Indian Weekender Digital Edition 10 March 2017 by Indian Weekender

Missed family in jail

10 MARCH2017

Sanjay Dutt

Vol. 8 • Issue 49

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Is New Zealand progressively becoming an immigration ‘unfriendly’ country? P ¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

rime Minister Bill English has unleashed a political storm by proposing to increase the age for state superannuation from current 65 years to 67 years starting in 20 years’ time. Currently, to be eligible for NZ Super, a resident needs to be aged 65 or over and needs to have lived in New Zealand for 10 years since age 20, with five of those years since turning 50. The government is planning to double the residency requirements for NZ Super so that applicants must have lived here for 20 years, with five of those after the age of 50. There would be no change to the indexation or universality of superannuation. While political parties and analysts are grappling with the possible outcomes from this announcement suggesting that Kiwi workers would have to work longer and harder before becoming eligible to get pension under the new National Plan, the proposal to increase residency requirement from current 10 years to 20 years has escaped similar attention. Labour Party, which has long struggled to get their policy right on the ‘sensitive’ issue of age requirement for becoming eligible

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for Super, was cautious in their criticism of the government. Labour Leader Andrew Little said that Super entitlements were a sensitive subject, and Mr English’s comments would worry New Zealanders. Mr Little wants the eligibility age to remain same at the current 65 years but has promised to resume contributions in his first Budget once in power. Labour previously has campaigned on a higher eligibility age but abandoned that policy after Mr Little’s become the Party leader. New Zealand First, which has long advocated for not raising the age requirement for superannuation eligibility, was more vocal on the suggested 20-year wait for

“

The government is planning to double the residency requirements for NZ Super so that applicants must have lived here for 20 years, with five of those after the age of 50.

the new immigrants and instead called for a 25-year wait for the new immigrants.

There is a seeming disquiet within the community about the fact that new immigrants are being made to wait for 10 more years before becoming eligible for state superannuation. Nikhil Kalluri, a new immigrant, who gained New Zealand residency recently, said the government’s plan to make new immigrants wait for 10 more years than what it is now before becoming eligible for state superannuation appears to be the government’s effort to change the narrative about immigration in the election year. “I think [the] government has brought up this proposal just before the election to divert the public attention from seeming inadequacies in our immigration system,” Mr Kalluri said. Indian Weekender sought comments from key community leaders and academic experts about this change in residency requirement for NZ Super to determine if New Zealand is progressively becoming immigration ‘unfriendly’. Sunny Kaushal, Labour Party Candidate in General Election 2011 and 2014, said the government’s proposal of doubling the residency requirements for NZ Super to 20 years had hit the migrants with “double whammy.”

“The government must stop generation bashing and its predatory attitude towards migrants. It must revisit the residency requirement policy and restart contributions to the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, which was due to start helping with paying for pensions by 2030,” Mr Kaushal said. National List MP Kanwaljit Bakshi asserted that the NZ Super changes are about striking the right balance and making it fair to both present and future generations at a time when there is increasing pressure on government finances. “The changes in residency requirement will apply to people arriving in New Zealand after the legislation is passed. Those who have residency or citizenship before the legislation comes into effect will not be affected,” Mr Bakshi said. “It’s an issue of fairness—with those who have not made as long a contribution to New Zealand during their working lives are, after living here for only 10 years, receiving the same support as people who have paid taxes here for their working life,” Mr Bakshi further asserted. Similarly, another National List MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar reiterated the “issue of fairness” which has gained ascendancy in most recent messages coming out from the National Party in the election year.

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“We believe instead of increasing it from 10 years to 25 years, increasing it to 20 years is fair and appropriate. Presently, people aged 65 and over are able to claim New Zealand superannuation once they have been residents for 10 years. This does create an issue of fairness,” Dr Parmar said. NZ First MP Mahesh Bindra could not respond to Indian weekender’s request for comments at the time of going to print. Meanwhile, Labour’s candidate Maungakiekie in the 2017 General Election Priyanca Radhakrishnan also appeared to be convinced with the government’s proposal to increase the residency requirement to 20 years. “With regard to doubling the residency requirement to immigrants, the government’s proposal is in line with international best practice and the Retirement Commissioner’s recommendations. However, she drew inspiration from residency requirement prevalent in other OECD countries. “As far as I’m aware, most OECD countries require immigrants to have been resident in the host country for longer than 10 years,” Ms Radhakrishnan said. Manukau Indian Association President, Veer Khar, was also of the opinion that the 20-year wait is still the lowest as compared to the other OECD countries. “The residency requirement is a must change in the view of the fact that the life expectancy is increasing and the ratio of

“The changes in residency

requirement will apply to people arriving in New Zealand after the legislation is passed. Those who have residency or citizenship before the legislation comes into effect will not be affected

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15-64-year-olds in comparison to 65 plusyear-olds in New Zealand population is decreasing which are contributing to the rising cost of NZ Super,” Mr Khar said. However, a quick check of aged pension schemes of Australia and Canada – the two popular migrant attracting destinations reveals otherwise. Canada’s Old Age Security (OAS) pension and Australia’s Age Pension, which broadly corresponds to New Zealand’s superannuation, have a residency requirement of “continuous period of at least ten years”. Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley, an authority on demography and social migration expressed similar views about the proposed change in residency requirements. “My understanding about this increase in the residency requirement is that it is taking us more towards the position of European countries and away from the countries like Australia and Canada,” Professor Spoonley said. Another expert, Professor Jacques Poot, who is University of Waikato’s Professor of Population Economics and the director of National Institute of Demographic and Economic Analysis (NIDEA), was also unsure about the proposed residency changes. “If New Zealand changes to a twenty years residency requirement then that would make the country a less attractive destination than Australia or Canada,” Professor Poot said. However exercising caution Professor Poot further said “It should be noted that the vast majority of immigrants arrive in their twenties to late thirties. They would therefore still easily satisfy the 20-year residence rule by the time they are 65.” Regardless of this cautious statement, it is clear that the government’s latest plans on NZ Superannuation are set to raise bars for the new immigrants in this country.

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Road rage sparks another Six Indian community groups racist tirade in Auckland receive ethnic community grant ¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

A good Kiwi Samaritan comes to the rescue of the victim

he news of another incident of a racist tirade against an Indian–New Zealander has gone viral on the social media and has grabbed the attention of media around the world. This is the second instance of a racist ranting against an Indian–New Zealander in the last two weeks in Auckland. Apparently, tailgating was the reason behind the racist slur at this instance, unlike in the earlier instance at South Auckland storage facility, where over speeding was the alleged factor. The incident happened sometime last week on a weekday at 5 p.m., when Narenderveer Singh was threatened by a fellow car driver seen on the video apparently ‘unpleased’ with Mr Singh’s driving on the road. “I gave him [space] ... that lady gave me the finger. He was driving that car (pointing to a white Holden) and now he’s trying to threaten me, giving me bad names,” Singh said in the video, which was streamed live on Facebook. As reported on Mr Singh’s Facebook post, the racial ranting did not stop then and his car was followed to a nearby side street parking, raising concerns about his safety. The incident has been reported to the police. A police spokesperson had confirmed that “a complaint has been made in relation to this matter and enquiries are ongoing.”

ot everything is wrong and despicable about the latest racist-ranting incident in Auckland where a Kiwi-Indian driver was allegedly cornered, hurled abuses, and possibly threatened by an impatient driver. There is a positive side of the story as well, as Indian Weekender has been told that a compassionate fellow Kiwi driver, a Pakeha woman, who witnessed the entire incident, stopped her car to support the victim, apologised for the victim’s unfortunate experience, and also called the police to report the incident. Speaking to Indian Weekender, Narenderveer Singh, the victim, acknowledged the kindness and help offered by the compassionate fellow car-driver. “She parked her car and came to me apologising for that man’s behaviour and said that she has been noticing his reckless driving all the way,” Mr Singh said. “She does not want to come out and speak with media and expects everyone to respect her privacy,” Mr Singh added. When the alleged offender approached Mr Singh again when he stopped on a side street parking, Sarah was scared and immediately went back to her car. It was only then that Mr Singh realised that the lady had a child in her car and she was concerned about the safety of her child. “I was really surprised and touched by her kindness to help even with a child of her own in the car,” Mr Singh said.

¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

NZICA

ix Indian community groups in New Zealand received a grant from the new Ethnic Communities Development Fund. The associations successful in receiving the grant this year are the Northland Indian Association Inc, New Plymouth Indian Community Inc, Indian Social and Cultural Club Christchurch, NZ Telugu Association, NZ Tamil Senior Citizens Org, and New Zealand India Central Association (NZICA). While NZICA was the recipient of the largest grant of $25,000, the others were successful in receiving grants of $5000 each. The contestable fund is aimed at improving New Zealand’s social cohesion and supporting the development of established and emerging ethnic communities. Projects were considered in three categories: cultural events, leadership development, and social cohesion. Among projects in the social cohesion, the category focused on sports and recreational activities for teenagers from refugee backgrounds and maraebased activities to build understanding in a diverse neighbourhood. This was the largest category, including projects aimed at building a sense of belonging and inclusion across New Zealand society. This year, 62 groups received $520,000 from the new Ethnic Communities Development Fund. Congratulating the groups, Minister for Ethnic Communities, Judith Collins, said, “I look forward to seeing these initiatives progress and contribute towards building strong and connected communities.”

ZICA, the oldest Indian community association, was formed in 1926 with branches in Auckland, Country Section (Taumarunui), and Wellington, where there was a sizeable population of Indians residing.

NZ Telugu Association

ew Zealand Telugu Association was established in 1998 with an intention to maintain the culture of the Telugu community in India. Telugu is one of the largest spoken regional languages in India. Venkat Raman Rao, Treasurer of NZTA, said that their association received the grant for their work in promoting Telugu culture in New Zealand, community work in facilitating cross-cultural linkages between different segments of Kiwi society, and other community work.

Indian Social and Cultural Club Christchurch

his Christchurch-based community group mainly works to promote Indian culture within the community and to other communities in New Zealand. It also organises social functions with music, dance, and other cultural activities. Thomas Shaji Kurian, the treasurer of the association, said that their organisation received the grant mainly for organising the festival of Diwali in Christchurch. “Our last year Diwali festival saw an attendance of around 10,000 people and 340 local performers performed at the festival. “The main aim of our association is to promote Indian culture and bring together people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds on one common platform,” Mr Kurian said.

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Lord of the Fries is finally here!

elbourne-born ethical fast food institution, and promoters of the best chips in the universe, Lord of the Fries, have landed in New Zealand with a bang. With two Auckland stores operating, they are providing delicious 100% Vegetarian and Vegan fast food choices to excited customers 7 days a week and late into the night. The much-loved Aussie chippery first hit the streets in 2004 as a food truck in Melbourne. The initiative was started by Mark and Mandy Koronczyk after the pair discovered a mutual love of fries and conscience to help build a better world by finding an alternative solution to the chemical and beef-tallowladen fries swallowing the market. Hence, the Lord's offerings sit atop a 100% vegetarian menu, using oil free of chemicals, preservatives and animal products. The chain now has 18 stores across the ditch, with plans to expand to Queensland and Asia in the nottoo-distant future. The Auckland stores at 1 Queen Street and 183 Karnagahape Road (St Kevin’s Arcade) will be Lord of the Fries' first international store. Local family Bruce and Baksho Craig fell in love with the concept on a visit to Melbourne, purchased the master franchise for New Zealand and the rest is history. Eight types of Burgers, 3 types of Hot Dogs, 4 types of Fries, Nuggets, Onion Rings,

Non dairy Shakes and Desserts too: All made with no animal products, no eggs. And you can request either vegetarian or vegan cheese. What attracted the Craig’s to the concept was not just the menu , however. Being vegetarian themselves, they knew what a difference the concept could make for their customer’s health, for the animals, and for the planet. ‘being vegetarian or vegan is definitely a choice for those who wish to make a difference in the world’, remarks Bruce. If we all switched to eating a plant based diet, not only could we easily feed the entire world’s population, we would also hugely help reduce global warming emissions from animal farming, one of the top contributors to greenhouse gases. Find out more including contact details, menus and online ordering and delivery on their website, www. lordofthefries.co.nz

Jackie Dean visits Manukau East

ecently Jacqui Dean, Minister for Small Business and Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, along with MP Kanwaljit Bakshi, visited his electorate Manukau East. During her visit, the Minister had the opportunity to witness first hand, the success of migrants in Kiwi-Indian community. They visited New Zealand School of Education’s Manukau campus and a number of successful local businesses, owned and operated by migrants. These businesses included Slumberzone, a New Zealandowned bed manufacturing company that is growing at 20 per cent year on year, and Bath and Tile which employs close to 35 people in their two showrooms.

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Auckland audience applauds Sanjay Goradia’s Joke Samrat

Sudha Ragunathan to perform at WOMAD Festival 2017

¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

oke Samrat, the Gujarati comedy family drama, starring veteran thespian Sanjay Goradia, received a houseful booking at Dorothy Winston Centre on March 3. The story revolves around an elderly family man, Jayanti Goragandhi, living with his two sons, one of whom is married and has a seven-year-old kid. Amid a chaotic life, Mr Goragandhi loves entertaining people with his sense of humour and his positive attitude view towards life. In a turn of events, Mr Goragandhi decides to become a jester at people’s parties and events so that he can take some stress out of them. His decision of becoming a clown is faced with a strong objection from his family, especially his younger son and daughter-inlaw. Trouble ensues in the house, and he is subjected to criticism and mockery from his own children. Mr Goragandhi’s grandson and his old friend remain the only two people to support his venture. He struggles after being boycotted from his family but later succeeds and becomes a Joke Samrat—a king of comedy. He gains immense popularity and becomes a wealthy comedian in the city. It is then when his children realise their mistake and plead him to return home. The play questions the morals of children and their attitude towards their parents’ dreams and aspirations. The play uses humour to highlight the problems faced in families and states that love is the only medicine to cure broken relationships. The show stealer of the drama besides

Sanjay Goradia was the seven-year-old, Master Keval,who played the role of the lead character’s grandson. Sharp dialogues, impeccable comic timings, and a good screenplay make the play a perfect mix of drama and comedy. Joke Samrat is the third successful show run by V3 Events NZ after the pop musical concert Ninja Live in Auckland and Gujarati Play Baa Tane Hu Ke Rakhu featuring Rohini Hattangadi last year. Laughter and applause filled the packed house, and the play received a standing ovation as the curtains were brought down.

¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

udha Ragunathan, a renowned Carnatic composer and vocalist, is set to play at the World of Music, Art and Dance (WOMAD) festival 2017. The international festival, which brings together artists from all over the globe, will be held at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth, Taranaki, featuring six stages and delivering 30 hours of entertainment from March 17 to 19. Sudha Ragunathan is the only Indian artist to perform at the prestigious WOMAD festival this year. Last year, the festival saw a performance by Bollywood singer Asha Bhosle. WOMAD will be Ms/Mrs Ragunathan’s second gig in New Zealand, the first being Auckland Arts Festival in 2012. Ms Ragunathan is the discipline of legendary singer M L Vasanthakumari, who encouraged her to pursue music. She has a powerful and captivating voice, classical singing style, and a charming stage presence and is adored by her audiences in India and overseas. She has received many awards, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan from the President of India. She also holds a Masters Degree in Economics from the Madras University. MsRagunathan has represented India at several international festivals and has been previously invited to Norway, Tunis, Israel, the US, and the Middle East. She has experimented with films, and with fusion and world music without compromising the purity of her traditional singing. Ms Ragunathan also performed the song Vande Mataram at the Central Hall

WITH A

of Parliament, New Delhi on January 27 in 2000. She is also a top ranking artist for Prasar Bharati, Chennai and performs at important events of All India Radio and Doordarshan.

About Carnatic music

arnatic music, untouched by secular Muslim influences, has remained devotional in nature. It is much more highly structured than Hindustani (North Indian) music with a stricter rhythmic system. It usually avoids the alaap—the slow beginning—and is not restricted to time and season. Its heart is the kirtis short bursts of vigorous singing, in which Ms Ragunathan excels.

Sudha’s performance is scheduled at 7:15 p.m. on March 17 at the Dell Stage.

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www.iwk.co.nz | 10 March2017

Legends re-lived at Rafi-Kishore-Mukesh musical concert

¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

ore than 700 people gathered at Dorothy Winston Centre on Saturday, March 4 for the RafiKishore-Mukesh Night, an evening of music and nostalgia for the Indian community. The annual concert is a tribute to the legendary yesteryear singers Md Rafi, Kishore Kumar, and Mukesh. The concert featured three lead singers representing each of the legends’ voice and style. Arif Zia vocalised Md Rafi’s songs, Joseph Jose performed Kishore Kumar’s hit numbers, while Viraj Maki sang Mukesh’s songs. The trio was accompanied by Vidya Teke, Arpita Chanda, Shweta Shirsat, and Srishaa Iyer and a band that delivered perfect background music to the songs. The show commenced at 6:30 p.m. with Mukesh’s Ek Din Bik Jayega from the film Dharam Karam in the voice of Viraj Maki as the audience settled for the musical ride of the evening. Joseph sang some of Kishore’s most popular songs such as Mere Mehboob Qayamat from Mr X In Bombay, Chingadi Koi Bhadke from Amar Prem, Khaike Paan Banaraswala from Don, Jeevan Ke Har Mod Pe from Jhoota Kahin Ka, Ghum Hai Kisi Ke Pyar Me from Raampur Ka Lakshman and Nakhre Wali from New Delhi. Arif introduced himself on the stage with a Md Rafi medley and entertained the audience with hit numbers such as Din Sara Guzara from Junglee, Aaj purani rahon se from Aadmi, Jane Wale Zara Hoshiyar from Raajkumar, Chalkaye jam from Mere Humdum Mere Dost, and Hum Premi Prem Karna Jaane from Parvarish. The four most respected stalwarts of Indian cinema—Mukesh, Md Rafi, Kishore, and Lata Mangeshkar—came together for the first and the last time in 1977’s film

Amar Akbar Anthony. The magic of the song Humko Tumse Ho Gaya Hai Pyar Kya Karein was recreated at the concert by Joseph, Arif, and Viraj accompanied by Vidya Teke. The audience joined Viraj in the song Dum Dum Diga Diga from the film Chhaliya, and then Kahi Door Jab Din Dhal Jaye from Anand, Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai from Shor, a Mukesh medley, and Sath Ajoobe Is Dunia Mein from Dharam Veer. The show was hosted by Humm FM’s RJ Kashika Singh who engaged with the audience with trivia and some not so wellknown facts about the three legends. With every seat occupied, the theatre echoed with evergreen songs. All the seven singers are well known to classical music lovers in Auckland and have performed in many events and concerns across New Zealand, Fiji, and India. At the end of the show, the performers received a standing ovation from the audience.

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Auckland welcomes first female District Commander ¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

aryn Malthus has been appointed as the new District Commander for Auckland City District Police succeeding Richard Chambers who held the office from 2014 to 2016. Ms Malthus officially joined the Auckland office on February 20. The Auckland Police arranged a meet and greet session for the District Commander with the Asian media in Auckland on March 3. Present at the introduction meet were representatives from Asian TV, radio and newspapers such as World TV, Chinese Radio 99.4, NCTV, Humm FM, Indian Weekender, Sky Kiwi, and New Zealand Courier Post. Ms Malthus is the first female District Commander of Auckland City District Police. Accompanying her from the Auckland City District Police were three area Commanders: Inspector Jim Wilson, Inspector Matthew Srhoj, and Inspector Jacqueline Whittaker and Ethnic Liaison Officer, Constable Robert Stanton, and Asian Liaison Officer Jessica Phuang. The purpose of the meet was to introduce the new district commander to the Asian media as they act as a bridge to convey the information from the government and the law enforcement to the community. On her first day as the District Commander of Auckland, Ms Malthus met the Asian Consuls in Auckland, participated at the International Students Ambassador meeting, and participated in Japan Day celebrations. In the last 30 years, she has been appointed into different roles in the police department.

Born and brought up in Rotorua, Ms Malthus started her career in Crime Investigation Bureau (CIB) in Hamilton and then moved to Cambridge for 13 years. She was later promoted to Counties Manukau Police District for nine years as Detective Sergeant looking afters Papakura, Pukekohe, Howick, Otara, and Mangere and then promoted as Senior Sergeant Detective in the same district. She has held the position of a Detective Inspector in Northland for three years and two years in the same role in the Auckland District. She was then promoted to Tasman District Commander in Nelson for two years, which is the biggest policing district geographically but far less populated compared to Auckland. “Auckland has the most diverse communities in New Zealand, and we look forward to building [a] stronger connection between the police and the community,” Ms Malthus said. “We need to convey that we are available for the community, and they can contact us when they need our help,” she added.

10 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

New Zealand Institute of Learning

ew Zealand Institute of Learning (NZIOL) is one of the fastest growing institutes in South Auckland. They make learning easy and enjoyable for students and are gaining popularity these days among the Indian community. Last month, they provided free IELTS coaching for three days. As per the information, the teachers at NZIOL guide the students to achieve excellence and attain their desired score in PTE and IELTS. They offer an effective and innovative approach to coaching forIELTS and PTE exams. They also organise weekly workshops for tips on how to improve English and get the required IELTS bands or PTE scores. NZIOL’s weekly training workshops are crafted in such a way that it gives sufficient practice to the students in techniques required for taking the IELTS test with full confidence. For PTE preparation, NZIOL provides focused training workshops, practice exercises, and mock tests. They give the candidates enough grounding to obtain high scores in PTE. When asked, director of NZIOL, Vinod Juneja, revealed that the institute caters to the need of the students and provides individual attention to everyone. He stressed that students are guided in a way that helps them achieve excellence. Mr Juneja further added that they equip students with effective skills and strategies needed to undertake IELTS and PTE test with confidence along with the material for practice in all areas of the

test. They also administer regular practice tests with individual feedback and advice from teachers. As per the student’s review, NZIOL is an excellent institute and that the teachers help them understand that the keys to success are motivation, patience, and hard work. Mr Juneja further stated that they also have weekend classes for those who are busy during the week. Students at NZIOL are posting very good reviews for NZIOL Tarun Gupta, a student, reviewed on NZIOL’s Facebook page: “I got 6.5 band in IELTS. Thanks, NZIOL for always pushing me to try my best. I’ll remember both the teacher and NZIOL for their hard work and dedication towards their students.” Another student, Satvinder Singh, reviewed: “I am studying here for two weeks now. It’s really worth it. I am really learning. They have helped me with improving my confidence along with English.” Simranjeet Singh, a student, who scored 75 in PTE said: “I took coaching for four weeks at NZIOL, which helped me a lot in improving my writing and speaking skills. I learnt various tricks and techniques about the test which helped me in scoring well.” NZIOL along with IELTS and PTE provide after-school tuition classes for year one to year 10 students in English and Maths where they introduce and familiarise students with the basic concepts to start with and later prepare them for tertiary education.

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www.iwk.co.nz | 10 March2017

Keeping New Zealand moving Bill English

Prime Minister

nfrastructure supports our daily lives. It delivers the electricity we use, the water we drink and the roads we drive on. That is why the National-led Government is investing more than ever in transport infrastructure right across the country. We are utterly committed to keeping a growing New Zealand moving. Last week, Transport Minister Simon Bridges and local MP Nathan Guy opened the MacKays to Peka Peka Expressway - four months ahead of schedule. The Expressway is a $630 million, 18km four-lane motorway on the Kāpiti Coast, and includes 18 bridges and 16km of walking and cycle ways. It will result in faster, more reliable and safer journeys through the region. It will also improve the Kāpiti Coast’s resilience to major weather events like those we’ve recently experienced in Wellington. This is just one part of the Government’s $11 billion investment in seven roads of national significance and 13 important regional roading projects across New Zealand. In April, Auckland’s critically important $1.4 billion Waterview Connection will open. And work on the $2.4 billion Western Ring Route, an alternative to State Highway 1 around Auckland, is also well advanced and expected to be completed in the next two years. In Christchurch, two major projects are underway, including the new $240 million

Christchurch Northern Corridor project, which includes a new 8-kilometre, four-lane motorway, starting at the Waimakariri River and finishing in the city. The second project is a $195 million extension to the Christchurch Southern Motorway, which will halve travel time between Rolleston and the city. In the Waikato, construction on the seventh and final section of the $2.1 billion Waikato Expressway has begun. This 102-kilometre long road is a game-changer for the region as it will provide stronger links between the business and agricultural centres of Auckland and the Waikato, as well as the Bay of Plenty. As a small, sparsely populated country, New Zealand relies on its transport network to move people, goods and services safely and efficiently. That’s why we are getting ahead of this issue by investing in infrastructure now to encourage future economic growth. We don’t want to wait until the strain on the network becomes a handbrake on progress. Our investment in infrastructure continues to build a strong platform for growth. A more competitive and productive economy is the only way we will create jobs, boost incomes, and provide the high-quality public services New Zealanders expect. On a final note, I had been planning to open the MacKays to Peka Peka Expressway myself. However, I changed my plans to head to Christchurch in support of the people who were battling the fires. I’d like to acknowledge here the incredibly hard work of the many firefighters who helped get the fire under control, and I express my sincere sympathies to all who were affected, Apart from witnessing the devastation, what I also saw was the incredible community spirit that comes to the fore in these situations. People helping people. It made me proud to be a New Zealander.

Fortifying NZ-India businesses ties ¡¡ IWK BUREAU

embers of the India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) met Ralph Hays, the newly appointed Trade Commissioner/Consul General designate of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) to Mumbai at his office in Auckland on Monday, March 6. The members discussed the trade policies that help businesses between India and New Zealand. “This was an opportunity for me to discuss with the business on the ground, on what their problems are and how we can help them grow”, Mr Hays said. Mr Ralph joined NZTE in 2010 as a Business Development Manager in Spain. In 2013 he was seconded to Brazil to help support the Prime Minister Mission to South America which then led on to a full-time position as Trade Commissioner in Sao Paulo. Ralph has worked across a range of different industry sectors in NZ, Australia, UK and Spain. His recent experience includes working as a management accountant in the food and beverage sector and as a business analyst in the cruise industry. Several industry sectors were represented at the event such as banking, winery, education, finance, logistics, infrastructure, and aviation. The dialogue gave some deep insights into the issues faced by the members and about the ongoing discussions around the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). National List MP Kanwaljit Bakshi congratulated the newly appointed Trade Commissioner and Consul General at the event. He said that both the governments are working very closely for better ties especially after the last visit of former Prime

Ralph Hays with INZBC’s Wenceslaus Anthony and MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi

Minister John Key to India and his meeting with his Indian counterpart Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mr. Wenceslaus Anthony, Head of Government Relations INZBC welcoming the guests present on the occasion. “INZBC always try to connect the members and the businesses to the correct government agencies so that they get the information from the horse’s mouth. Such events are an effort in this direction,” Mr Anthony said. “INZBC has had a good relation with the office of the Trade Commissioner in Mumbai, and INZBC played an integral part in the opening of the office in 2008. INZBC conducted a business summit attended by business leaders from Mumbai and Delhi,” Mr Anthony further said. Bhav Dhillon, Treasure INZBC, apprised the members about the upcoming Edutech Summit 2017 scheduled to be hosted in the first week of August this year. “Events of this scale and magnitude, add a lot of value to our members, stakeholders and the NZ Inc. at large,” Mr Dhillon said.

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NEW ZEALAND

10 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

SOUTH LINE

News-in-brief from South Island

Christchurch colours itself with the holi spirit ¡¡ GAURAV SHARMA

eing organised annually since 2014 by Revel Events—a Christchurchbased event management company—this year’s Christchurch holi, the Indian festival of colours, was the biggest and grandest. Attended by more than 6,000 people, the free event was supported by Christchurch Multicultural Council (CMC), the Christchurch City Council, Christchurch’s new Crown company Otakaro Limited, and Fletcher Living. Another principal sponsor was Yogiji’s Food Mart, which supplied colours for the celebrations. Hitesh Sharma, Co-partner in Revel Events, sharing his joy after a successful event, noted, “It started with a simple idea to create an afternoon full of colours for the Indian community living in Christchurch. Now, it has spread to the wider community, which is very pleasantly surprising for us. It shows that Kiwis are ready to embrace other cultures and experience the diversity of the human race.” Sandeep Khanna, Creative Director and Co-partner at Revel Events, added, “Apart for a slew of colours, we had [more than] 10

Business support for quake-affected Canterbury extended, for the final time

T Over 6000 people attended Christchurch holi this time. Picture courtesy Joy Kochakkan, JK images, Revel Events

Matki phod as always was the biggest hit. Picture courtesy Joy Kochakkan, JK images, Revel Events

cultural performances. There was also a colour countdown, followed by the matki phod competition, which was won by the University of Canterbury team this time. Prizes for the colouring competition held across Christchurch schools, for which we got [more than] 200

entries, were also given during the day.” Meanwhile, the organisers also plan to donate a part of the proceeds from colour sales to two charitable causes working for children welfare in India and

New Zealand. On the question of holi being part of the city’s Race Relations Day celebrations as well, Surinder Tandon, President of CMC, added, “Firstly, both holi and Race Relations Day come during the same month, i.e. March, and secondly but more importantly, they share the common significance of showing respect and equality for diversity in terms of ethnicity, culture, and faith. Thus, Holi is an ideal festival to commemorate and celebrate the New Zealand Race Relations Day, which falls on March 21, every year.”

he government has announced a final extension [until April 30] to the support package for businesses affected by the Kaikōura earthquake. The extension will be in two stages—businesses will receive $375 per week for each full-time employee and $225 for each part-time employee for the first four weeks. While for the second four weeks, the amounts would be reduced to $250 and $150 respectively. “The government-approved $17.5 million dollars to support businesses in Kaikōura, Hurunui, Marlborough, and Wellington post-earthquake, of which businesses have accessed almost $14.9 million till date,” Simon Bridges, Minister for Economic Development, informed while announcing the extension.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 10 March2017

Indian couple demands their child back from CYF CYF denies the allegations, meanwhile, Indian High Commission in Wellington has advised CYF that the child should be returned to her parents ¡¡ GAURAV SHARMA The Indian couple [whom we are not naming for privacy reasons] presently in Christchurch, who recently lost an appeal seeking refugee status in the Immigration and Protection Tribunal, is alleging that their daughter is continuously sick while in care of Child, Youth and Family (CYF) and no proper medication is being given to her “The social worker in charge also has no idea about the child’s health,” the woman said.

“Ever since our child was removed, we have not being advised by anyone from Child, Youth and Family on the next course of action. We are in complete dark about what is going on. And being migrants and new to this country, we don’t know how things work here,” she added. “Also, we were promised that we would have visiting rights on weekends, as our daughter is only four months old. But that is not happening, and the reason our social worker is giving us is

Hare Krishna Centre reopens after 2011 earthquake

lmost six years after suffering extensive damage in the 2011 earthquake, ISKCON Christchurch opened its door again at a newly-constructed Hare Krishna Centre at 83 Bealey Avenue on March 3. The grand opening ceremony titled Revival was held over three days and featured fire yajnas, kirtans, aartis, guru pujas, and an initiation ceremony by Indradyumna Swami. Installation of the deities including that of Sri Sri Nitai Gaurachandra was also part of the ceremony.

Installation ceremony of Sri Sri Nitai Gaurachandra

that there is no one available on weekends to bring our daughter for visitation,” the woman added. Meanwhile, Child, Youth and Family, when contacted, denied the allegations. Child, Youth and Family Te Waipounamu Regional Director, Theresa Perham, informed, “Child, Youth and Family can confirm that we have taken a four-month-old child into care in response to serious concerns regarding the baby’s safety. We are continuing to work with the baby’s family, however, it is

Resilience Fund launched for Canterbury earthquakes recovery

ealth Minister Jonathan Coleman has launched the $6 million Community Resilience Partnership Fund to support the grass-roots community projects under way around Christchurch, which are helping community well- Health Minister Jonathan Coleman and Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel launching the Combeing, resilience, and munity Resilience Partnership Fund on February 28 psychosocial recovery are now available,” the Minister following the earthquakes. said at the launch. “The government has partnered “Grants may be one-off, multiwith Christchurch City Council to year, or graduated investments each invest $1 million a year for the over three years, with the next three years into the Fund. level of funding decided on a “This initiative was signalled in case-by-case basis. Budget 2016 and targeted grants

National is boosting Police staff numbers by 1125, including 880 sworn officers, through our $503 million Safer Communities package. We are ensuring Police attend at least 98 per cent of all home burglaries within 48 hours. The package also provides $7.5 million for 20 ethnic liaison officers who will work with Indian and other ethnic communities and businesses to stop crime in these communities. RT HON BILL ENGLISH PRIME MINISTER

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essential that the child’s safety is the absolute priority. Ministry staff is working closely with the parents and have been talking with them on a daily basis. “For the past two weeks, contact between parents and child has occurred daily. . “The child was taken to the doctor’s on February 22 and medication was prescribed. Her parents and social worker were present at the doctor’s appointment. This child is doing well with a Child, Youth and Family

caregiver.” The Indian High Commission in Wellington, when contacted regarding the case, has this to say in an e-mail reply: “The couple had never approached us in the past and nor has done so even after this development [removal of the child by CYF on February 20]. We came to know of the case from the Child Youth and Family Services Office, and we have advised them that the child should be in the custody of the parents.”

Islamic Arts Display in Christchurch

he Canterbury Muslim Community Trust is planning an Islamic art display in conjunction with the City Libraries, with the theme ‘Multicultural expressions of Islamic art, a collection of treasures from the Christchurch Muslim community’. This will be a week-long affair between April 2 and 9 and will be hosted at the South Christchurch Library on Colombo Street.

Indian Weekender advises its readers to research and do due diligence before acting on any advert in this publication.

NEW ZEALAND

10 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Holi: the festival of colours, around the world H ¡¡ YASHMIN RAJ

oli is a festival of colours, joy, and happiness, which is celebrated to welcome the spring season. The festival is celebrated on the day of the full moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna. One of the most famous Hindu festivals around the world, Holi is fast gaining a cross-cultural acceptance across different cultures of the world. The celebration starts with the Holika Dehan (bonfire) the night before the actual Holi. People gather to sing and dance around the bonfire and pray for the safety of their family and friends. The process of the bonfire is same across the world. The next day is marked with playing water fights, dunking people in tubs, and chasing each other with dry powder and coloured water. The celebration is accompanied with songs and dance in a colourful and joyful atmosphere. People also share and enjoy delicious dishes and sweets such as gujia and bhaang (made by mixing the leaves and flower of the cannabis leaves). After the celebration of the eventful day, people take a bath, wear new clothes, and visit family and friends and enjoy the rest of the evening. Holi is celebrated in different ways in various parts of the world. Indians living in regions such as Fiji, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Mauritius and Suriname celebrate the occasion with great fun and enthusiasm.

Fiji

n Fiji, Holi is marked with the playful throwing of coloured water and powder and is celebrated by communities of Indo-Fijians and non-Hindus annually. Phagua, as the festival is called in Fiji, is celebrated by spraying colours, singing folk songs, and folk dance, and visiting families and friends—just like in India. People are in a jolly mood, social

Holi celebrations in Fiji

distinctions are forgotten, everyone interacts with each other, and people move around with coloured water, singing and dancing. Some also beat drums and sing loudly in a chorus. The folk songs sung in Fiji during Holi are called faag gayan. During faag gayan, a group of people called mandalis sing chawtaals during the celebration. The mandalis gather once a week to sing chawtaals before the actual day of the festival. On the day of Holi, the mandalis go from house to house, singing folk songs and playing with colours, while enjoying delicacies and bhaang. Many of the songs sung on the occasion are based on love and relationship of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani. The legend of Radha and Krishna is closely linked with this tradition of colours. Krishna, who had a dark skin, was jealous of Radha’s fair skin. In a mischievous mood, he applied colour on Radha’s face. This is another ancient legend, where lovers till date long to paint their beloved as an expression of love. Moreover, there are so many Holi-inspired Bollywood songs, such as Rang Barse and Holi Khele Raghuveera, which people sing and dance. Delicacies such as bara, gulgula, phulourie, mango or tamarind chutney, potato ball, prasad, channa, kheer (sweet rice), and beverage are prepared and served to the people.

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Guyana

Phagwah celebrations in Guyana armed with Abeer liquid (red dye)

Holi or Phagwah is one of the traditional festivals in Guyana where a public holiday is observed. People of Indian origin celebrate the festival of colours on this day. People traditionally wear white and spray each other with abeer liquid—a red dye—which symbolises the blood of evil King Hiranyakashyap. The king Hiranyakashyap wished to end his son, Prahlad’s, life with his sister, Holika’s help. Holika was blessed by Lord Vishnu that she will never die in the fire. She was ordered by Hiranyakashyap to kill Prahlad by taking him to the fire (pyre). Holika was burnt to death, and Prahlad was unharmed.

Trinidad and Tobago

A baby gets pasted with abeer.

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Mauritius This island nation, where Indians form close to 50% of the local ethnicity population, also celebrates Holi with great pomp every year. In Mauritius, Holi signifies the arrival of spring and the victory of Prince Prahlad. Holi

In Trinidad and Tobago, the festival is also called Phagwa and is said to have started in the 1800s by Indians who migrated as indentured labours. The festival is celebrated with colours, water, song and dance, including singing the folk song, which is called chowtal. Chowtal is accompanied by music played with the dhol and majeera and are usually loud and high-pitched.

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is celebrated with gulal (coloured powder) and by spraying each other with water through pichkaris (water guns), which is made from bamboo stalk.

Surinam

Holi is celebrated with a lot of excitement in Surinam. Here, Hindus constitute about 50% of the population, a majority of which immigrated from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar as indentured labourers. People here also take great delight in playing with colours and singing folk songs and dance. The festival is similar to Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. People plant a castor oil plant weeks before the festival, and later on, this plant is burnt as Holika (bonfire). People engage themselves in singing nightly chawtaal at each other’s homes.

Holi in different parts of India

oli is one of the major festivals of India and celebrated with immense joy and fervour throughout the country. All celebrate Holi with colours, feasts, music, dance, and parties. In India, Holi is known by various names: Lathmaar Holi, Dulandi Holi, Rangpanchami, Basant Utsav, Dol Purnima, Hola Mohalla, Kaman Pandigai, and Phagu Purnima. Even though the festival is celebrated in most parts of the country, the celebrations have a regional influence in their rituals and traditions. 1. Mathura and Vrindavan: People in Mathura and Vrindavan celebrate Holi from the day of Vasant Panchami, which marks the beginning of the celebration of festival colours in the city. Barsana is the famous place where Lord Krishna was born. Here, Holi is celebrated in a unique way called Lathmaar Holi. On the day of Holi, men from Nandgaon come to Barsana to celebrate Holi with women, but they are ready to beat them with sticks instead of playing with colour.

2. Haryana: Here, men from a pyramid (by standing on each other) to break the buttermilk pot hung high up on the local streets. 3. Maharashtra and Gujarat: Here, a grand procession of men, soaked in coloured water, walk through the streets. There is also a tradition of hanging a pot of buttermilk high up in the street. 4. West Bengal: Holi is known as Dol Jatra in West Bengal. People play with spray colour and powder called Abeer. Boys and girls greet the spring not only with colours but also with dance and songs. 5. Orissa: This place is famous for Jagannath temple. Here, the tradition is similar to West Bengal. The major difference is that people put the idols of Jagannath in place of Krishna and Radha.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 10 March2017

HOLI –A colour therapy for the mind

of Chinmaya Mission puts it succinctly, “Holi is wonderful because it reflects exactly what is occurring in nature at that time – when all the beautiful flowers of different colours are blossoming. By celebrating this event, we feel a greater By Ram Lingam oneness with nature. The dominant idea behind wo decades ago, Holi was unknown to this festival is that we should live more in Aucklanders with one or two temples harmony with nature instead of trying to observing it as a religious function. destroy her and make her our slave”. That Holi today has gone global, and every major makes Holi a natural colour therapy for city in the world where Indians live ends up the mind. celebrating Holi. An obvious downside is Like all Indian festivals, the religious side when Hindu festivals go global, they tend to of the Holy festival has important messages get secularised, and their cultural depths and to rejuvenate the mundane mind and lift it nuances are dusted off. What remains is a with insight and a sense of inter-being with shallow synthetic version of the original and nature and the life forms around us. There losing all its charm, meaning and purpose. are plenty of authentic references to this On a positive note, whatever Indians most colourful festival of Holi in the Indian celebrate eventually goes global appealing to sacred literature be it the Jaimini’s famous all open-minded communities. Last week’s Purvamimamsa Sutras, the Kathaka Gruhya sutra, Holi celebration by ISKCON Auckland was Harsha’s Ratnavali, Dandi’s Dashakumar Charit a typical example of how culture can be meaningful and fun cutting across all groups. of Dandi or even the Garuda Purana where Expect another fun filled Holi to follow this we come across some delightful descriptions weekend at Three Kings too. Thanks to of the Holi festival. A myriad of artwork from ancient India has portrayed Holi in Bharataiya Samaj, Humm FM and others. The deep Hindu tradition has given us the colourful ways including an antiquated festival of Holi weaving the divine into the very stone inscription some 2300 years old from nature that we are part of. Essentially Holi is Ramgarh in the province of Vindhya has not just about colours but colours in nature. mention of Holikotsav on it. Adding to that is The timing of Holi is around spring (vasant) the world famous sixteenth-century temple and hence called ‘Vasant Mahotsav’, and the of Hampi, which was the capital of great colours we smear represent the colours that Vijayanagara kingdom has a panel showing spring projects. Shri Swami Tejomayananda a playful scene of Holi.

The popular ritual of Holikadahan, meaning the burning of Holika (the sister of the power crazy king Hiranya Kashipu) is a reminder of the deep devotion of the Vishnu devotee Prahlad when Holika carries the child into the fire to kill him, only to get killed herself. The story is more significant today than ever before as the ignorant who harbour ‘asuric’ tendencies get consumed in the fire of worldliness, but the person with spiritual insight like Prahlad comes out unscathed. Many attribute Holika as a ‘demoness’ which is a poor translation for the term ‘asur’. The term rakshasa is also used synonymously. These terms are out of fashion, but a glimpse into its meaning helps us discover such tendencies within us and around us. To put it bluntly, rakshasas are people with a ‘passionate nature’ with extreme ambition and restless in their temperament and activity. Rakshasa type people easily relate to power, want to be around powerful people and eventually seek power. Asuras, on the other hand, are anti-divine and consider themselves as the centre of the universe. A Ravana was a Rakshasa, but a Hiranyakashipu was an asura. The stories from the Puranas have themes that resonate easily in today’s modern age.

To call it mythology is idiotic that reflects gross ignorance and an unreflective frame of mind. Holi like all Hindu festivals are not about a victory of the good over evil as there is no such thing as evil except gross ignorance that breeds the harm.

Here are some quick facts about Holi:

¡¡ Holi is an ancient Hindu festival referenced in the Indian religious scriptures.

¡¡ Holi is the most colorful festival in the

world, reflecting the colours of nature and the colours of devotion. ¡¡ Holi is celebrated at spring time when nature is in full bloom and ready for a spring harvest. ¡¡ Holi features in ancient temples, paintings, inscriptions and royal murals throughout India. ¡¡ Holi is celebrated over three days in most of the states of India starting from the day of Holi poornima. Ram Lingam blogs his insights on India and Indian culture at www.indiasutra.co.nz

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FIJI

10 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Fiji Airways announce codeshare

partnership with India’s Jet Airways J et Airways, India’s full-service premier international airline and Fiji Airways, announced a codeshare partnership which offers guests travelling on both carriers convenient and seamless connectivity between India and Fiji via Singapore and Hong Kong. The codeshare agreement, a first-of-its-kind between the airlines of the two countries, will address the growing demand for travel between India and Fiji. Jet Airways will place its ‘9W’ code on Fiji Airways’ flights from Singapore and Hong Kong to Nadi, and Fiji Airways will place its ‘FJ’ code on Jet Airways’ services between Singapore and Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai as well as between Hong Kong and Mumbai and Delhi. “All codeshare flights will allow through check-in to the final destination of any journey. What’s more, JetPrivilege members will also be able to accrue and redeem JPMiles on the codeshare flights operated by Fiji Airways flights; and the accrued miles will count towards their tier status as well. Codeshare bookings are now open for sale for travel effective March 9, 2017. Gaurang Shetty, Whole-time director, Jet Airways said: “Our codeshare agreement with Fiji Airways reflects our continuing commitment to the travelling public, to offer the best possible connections to more and more destinations around the world

Attorney-General and Minister in charge of Civil Aviation Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum with Colin Neubronner, Jet Airways’ Senior VP Sales and Marketing at the signing ceremony in Mumbai, India. Photo: Fiji Airways

which now extends to the beautiful paradise of Fiji. Ties between the people of India and Fiji can be traced back to over a 100 years and with the governments of both countries have been making focused efforts

to further strengthen trade, tourism and cultural ties, we believe this codeshare partnership will play a pivotal role in these endeavours by enabling seamless connectivity between both countries.” Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways’

managing director and chief executive officer said: “This is a very significant achievement for both airlines. “Demand for travel from Fiji to India for tourism, medical treatment, education and family reasons keeps growing and our codeshare agreement will boost this even further. “And with our convenient Hong Kong and Singapore services, which connect with Jet Airways’ flights, we look forward to welcoming more Indian travellers to our home, Fiji, one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world.” Speaking on behalf of the Fijian Government – the majority shareholder of Fiji Airways – the Attorney General, Minister for Economy and Minister in charge of Civil Aviation, Aiyaz SayedKhaiyum described the new code-share agreement as a major boost to relations between the two countries. “The seamless connectivity that this offers for travellers between Fiji and Jet Airways destinations on the Subcontinent and beyond opens up all sorts of possibilities for tourism and trade,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said. “Fiji is especially keen to attract more investment from India and the other countries serviced by Jet Airways and this makes the journey in both directions that much easier.” – Source: Fiji Sun

Eye on Bollywood, Fiji offers 47% tax sop to filmmakers

ilms like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge to Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara have spawned over two generations of Bollywood films shot in the Swiss Alps to the Spanish beaches. Now, the tiny Pacific island nation of Fiji is hoping to challenge–if not dethrone–the staple destinations for Indian filmmakers looking for foreign locales to shoot movies. To convince Bollywood of the joys and benefits of shooting at this archipelago of 333 tropical islands sitting pretty in the South Pacific Ocean, senior Fiji diplomats came together for a filmmakers' forum in the city last week to showcase their world that goes beyond just the sparkling stretches of turquoise water and palm fringed beaches, but tropical rainforests, lagoons, diving spots and other pristine sites relatively unexplored. Fiji is also stepping up attempts to woo Indian filmmakers with a 47% tax rebate– the highest in the world–to fully-funded productions whose qualifying spend is more than FJ$250,000. Other incentives include exemption from paying duty for heavy equipment brought in for

filming purposes as long as they are taken out of the country at the end of production. Also, competitive minimum wage rates are in place and hours and terms of employment are negotiable directly with local crew, given that the film

decision a few years ago to make a number of changes in terms of liberalizing the economy and also identifying sectors that position us well in growing our economy and providing employment. “Visa is on arrival at Fiji; in the next couple of days we'll be signing various agreements in Mumbai with Indian airlines to With offer seamless travel." over 40% "With over of the Fiji 40% of the Fiji population of population of Indian heritage, Indian heritage, shooting in Fiji shooting in Fiji will feel like home," promised will feel like Dallas Foon, CEO home of Film Fiji. Like Mauritius, Fiji too shares the history of girmitiyas or indentured labourers transported from British India to work on sugarcane plantations. Last year, Fiji celebrated 100 industry in Fiji is not unionized. years since the arrival of the Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, attorneylast immigrant ship carrying general and minister for economy, indentured Indians to the island, public enterprises, civil service and but there's plenty of reason communications, said, "Tourism for Bollywood now to ready is a major stake for our country. their sails. The government took a strategic

Fijian seasonal workers commended for breaking record in pumpkin harvesting

ijian seasonal workers employed with Team Work in New Zealand have been commended for breaking the record in pumpkin harvesting. One of the seasonal worker’s, Jaswinder Singh says they filled more than 200 crates of pumpkin in a week. Team Leader, Senirusi Keteiwai from Nadarivatu says the group was able to achieve this through their dedication and team work. The 20 workers were recruited in November last year, consisting of 9 workers from Cicia, Lau and 11 workers from Nadarivatu. Team Work is located in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand and produces pumpkin, onion, watermelon and other fruits and vegetables.

Why volunteers vital, says Red Cross

olunteers are the backbone of Red Cross Society throughout the world, says Fiji Red Cross Society Labasa branch president, Senimili Raura. During a volunteer orientation attended by 20 people at Salvation Army hall in Labasa yesterday, Ms Raura said volunteers are the hands, legs and eyes of those in the national office. “Volunteers are very important as they are the first to go into the communities to reach out with help, do awareness program, gather information even when disasters strike,” Ms Raura said. “We have donors who donate to us for our programs and also to distribute to t h o s e who are in need and volunteers are sent out to do this work.” Mrs Raura said they had their first volunteer drive and orientation last year in September. Yesterday’s session was the second. “Last year we had 70 registered volunteers but only 40 were active,” she said. “One of the challenges that we are facing is retaining volunteers. I understand this is not a paid job and this could be one of the reasons why people find it difficult to be part of. However, we are looking for volunteers who have passion to help people. “We are also inviting people with disabilities to be volunteers. Anyone who has a heart and passion to do what Fiji Red Cross Society has been doing are most welcome to meet us and fill in registration forms in our office.”

FIJI

www.iwk.co.nz | 10 March 2017

‘Dirty’ ship stopped from

entering Fiji for biofouling B iosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) has restricted entry into Fiji waters to an Indonesian ship, the DL Marigold, with the intension of causing biofouling in Fiji waters. BAF Chief Executive Officer Mr Xavier Khan said BAF Operations team has issued an inspection certificate to Campbell Shipping; the agents of Indonesian Ship DL Marigold informing them that DL Marigold will not be allowed into Fiji waters to clean its hull which has been found infested with worms and other organisms by the New Zealand Authorities. DL Marigold, containing load of palm kernel for feeding dairy cows for NZ, visited NZ on 4 March, 2017. However, the ship was ordered to leave Port of Tauranga following discovery by New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (NZ MPI) that the carrier’s hull and underwater surfaces infested with dense fouling of barnacles and tube worms. DL Marigold intended to come to Fiji on March 10, 2017 just to clean the hull and return to NZ to offload the consignment. Mr Khan said DL Marigold could cause biofouling resulting in the introduction of invasive aquatic species in Fiji waters which will never be allowed as it would be

DL Marigold Source: shipspotting.com

The introduction of invasive aquatic species to new environments by ships is a major threat to world’s oceans and to the conservation of biodiversity. As such BAF assess the biosecurity risks associated with all cargo vessels entering Fijian waters before allowing them into Fiji very devastating for Fijian marine and aquatic species. “The introduction of invasive aquatic species to new environments by ships is a major threat to world’s oceans and to the conservation of

biodiversity. As such BAF assess the biosecurity risks associated with all cargo vessels entering Fijian waters before allowing them into Fiji,” he said. “Marine species carried either in ships’ ballast water or on ships’ hulls, may survive to establish a reproductive population in the host environment, becoming invasive, out-competing native species and multiplying into pest proportions.” Mr Khan said biofouling is a serious concern and there was a need for control and management of ships biofouling to minimise the transfer of invasive aquatic species in Fijian waters. He said invasive species were causing enormous damage to biodiversity and the valuable natural riches which the Fijians depended on.

Time for education stake-holders to deliver on goals

he spotlight was on teachers at the Education Forum in Nadi last week. The Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Mahendra Reddy, says he is concerned with the level of commitment and passionate involvement of some teachers. This is reflected by the number of teachers who are absent and late to work according to statistics released at the forum. The trend is alarming to say the least. The graph shows an upward swing in the number of cases recorded. This Mr Reddy siad, has impacted on the teacher delivery. While the ministry is targeting ways and means to improve teacher delivery and job satisfaction through developments, collaboration and incentives, the onus is on the teachers to step up and perform. Arriving late to work and absenteeism put unnecessary pressure on the school system to maintain the expected level of service delivery. They unfairly stress out their colleagues who have to cover for them. Their students also suffer from a disruption to their learning rythm. Teachers teach their students to be punctual and attend school. They cannot be effective if they are setting a bad example. The teaching profession is increasingly becoming a competitive environment. The number of graduates coming out

of our tertiary institutions keeps climbing rapidly. It makes competition to secure a teaching job tougher now. This is a growing trend not confined to Fiji only. It is also happening with our bigger neighbours New Zealand and Australia. So for those teachers involved, they need to put their act together and perform because there are others waiting on the wings ready to be given a job offer. Teaching has evolved over the years. Many things have changed for the better with the passage of time. The advent of technology and the emphasis on learning through critical thinking and an analytical mind make teaching more exciting and challenging today. Teachers must keep abreast with these changes to become relevant. Mr Reddy says children no longer respond fully to age old talk and chalk teacher practices or teacher does all routines. Teaching, he says, has two components, subject matter knowledge and pedagogy (method and practice of teaching). “Subject matter knowledge is not really an issue given that all teachers are qualified holding Diploma and Degree in their respective subject areas,” he said. “However, pedagogy is a critical variable in teaching, it deals with having the required knowledge and practice to teach and enhance learning by students.”

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Editorial New Zealand’s changing script on immigration

he National Party’s script on immigration is changing in the election year. With elections in sight, the script on immigration is not only changing but is fast evolving in the lead up to the elections. The latest evidence of this fast evolving script on immigration is discernible in the comments of the two National List MP’s about the changed residency requirement for the National Party’s plan on the New Zealand superannuation. A relatively new and quite interesting addition in the fast evolving script is the “issue of fairness” as evident in the comments of the two MPs. Dr Parjeet Parmar argues that the current eligibility requirement for NZ super where people aged 65 and over can claim New Zealand superannuation once they have been residents for ten years create an issue of fairness. “People who have not made as long a contribution to New Zealand during their working lives are, after living here for only ten years, receiving the same support as people who have paid taxes in New Zealand for their entire working life,” Dr Parmar says. Similarly, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi also invokes the prophecy of “issue of fairness.” “It is an issue of fairness – with those who have not made as long a contribution to New Zealand during their working lives are, after living here for only ten years, receiving the same support as people who have paid taxes here for their working life,” Mr Bakshi says. To be fair to these MPs, there is nothing else to be done other than relaying the key political messages being drafted at the top Party leadership level. In any democracy, the key political messages are often drafted at the top leadership level, though, after thorough discussion within the caucus. However, such political messages do suggest that the existing eligibility requirement of 10 years residency had not been “fair,” or at best had stopped being fair to everyone in New Zealand. National Party would have to come out with some facts to substantiate their newly introduced prophecy of “fairness,” until then we have to rely on the facts available in the public domain. According to a New Zealand Treasury Working Paper in 2014 titled Migration and Macroeconomic Performance in New Zealand: Theory and Evidence, a migrant while working contributes more to tax revenue than government expenditure. The net benefit to the NZ government is the larger, the higher skilled the migrant is. Professor Jacques Poot, Director, National Institute of Demographic and Economic Analysis (NIDEA), University of Waikato, argues that the net fiscal benefit that immigrants provide to the New Zealand government is one obvious reason to justify paying a migrant a public pension. “But it is very hard to establish exactly how many years of work would be needed to cover the expected total post-retirement payments of superannuation,” Professor Poot says. In the absence of evidence in public domain, it is apparent that National Party’s script on immigration is changing less on the basis of substantiated facts and more on the pulls and pressures of domestic politics. In a similar vein, Labour’s candidate for Maungakiekie in the 2017 General Election, Priyanca Radhakrishnan’s comment could also be seen drifting away from the main political message of the Labour Party. Ms Radhakrishnan says “as far as I’m aware, most OECD countries require immigrants to have been resident in the host country for longer than ten years.” What do OECD countries mean here, is not very clear in this argument as countries like Australia and Canada are also members of OECD group, and they have a minimum 10-year residency requirement in place for becoming eligible for Aged Pension or Old Age Security pension? It might be a possibility that the emphasis in this statement is on the countries of Europe, as Professor Spoonley of Massey University notes. “My understanding is that this step will take New Zealand away from our Trans-Tasman neighbour Australia and closer to Europe,” Professor Spoonley says. This is a position that Andrew Little will have to come out clean, sooner than later. Is Labour Party prepared to take New Zealand closer to Europe on immigration rather than Canada and Australia? Regardless of the political divide, it is clear that New Zealand’s entire script on immigration is going through a change. It will not be an exaggeration to assert that New Zealand’s position as a favourable migrant destination is at some risk.

Indian Weekender : Volume 8 Issue 49 Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited Managing Editor: Bhav Dhillon | bhav@indianweekender.co.nz Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Reporter: Swati Sharma | swati@indianweekender.co.nz Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz 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 | design@indianweekender.co.nz Accounts and Admin.: 09-6366306 | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Sales and Distribution: 022 3251630 | sales@indianweekender.co.nz Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent the views of the team at the Indian Weekender Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland. Printed at Horton Media, Auckland Copyright 2017. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.

“Holi is the day to express love with colors. It is a time to show affection. All the colors that are on you are of love.” — Anonymous

This week in New Zealand’s history March 10, 1869: New Zealand Cross created NZ Cross was medal was created because members of New Zealand’s local armed forces were not eligible for the Victoria Cross. Only 23 were awarded, all to men who served in the New Zealand Wars, making it one of the rarest military honours in the world. The New Zealand Cross was instituted by Governor Sir George Bowen by order in council. The title ‘New Zealand Cross’ was not adopted for some time. Lobbying for the honour was intense and persistent; the last award was not made until 1910. Today this is the premier New Zealand award for ‘acts of great bravery in situations of extreme danger’. Unlike its namesake it is intended primarily for civilians, but may be awarded to military personnel in some circumstances.

March 10, 1995: Auckland WARRIORS DEBUT The Auckland Warriors played their first match in the New South Wales Rugby League’s expanded Winfield Cup competition. Thirty thousand fans at Mt Smart stadium – and hundreds of thousands watching television – saw New Zealand’s first fully professional rugby league team run out alongside the Brisbane Broncos. A mock battle and an excited ground announcer heralded them. The Warriors led 22–10 before the Broncos rallied to win 25–22. The Warriors’ best year so far has been 2002, when they were minor premiers (topped the regular season table) and reached the grand final. They have made the playoffs five more times, reaching the grand final again in 2011.

March 13, 1956: NEW ZEALAND’S FIRST TEST CRICKET VICTORY New Zealand was already 3–0 down in the series going into the fourth and final test at Eden Park in Auckland. Their West Indies opponents included household names such as Gary Sobers and Everton Weekes, who broke batting records for a New Zealand season. New captain John Reid won the toss and decided to bat first. His aggressive innings of 84 underpinned a New Zealand total of 255. Then Tony MacGibbon and Harry Cave each took four wickets as the West Indies was dismissed for 145.

www.iwk.co.nz | 10 March 2017

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Stop treating migrants as second class citizens ¡¡ SUNNY KAUSHAL

New Zealand is a first world successful economy, we can very well afford Super. Had National kept contributing to the NZ Super Fund, it would now be worth $50 billion and helped future taxpayers meet the cost of superannuation”

rime Minister’s announcement on raising eligibility of Superannuation, particularly doubling the residency requirements for NZ Super to 20 years has hit the migrants with ‘double whammy’. This is unfair to use migrants, taking advantage of them when they arrive and then take away their entitlements when it comes to our turn. “The Government must stop treating migrants as second class citizens”, says Kiwi Indian Community leader Sunny Kaushal. “New Zealand is a country of immigrants. Their skills, taxes, investments and connections contribute hugely to our economy. One side NZ promotes immigration highlighting the benefits and entitlements for residents, on the other side when migrants become

residents the current Government taking away what was already given. It is a gross cheating and exploitation, it is not right. Most young skilled immigrants make decision migrating to NZ on many factors, that include considering well-being of their parents to live with them while they work,

pay taxes and contribute to NZ economy”. “Earlier, the National Government imposed a cutback on parent numbers from 5500 to 2000, then put halt on applications and affected the cases even those were in process. More than any other group the discriminatory

policy hit the Indians where young skilled migrants were deprived of applying for their parent’s visa. Few of those in New Zealand under the parent category at the age of 55, after completing 10 years working or contributing in various wayswill be devastated having their entitlement taken away. On top of it, changing the Super age from 65 to 67 is set to cause another

devastation and pressure on families. The Government is taking entitlement off people”. “New Zealand is a first world successful economy, we can very well afford Super. Had National kept contributing to the NZ Super Fund, it would now be worth $50 billion and helped future taxpayers meet the cost of superannuation”. “The Government must stop generation bashing and its predatory attitude towards migrants. It must revisit the residency requirement policy and re-start contributions to the New Zealand Superannuation Fund which was due to start helping with paying for pensions by 2030,” Sunny Kaushal says. (Sunny Kaushal is one of the leaders in the Kiwi Indian community. He was the Labour 17 Party Candidate in General Election 2011 and 2014).

Job creation vital for India to escape middle-income trap

he Indian economy has been witnessing a flux of good news lately. The GDP growth for the October-December quarter stood at seven per cent, beating all expectations of the negative impact of demonetisation. Stock markets hit their highest in two years, and the rupee stood at a three-month high. However, scepticism over the true reflection of the demonetisation impact in growth figures has been widespread. Japanese financial holding company Nomura rightly pointed out that the figure fails to capture the negative impact on the unorganised sector as it is largely based on organised sector data. Nevertheless, obsession with GDP growth is a colossal fallacy in a country where the employment elasticity has fallen drastically from around 0.3 in 2007 to 0.15 in recent times. In simple terms, economic growth of one per cent leads to an employment growth of merely 0.15 percent. However, in a continuation of the spate of good news for the Indian economy, the country’s unemployment rate halved from 9.5 percent in August 2016 to 4.8 percent in February. Therefore, regardless of the validity of GDP figures, jobs are being created in the economy. The government’s efforts to generate employment opportunities in rural areas seem to have been paying dividends. The MGNREGA explains quite a significant part of the 50 percent drop in unemployment. Household’s demanded/allocated work under MGNREGA has increased from 8.3 million to 16.7 million during the period.

Again, these figures need to be taken with a pinch of salt. First, a sharp decline in unemployment just before election season can be a short-term gain owing to populist tactics of the contesting parties. The fact that the sharpest decline in unemployment was registered in Uttar Pradesh - India’s most populous and politically significant state – validates this claim. Second, it must be recognised that MGNREGA is not a long-term solution to India’s unemployment problems. The programme is a refined version of Keynes’ suggestion for the government to pay people to dig holes and fill them up during a recession. MGNREGA does the same to generate jobs for sustenance during periods of unemployment. The scheme does not solve the issue of employment but merely kicks the can down the road. These figures also appear less worthy of celebration in the light of the ominous signs brewing on the horizon of the Indian economy.

The first cause of worry arises from the protectionist stance of the newly-elected Donald Trump government in the US. In Trump’s first address to Congress, he reasserted his intent on increasing import tariffs. Almost 16 percent of Indian exports are to the US, which is higher than any other country in the world. Therefore, India’s export sector is bound to lose jobs if Trump’s plan materialises. Moreover, a bill has been introduced in the US Congress to penalise companies that outsource call centre services overseas by making them ineligible for government grants and loans. Such a move will have a huge negative impact on the IT and business process outsourcing (BPO) jobs in the country as the US accounts for 62 percent of exports in the sector. The trend has already begun as the sector lost around 16,000 jobs in the July-September period last year. The second cause of concern is a

looming jobs crisis in three leading service sectors of the country -IT, telecom and BFSI (banking, financial services, insurance) – due to domestic dynamics. Automation is the biggest threat to jobs in India as recently pointed out by Infosys’ Vishal Sikka. The impact might not be felt immediately but can become a real cause for concern in a few years as Moore’s law takes its toll. The IT sector will be the most affected due to automation. On the other hand, consolidation of the telecom and BFSI sectors will result in further job losses. Both the industries are maturing at an unprecedented pace as big mergers take place. Such mergers, like that of Vodafone and Idea, will result in economies of scale and, hence, a lower workforce requirement. The underlying reasons for the drastic fall in unemployment across the country and the dismal prospects of job creation in the future give us no reason to be

euphoric about the litany of positive economic signals that are being received lately. On the contrary, the above-cited factors call for a serious effort to create jobs that are sustainable in the long-run and can cope with the rapidlychanging trends in the global and domestic economy. To begin with, India needs to focus on policies that link GDP growth with job creation so as to improve employment elasticity. Such a link is highest in the manufacturing sector. Reviving manufacturing growth can be the key to the country’s perpetual problem of jobless growth. This can be brought about with a policy focus on the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). During 2005-12, 70 percent of job growth in India came from SMEs. The budget for 2017-18 has proposed tax breaks for MSMEs to enable their growth. However, more structural reforms in its factor markets are called for, along with a streamlining of regulations. An integrated action plan to tackle the issue of job creation is necessary to get India out of the middle-income trap. Any sense of complacency and self-appreciation in the government due to the seemingly positive economic outcomes can be inimical to the country’s interest in the long run; a long run in which we won’t be dead enough to escape the misery. (Amit Kapoor is chair, Institute for Competitiveness. The views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at amit.kapoor@ competitiveness.in and tweets @kautiliya. With inputs from Chirag Yadav, a researcher at the Institute for Competitiveness)

WORLD

10 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Trump signs revised immigration executive order

S President Donald Trump on Monday signed a revised version of his executive order on immigration, that places a 90-day ban on people from six predominantly Muslim nations. The new order, which excludes Iraq from the original list of seven countries, will go into effect from March 16. The executive order

bars citizens from Sudan, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia and Yemen from entering America for 90 days. President Trump signed the new order behind closed doors NBC reported. Iraq was removed from the list after assurances from the Iraqi government of increased information sharing with the US, a senior Department of Homeland Security official told reporters.

Visas revoked because of the original travel ban have been fully restored, according to the State Department. “To our allies and partners around the word, please understand this order is part of our ongoing efforts to eliminate vulnerabilities that radical Islamic terrorists can and will exploit for destructive ends,” Secretary of State Rex

Jaitley pitches for greater Indian investment in Nepal

isiting Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley pitched for greater Indian investment in Nepal, saying that India wants partnership with Nepal in various sectors. Earlier in the day, Jaitley arrived here to deliver the keynote speech at the "Nepal Investment Summit 2017" and held talks with President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and his counterpart Krishna Bahadur Mahara, among others. In his meeting with Prachanda, Jaitley said that foreign direct investment (FDI) was a key driver for development in countries like Nepal, and assured that India was ready to partner with Nepal in its development aspirations and endeavours. Prachanda thanked Jaitley for India's support to Nepal for constructing roads, extension of cross-border transmission lines, bridges and the recent approval

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Arun Jaitley addresses a press conference in Varanasi

for the Arun-III project, in which the Indian government has decided to put in over Indian Rupees (IRs) 57 billion. He further urged India to invest in Nepal's hydropower, tourism and agriculture sectors, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. They also briefly touched upon the political developments in Nepal. Prachanda

apprised Jaitley of his government's efforts to ensure implementation of the Constitution and the steps it had been taking for the last seven months in that direction. "Once the Constitution's implementation begins, Nepal will enter the phase of economic development and prosperity," he told Jaitley. "India is committed to partner with Nepal in its aspirations for growth, to invest in hydropower, to connect with India's rail network, irrigation, health and education sectors, transmission lines, roads and bridges and others," he said. India has proposed five crossborder railway lines with Nepal and two direct rail links between Kathmandu and Delhi, and Kathmandu and Kolkata. While giving a mantra for development, Jaitley said: "Hardworking people of Nepal, the government and the positive policy framework are a great opportunity for investment."

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Tillerson said after the executive order’s signing. Tillerson, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly and Attorney General Jeff Sessions unveiled the order in front of reporters. The directive includes a 120-day ban on all refugees. A three-judge panel from the Ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals had in early February ruled unanimously to uphold a

federal judge’s restraining order on the travel ban, delaying the executive order’s implementation. Kelly said the US needed a “rigorous review” of visa and refugee programmes. “We cannot risk the prospect of malevolent actors using our immigration system to take American lives,” he said.

Facebook launches 'disputed' tag to crack down on fake news

ocial media giant Facebook has launched its much hyped "fake news" crackdown initiative in the US, tagging as "disputed" the stories that are deemed false by fact checking organisations, the media said. The new feature uses nonpartisan third-party organisations like Snopes and Politifact to assess the factual accuracy of stories reported as fake by users. On its help centre page, Facebook has added a question "How is news marked as disputed on Facebook?" However, the section noted that this feature is not yet available to everyone. It is unclear how many people currently have access to the "fake news" debunking feature, rt.com reported. The new tool was first revealed by users on Twitter, who shared screenshots which identified links to sites known to produce misinformation.

Facebook had introduced a solution to false stories last December amid outcries that so-called fake news influenced the outcome of the US presidential election. Thus, the technology giant partnered with fact checkers that are signatories of the journalism non-profit Poynter's International Fact Checking Code of Principles and included ABC News, FactCheck.org Snopes and Politifact, the report said. Stories flagged by Facebook users as 'fake news' are passed on to these fact checkers for verification. If the fact-checkers agree that the story is misleading, it will appear in News Feeds with a "disputed" tag, along with a link to a corresponding article explaining why it might be false. These posts then appear lower in the news feed and users will receive a warning before sharing the story.

INDIA

www.iwk.co.nz | 10 March 2017

Modi taunts note ban critics

rime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, March 6, taunted critics of demonetisation and said the country was on the road to unprecedented economic growth. “When we announced the decision to fight corruption and black money in November, many rumours were spread, allegations made that everything would collapse, the economy would crumble,” he said. “Some people had to suffer. But the last quarter report suggests that the steps initiated in November have helped India move forward,” he added. The Prime Minister was speaking at Bharuch in south Gujarat at an event to dedicate the ONGC Petro additions Ltd (OPaL) plant. Modi on Tuesday began a twoday visit to his home state Gujarat after a gruelling election campaign in Uttar Pradesh. Modi said India was the brightest star amidst a turbulent global economy. He quoted several global corporate leaders and economists to hit out at critics of his decision of the November 8 demonetisation. He said Apple Inc CEO Tim Cook, Microsoft chief Bill Gates and Nobel laureate Mohammad

President wishes all women on International Women’s Day

P Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Yunus backed the demonetization of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency that caused an unprecedented cash crunch in the country. “When black money is wiped out from the economy, every sector, be it social or economic, benefits. The world is viewing this decision with a lot of respect,” Modi added. He said his government had also successful in curbing food prices. “You would have seen this in the just concluded election campaign. All the parties accused us of many things but none could accuse us of not curbing price rise.” Speaking at another public function at Bharuch to dedicate India’s longest cable bridge, the Prime Minister announced the launch of several projects for Gujarat. This includes the conversion of several state highways into four

lanes by according them the status of National Highways. He said his government would spend Rs 12,000 crore for this purpose. He recalled former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel and praised him for his vision for initiating several road projects in the state. Modi displaced Keshubhai Patel to become Gujarat’s Chief Minister in 2001. The the Patel community is now up in arms against the ruling BJP in Gujarat. Meanwhile, posters asking the PM “Go Back” surfaced surprisingly near the BJP state headquarters in Gandhinagar. The posters are alleged to have been put up by protesters from the Patel community that has been agitating for quotas in government jobs and educational institutions for the last two years.

Kejriwal promises to clean up Delhi in one year

elhi will be spruced up to look like London in just one year if the AAP wins the coming municipal polls, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal declared. Addressing a public rally at Uttam Nagar here, Kejriwal said the BJP-run municipal bodies had thoroughly failed to keep the national capital clean. He said both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party had controlled the Municipal Corporation of Delhi for 15 long years but had nothing to show in terms of a clean Delhi. “If we get control of these (three) municipal bodies, I promise to clean up Delhi like never before,” the Aam Aadmi Party leader said to applause. He said it was the duty of the municipal body, not the Delhi government, to keep the city clean. Elections to the three wings of the municipal corporation are due later next month. Kejriwal said the reason why the AAP-run Delhi government had been able to achieve a lot in

NEWS in BRIEF

resident Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday, March 6, extended his “best wishes” to all women of the world for International Women’s Day, observed on March 8, and urged Indians to reaffirm their commitment to gender equality in the country. “On the occasion of International Women’s Day, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to women in India and in all parts of President Pranab Mukherjee the world,” he said in his message on the occasion. Mukherjee also praised Indian women, saying the “incomparable compassion, tolerance and hard work” of generations of them has “made an invaluable contribution to the development and progress of our country”. “On this day, I call upon the people of India to reaffirm their commitment to gender equality and the true empowerment of women. Let us rededicate our efforts to give them all the support they need to develop to their full potential, realise their aspirations and enjoy the safety, dignity and unfettered equality that is their sacred right,” he added. He also cited India’s “historic legislations and far sighted programmes” for empowerment of women and their equal participation in nation building. “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao is an important initiative to prevent female foeticide and provide educational opportunities for female children in India,” he said.

India shining as a bright spot in world: Modi

rime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday, March 6, that India was developing at a quick pace and was shining as a “bright spot” in the world. Addressing an industry meet at ONGC Petro Additions Limited (OPAL), he said that “Make in India” had become the “biggest initiative” of the country and all rating agencies have praised it. He noted while the world was facing uncertainty, India was shining as a bright spot. “India is developing at a quick pace,” he said. Modi said that the petrochemical sector was growing fast and the experts feel it will that that it will grow at 12 to 15 per cent in the next two decades. He said that industrial area at Dahej was providing employment to lakhs of youth from all over the country.

Voting in 40 UP assembly seats begins

Will make Delhi look like London on winning MCD polls, says Kejriwal

the health, education and other sectors was because it refused to compromise with corruption. He admitted that he “fought a lot” with the central government but made it clear that he fought for the people of Delhi, “not for the sake of my children and wife”. Kejriwal claimed that his government’s achievements on

many fronts in the past two years far surpassed the achievements of the BJP-run governments in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in the last 10-15 years. The AAP leader was speaking at an event to mark the inauguration of sewer and drains in Uttam Nagar, a thickly populated area in west Delhi.

olling began in 40 Uttar Pradesh assembly segments at 7am on Wednesday, March 7, officials said.

A total of 535 candidates, including 51 women, are in fray for these assembly seats spread across seven districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, known as Poorvanchal. Over 1.41 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the seventh and last phase of the assembly elections, including 76.87 lakh men and 64.99 lakh women. A total of 706 voters are of the third gender. As many as 8,682 polling stations with 14,458 polling booths have been set up. Polling will continue till 5 p.m. in 37 constituencies, whereas in Robertsganj, Duddhi in Sonebhadra district and Chakia segment in Chandauli will end by 4pm, an Election Commission official said.

Rahul attacks Modi, Kejriwal at Delhi rally A head of civic elections in the national capital, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday, February 6, targetted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing them of practising the “politics of false promises” and added that they had done little for the development of Delhi. Addressing a workers’ rally organised by the party’s Delhi

unit at the Ramlila Maidan here, Gandhi said that the Prime Minister had not fulfilled his promises to the people, and termed Kejriwal the “king” of Aam Aadmi Party and one who “does not listen to anybody”. The workers convention was organised keeping in mind the upcoming civic polls in the national capital. Gandhi targeted both Modi and Kejriwal for leading “individual-centric” governments.

“They practice politics of lies,” said Gandhi, who arrived at the venue about two hours behind schedule. The rally was organised ahead of municipal elections likely to be held next month. Gandhi also attacked Modi over the recent killings of Indians in the US. “Modiji talks about 56-inch chest. When our youth are being killed why is he not speaking? Why is he silent? He is not speaking up because India’s Prime Minister is

scared of speaking up (to the US),” Rahul said. He said that both Kejriwal and Modi say that only they know the best. “Today unemployment in India is at seven year peak. No jobs are being provided by the BJP government as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” added Gandhi.He said that Congress governments raise the problems of the people and the party is the

voice of every countryman. Hitting out at Kejriwal, he said: “Many children died due to dengue in Delhi last year, did they die during Congress’ rule?” “Both central government and Delhi government have cheated the people of Delhi and ruined the state. We will work on the ground in Delhi and we’ll win the corporation elections and the next assembly elections in the national capital,” said Gandhi.

INDIA

10 March 2017| www.iwk.co.nz

Strive to create dynamic

Government indulging entrepreneurial eco-system: President in ‘extortion’ in name of Digital India: Congress

New Delhi- President Pranab Mukherjee attends the Concluding Session of Pitch@Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Also seen Union Minister of State, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy

nderlining that innovationled entrepreneurship has significant potential to stimulate industrial growth, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said the country should strive to achieve the asset of a dynamic and robust entrepreneurial eco-system. Addressing the concluding session of Pitch@RB held in Rashtrapati Bhavan as part of the week-long Festival of Innovations, he said both public and private sector have to play a catalytic role in developing such an eco-system. “To achieve centre-stage in innovation, we need to work relentlessly in aspects such as creation of a favourable business atmosphere; improving the quality

To achieve centre-stage in innovation, we need to work relentlessly in aspects such as creation of a favourable business atmosphere; improving the quality of education and skills training; and expanding the IT infrastructure including high speed internet connectivity. of education and skills training; and expanding the IT infrastructure including high speed internet connectivity,” Mukherjee said. He said that in key parameters

such as ease of doing business and research and development, there is scope for much improvement. Pitch@RB was organised by Rashtrapati Bhavan in partnership with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to provide a platform for innovators and potential startups to sell their ideas to select members of angel investing and venture capital community for funding. Twelve MoUs of value of Rs 84 crores were signed between venture capitals and start-ups in presence of the President during the event. Mukherjee said it is pertinent that a focused strategy be adopted to support new, talented, curious and creative minds for pursuing innovative solutions to present-day challenges.

he Congress on Tuesday alleged that the Narendra Modi government was indulging in “plain extortion” in the name of Digital India by levying various taxes and charges on digital transactions. “After forcing the devastating decision of demonetisation upon the people of India, the Narendra Modi government is brazenly indulging in organised loot and legalised plunder in the name of digital transactions,” Congress spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala said “In the name of digital transactions, last year the government earned Rs 6,750 crore through taxes/charges from us. This year, this amount is expected to climb to Rs 26,000 crore,” he added. He said that there are five types of charges/taxes levied by the government, viz, Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) when one pays through cards, over the counter transaction charges, charges on ATM transactions after a fixed number of transactions in a month, charges for not maintaining a minimum balance and charges on online transactions. “We were told the cost of printing new currency notes would be around Rs 12,000-15,000 crore. To recover this cost, the government is now levying all kinds of charges and taxes. This is nothing but plain extortion in the name of Digital India,” he added. As of now the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR), that is, the rate charged to a merchant by a bank for providing debit and

credit card services, which is paid by the consumer is 0.25 per cent for a debit card transaction worth Rs 1,000; 0.5 per cent for a debit card transaction worth Rs 1,001 to Rs 2,000; and one per cent for a debit card transaction more than Rs 2,000. According to various media reports, the MDR can now be increased from April 1, 2017. We urge the Government to not fleece the already burdened citizens of the country,” he said. Surjewala pointed out that the banks have started charging Rs 150 per transaction for cash deposits and withdrawals beyond four free transactions in a month. According to new rules, up to five non-home branch transactions will be free, subject to a maximum per-day deposit of Rs 50,000. For larger deposits or the sixth transaction, bank would charge Rs 2.50 per Rs 1,000, or Rs 95 per transaction, whichever is higher. “These charges amount to burning holes in the pockets of the hard working honest citizens. Why should people pay to withdraw and deposit their own hard earned money?” Surjewala said. The Congress leader also criticised the State Bank of India’s reintroduction of “minimum balance” rule for savings bank accounts under which a customer would be charged an amount for not maintaining a minimum of Rs 5,000 in his account. “The UPA government in 2012 had done away with this charge, but the Modi government has reintroduced it,” he said.

World's oldest serving aircraft carrier INS Viraat sails into history

he majestic INS Viraat, the world's oldest serving aircraft carrier, sailed into pages of history on Monday, February 6, with the final lowering of the Naval Ensign and Commissioning Pendant in a solemn ceremony at sundown.

The formal decommissioning function was presided over by Indian Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, First Sea Lord and Royal Navy Chief, Admiral Sir Philip Andrew Jones, and the carrier's Commissioning and Commanding Officer Vice Admiral Vinod Pasricha. Another over 1,300 guests, including past and present officers from the Indian Navy and Royal Navy, attended the event, marking the culmination of several predecommissioning functions during the past few days. Speaking to mediapersons on board, Admiral Lamba termed the decommissioning as "both a moment of pride and sorrow." On the former warship's future, he said he would be happy if any state government came forth with a feasible plan to convert it into a museum. Among other plans

The warship was decommissioned on Monday evening, at an impressive ceremony onboard and in the presence of Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba and top armed forces officials. being considered it to sink the ship and convert it into a major tourist attraction for divers, he added. Monday's elaborate but solemn ceremonies included the release of a Special Cover by Army Postal Service and a book on the history of INS Viraat, which was known as HMS Hermes during her tenure with the Royal Navy. The country's second Centaurclass vessel, it served 29 years under the Indian flag, preceded by 27 years with the Royal Navy, earning a Guinness World Record as the oldest serving warship on earth.

In her heyday, the 226.5 metres long and 48.78 metres wide ship with a full load Monday's elaborate but solemn displacement of 28,700 tonnes, ceremonies included the release of a was manned by 150 officers Special Cover by Army Postal and 1,500 sailors. Service and a book on the history The pride of the Indian of INS Viraat. Navy housed the Sea Harrier jump jets, a shot take off and vertical The 12-degree ramp on the bows of landing fighter aircraft, as well as Viraat was her most striking visual helicopters like the anti-submarine feature which helped improve the Sea King MK42B, Sea King MK42C, safety factor and radius of operation/ SAR (search and rescue) Chetak, payload carrying capacity of the indigenously-built Advanced Light Sea Harriers. At the height of Helicopters 'Dhruv' and Russian operations, an average food twin rotor Kamov-31 among others.

complement prepared on board daily included 350 kg rice, 7,000 parathas, 200 kg mutton, 80 kg dal, 300 kg of vegetables and other items, all in her kitchen. It was like a mini-floating township with other logistics infrastructure comprising libraries, gymnasiums, on-board ATM and TV and video studios. The ship housed a full-fledged 16-bed hospital with two operation theatres, blood transfusion facility, X-ray machines, ECG, fullfledged pathology lab, and dental centre to tackle medical emergencies with attendant medical staff, a laundry which washed over 800 pairs of uniforms daily, a tailor and a barber shop. In 1975, Prince Charles of Britain, then a newly qualified helicopter pilot, had joined the 845 Naval Air Squadron on flying duties from the then HMS Hermes in the Caribbean and off Eastern Canada. Even after she joined the Indian Navy, there was a room named after Prince Charles where he resided on the warship, and many photographs showing her glorious history were recently part of an exhibition named "Heritage Route".

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Sudoku

Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 3793

Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3x3 squares Sudoku Medium level contains the digits fromDaily 1 to 9.puzzle No. 3795 2017-03-04 Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 3794 2017-03-03 2017-03-02 all Medium level 3

2 5

7 1

5 4

3 9

6 3

5 5

1 1

8 2

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1 7

Answers to last week's puzzles

Medium level

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10 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

History quiz

Crossword

Page 1/2

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

1. King George V and Queen Mary had how many children? 2. In which year was the Gunpowder Plot? 3. Which of Adolf Hitler’s cabinet held the post of ‘Minister of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda’? 4. Who resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on 22nd May 1923 due to ill health? 5. Which American political protest took place on December 16th 1773? 6. Who did Ronald Reagan succeed as President of the USA? 7. Which former British colony gained independence on 15th August 1947? 8. Which Scottish monarch was convicted of treason and was beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire on the 8th February 1587? 9. On which date was Queen Elizabeth II born? 10. What was the name of the galleon in which Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the globe between 1577 and 1580? Page 1/2

March 10 to March 16 | By Manisha Koushik ¡¡ Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20)

¡¡ Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 20)

A golden opportunity may just slip on the business front with your careless attitude. Increased responsibilities at work front may interfere with your social life. There may be a difference of opinion with spouse over an important matter. Adding to the wealth is foretold as cash comes to you from various sources. A much-anticipated journey may keep you in an excited state. Spending quality time with the lover is foreseen. Choosing healthy alternatives is the need of the hour.

Stars favour you on both personal and professional fronts. Support from seniors and colleagues will boost your morale. Division of an ancestral property will get you a bigger chunk. Singles should stay alert about who they meet on mid of the week. Social engagements will keep you busy in the evening. Finances will be stable for most of you. Settling in a new house is indicated for some. Someone may seek your advice on a personal level. Health requires attention.

Lucky number: 5 / Lucky colour: Turquoise

Lucky number: 1 / Lucky colour: Maroon

¡¡Taurus (Apr 21-May 20)

¡¡ Leo (Jul 21-Aug 22)

You need to be grounded on the academic front. Returns from previous investments are likely to keep the cash register ringing. Those planning to book a flat should not delay it any further. You may need to be much more discerning before you go in for something expensive. This is probably because you are on the verge of launching something important on the personal front. Someone is likely to pull your heartstrings, but ushering in romance may prove difficult.

Someone at the office may help you out in completing a task. Businessmen will be allowed more freedom than expected in negotiating a deal. Those in government service are likely to get in line for a promotion. The lover will lay your suspicions to rest on the romantic front. Try solving issues of the young ones in the family. A lifestyle change will prove a boon for your health. Try and curtail unnecessary expenses. Leisure travel is indicated for some. Exercise caution in financial dealings.

Lucky number: 8 / Lucky colour: Violet

Lucky number: 4 / Lucky colour: Dark turquoise

¡¡ Gemini (May 21-Jun 21)

¡¡ Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 23)

Space Facts ¡¡ The Sun is over 300000 times larger than earth. More Sun facts. ¡¡ Halley’s Comet was last seen in the inner Solar System in 1986, it will

be visible again from Earth sometime in 2061 (get your camera ready). More comet facts. ¡¡ Venus is the hottest planet in our solar system with a surface temperature of over 450 degrees celcius. ¡¡ Many scientists believe that an asteroid impact caused the extinction of the dinosaurs around 65 million years ago. More asteroid facts. ¡¡ The Solar System formed around 4.6 billion years ago. More Solar System facts. ¡¡ The Moon appears to have more craters and scars than Earth because it has a lot less natural activity going on, the Earth is constantly reforming its surface through earthquakes, erosion, rain, wind and plants growing on the surface, while the moon has very little weather to alter its appearance. Manisha Koushik is a practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and fengshui consultant based in India with a global presence through the online channels. She is available for consultations online as well. E-mail her at support@askmanisha. com or contact at +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp: +919015607139 • www.askmanisha.com

¡¡ Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23)

¡¡ Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 21)

Some lucrative avenues of promoting business open up for you. Overconfidence could lead to mistakes on the work front. Some working women will finally achieve financial freedom and have the resources to be on their own. Be open to brainstorming with colleagues. Do seize an opportunity to express your feelings to someone you love. Taking up a sporting discipline may become your key to good health. Unexpected expenses are possible.

Pamper your colleagues well, before you can ask for favours. Those learning how to drive will make speedy progress. Setting up the house will be on the priority list of homemakers this weekend. A new equation with someone close will keep you mentally at rest. Do not shun away to put some extra time in office to complete your pending chores. Social front can keep some busy entertaining guests. Don’t neglect health issues if you are feeling under the weather.

Lucky number: 9 / Lucky colour: Rose

Lucky number: 18 / Lucky colour: Chocolate

¡¡ Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)

¡¡ Aquarius (Jan 22-Feb 19)

Good news is in store for those looking for a promotion or waiting to get nominated. Stop feeling superior to your colleagues as it might affect your relationship with them. Positive thinking and perseverance will help you in making your mark. Keeping promises on the social front may prove difficult, but you will manage somehow. Strengthen your efforts deliberately to meet someone you love! A balanced diet and adequate physical activity will be enough to remain healthy.

You are likely to be appreciated in your social circle. Professionally, you may be required to dig your brains a bit more. A delayed payment can keep you on tenterhooks but will be released. Some of you can expect important visitors this weekend. Romance takes a turn for the better. Business should avoid going out of their way to meet client’s unrealistic demands. Meeting the right people to enhance business prospects is possible. Take things easy on the financial front.

Lucky number: 11 / Lucky colour: Light brown

Lucky number: 4 / Lucky colour: Violet

¡¡ Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)

You have got down the right side of the bed this week as everything seems just perfect for you. This is a good time to sort out all your pending issues. You are likely to excel in your professional field. Academic achievements are foretold for some. You will have enough in your kitty to ward off an urgent requirement of money. Unnecessary arguments at the workplace may upset you; exercise caution. Those singles can hear about meeting someone special.

It is not the right time to push things forcibly at work. Students would need to proceed with caution on the academic front. A dip in earning is indicated for retailers and middlemen. Plan this week only to listen and cater to the needs of the family members. A lighter mood will strengthen the bond you share with other people. Take advice from friends and folks if you are in two minds about a decision. Gains from the property are indicated.

Scroll through all the documents carefully before investing in a property. You would need to impress superiors at work to bag more assignments. Impulsive decisions could lead to mistakes. Your hectic schedule may leave you feeling tired. Take out some time for yourself to relax and rejuvenate. A romantic date is on the cards for some. An interesting guest is likely to make the home front entertaining. Those in love are likely to take time out to meet the lover.

Lucky number: 5 /Lucky colour: Forest green

Lucky number: 7 / Lucky colour: Lemon

Lucky number: 4 / Lucky colour: Royal blue

¡¡ Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) Stars are likely to favour you in winning over a professional rival. You will be your eloquent best professionally this week. Changes on the domestic front may not be to your liking. Connect with people who share similar viewpoints to strengthen your decision in the subjects of importance. Students should keep all their options open on the academic front. Lover may surprise you with an exciting plan for the evening. Love life will be blossoming as you learn to share and care. Lucky number: 22 / Lucky colour: Pink

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10 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

PARENTING

Horse-riding may boost cognitive skill in kids ¡¡ IWK BUREAU

s your child lacking in mental skills? Take him or her for horse riding classes as it may lead to improved cognitive skills such as enhanced learning, memory and problemsolving, researchers suggest. A new study showed that the effects of vibrations produced by horses during horse riding leads to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which may improve learning in children. Horse steps produce threedimensional accelerations and the movement of the horse’s pelvis may provide motor and sensory inputs to the human body. “Some of the differences among the rider’s performances might be due to these accelerations,” said Mitsuaki Ohta, Professor at Tokyo University in Japan.

“We wanted to look into these effects because previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of horseback riding with respect to enhancing physical health and the mental effects, but few studies have addressed the effects of horseback riding on children and the mechanisms underlying how riding affects humans,” Ohta explained. The findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, showed that riding on some horses greatly improved

Horse steps produce three-dimensional accelerations and the movement of the horse’s pelvis may provide motor and sensory inputs to the human body. the ability of children to perform behavioural tasks and could improved their cognitive

abilities. These are brain-based skills of which an improvement can lead to enhanced learning, memory and problem-solving, the researchers said. For the study, the team examined the effects of horseback riding on the performance of children by having them complete simple tests directly before and after horse riding, while measuring the children’s heart rate in response to movements created by the horses. The behavioural reactions of the children were tested using a ‘Go/No-go’ test, which assesses cognitive response using fast computerised questions. The test determined the children’s ability to appropriately respond in a situation, by either performing an action or demonstrating self-control.

Rotorua: A backpacker’s playground in NZ

ith the weather being unpredictable of late, most people tend to catch a cough and flu, a blocked or a runny nose, a sore throat, or even a mild temperature? If you are tired of swallowing tablets three times a day, or simply does not have a chance to visit the doctor, here are few of the grandma’s natural remedies, that will help you to have a speedy recovery:

Honey: Honey is known to soothe the throat, and ginger is known to have antibiotic properties. Grind up some ginger and mix it with an equal amount of honey, and consume it as is. If you find that the taste is not to your liking, you could mix it with half a glass of warm milk, too. It instantly clears up the nasal passage and soothes a dry throat.

Turmeric: Turmeric can be used in multiple ways. If you have whole turmeric bulbs, burn one end of the bulb, and inhale the smoke for instant relief. Alternatively, you could boil turmeric powder with milk and drink the mixture.

¡¡ NIVEDITA

f you are an adventure freak, this city—located on New Zealand’s North Island—should be at the top of your wish list. It is home to activities like Luge, OGO (Outdoor Gravity Orb) or the Agroventure, as well as the highest commercially-rafted waterfall in the world. Not to miss is Skyswing—all of which give a chance to discover moments that make for great memories. Rotorua is the lifestyle destination of choice for professional couples, families and people who have a passion for life and the outdoors. It is like a playground in New Zealand and attracts millions of visitors, including Indians, year after year. “Year over year figures, we have had an incredible number of Indian visitors making the most of Rotorua attractions,” Patrick Dault, Manager, International Trade, Destination Rotorua says. “As I extrapolate data (till year ending September 2016), I can confirm that we have seen a 47.1 per cent increase in attractions and activities visits versus 2015, resulting in an additional 15,000 activity visits in Rotorua from Indian visitors,” Dault adds. India as a market is important because of many reasons, he says. “For us, the Indian market is a priority. This tourist is very important as it allows to tap into that clientele which is seeking more of these experiences, perhaps that they can’t experience in India because of its geographical structure or maybe as people there are [busier] in their lifestyle,” Dault says. Skyline Rotorua, a high point of the place, is the original site of the Luge and now the Skyswing, Zoom Zipline, Adrenalin Park, iNZspired Boutique, StratosFARE restaurant and Volcanic Hills

Natural DIY remedies for a cold

Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are known to work wonders for colds. Boil the flaxseeds in water till the mixture thickens and then strain it. Add some lime juice and honey (according to taste) and have this twice a day. Your cold will disappear in no time.

Sidharth dons Traditional Maori Cloak in Rotorua, New Zealand

Winery. A must-visit to feel an adrenaline rush. A ride down one of Skyline’s Luge tracks will be thrilling. With three different track options and over 5 km of track to ride, riders have full control, over the three-wheel, gravity-based luge carts. You can even try out the three-seated Skyswing. It is hoisted 50 metres high above Skyline Rotorua, with the release in your hands. It’s on you to make the drop! Swing at 150 kph out over the breath-taking view of Lake Rotorua and beyond—and feel the rush. It gives you a chance to face your ultimate fear while taking care of your safety as every activity is audited and tested 100 to 500 times. As a place, Rotorua offers an amalgamation of natural beauty with forests, lakes and geothermal activity. It also throws up a chance to sample traditional Maori culture, making it a wholesome experience as a tourist in North Island. The climate is pleasant: plenty of sunshine over the summer months and crisp, clear days in winter. One of the things that strike most newcomers (other than the distinctive sulphur smell that is noticeable for the first

day o r two) is the high quality of both private and public gardens and the standard of maintenance of most homes and other buildings. This is one reason why the number of days spent here by Indian travellers is increasing. The average length of stay in Rotorua is pushing to three-plus nights because what they are finding here is different from South Island, and the weather is a bit more tropical and accessible in the north. However, it was not so a few years ago. Traditionally, it has been said that Indians like adventure, but they don’t like walking. But these preconceptions are completely out now. They love walking, they are adventurous, and some of them come for wine and food touring too. All in all, Rotorua can capture your heart and give you thrills and chills to remember.

Jaggery: Jaggery is great to soothe a sore throat. Boil water and black pepper together. Then add some cumin, and one the mixture becomes aromatic, add a few pieces of jaggery and mix it on a low heat, till the jaggery melts completely. This helps with sore throats and clears up chest infections.

Masala Chai: If you are a tea lover, there is nothing like the masala chai, which can provide instant relief from a cold. Boil water with tea leaves, and add some spices of your choice (cloves, cinnamon, ginger and black pepper work best). Cover, simmer for a few minutes and strain. Preferably, take it black. You can add some honey to balance the taste.

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10 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

AUCKL AND’S HOT TEST BOLLY WOOD STATION

Sonam Kapoor: I don’t believe in censorship

ctress Sonam Kapoor says that she doesn’t believe in censorship and that everyone should have his or her own choice of outfit or sexuality or marriage. Speaking about restrictions on women’s fashion choices in the Indian society, Sonam said: “I don’t believe in censorship. Everybody should have their own choices in whether they want to wear a burkha or a bikini.” “Same goes with the choice of their religion, the way they want to dress, preference of sexuality, decisions on their education and marriage. The more you censor someone there will be more rebellions out there,” added the actress, who launched wine brand Chandon’s party anthem The party starter. “We are supposed to be the largest democracy in the world so, each one should have the right to lead their life according to their choices.” Sonam, who was lauded for her performance in the critically-acclaimed film Neerja, also took a dig at critics. Asked if in future she would like to lend her voice in her movies, the actress replied: “I can’t sing. If I start singing, then all will say Pehle toh acting nahi aati thi, ab gaana bhi nahi aata. (First, she couldn’t act and now she can’t sing as well). After so much effort she has got only two or three awards.’ So, I don’t want to sing at all.” “I sang in Delhi-6, but nobody remembers,” added Sonam, who

has films like Padman and Veerey Di Wedding in her kitty. Meanwhile, Sonam Kapoor, known for her impeccable fashion sense, has slammed remarks that were generated surrounding one of her ensembles which gave a peek-a-boo of her side profile. She says it’s “sexist nonsense”. She feels it is sad that some media persons preferred to focus on her dress, and come out with conclusions instead of focusing on “pertinent things” that she talked about. The 31-year-old had worn a ruffled collar Rasario Atelier jumpsuit at an event and I the photographers captured her don’t believe in movement from her side in censorship. profile, in an unflattering Everybody should angle. According to certain have their own choices media reports, Sonam was in whether they want “uncomfortable” in the outfit. to wear a burkha Reacting to this, Sonam or a bikini tweeted: “I was very comfortable in my outfit. I said a lot of pertinent things, but obviously you guys rather report this. Sexist nonsense. The photographers went out of their way to take these pics... and frankly I don’t give a damn, I’m proud of my body.” Sonam’s reaction was hailed by her colleagues. Bhoomi Pednekar posted: “Sonam Kapoor you look hot AF. More power to you”. Actress Sophie Choudry also backed Sonam, and said: “As you damn well should be hottie! Your body, your choice”.

Missed family in jail: Sanjay Dutt

ctor Sanjay Dutt, who was released from the Yerwada Central Jail in Pune last year, says he missed every moment of being with the people from the film industry, whom he fondly calls his family. Asked how has he evolved over the years, Sanjay, who made his debut in Bollywood in 1981 with the film “Rocky”, said “My experience with the industry has been fantastic...it has been 40 years... when I was in jail, I missed the moment of being with my family. This is my family – the industry.” The 57-year-old was arrested for illegal possession of arms in a case related to the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, in which over 250 people were killed and several hundred were wounded. Sanjay is making a comeback to the silver screen with Omung Kumar’s directorial Bhoomi, which revolves around a father-daughter relationship.

Talking about his comeback, the actor, who has three children, said: “When I reached the Bhoomi sets, I was back with a bang.” Actor Sanjay Dutt, said, he is a person from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar due to his maternal connect. “My nani (grandmother) was from Uttar Pradesh and my nana (grandfather) was from Gaya, Bihar...So I am a UP and Bihar person,” Sanjay, son of late actors Nargis and Sunil Dutt, said at a press conference. Bhoomi, directed by National Award-winning director Omung Kumar, revolves around a fatherdaughter relationship. It also stars Aditi Rao Hydari and Shekhar Suman.

Nawazuddin has no burning ambition to go to Hollywood

ctor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who is only seen in one sequence of Garth Davis’s Oscar-nominated film Lion, says he has no interest in doing small parts in international films just to be visible abroad. It’s a sequence where in a small apartment in Kolkata he’s seen plotting with actress Tannishtha Chatterjee to cause harm to the film’s little protagonist Sunny Pawar. Nawazuddin is on the screen for barely three to four minutes. Not a very auspicious beginning to his international career. But the actor has another story to tell. “I’ve no interest in doing small parts in international films just to be visible abroad. I’m very happy with the work that I am getting here in my own country. Of course, I’m open to offers from any part of the world – Why just Hollywood? – as long as the part is interesting,” he said. As for Lion, he said: “director Garth Davis personally called me and requested me to do the part. I couldn’t say no. It was a good experience. But I don’t see Lion as my international launch. The film will benefit two Indian actors – Dev Patel and the little boy Sunny Pawar who is phenomenal.”

Kapil Sharma pledges to donate eyes

ctor-comedian Kapil Sharma, who invited the national blind cricket team over for his hugely popular “The Kapil Sharma Show”, has pledged to donate his eyes. During his interaction with the team members, Kapil was so inspired by them that he pledged to donate his eyes. Talking about it, Kapil said in a statement: “We usually don’t realise that sometimes even a small gesture from our end can make someone very happy. After talking to them, I realised that eye donation is something I should have done long back. “Hence, I decided then and there that I will donate my eyes. If someone can see the world with my eyes when I’m gone, I will feel very good about it. The Kapil Sharma Show” is aired on Sony Entertainment Television.

We must live with love: Rishi Kapoor

riticising US President Donald Trump’s plan to have a border wall with Mexico, veteran actor Rishi Kapoor said there should be only one type of bridge between neighbours – a bridge of love.

When a social media user said that the number of likes he got for his tweet on Pakistan Super League is a good sign, Rishi– who is very active on Twitter – said that one should live with love. “This is the only way – make bridges with our neighbours. Not walls. USA wants go do that with Mexico. An absolute No No. We must live with love,” Rishi tweeted. He also wonders why some people of Pakistan get his name wrong. He tweeted: “Pata naheen wahan ke log mujhe ‘Rashi’ kyon bulate hain. Mera naam ‘RISHI’ hai. Aksar ye galati hoti hai. ( I don’t know why people from Pakistan call me Rashi. My name is Rishi. They get it wrong most of the time).” Last year, Rishi came out in favour of Pakistani artists and slammed the decision to ban them from Indian movies.

Twinkle my Mast mast girl: Akshay

ollywood’s Khiladi Akshay Kumar says his wife Twinkle Khanna will always be his Mast mast girl. “I want to sing the song for my wife. Twinkle is and always will be my Mast mast girl,” Akshay said at the song launch of the recreated version of his popular song Tu cheez badi hai mast mast which will now feature in upcoming film Machine. Machine features Mustafa and Kiara Advani. The original song was picturised on Akshay and Raveena Tandon for the film Mohra. Asked how his interaction was with Raveena on the set, Akshay said: “It’s a 22-year-old film. How can I remember all these things? However, it was a great honour working with Raveena. We have done so many films and songs together and Tip tip barsa pani is still one of my favourites. “Almost all our films were hits, so it was a great experience.” Akshay, 49, also shared his memories related to Tu cheez badi hai mast mast. He remembered that he and Raveena used to rehearse the moves on the spot and act it. “There are three things which will never fade away from my life. The Khiladi tag, Mast mast song and Chura ke dil mera song. They were the pillars that shaped my careers,” he added.

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10 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

CAB New Lynn

Date: March 11 and April 8 2017 Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Venue: Library Building, 3 Memorial Drive, New Lynn CAB New Lynn will hold three free information sessions for newcomers on Finding Employment in New Zealand. The topics will cover: Pre-employment – What you need to know? Job search – How to apply for jobs? Preparing for your first job. To register please drop in, call or email at Citizens Advice Bureau New Lynn. Phone 827 7830 or 827 4731, Email newlynn@cab.org.nz. Light refreshments will be provided.

Rang Colours

Date: Saturday March 18 and Sunday March 19 Time: 6 p.m. onwards Venue: Kavanagh College Auditorium 340 Rattray Street, Dunedin, 901 Natyaloka presents RANG – Colours. With RANG, internationally acclaimed artists Nirupama &amp; Rajendra are collaborating with local artist Swaroopa in bringing the dance form Kathak to Dunedin audience for the first time ever! Tickets: $20/$10 and Gold coin entry for school children. Available at www.dunedinfringe.nz, Fringe HQ at 26 Princes Street and door sales (cash only). For morfe details contact Swaroopa on 02102438737 or natyalokanz@ gmail.com

Waitakere Holi Meal

Date: Sunday, March 19 Time: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Venue: The Trust Arena, 65 Central Park Drive, Auckland Hosted by Waitakere Indian Association, the day will be full of colours, music and food. Get your family, friends and neighbours for a full day of fun.

Wellington Colour Fest

Date: Saturday, March 25 Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Venue: Upper Frank Kitts Park, Wellington Central This event will be celebrated with colour, fun, food and entertainment. What really makes this event special is that it will be celebrating Holi at an iconic location in the heart of the capital city. Plenty of Colour (organic & bio-degradable), and entertainment by dancers, MCs, DJs and VJs will be there. This event is supported by Wellington City Council, Food Stalls, Bouncy Castle, alcohol and drug free event, multi-cultural vibe. We are looking to attract around 2000 people to this event.

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匀甀渀搀愀礀

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CAB Palmerston North

Date: Thursday, March 16 Time: 9.45 a.m. to 11 a.m. Venue: Hancock Community House, 77 King Street, Palmerston North CAB Palmerston North will hold an information session, Volunteering in New Zealand – pathway to settling in. A speaker from the Palmerston North Volunteer Resource Centre will tell you all you need to know about volunteering in this city. You will also be given an opportunity to ask questions. Morning tea will be served. Please register your interest by telephoning Wendy on 06 357 9273 (between 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) before Monday, March 13, 2017

TRENZ 2017

Date: Tuesday May 9 to Friday May 12 Time: 6 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Venue: Queens Wharf, Auckland, New Zealand TRENZ is New Zealand’s most significant business-tobusiness travel and trade show, with over 1200 delegates attending over the four day event. This leading event will captivate you with exciting new products and Sellers, combined with great networking opportunities. For more information on the event visit TRENZ website www.trenz.co.nz.

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It is ‘cool’ to be different: Muskan Devta ¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

Seventeen-year-old Muskan Devta has become the face of inspiration to many in New Zealand and overseas. Muskan was born prematurely with a condition of Hemiplegia or partial paralysis of the body in Ahmedabad, India. In 2004, her parents moved to New Zealand to give Muskan a better life and started living in Auckland. uskan underwent a corrective surgery in 2013 that changed her life. She has since published a book that has become a part of English curriculum of Westlake Girls School in Auckland. At the age of 13, she hosted her own radio show on a popular Hindi radio station in Auckland, delivered motivational speeches on TEDx New Zealand, was recognised with several awards, and has appeared in a number of publications in New Zealand and India. In a conversation with Indian Weekender, Muskan describes the world through her eyes and shares glimpses from her journey so far.

Muskan Devta

IWK: What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

IWK: What are your passions and interests?

Muskan: I am a creative person who loves talking and helping people. I am a book worm, and I like writing short stories and books. Baking and watching Bollywood films, especially Akshay Kumar’s films, are pastime activities for me.

different, it is cool. It is perfectly fine, and you should be proud of the uniqueness in yourself. You are who you are, never giving up on anything, and just make sure that you have the drive and determination to follow your dreams, no matter how small.

Muskan Devta with her brother

I love his 90s classic Main Khiladi Tu Anari and never get bored of watching Here Pheri and Welcome. IWK: What was the motivation behind writing your autobiography I Dream?

Muskan: I was born with a medical condition called Hemiplegia, and I have lived with that my entire life. In March 2013, I underwent corrective surgery at Starship Hospital. It was a long surgery, and I woke up in the recovery ward sharing it with five more children. I was in a lot of pain, but I noticed

that other children in the ward were in a much worse situation than me. I had one leg operated, while others had their arms and legs or both plastered. I realised that people in the world have much worse complications than mine, and it was both touching and heartbreaking. I just randomly started writing my feelings about how I felt being there and what I was going through, and it sort of gave birth to the idea of the autobiography that eventually got published. The book just says that if you are

Muskan: Growing up, I struggled with building relationships with people around me and socialising. I wore a brace on my foot, glasses, and looked different than others. I was judged and bullied and that made me crawl into my own shell. In 2005, my younger brother Aman was born, and my entire focus shifted away from my problem to him. I would come home every day from school, and I would be so excited to play with him, and he became my motivation because he did not judge me. He just smiled at me, and that was indeed so powerful. IWK: What are your dreams and ambition?

Muskan: Currently, I am studying at the university doing my Bachelors of Arts (Psychology), and I would like to see myself in a clinic practising and to put my psychology education to some use. But otherwise, my dream is to see a world where everybody is treated equally, and nobody doubts

themselves just because they are different. My goal is to spread the message to the people that we need to be accepting of one another.

IWK: How has been your journey from writing your first book and now?

Muskan: There have been ups and downs as I wrote the book when I was bed-ridden. I think I have changed a lot as a person since then. After my book was published, I got myself involved with more community work and improved my socialising and speaking skills. I look back and laugh at myself that the shy and reclusive part of me is gone and I am a more confident girl now. My family’s support throughout this journey has been overwhelming. There hasn’t been a single instance where my parents have doubted me. Their values, teachings, and faith in me have made me who I am today. They kept me grounded and anchored to my roots, and I look up to them. My teachers and pairs at Westlake School have been similar. IWK: What is your message to people with disabilities?

Muskan: My book tells you it is okay to be different. Never let go of the belief in yourself and have the confidence that you can do it. You will eventually show other people what you are capable of and they will start believing in you, too, but it has to start from you.

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