forces that drove Brexit are a symptom of this widespread malaise of growing inequality: it was more an angry vote against the establishment. When the disappointed

Discontent on several fronts has been brewing in the UK for years. But it is the highly emotive issue of immigration that seems

Brexit and its implications on New Zealand Winston Peters NZ First leader

gainst the predictions of most, the British people have voted to leave the European Union. There were so many outsiders, foreign power brokers, and financial market manipulators who intruded in the referendum and “expert after expert” saying it was doomsday if the British voted to leave. They got it wrong. Having ignored the mass majority of the British people for decades they woke up to a serious drop in the stock market and in the value of the pound sterling.

For New Zealand, it is a tremendous window of opportunity. We can get a trade deal with the UK. We can’t get a decent trade deal with the EU and whilst the UK was in the EU, we were denied access to them. If our government had known what it was doing they would have been talking to the British about this a long time ago. They don’t and they haven’t. Prime Minister Cameron made a giant blunder in his approach to the referendum. And typically his “good friend” Prime Minister Key made a similar blunder when he said the British should stay. Whoever we send to negotiate the free trade deal with the UK should not be John Key. Anyone watching the BBC saw all these people giving their views and no one went to the working people and asked for their commentary, but suit after suit was talking about working people’s situation.

Britain Prime Minister David Cameron

to have played a major part in hardening the stance of the ‘leave’ voters. Being part of the EU has brought in a flood of workers from other poorer European countries such as Poland into Britain, with the immigrants eager to work for far less wages than the typical British blue collar worker is used to. The sudden spike in anti-Polish rhetoric and signs that have sprung up particularly in Britain’s rust belt (which overwhelmingly voted to leave) are a rather discomforting testimony to this. The consequences for not just Britain but also for the EU are flying thick and fast. Scotland feels shortchanged that despite

At the heart of the issue is inequality—the widening and deepening chasm between the rich and the poor across the world. Incredibly, we see this phenomenon as the world frenetically pursues globalisation, ostensibly to create a more equitable and egalitarian world. But the exact opposite seems to be happening. Instead of being distributed equitably, wealth is being even further concentrated. Statistics in every country underscores the fact that the gulf is ever widening. Inequality in New Zealand is growing fast. Last week Statistics New Zealand figures said the country’s richest 10% owns 60% of its wealth while the poorest 40% owns a paltry 10%. These are the sorts of figures that are bandied about by pro-poor NGOs ahead of high-profile annual jamborees of the rich and famous like the Davos meet in Switzerland every January. Much is discussed and lip service paid. But little ever is done to bridge the chasm at the policy level and ensure a more equitable distribution of global wealth. Brexit is a red light for the entire world. More than just a desire to leave the EU, it needs to be seen as a vote of no confidence in the status quo of the establishment. Discontent, when it bubbles over, could manifest itself in many ways—whether it is leaving an elite club of nations, bringing in an extreme right-wing president, a rising tide of xenophobia against immigrants or having to live in cars because of housing unaffordability. Inequality is fertile ground for such disasters to unfold. Dev Nadkarni is the founding editor of Indian Weekender

Cameron to quit as PM after Britain exits EU

rime Minister David Cameron on June 24 announced that he will step down by October after the UK voted to leave the European Union. “The British people have decided to follow another path. So they need a new prime minister,” Cameron said in a televised statement outside Downing Street after the final Brexit result was announced. Cameron came under severe pressure to quit as the United Kingdom voted 52–48% to leave the EU after 43 years in a historic referendum. Immediately after the result, Labour Party’s Hilary Benn, the shadow foreign secretary, said it was “very hard” for Cameron to continue under such circumstances. “If you are the Prime Minister, you’ve called this referendum, you’ve laid your reputation on the line and your arguments, I think it’s going to be very hard,” Benn said. Cameron, in his statement, said he was

“absolutely clear about my belief that Britain is stronger, safer and better off inside the European Union. And I made clear the referendum was about this and this alone, not the future of any single politician, including myself”. He said he would do “everything I can as prime minister to steady the ship” in the coming months. “But I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination. But I do believe it’s in the national interest to have a period of stability and then a new leadership required.” He didn’t set out a timetable when the country will have the next prime minister. “There is no need for a precise timetable today. But in my view, we should aim to have a new prime minister in place by the start of the Conservative party conference in October. “I love this country and I feel honoured to have served it,” he said.

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 July 2016 By Manisha Koushik

Weekly forecast: JUly 1 to July 7

Manisha Koushik is the talented daughter and associate of world renowned celebrity astrologer Dr Prem Kumar Sharma. A practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and fengshui consultant is based in India but maintains a global presence through the online channels. She is available for consultations online as well. Let her tarot cards do the magic and numbers make you understand which choices in life will be best for you! E-mail: support@askmanisha.com | Website: www.askmanisha.com Contact: +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp: +919015607139

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

You may have to do the balancing trick if you want to stay on top. Those after perfect figure are likely to endure the hardships associated with it. Much struggle is in store for those looking for a suitable job. A deal you have helped clinch is likely to slip through. A keen foresight will be required on the financial front to remain monetarily strong. Someone’s unexpected arrival may compel you to change your plans for the week. Lucky No.: 2 / Lucky Colour: Sky blue

Someone you have been trying to appease may start giving positive indications. Your selfconfidence is likely to win the week for you on the professional front. Those waiting for recognition at work will not be disappointed. A family gathering is on the cards and will prove most enjoyable. Whatever your heart desires on the romantic front, it is likely to get fulfilled. An interesting travelling companion is likely to make a long journey short. Health remains satisfactory. Lucky No.: 11 / Lucky Colour: Orange

Getting additional responsibilities at work may prove tiresome but will benefit you in the long run. You are likely to impress a lot of people by your confidence and gift of the gab. Socially, you may be much sought after for your communication skills. Although earning remains steady, it may prompt you to find ways to increase the same. A family gathering is likely to present you with a captive audience, so impress whoever you can! Lucky No.: 1 / Lucky Colour: Golden

You may have to keep your options open on the academic front. Family front brightens with the arrival of someone close. Likelihood of some celebration taking place at home cannot be ruled out. You will remain satisfied with whatever you have achieved at work. Your charm is likely to win this phase for you on the romantic front. It is a good time to meet someone you had been putting off for sometime. Excellent prospects are indicated regarding property. Lucky No.: 3 / Lucky Colour: Mustard

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

You may have to be accommodative enough for someone who may come to stay with you. If you are in love, this is the best time to take your romance to the next level. Positive thinking will help you in creating a tension-free atmosphere at home. An invitation will allow you to explore a new location. Those on a fun trip are bound to enjoy themselves. You may be in the mood for shirking work towards end of this week. Lucky No.: 7 / Lucky Colour: Rosy brown

This is the right time to project your problem, as chances of its getting redressed look bright. You are likely to take all the right decisions at work. Someone is likely to do you a good turn on the professional front. Success of the one close to you is likely to warm your heart. Some of you are likely to enjoy a social gathering. You may get an opportunity to reside nearer to your place of work. Lucky No.: 17 / Lucky Colour: White

Someone may outwit and corner you on the social front. The one you don’t like may impress you and the one you do like may begin to fall from your grace. An attitudinal change is warranted, which will help you in resetting your personal equations with others. Your expertise is likely to be used at work this week. Professionals are likely to earn much as their reputation grows. Some misunderstanding on the domestic front may upset you. Lucky No.: 11 / Lucky Colour: Orange

You can come into someone’s good books for a change on the professional front. Keeping a low profile on both social and professional fronts will do you good. Kind words of someone indifferent to you previously are likely to act as a soothing balm. Your ideas will work on the academic front and speed up the progress. Those in film line will find many takers for their product. Some social event may have you totally engrossed. Lucky No.: 11 / Lucky Colour: Violet

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

You will need to restrain yourself from doing something that in not in the interest of all. Thinking bad about someone can have negative fallout on you too. A workplace rival may not let you have your own way on the professional front. A miscalculation threatens to cost you your reputation, so be thorough in checking everything before submitting. Someone may try to exploit your gullibility on the social front. Suspicious nature of spouse may create misunderstandings. Lucky No.: 5 / Lucky Colour: Green

Whatever you are trying to achieve in personal or professional spheres, give it your best shot. You may find much excitement on the family front due to a celebration or function. Your romantic nature will get lover or spouse in a better mood than what it is at present. Your efforts to speed up things at work may meet with resistance, but ultimately you will be able to get your way. A tight financial situation is set to ease. Lucky No.: 1 / Lucky Colour: Lemon

You may get ignored on the social front and feel depressed about it. Much is achieved by those who take fitness seriously. An investment that seems tempting needs to be touched with caution. Don’t support someone at work who you think is undeserving, as this can reflect upon your own reputation. An important family issue will require inputs from everyone involved. Those in a steady relationship may give a thought to cementing their relationship permanently. Lucky No.: 22 / Colour: Lavender

You may need to be more cautious in dealing with finances to avoid getting duped. Starting a new venture on the business front is indicated but it may take time to become profitable. Professionally, you may have to struggle to make a mark in whatever you are currently involved in. Attracting attention on the social front may show you in a bad light. You are likely to attract a bevy of admirers on the romantic front. Lucky No.: 9 / Lucky Colour: Red

(March 21-April 20)

(July 23-August 23)

(Nov 23-December 11)

(April 21-May 20)

(August 24-Sep 23)

(Dec 22-January 21)

(June 22-July 20)

(May 21-June 21)

(Sep 24-October 23)

(Jan 22-February 19)

(Oct 24-November 22)

(Feb 20-March 20)

We are giving our website a new look Stay tuned! www.indianweekender.co.nz www.iwk.co.nz www.halloffame.co.nz www.facebook.com/indianweekender www.twitter.com/indianweekender

1 July 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Continued from 5 N W I I DI A N

Kiwi Indian Young Achiever

he Kiwi Indian Young Achiever award was instituted to the honour young Kiwi-Indians who have shone through their talents and hard work and have become names to reckon with. Nominations were invited from young people between the ages of 16 to 35 years. This young achiever could have demonstrated their genius in any field— be it academics, sports, art, culture, community service or any other area.

Dr Malvindar Singh-Bains, Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the Year A neuroscientist based at the University of Auckland Centre for Brain Research, Dr Malvindar Singh-Bains is most well known for her work in promoting brain health and awareness of neurodegenerative diseases. In 2010, Dr Malvindar was awarded the University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship to complete her PhD, specifically focusing on Huntington’s disease. She presented her research at the World Congress of Huntington’s Disease held in Rio de Janeiro in 2013 and at the Hereditary Disease Foundation Conference in Boston, Massachusetts in 2014 where she was one of the youngest speakers. Her research was also accepted into Annals of Neurology—one of the top five clinical neurology journals in the world—a major accomplishment for a young

researcher. Dr Malvindar founded and is the co-chair of, the Huntington’s Disease Youth Organisation of New Zealand, a charity devoted to supporting, educating and advocating New Zealand youth affected by Huntington’s disease. Dr Malvindar is driven by the fact that despite the world being aware of the disease, there is still no cure. She has played a crucial role in encouraging youth to recognise the importance of “looking after your brain”. For her continued efforts

Anti clockwise from above: Dr Malvindar Singh-Bains with her brother Karamjit Singh-Bains and colleague Dr Nasim Mehrabi; Dr Malvindar at her PhD graduation; (from left to right) Prerna Sinha, Dr Malvindar, HE Sanjiv Kohli and Bhav Dhillon Inset: Dr Malvindar in her lab

and dedication to increasing the awareness among youth, Indian Weekender presented her with the Kiwi Indian Young Achiever award for the Year.

There were several other people who we would like to acknowledge for the event and we will introduce them in our forthcoming issues.

For more glimpses from the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame, turn to page 28

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 July 2016

I’m delighted to congratulate Indian Weekender on seven successful years of publishing and for doing a fabulous job with the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame awards and gala event for the past four years running. For seven years now, Indian Weekender has offered readers a good selection of national and international news, honoured the achievements of Indian New Zealanders and kept us entertained. I have particularly appreciated the team at Indian Weekender for including the voices of those who are affected but often overlooked, when covering issues involving them. The Weekender’s coverage of international students is one such example. Through publications like Indian Weekender, the Indian community is well supported to celebrate what makes us unique as Indian New Zealanders and to keep ourselves informed of the issues so that we can contribute effectively to New Zealand’s progress. It has been an honour and a pleasure to contribute articles in various issues of Indian Weekender over the past year. Thank you for the opportunity and I look forward to many more such opportunities to work together. All the very best to the team at Indian Weekender for many more successful years! Priyanca Radhakrishnan Former Labour List Candidate – 2014 Labour Policy Council elected member

A very warm congratulations to the Indian Weekender for reaching its seventh year of publication, and for four years of the very successful Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame. Our democracy relies upon a strong, vibrant media scene, and publications like the Indian Weekender which reach New Zealand’s diverse communities are a very important part of ensuring that people are informed and engaged. I was particularly impressed to see the introduction of two new categories to the Hall of Fame Awards last year. The Kiwi Indian Young Achiever award and the Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero award are a great way of encouraging our young people, and recognising people who work hard to make our communities a better place. Mt Roskill is a major hub for Auckland’s Indian community and I want to express my appreciation for the role of the Indian Weekender in connecting with the people who live here and across our city. Michael Wood Labour Candidate for Mt Roskill

My sincere congratulations to this year’s award winners: Dr C S Benjamin for being inducted into the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame, Unsung Hero Ramesh Patel, and Young Achiever Dr Malvindar Singh-Bains. The winners are shining examples of the many diverse contributions of Kiwi-Indians to our country, and they demonstrate the leadership, ingenuity, and commitment to the country’s well being that we have long admired in Kiwi-Indians. James Shaw MP, Co-leader Green Party

Congratulations as well to the Indian Weekender’s seven years of service to your community.

I’m also pleased to join my fellow Green MPs in celebrating the Indian community’s 125 years of settlement in New Zealand. Our country has changed a great deal in the past century but one that has remained consistent is the tenacity and vibrancy of Kiwi-Indians who have settled here and who now call New Zealand home.

1 July 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Having a party? We would like to hear from you. Reach us at editor@indianweekender.co.nz and get featured on this page.

Highlights from the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2016 held at Pullman Hotel on June 23

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 July 2016

Don’t want to do many films at a time, says Kareena

ctress Kareena Kapoor Khan, who is preparing for her upcoming film Veere Di Wedding, says she is not keen to do many films at a time. When asked what she was working on apart from working on Rhea Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor’s co-production Veere Di Wedding—India’s first real chick flick— she replied, “Right now, just Veere Di Wedding. I do not want to do five films at a time. I took so much time to say yes to Rhea (Kapoor). “I feel it’s not about doing five films, it’s about one film, which I enjoy doing. I enjoyed Ki & Ka and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. I loved doing Udta Punjab, even though it was a small role and now I am sure I am going to enjoy this.” Kareena will be sharing screen space with Rhea’s sister Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania in the upcoming film.

It’s false news: Jacqueline Fernandez on Don 3 role

ctress Jacqueline Fernandez has denied rumours that she has been roped in to play a key role in

Don 3. When asked about the buzz around her participation in the film, Jacqueline replied, “I just came back to Mumbai last

night and this news has been doing rounds. “I don’t know where it is coming from because I have not spoken to anyone remotely close to Don team. It’s false news.” There were reports that Jacqueline Fernandez will step into Priyanka Chopra’s shoes for Don 3. Asked if she would like to share screen space with Shah Rukh Khan, the Sri Lankan beauty said, “As actors, we want to work with as many actors and directors as we can. For me, it would be interesting to work with Shah Rukh and I would love to work with him.” Meanwhile, the actress who was seen launching the first Aeropostale brand in Mumbai on Saturday, June 25, said she is not brand conscious. Talking of her fashion quotient, she said, “You just need to give me something that fits well and makes me feel comfortable. I am a very easy shopper. I am not a chaotic or crazy shopper. I know what I want and I am not brand conscious.”

Raghav 2.0 as many times as it was screened, even more than me. That is how nuts she is,” he added. Raman Raghav 2.0 also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Vicky Kaushal in lead roles. The film is loosely inspired by notorious psychopath Raman Raghav who embarked on a murderous killing spree in Mumbai during the mid-1960s.

Hopefully Hollywood will be my next destination: Alia Bhatt

tarting her journey in showbiz in 2012, Alia Bhatt has come a long way with hit films such as Highway, 2 States and her recent release Udta Punjab. The actress says she wants to work around the globe and

Sobhita was perfect for Raman Raghav 2.0: Anurag Kashyap

ilm-maker Anurag Kashyap says he was so impressed with debutante Sobhita Dhulipala that he didn’t feel like testing her again for Raman Raghav 2.0. Sobhita won the Miss Earth title in 2013 and also featured on the popular Kingfisher calendar in 2014. “When I saw her audition, I had no idea who she was, not even her name. She was so perfect for the character, I didn’t feel the need to test her again,” Kashyap said. He also said that he was surprised how a beauty pageant winner such as Sobhita didn’t care about the way she looked. “In the process of shooting the film, the more I discovered her, she wasn’t like any of the models or Miss India winners I have ever met. “It was a big surprise to see a Miss India who did not care about how she looked but did care whether she was getting the character and emotions right,” Kashyap said. “In the days we shot the film, she drowned herself in character so much that she became Simmy (Sobhita’s character in the movie). She saw every single cut of Raman

The star later got nostalgic and reminisced about his school days when he used to do boxing. “... So we move indoors for the work

hopes Hollywood turns out to be her next destination. Indian actors have made their mark in foreign filmdom and Alia also hopes to follow suit. “I want to do films all over. Well, London is my next destination because I am going there for a holiday but then hopefully, Hollywood will be my next destination soon,” Alia said. Alia is riding high on success of her film Udta Punjab where she is seen essaying character of a Bihari immigrant stuck in the nexus of drugs in Punjab. The daughter of veteran film-maker Mahesh Bhatt has a packed schedule. Udta Punjab marks her second release this year after Kapoor & Sons. She has films such as Shhuddhi, Badrinath Ki Dulhania and director Gauri Shinde’s untitled film lined up as well. Udta Punjab, which also stars Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh, is based on drug abuse in Punjab. It came out on June 17.

Big B shoots with real life boxers

egastar Amitabh Bachchan put on his boxing gloves and shot with real-life national-level boxers for an upcoming project. In the wee hours of Sunday, June 26, the 73-year-old shared on his blog some photographs of himself accompanied by the boxers in the boxing ring. “Those artists that were in the shot were all national-level boxers. Such a joy to meet and feel their enthusiasm,” Amitabh wrote.

on shoot and among set ups that take me back to school and PT days, when boxing was compulsory, or it was made out that way. If you fought in the ring you gained a point for your house. And eventually added up to the winning of the cock house at the end of term; a most prestigious reward,” he shared. “In Sherwood, I lost in the boxing tournaments. But I won a cup for being the pluckiest loser. A plucky loser was an acknowledgment for putting up a fight which I almost won, despite the fact that I was up against one that was stronger. My height would go against me in the countdowns for which category I belonged. “So even though my weight was for a lower category, my height used to put me in a higher weight and better and stronger opponents. They warned me to withdraw, for they feared physical damage to me. But my PT instructor disagreed and I fought,” he added. On the work front, Amitabh will next be seen in Pink.

Hrithik is a dream actor for any director: Sanjay

anjay Gupta is in awe of his Kaabil lead Hrithik Roshan’s constant “quest for perfection”. The filmmaker feels working with the actor comes as a blessing for any director. It was during a live Twitter chat session when Gupta praised Hrithik. “He is a dream actor for any director,” he posted. Kaabil, which also stars Yami Gautam, will see Hrithik once again in an action avatar after Bang Bang! For this, Gupta has joined hands with action director Peter Hein, who has worked on many south Indian films such as Sivaji, Anniyan and Ghajini. The film, produced by Rakesh Roshan under his banner FilmKraft Productions, is set to release on January 26 next year. Gupta also shared an update of the movie, saying that the shooting will resume in July and they hope to wrap it up by October. Answering a query about Hrithik’s best quality, Gupta said, “His quest for perfection.” He also feels the Krrish star’s USP is his dedication.

1 July 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

IIFA 2016 leaves Madrid with Bollywood high ¡¡Nivedita

rom Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone to Hrithik Roshan, the IIFA 2016 gala, which concluded in Madrid, Spain on June 26, seemed like a big budget multi-starrer Bollywood film, with the colours, magic and drama that the country’s movie industry exudes. The 17th edition of the big fat Bollywood affair, organised by the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA), saw mesmerising performances by Hrithik, Priyanka, Deepika and Salman to business forums held to strengthen bonds between India and Spain. The two countries are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic ties. The four-day gala, which started on June 23, saw the presence of several film celebrities and scores of their fans. The opening day witnessed the official unveiling of Mirzya, which marks the debut of Anil Kapoor’s son Harshvardhan. Here, Shilpa Shetty took to the stage and gave Madrid a dekko at her famous thumkas. Joining them on stage were stars such as Salman, Priyanka, Farhan Akhtar, Shahid Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha and Deepika who expressed their excitement at being in Madrid to celebrate the power of Bollywood. Every year, IIFA organisers explore an international destination for the extravaganza with the aim of popularising the Hindi film industry, and other Indian things. For instance, fitness freak Shilpa hosted a mass yoga masterclass, involving several people to know more about the ancient art form and its benefits. The IIFA gala was timed right to integrate with the city’s Mulafest—a Movement of

Urban Life and Arts event and exhibition— which is Madrid’s annual culture fest that brings together music, art and food all in one place. Adding an Indian musical touch to the Mulafest were Raghu Dixit Project, Midival Pundits, Karsh Kale and Nucleya, who got the party grooving. There was more music, too. The IIFA Rocks saw a mélange of dancers and musicians from India, as well as from Spain. They gave the audience a desi treat with the joy and high-on-energy flamenco. The IIFA Rocks also saw the awards distribution in technical category, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s historical love saga Bajirao Mastani kept its golden run going with maximum awards. After the teasers, the main awards were held on Sunday night. People not only gathered in huge numbers to see their favourite Bollywood stars, but some of them also chose to wear Indian outfits for the gala night. The venue was jam-packed and the fact

that people w e r e hooting for the show to b e g i n was a testimony to the excitement it generated. Of course, the show began Bollywood style—two hours later than scheduled. But for the fans, the final action was all worth it. Priyanka, Tiger Shroff and Sonakshi Sinha were among the star performers who lit up the stage with their talent. Even Shahid and Farhan were at their wittiest when they made an entry on donkeys, and later poked fun at the censor board in India. The big winners of the night were Bollywood’s

Verdict: Raman Raghav 2.0 ¡¡U. Prashanth Nayak

or Raman Raghav 2.0, master director Anurag Kashyap has had to buckle down, tighten the shoestrings of his budget, and attempt a kickback to what made his films tick. The box office disaster of his last year’s Bombay Velvet produced for more than Rs.100 crore not only ruined his professional upswing but also scuttled his plans to move to France. Raman Raghav 2.0 was made with Rs 3.5 crore, as if Kashyap is daring the very margins of mathematics itself to challenge him with a loss this time. The production cost, or paucity thereof, shows up clearly onscreen but the overall result, sadly, does not. The script is inspired by a real-life serial killer Raman Raghav who bludgeoned 41 people to death in the Mumbai of the 1960s. In this adapted present-day story set amidst Mumbai’s shanty towns, a wise-cracking, articulate man (essayed by Nawazuddin Siddiqui) who looks to be in his late 30s to early 40s, starts wreaking his psychopathic streak of violently bloody homicides. The police don’t take him seriously and he uses this negligence to further his rampage. Rather unaccountably, he soon takes a fancy to, and begins to spy on Raghavan—a young cocaine-snorting police inspector (played by Vicky Kaushal)

who appears nominally competent but looks more likely to get himself killed rather than apprehend criminals. It is useful to see how this picture falls short by comparing it to the same director’s film Ugly—a film of partially similar zeitgeist that also features pervasive criminality and a plethora of flawed human beings. Ugly throbbed with scene after

scene of hypnotic intensity, further enhanced by a variety of powerful performances. RR2.0 shows promise in the first half but then suffers due to a shortage of memorably constructed scenes. The criminal here is interesting but not spellbinding, while the policeman is a one-dimensional example of the walking dead. Jay Oza’s visuals are suitably grungy but do not match up to the starkly impressive canvases composed by Andritsakis. Ram Sampath’s atypical background score is judiciously jazzy but not in the same league as McOmber’s eerily minimalist score for the former film. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is undoubtedly competent as the deranged killer Ramanna but for all his witty remarks and calmly insane expositions, he comes across a garden-variety madman. Siddiqui’s vaulting talent, this time, regrettably doesn’t make him embody a truly spine-chilling killer. Vicky Kaushal, as the coked-out cop, admirably executes Kashyap’s instructions to lose weight and drink minimal water so as to look dehydrated. Unfortunately, it appears he got too dehydrated to act effectively and his wooden performance significantly short-changes the movie. The film’s assets are only a few. Ramanna’s last meeting with his sister

rumoured couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, who won the Best Actors for Piku and Bajirao Mastani respectively. Bajirao Mastani turned out to be the big winner as it also won the Best Director trophy for Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and had bagged nine technical awards. Beyond the awards ceremony, the IIFA Stomp, an electronic music fest, where popular disc jockeys present, Bollywood music with electro twists, regaled the audience in Madrid. And one hopes the Bollywood fever continues for sometime in Europe’s football capital.

is the kind of weirdly orgiastic sequence that the director excels in. That protracted scene starts off with familial strife and then explodes into something else. The sister (Amruta Subhash) looks so much like a character from real-life unlike Mumbai filmdom’s usually hackneyed casting. Kashyap returns with all his favourite totems—fractured couples, father-son discord, substance abuse, etc. There are unnecessary nods to other films. Ramanna’s iron pipe, which he drags along, recalls the cattle gun in No Country for Old Men, the emblazoned Chapter One, Two and so forth allude to Tarantino’s style, and even the name ‘Raghav’ recalls the same name and somewhat similar themes in Aks. But sustained emotional intensity, overall flamboyance and constant momentum, which powered his best films, are in short supply here. His sure does put an interesting spin at the end but films are a lot more about the process than just the destination. The good folks in Cannes, however, have chosen to continue the faith they showed in his previous superior films, and included RR2.0 in their ‘Directors’ Fortnight’. If his next film proves to be even more unfocused, then who knows, they might actually give him the Palme d’Or. Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5 Director: Anurag Kashyap

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 July 2016

The young app-rentice He is part of a generation that has been raised with smartphones and multi-touch platforms. At the age of 12, Kerman Kohli developed his first app, but it was his most recent development of The Homework App that put him on the global tech map. The young entrepreneur’s creation was featured as one of the top six apps in a list of back-to-school tools in the US. Earlier this month, he won a prestigious scholarship with Apple and left for the US to attend the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco. Indian Weekender spoke to Kohli to find out more about his app and his experience at one of the most-anticipated events in the tech community. ¡¡Esha Chanda IWK: How was your experience at WWDC? Kerman: The experience of winning one of the 350 WWDC scholarship tickets worldwide felt like winning a golden ticket to the Wonka factory, to be honest! The warm California weather combined with the atmosphere of the conference was surreal, to say the least. During the scholarship introduction day, Tim Cook came to visit us and personally signed our badges. Over the next few days, I met multiple Apple engineers, designers and people in the tech industry. I also visited the Google, PlayStation and Visa office, which were super fun to tour.

Kerman Kohli

Kerman: I developed my first app, Text Enlarger, when I was 12. A simple utility app, it enlarged text to the biggest possible size on a user’s phone—a mobile billboard of sorts. While the app only received a few thousand downloads, it was an exciting project to work on and fuelled my passion for developing more apps in the future.

IWK: What was the idea behind developing the Homework App? Kerman: The Homework App was born out of the necessity of requiring homework planner app. Existing apps weren’t to the standard I expected an app to be, so I decided to make my own. IWK: What features set The Homework App apart from other homework planners available? Kerman: Some of the key areas that make my app stand apart from the rest are ease-of-use, interface design and playfulness. IWK: The app is currently only available for Apple users. Do you

CAB workshop

Date: Saturday, July 2 Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Venue: Howick Local Board Meeting Room, Pakuranaga Library Building Complex, 7 Aylesbury Street, Manukau 2010 CAB Pakuranga-Eastern Manukau will hold two free information sessions for newcomers on employment. Learn about CV writing, importance of cover letter, interview techniques, marketing oneself effectively and boosting self-confidence. For more information, send an e-mail at settlement.pakuranga@cab.org.nz or call 021459520.

Session on employment Date: Saturday, July 2 Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Venue: Howick Local Board Meeting

The experience of winning one of the 350 WWDC scholarship tickets worldwide felt like winning a golden ticket to the Wonka factory, to be honest!

IWK: Are there any more apps in the pipeline? Kerman Kohli outside WWDC in San Franciso

plan to extend its reach by making it available on other platforms? Kerman: Yes, I am making the Homework app for Android platform, which will be available by August this year. IWK: What was your biggest challenge while developing the app and how you overcame them??

Room, Pakuranga Library Building complex, 7 Aylesbury Street, Manukau 2010 CAB Pakuranga-Eastern Manukau will hold a free information sessions for newcomers on employment where participants can learn about CV writing, the importance of a cover letter, interview techniques and boosting self-confidence. Drop an e-mail to CAB Pakuranga at settlement.pakuranga@cab.org.nz or call Vani at 021459520 for more details.

Kerman: I don’t think there was a single challenge, rather multiple challenges while developing the app. While they may be engineering, business or design related challenges, the solution has always been the same—perseverance and determination. IWK: Tell us a little about the other apps that you’ve created.

expressions, Kiwi communication in formal and informal situations including the workplace. Attendees will leave the interactive workshop feeling more confident about interacting with their Kiwi colleagues, employees and friends. For more information or to register, contact ARMS on 09 524 2440 or e-mail reception@arms-mrc.org.nz

Kiwi culture and communication workshop for migrants Matariki Festival 2016 Date: Saturday, July 2 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Venue: Point Chevalier Community Centre Cost: $20 The ‘understanding Kiwi culture and communication’ is a new interactive workshop where participants, using interactive activities, will explore the appropriate use of Kiwi and Māori

Date: June 18 to July 17 Time: 6 a.m.to 10:00 p.m. Venue: Region wide The rising of the Matariki star cluster heralds in Māori New Year and a monthlong celebration with more than 100 events across the Auckland region, including concerts, theatre, exhibitions, kapa haka, kite flying and much more. Visit matarikifestival.org.nz for details. Matariki Festival 2016 has more than 100 events across the Auckland region.

Kerman: Not sure, although I always keep a look out for any.

The Homework App is available for iOS users on the Apple Store for free and for $4.99 with upgraded features

Tartan Day Tattoo Celebrations

Date: Sunday, July 3 Time: 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Venue: North Shore Events Centre, Silverfield & Argus Place Entraces, Wairau Valley, Auckland A celebration of all things Scottish! Pipes and drums from various Auckland bands, drum corps, Auckland Police Pipe Band plus lots more and a special appearance of the New Zealand Highland dance company with their partner pipe band giving a special performance for the tattoo before the group leave for their tour of France. Admission is free and open to all.

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