Indian Weekender Vol 7 Issue 34- 13 November 2015

13 November, 2015 • Vol. 7 Issue 34 • www.iwk.co.nz

NZ’s first Kiwi-Indian weekly newspaper

The pulse of Kiwi-Indians

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CONTENTS

13 November 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Pg 6

NEW ZEALAND

Sirens and Sounds Safety festival is back

Pg 17

OPINION/EDITORIAL Can Nitish be a rallying figure for the opposition?

Pg 21

INDIA ABROAD

Indian-Canadians sworn in as ministers

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Pg 18

INDIA

Britain visit will strengthen ties: Modi

Pg 24

TECH MATE

Tech round-up: Fallout 4 and BlackBerry Priv

IMMIGRATION LAW

COMMERCIAL LAW

Skilled Employment

Sale & Purchase of Residential Property

All kinds of Work Visas

Sale & Purchase of Business

Student Visa,

Lease

Appeals, Deportation

Wills & Family Trusts

Over Stayers (S-61)

Mediation

Orange

Pg 26

Tête-à-tête

Badshah—ruling the pop charts

Come and meet our experts for a free initial consultation*

Immigration & Protection Tribunal Judicial Review High Court

CRIMINAL LAW

FAMILY LAW

Drink Driving

Domestic violence

Careless or Dangerous Driving

Divorce/seperation

Common Assaults

Child custody

Work License

Parenting/ Protection orders Adoption/ guardianship

BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS

Ashima Singh Barrister/ Solicitor LLB/MIT/BCom

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

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

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

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

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

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 November 2015

3

Putting people first: the NZ Labour Party’s 99th Annual Conference

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Priyanca Radhakrishnan

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he New Z e a l a n d L a b o u r Party’s Annual Conference has always played a significant role in emphasising Labour’s vision and direction and inspiring party members and supporters to be a part of both. This year, our 99th annual conference was no different except that it also had a special vibe about it, as our Deputy Leader Annette King noted. It was an atmosphere of unity, fun and a sense of common purpose.

I have been attending Labour Party annual conferences since 2006 and they have always been an opportunity for learning, debating, and also for catching up with friends and colleagues from around New Zealand—a bit like an extended family reunion. This year, the annual conference was held in Palmerston North over three days last weekend, and it was one of the best conferences I have ever attended.

Here’s why.

Considering this is one of the few occasions that we get to catch up with Labour friends from across New Zealand, the first ritual of the annual conference is to pick the sessions we wouldn’t mind skipping to make way for more catch ups.

This year, it was incredibly difficult to do that. To me, that’s the first mark of an excellent annual conference.

The second test is whether that initial

judgement is justified. Reflecting on the conference now, I can say it absolutely was. We had some powerful speeches from Labour stalwarts such as former MP Maryan Street, who was awarded life membership of the Labour Party at Annual Conference, Deputy Leader Annette King and Finance spokesperson, Grant Robertson among others. We also had some excellent external speakers, robust policy debates, thought-provoking sessions, and of course, entertainment in the evenings.

Maryan Street’s speech was definitely one of the highlights for me. She reminded us that Labour is historically the party that has stood for all the values we hold strong.

For example, we built state houses and banned nuclear warships.

We stand for reducing both economic inequality as well as social and gender inequality. We have never needed to choose between them. Similarly, we stand for innovation and investment and for human rights—the right for women and children to be safe; the rights of workers

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Devereux Howe-Smith Realty Ltd, Bayleys,

The current zoning is General Rural and Countryside Living Town with council approval for Licensed under the REA Act 2008 12 countryside living (town) sites. These sites range from 1 hectare to 1.8 hectares. There is Brian Caldwell also council approval for 38 residential lots ranging between 679m² and 1,244m². Plans and consent documents are available upon request.

M +64 274 815 505 B +64 9 489 0994 The elevated site is superbly positioned within walking distance of Matakana village brian.caldwell@bayleys.co.nz famously known for its boutique market, as well as shops, restaurants, local culture and Devereux Howe-Smith Realty Ltd, Bayleys, loads of other experiences. Whether you choose to land bank or live here, there are plenty Licensed under the REA Act 2008 of attractions such as vineyards, beaches, water sports and a wide range of other outdoor Dianna Coman activities.

M +64 21 790 307 This is definitely a rarely available lifestyle land parcel, so an opportunity not to be missed!

B +64 9 425 7640 dianna.coman@bayleys.co.nz _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Property Details _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Land Area 55 hectares _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Zoning General Rural and Countryside Living Town _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mackys Real Estate Ltd, Bayleys, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

to have a sense of job security, safety and a life of dignity.

We stand for those whose voices are usually unheard and we always will. The only difference is those voices are increasing in number. Last year on the campaign trail, I spoke to a number of small business owners who felt that their voices were largely unheard. They were struggling to make ends meet and felt nobody cared.

As such, I was extraordinarily pleased when Andrew Little mentioned the need to update our definition of working people to include those who work for themselves, in one of his very first speeches as the Leader of the Labour Party.

We also stand firm on the need to strengthen the economy but the difference is, as Grant Robertson emphasised in his speech at annual conference, we believe the economy is there to serve the interests of people, to be the means to a better life for all our people. It is a means to an end and not an end in itself.

As Deputy Leader and Health spokesperson Annette King pointed out the health system is not all about balance sheets and achieving volumes and targets. The health system is there to serve the needs of the people. Sadly, recent staff surveys from District Health Boards report that patient care and treatment is being compromised, and there is not enough staff. Meal breaks and leave are being forgone. There is almost

$500 million owing in untaken leave. That is dangerous for staff and patients.

The housing crisis was also on the agenda. We heard from one of New Zealand’s leading economists and author of Generation Rent, Shamubeel Eaqub on the housing crisis in New Zealand (particularly Auckland). He said that we now have the lowest home ownership rates since the 1950s; that with 50 per cent of New Zealanders renting we are seeing a generation of renters for whom home ownership is beyond reach. Renters lack security of tenure. And the main reason for all of this is a distinct lack in leadership to address the crisis.

Finally, it is difficult to talk about the conference and not mention the Leader’s address, which traditionally wraps up the annual conference. Andrew Little was relaxed, focused, poised and delivered an address that was both passionate and considered.

New Zealand is a great place to live.

That’s why many of us, myself included, moved here. However, there is still so much more to be done to make it great for all of us including those who work hard but whose voices are rarely heard.

I’ve always been proud to belong to a party that prioritises equity, justice and opportunity—that’s why I joined almost 10 years ago, stood as a candidate last year and continue to volunteer with Labour.

That’s why I am Labour and always will be.

Priyanca Radhakrishnan is Member, Labour Party Policy Council

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NEW ZEALAND

13 November 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

New public health legislation planned IWK Bureau

H

ealth Minister Jonathan Coleman says new fit for purpose public health legislation is planned to replace the Public Health Bill.

“The Public Health Bill has been before Parliament s i n c e 2007.

New legislation is needed to ensure it better meets New Zealand’s future health needs,” says Dr Coleman.

“The proposals in the Public Health Bill no longer reflect current measures for managing risks to public health, as well as addressing current priorities and opportunities to promote and protect the health of New Zealanders.

“The government has decided that the best way forward is to withdraw the Public Health Bill and prepare a new Public Health Protection Bill that will provide a more modern and relevant legislative framework.

This process will include consultation with the sector and the public.”

The Public Health Bill was introduced by the previous government to replace the

Health Act 1956. It had its first reading in 2007.

The government is currently making amendments to the Health Act to improve management of communicable diseases.

The Health (Protection) Amendment Bill is before Parliament, awaiting a second reading.

The government is also focused on a range of nonlegislative measures to improve public health, including recent initiatives to promote healthy eating and exercise and to tackle the growing challenges of obesity and diabetes.

Proposals sought for MBIE Science Fund Red

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IWK Bureau

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esearch proposals have opened for the redesigned Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Contestable Research Fund, says Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce.

“The National Statement of Science Investment (NSSI), released last month, announced that the contestable fund will be redesigned to be a single, more flexible fund that can respond to emerging research opportunities and priorities,” Mr Joyce says.

“The previous six sector-based funds have been replaced with one fund that will be managed as an investment portfolio across social, environmental and economic objectives.

“About $35 million a year is available for investment in excellent mission-led research that has the potential for longterm impact for New Zealand, in line with the strategic direction set out in the NSSI.” The changes to the contestable fund reflect the need to target New Zealand’s growing science investment more effectively,

and incorporate feedback from the science sector. Funding will be offered through two investment mechanisms: }} Research Programmes: This investment mechanism will focus on catalysing and testing innovative research ideas. It is intended to support ambitious, excellent and welldefined research ideas, which collectively have credible potential to deliver long-term impact for New Zealand in areas of future value, strength or critical need. }} Smart Ideas: This investment mechanism is intended to catalyse and rapidly test promising, innovative research ideas. It will support the development of excellent, ambitious research with the capacity to deliver significant benefits for New Zealand in areas of future

value, strength or critical need. A new investment plan published today signals how, when and why the government will invest over a three-year horizon.

“The investment plan will be updated annually, creating a rolling funding horizon and allowing researchers to better predict upcoming funding opportunities,” Mr Joyce says. “It aligns with the future direction signalled in the NSSI to ensure investment is targeted in highimpact areas.”

Research proposals for the MBIE contestable fund will be reviewed by expert independent assessors, and final decisions will be made by MBIE’s independent Science Board by September 2016.

MP Bakshi encourages applications for the 2016 PM’s Education Excellence Awards IWK Bureau

The category winners will receive $20,000. The winner of the Prime Minister’s Supreme A w a r d for the partnership or group that has had the most impact on raising student achievement will receive an additional $30,000.

“The Education Focus Prize for next year is ‘Collaboration across communities to develop initiatives that improve the health

and well-being of children and young people’.

“It is for programmes where schools and early childhood services work with communities to encourage children to make healthy lifestyle choices around

food, nutrition, and physical education. We want our children to get the best start in life.

“High-quality education provides the opportunity for any child from any background to get ahead and make the most of their life, and the teachers who contribute to this should be celebrated,” MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi said.

Entries close on 18 March, 2016. Entry forms and information are available at https://www.pmawards. education.govt.nz/enter/.

CHINMAYA BALVIHAR The Chinmaya Balvihar teaches our children the art of righteous living and serve as a forum for inner growth, dynamic leadership and lasting friendship.

Join the hundreds of children in New Zealand and thousands worldwide in over 150 countries. We welcome your children to the fun environment of Balvihar to understand our glorious and rich culture!

Register now for Chinmaya Mission’s Spiritual & Cultural classes for Kids in the age group of 5-13 years.

“CHILDREN ARE NOT VESSELS TO BE FILLED, BUT LAMPS TO BE LIT.” - Swami Chinmayananda

Contact: Br. Adarshji on (09) 275 6954

www.chinmaya.org.nz

CLASS TIMINGS

“

Our education professionals work hard every day for our children, and they deserve to be publicly recognised and encouraged for their contribution,” MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi said.

“I want to see our local educators apply for the 2016 Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards, which are now open. We have so many talented teachers in Manukau East, who I have met during visits

to our local schools and early childhood centres.

“The awards recognise and celebrate these people in our communities who are delivering the best teaching to children, those who raise the bar that bit higher.”

The awards cover early childhood education, primary, through to secondary schooling.

The four main categories are excellence in governing, excellence in leading, excellence in teaching and learning, and excellence in engaging.

Junior Balvihar Dannemora Thursdays - 6:00 -7:00pm Sangeeta Singh - 9481383

Junior & Senior Balvihar Chinmaya Nikunj, Mangere Saturdays - 4:00 - 5:30pm Prabha Hariswamy - 6240852 Jyoti Raj (Senior) - 6246549

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 November 2015

5

Research presentation on intimate partner violence

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IWK Bureau

O

ver the last two decades, Auckland’s ethnic demographics have shifted dramatically, in large part due to rising immigration of families from diverse Asian, Middle Eastern and African cultural backgrounds.

As ethnic enclaves have developed across Auckland, young people from these communities encounter tension between western/dominant cultural norms and their families who frequently encourage children to retain their culture of origin.

Balancing at least two cultures, migrant youth engaged in romantic relationships often find themselves in isolated and confused spaces, which are complicated tremendously if they are entangled in a relationship characterised by violence.

The panel at the Migrant Youth Seminar will showcase three University of Auckland research projects conducted over the past two years with migrant youth in collaboration with Shakti on the overlapping topics of family violence and dating violence.

Mengzhu Fu will discuss her MA Thesis for Anthropology, which focuses on young family violence survivors and their processes of rebuilding their lives in a structurally violent society.

Sehar Moughal will present her MSc Thesis for Psychology in which she used video self-modeling to assist young migrant women ensnared in violent relationships with conversational skills and enhance their occupational chances.

David Mayeda and Raagini Vijaykumar will overview their sociological study with adolescents and young adults from migrant backgrounds, describing how young people from migrant communities learn and cope with violent relationships while accounting for cultural norms.

All panelists are focusing on transferring their research findings into actual social change.

Workshop Details Date: Wednesday, November 18 Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Venue: University of Auckland, City Campus, Clock Tower Lecture Theatre 039.

Forget Auckland Yields

G06, 60 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri, Northland

HIGH DEMAND MIXED USED DEVELOPMENT SITE www.bayleys.co.nz/378143

FOR SALE closing Wed 9 December 2015 at 4pm (unless sold prior) 2 GLENVIEW ROAD, GLEN EDEN COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT

1

• • • •

Split risk, multi-tenanted retail investment Corner position on Kerikeri's main arterial Modern building with presence and profile Invest or occupy

Situated on the idyllic township's main arterial Kerikeri Road, this prime corner site enjoys extensive exposure and profile in the heart of the town's commercial precinct as opportunity awaits the astute investor or owner occupier ready to chance their arm.

The property consists of three tenancies, tenanted by House of Travel and La Madu with a third tenancy ready for occupation. In close proximity to a multitude of national brands including Countdown, Bunnings and New World, the locality is a sought after destination for retailers and businesses alike.

A combination of Aucklanders tired of the hustle of big city living migrating to the centre in droves and tourists flocking to the far north in the summer months has created the perfect melting pot of commercial activity of which local businesses are reaping the lucrative rewards. Capitalise on the continued growth of the largest town in the Northland region by securing this affordable opportunity that is not to be missed.

Property Details Building Area Car Parks

Tenancy Details

250m² (more or less) Nine (9)

The tenancies are contracted on a gross lease basis with the property producing anapproximate net rental of $44,586.86pa + GST. Full tenancy details are available on request.

2

Auction (unless sold prior) 11am, Wednesday 2nd December 2015

Maritime Square, Ground Floor 4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue Auckland, New Zealand Michael Nees M +64 21 182 3085 B +64 9 489 0963

michael.nees@bayleys.co.nz

Devereux Howe-Smith Realty Ltd, Bayleys, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

Alan Broadbent M +64 274 418 149 B +64 9 407 9221

alan.broadbent@bayleys.co.nz

Mackys Real Estate Ltd, Bayleys, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

Brian Caldwell M +64 274 815 505 B +64 9 489 0994

brian.caldwell@bayleys.co.nz

Devereux Howe-Smith Realty Ltd, Bayleys, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

Approx.

2,700m² freehold site

Mixed use zoning

colliers.co.nz/52720

Ability 6 levels under PAUP

Income of $164,244 pa + GST

Next to train station (20 mins to CBD)

Deborah Dowling 021 248 0060 Jonathan Lynch 021 900 611 Brad Visser 021 814 902 Colliers International NZ Ltd, Licensed under the REAA 2008

6

NEW ZEALAND

13 November 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

American Airlines announces flight to New Zealand Red

IWK Bureau

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ransport Minister Simon Bridges has announced he has authorised an alliance between Qantas and American Airlines, which is expected to result in lower fares and more choice for passengers travelling between New Zealand and the USA. The alliance has enabled Qantas and American Airlines to create a new direct service between Los Angeles and Auckland, which will start in June 2016.

“This new service will give more choice and lower fares for travellers on the Auckland-Los

Angeles route. Los Angeles is New Zealand’s main gateway to

the United States. This new service will help

make Los Angeles and the wider United States more affordable and accessible for Kiwi travellers.

“The alliance means passengers can now book a single ticket for connecting flights from New Zealand centres, serviced by Jetstar, to dozens of American Airlines’ destinations throughout North America.

“Given American Airlines’ extensive domestic network in the United States, the alliance also means New Zealand will be a more attractive destination for Americans than ever before,” says Mr Bridges.

The alliance follows a recent announcement from United

Sirens and Sounds Safety festival is back IWK BUREAU

T

he annual Sirens and Sounds Safety Festival is back on Saturday, 21 November, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free family fun day will be held at Avondale’s Eastdale Reserve.

The event will showcase the work of the local emergency services, alongside live music and cultural performances, community groups, food stalls, inflatable combat and climbing courses, competitions and other great activities.

See how the NZ Police, St Johns Ambulance and the NZ Fire Service respond in emergencies, with visual displays and interactive learning.

The event offers a great lineup of activities and displays, including a Wendy House blaze demonstration, driveway safety display, combat challenge, armed offenders squad, and vintage, retro and emergency vehicles, and music from White Chapel Jak. Watch police dogs demonstrate their skills! Meet local heroes and find out what it takes to be one yourself. “After the success

of last year’s event we are looking forward to even more people coming along to celebrate the work of our emergency services,” says Police Area Commander, Inspector Jacqui Whittaker.

Whau Local Board Chair Catherine Farmer agrees: “Sirens and Sounds is a great opportunity to put local safety at the front of people’s minds and give everyone a fun experience at the same time.”

“It is also a chance to recognise the outstanding work the combined emergency services do in our communities. We are indebted to the difference they make on a daily basis.”

The Sirens and Sounds Safety Festival is a collaborative effort between the Neighbourhood Safety Panel (NSP) and Avondale Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) and is supported by the Whau Local Board, Rosebank Business Association, and other local businesses and organisations.

The Neighbourhood Safety Panel is made up of residents from Avondale and Waterview whose aim is to make our communities better places to live by initiating fun local events.

NSP have been working closely with local police, the Whau Local Board, residents and businesses to achieve these goals.

For more information, contact the Neighbourhood Safety Panel, Shaun Bradley on 021 711 460 or Neighbourhood Police Team, Senior Sgt Simon Welch on 021 191 3066.

Len Brown announces electoral intentions IWK Bureau

L

en Brown has announced that he has decided not to seek another term as Mayor of Auckland.

Mr Brown says, “It has been my absolute honour to be given the privilege to be able to serve our people as the first Mayor of a united Auckland.

“I was proud to be inaugurated as the first Mayor of the super city in 2010 and humbled to be reelected for a second term three years later.

“However after discussions with my wife Shan and our daughters, I have decided nine years as Mayor, first of Manukau and then Auckland, are enough.

“Our opponents wrote us off from day one, but the achievements during the first five years of the new Auckland have

been extraordinary. “Auckland is more confident and positive about its future than it has been in decades. We are becoming a true international city and the symbols of our optimism are all around us. “Electric trains, double decker buses, a growing network

of cycleways, new ferry routes and most of all construction is about to begin on the City Rail Link—the most important piece of infrastructure to be built in Auckland in decades.

“Auckland is working better with government than it has in years with the Housing Accord enabling thousands of extra homes to be built and the Auckland Transport Alignment Project focussing on building vital transport infrastructure.

“We have opened up the waterfront and award-winning civic amenities have been built and are now being enjoyed by people across Auckland.

“Our swimming pools are free for our kids, people will be able to cycle and walk across SkyPath on the Harbour Bridge, we have saved iconic heritage landmarks such as the St James, and that most

iconic of Auckland landmarks, Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill will soon have a tree back on the summit.

“All this while the council remains committed to low rates increases, the sale of non-strategic assets, capping council debt and keeping our credit rating remains at a level many sovereign states would be jealous of.

“Aucklanders have my assurance that my commitment to this job will continue until the last day of my mayoralty. There is still enormous amount we need to achieve during the coming year.

“My best wishes to those who decide to stand for what is one of the most all-consuming jobs in the nation. Tamaki Makaurau is an extraordinary place which will place extraordinary demands on whoever takes up the challenge.”

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Airlines, which will start a direct service between San Francisco and Auckland in July 2016.

“It’s great to see airlines responding to the strong demand for travel between New Zealand and the USA. The increased competition can only be good news for consumers.

“The new services will bring more North American visitors to New Zealand. The USA is New Zealand’s third largest tourism market. So far this year, more than 230,000 US visitors travelled to New Zealand—an increase of 11.1 per cent over 2014,” says Mr Bridges.

NZ strengthens law on organised crime, graft IWK Bureau

T

ougher measures to tackle trans-national organised crime and corruption were passed by New Zealand lawmakers.

The Organised Crime and Anti-corruption Legislation Bill introduced a range of measures on money laundering, bribery

and drug-related crime, Xinhua quoted Justice Minister Amy Adams as saying in a statement.

“The bill keeps New Zealand in step with international best practices in efforts to crack down on this growing problem, both here and abroad,” said Adams.

The new law would require banks to report all international wire transfers that are more than 1,000 NZ dollars ($666) and all physical cash transactions of 10,000 NZ dollars ($6,656) or more to police.

It also accords the police power to share information with international counterparts, strengthens the foreign bribery offence and raises penalties for bribery and corruption in the private sector.

“These changes reflect New Zealand’s policy of zero-tolerance to organised crime and corruption, and will bolster our role and reputation as world leaders in this area,” said Adams.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 November 2015

7

Reached the peak of the housing market?

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Prateek Malhotra

W

ith the current commentary about the thin presence in auction rooms across Auckland, you could say that the market has somewhat changed.

The number of properties selling in auctions has dropped significantly, with some agencies reporting only four out of 10 properties selling through the auction process.

Does this mean that the property market has reached its peak or is it a lull before the next storm of a good summer for selling houses? Only time can tell, but the recent RBNZ ruling for investors and the changes brought about by IRD have had a huge impact on the investor sentiment.

Under the new ruling, banks are asking investors to come up with 30% deposit to buy a residential rental property in Auckland and for every buyer (resident or non-resident) to have an IRD number for the IRD to be able to track down any profits made on a quick sale.

This has certainly made investors take notice of the returns they will get on their rentals and the quick buy and flick investors have somewhat dried up. The sellers, on the other hand, still want top dollars (sometimes even more) for their homes, whereas the buyers are being a bit more cautious of what they pay. The new

A growing industry with current skill shortages NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN HORTICULTURE L4 (ADVANCED) • • • • • rules could take a couple of months for the market to digest, and once the rules are a bit clearer, it might bring the buyers out in the market. There is still a lot more people looking to buy their home compared to the number of properties available, and while the new homes are being built on the outskirts of Auckland, there is always going to be a lag between demand and supply.

As the fastest growing city in New Zealand with an increasing population and a preferred choice for immigrants for job opportunities, Auckland is like any other big cities in the world and this growth will specialise in new and refinanced loans always test the We housing market. of ALL types and personal risk insurances.

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219 moore Street, Howick, auckland

*Lender Criteria and conditions apply. Disclosure statement available on request

TYRE WORLD & AUTO LTD WOF only $20

TYRES from $25 Wheel Alignment from $35

FULL SERVICE

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ALL MECHANICAL REPAIRS

153 EAST TAMAKI RD - 274 3220 (next to Wendys & Caltex/ Papatoetoe-East Tamaki off ramp)

170 BAIRDS RD - 271 3330

(corner East Tamaki & Bairds Rd, opposite Otara Shopping Centre)

www.magntyre.com

Fold

RARE OPPORTUNITY

Get your 9kg bottle filled at

Caltex Otara

Price Reduced. Well established and respected national brand stationery retail shop for sale for only • Only 5 ½ days • Suitable for owner operator couple * • Good lease • Business makes $80000 per year *For a limited• Asking $100000 + stock, NEG time only. Partial fills will be charged at a proportional rate.Only available when paying with

$25

credit card or cash (no charge accountsor fuel cards). For safety reasons the 9kg bottle must be within a valid test date and in the retailer’s opinion, in a satisfactory condition.

Call 021 113 4774

Design & Printed by Print & Sign Zone: 09 277 6774

Split riSk inveStment opportunity in modern Howick retail complex Built 10 years ago, the complex comprises two single-storey buildings with a total of 10 tenants located on just over halfa hectare of land at 219 Moore Street. Situated within the busy central Howick retail area, this opportunity comprises five freehold strata units in a fully leased retail convenience centre, to be auctioned individually early next month.

TITLE Unit A Unit B Unit C Unit D Unit E

TENANCY HHH Advertising Media Healthy Grocers (Bin Inn) Howick Fruit Market (Fruit World)

CURRENT CONTRACT RENTAL ($/PA)

TOTAL INCOME PER TITLE

$24,000 $58,590

$77,589

$135,158

New Howick Pizza

$23,000

Chinese Restaurant*

$66,892

Kip McGrath

$35,000

Raw Essentials

$24,786

St John Opportunity Shop

$55,414

2 Dollar Shop

$38,156

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$158,158 $101,892

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Maritime Square, Ground Floor, 4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland, New Zealand

Millie Liang

Tony Chaudhary

Bayleys Real Estate Ltd, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

Bayleys Real Estate Ltd, Manukau, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

www.bayleyS.co.nz/1680879

M 021 995 121 B 09 271 7267 tony.chaudhary@bayleys.co.nz

M 021 96 B 09 375 millie.liang

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acution (UNLESS SOLD PRIOR) 11am, Wednesday 2nd December 2015

M 021 968 128 B 09 375 8440 millie.liang@bayleys.co.nz

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*Subject to resource consent approval

contact

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NEW ZEALAND

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13 November 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

Business transformation: less Youth the focus of time, lower cost, more benefits relentless operation Red

IWK Bureau

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evenue Minister Todd McClay says Inland Revenue’s Business Transformation programme is likely to take less time, cost less, and deliver more benefits than the original projections.

Mr McClay was speaking at the Trans-Tasman Business Circle, where he released two consultation papers. The first, making it simpler for businesses to manage PAYE and GST and the second looking at the Tax Administration Act. “There are good reasons for the shortened time frame and lower costs. We selected a core tax system that’s built for tax and is already operating in other tax jurisdictions.

“Because this needs less customisation, it means Inland Revenue’s timeframe is likely to be reduced two or three years—so the programme is now planned to be completed within seven years instead of the 10 years originally indicated.

“Also of great help is the commercial expertise that Inland Revenue has brought on board to help build the new system—

people and companies who have done this work before, both in New Zealand and internationally.

“I fully expect this project to come in well below the high end of the projections—$1.9 billion—and it is now likely that the new Crown funding required will be under $1 billion,” says Mr McClay.

The release is the second round of the government’s “Making Tax Simpler” consultation series that commenced in March this year.

“Essentially what’s being proposed is to make PAYE and

GST systems fit with business processes rather than the other way round,” says Mr McClay.

“So for example, why not allow employers to carry out their PAYE obligations when they pay their employees, rather than at a separate time required by Inland Revenue.”

Mr McClay says the focus for proposed changes to GST is on digital filing to reduce time and cost to businesses.

“For GST, we’re proposing that businesses be able to do their GST returns directly through the accounting software packages that many of them use, rather than making them file separate GST returns.

The Minister says the second discussion paper released looks at the Tax Administration Act and how the current system might be made simpler for everyone and more flexible for the future.

“It looks at the role of the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, how taxpayer information can be used more efficiently to provide better services for New Zealanders, and the role of taxpayers and third parties,” says Mr McClay.

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IWK Bureau

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riday, November 13 promises to be a dark day for youth offenders in Auckland City.

Auckland City District Police are planning a daylong focus on youth crime as part of the district’s ongoing strategy to prevent such offending and protect those who often become victims of it.

Operation Relentless will involve more than 80 police and partner agency staff, who will be more visible than usual around recognised youth crime areas within the city, including the rail network, train stations and identified crime hotspots.

“Our message is very clear—if you are thinking of coming into the city and committing crimes during this period, we will be waiting for you,” said District Coordinator, Youth Services, Senior Sergeant Jason Edwards.

“We will also be conducting road checkpoints to focus on alcohol-related harm and offending by young people.

Retailers and licensees will also be reminded of their obligations not to supply minors with alcohol.

“This is a prevention operation.

We consistently encourage members of the public to contact us if they are concerned about the behaviour of young people in their communities. “If they are behaving suspiciously, being disorderly or drinking in public places when they are clearly underage, we want to hear about it.”

Members of the public can call the Auckland Central Police Station on 09 302 6400 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency call 111.

Taupo named top backpacker destination

In homage to inspiring leadership and community work

IWK Bureau

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Bishop Patrick Dunn DD

The Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland and the members of the Mother Teresa Interfaith Committee Invite you to attend an Interfaith Meeting Guest Speaker

Dr Jebamalai Vinanchiarachi

Former Principal Advisor to Director General, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO)

The Impact and Compact of thirsting love for humanity Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 2 pm at the Catholic Church of Christ the King 260 Richardson Road, Mt Roskill, Auckland

An opportunity not to be missed. Free Entry for all!

reat Lake Taupo was announced as the ‘Best New Zealand Destination’ in TNT’s annual Golden Backpack Awards that were held at the Menzies Hotel in Sydney, Australia. This is the second year in a row that the region has taken out the top spot in these awards.

Great Lake Taupo beat out several other ‘Best NZ Destination’ finalists, including Rotorua, Queenstown, Bay of Plenty, Waitomo and Bay of Islands.

The Golden Backpack Awards are a dedicated awards programme for the independent travel sector across New Zealand and Australia.

Once nominations are made, the awards are consumer voted, supplemented by secret shopper assessments.

Sales and Marketing Manager of Destination Great Lake Taupo, Zelia Horrell, says the award is a credit to the hard work of the region’s tourism operators and those who strive to preserve our stunning natural attractions on a daily basis.

“This recognition really speaks to the quality and range of product available in the Great Lake Taupo region for both

international and domestic visitors,” says Ms Horrell. “To be able to represent our region in receiving this accolade for the second year in a row is a real honour.”

The Great Lake Taupo region is gearing up for a stellar summer season and look forward to welcoming an influx of visitors to this beautiful part of the country.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 November 2015

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What is Section 61 of Immigration Act 2009 Black

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his is a quite commonly-known section of the Immigration Act 2009. Section 61—what is it and how to avoid falling into section 61?

I have personally noticed many international students, workers, and visitor visa holder become unlawfully in New Zealand and fall in to Section 61 of the Immigration Act. When a person does not hold a valid visa in New Zealand, they can make a request to the Hon’ble Minister of Immigration to grant them a visa under section 61 of the Immigration Act 2009.

However, the Minister of Immigration has delegated their powers to take decisions on the section 61 request.

Under this section, the Minister of Immigration and their delegated Immigration Officers are not obliged to consider these requests and to explain the reasons of their decisions. In other words, the ball is in the court of Immigration New Zealand. There is no appeal of rights for declined section 61 requests.

branch. By the time INZ return the said file, the client becomes unlawful in New Zealand. That is the tricky point where most people get stuck.

Please note that before applying for any temporary visa, the following applications must be considered: }} Check if the Police Clearance Certificate is valid }} Check for the validity of the Medical Certificate }} Correct fee paid by bank cheque or credit card (if paying make sure you have enough funds in your credit card and use the card until the visa fee is processed) }} Check for the eligibility for the visa type }} Supply all the mandatory documents Professional help It is not necessary to hire a professional to represent your temporary visa.

However, it is viable to seek advice either from Immigration Advisers, Immigration Lawyers or Immigration New Zealand.

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How to avoid Section 61?

Individuals must assure that all the mandatory lodgement requirements are met at the time the application is made.

It has come to our notice that many applicants have applied for their further visa just few days before the expiry of their visa and simply forgot to add their PCC or medical certificate with their work visa applications. When the application does not meet the necessary requirements, the applications get “Returned Failed Lodgement” by the documentation

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NEW ZEALAND

13 November 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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PM to visit Vietnam, Philippines and Malaysia

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rime Minister John Key will travel to Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia for a series of meetings aimed at boosting New Zealand’s trade, political and security links in the region.

Mr Key will lead a trade delegation to Vietnam and attend the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur and the APEC leader’s meeting in Manila.

“The Asia-Pacific region is a significant driver of global economic growth with massive demand for New Zealand products—around 70 per cent of our total trade now takes place with APEC economies alone,” Mr Key says.

“It is important we continue to build on those ties and create new opportunities to further diversify and strengthen our economy for the benefit of all New Zealanders.”

This year, APEC will focus on inclusive and sustainable growth, looking in particular at the issues faced by small and medium enterprises, as well as trade

in services.

Mr Key will meet with other APEC political leaders and address the APEC CEO Summit, which will be attended by 700 CEOs from across the region.

In Kuala Lumpur Mr Key will attend the East Asia Summit, which will focus on regional political, security and economic issues, as well as the ASEANNZ Summit commemorating the 40th anniversary of our relationship with ASEAN—our

fourth-largest trading partner.

In Hanoi Mr Key will meet with Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and other Ministers, and attend a number of events focused on boosting two-way trade.

“Viet Nam is New Zealand’s fastest-growing export market in South East Asia, with two-way trade now worth over $1 billion a year and we have committed to doubling that by 2020.

“New Zealand has a lot to offer Viet Nam and its people and this visit will be an opportunity to further explore new trade and investment opportunities which offer huge potential to both countries.”

Mr Key will be accompanied to Hanoi by Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and a New Zealand business delegation, with the focus on the aviation and education sectors.

Mr Key will be in Hanoi from November 14 to 17, in Manila from November 17 to 20, and in Kuala Lumpur from November 20 to 22.

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Aust-NZ agreement to help combat identity crime

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ustralia and New Zealand have struck a new agreement, which will enable government agencies and businesses to electronically verify official government issued identity documents in either country.

This will help organisations to offer more efficient online services and to promote cross-border travel, migration and commerce.

Importantly, the agreement will also help to better protect the more than 600,000 New Zealanders settled in Australia and the 65,000 Australians in New Zealand from the destructive effects of identity crime.

Identity crime is one of the key enablers of serious and organised crime. It affects up to 900,000 Australians each year and costs Australia around $2 billion per year. Up to 133,000 New Zealanders experience identity crime resulting in a financial loss, costing New Zealand around $209 million each year. The Australian

Document Verification Service (DVS) is a national online system that allows organisations to compare a customer›s identifying information with a government record in a secure manner.

Through the DVS, organisations can verify select government records issued by Australian governments, such as passports, Medicare cards, visas and driver licences. The DVS is administered by the AttorneyGeneral’s Department and is operational 24 hours, seven days a week.

Similarly, the New Zealand Confirmation Service, operated by the Department of Internal Affairs, is a secure, electronic method for organisations to quickly confirm the accuracy and validity of identity information issued by the New Zealand government in a privacy-protective manner.

Through the confirmation service, organisations can verify passports, birth certificates and citizenship certificates.

Labour will use buying Child passport subsidy to remain power to create jobs

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abour will use the government’s $40 billion in buying power to create jobs and back local businesses by requiring suppliers to make job creation in New Zealand a determining factor for contracts, Opposition Leader Andrew Little says.

“Since I became Opposition Leader I have said that backing business to create good jobs will be my absolute priority. Over the next year I will set out a series of policies to boost job creation in New Zealand. The first thing I will do is to make sure the government’s buying power does just that.

“We need to back our local businesses to develop skills and innovations to successfully win tenders and create good jobs here in New Zealand. For many small businesses the lack of government contracting experience is a hindrance when they try to break in to international markets.

“This plan creates opportunities for local companies to grow and compete on the international stage. It’s a win-win for all. “There have been too many

jobs lost because of government organisations buying ‘cheap’ options from overseas.

“Think of the loss of Dunedin’s Hillside rail wagon manufacturing and $1.5 billion spent on the new IRD computer system, all of which could have generated skilled work opportunities in New Zealand.

“Labour’s ‘Our work our future’ policy will keep more of that money and work in New Zealand, and deliver better results by changing the Government Procurement Rules to make job creation and the overall benefit to New Zealand a determining factor in their decision making.

“Government contracts often have very tight criteria that shuts out New Zealand companies and prevents them from developing innovative bids in conjunction with local and overseas consortia.

It’s time to level the playing field.

“Labour will require government organisations to design contracts so that companies focused on job creation have a fair chance of winning them, and then oblige them to report on the value of contracts they have awarded based on this criteria.”

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nternal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne has announced the present subsidy for children’s passports will continue with the move to 10-year passports.

From 30 November, the price of all standard adult passports issued in New Zealand will be $180 and child passports will be $105 (including GST). That is a 42 per cent subsidy from the adult fee, the same as currently in place for a five-year passport.

The fee for a standard 10-year adult passport will be around $90 cheaper than the fee for two fiveyear passports.

Mr Dunne also announced that the online passport service in 2016 will expand to include renewal of child passports and first time adult passport applications.

“The announcement of the final details of our 10-year passport represents the government’s response to what New Zealanders’ wanted while balancing security risks and the need to make travel easy and affordable. All parties in parliament cooperated to bring this change about as soon as possible, and government

agencies, particularly the Department of Internal Affairs have worked assiduously to deliver this common sense change.

“Our passport service is highly regarded, as reflected in the recent Kiwis Counts survey of people’s satisfaction with government services, and our passports are among the most secure and trusted in the world.

All passport fees go towards providing

passports

to

New

Zealanders. They can’t be spent on anything else.

I’m pleased to say, we’ve managed to strike the balance between continuing to develop our world-class passport service and keeping travel affordable for New Zealanders”, Mr Dunne said.

In Volume 7, Issue 33, of the Indian Weekender (page 5, Diwali—shine bright like a diamond), we have erroneously identified Andrew Little’s designation as List MP, National Party instead of Leader, New Zealand Labour Party. We apologise for the error.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 November 2015

Health research strategy planned

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A Prime Retail Investment in Link Drive Unit MM, 20 Link Drive, Wairau Valley, Auckland

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www.bayleys.co.nz/378140

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cience and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce and Health Minister Jonathan Coleman say a new health research strategy will be developed to focus and align the economic and health goals of the health research sector.

“A health research strategy is needed to focus and align the twin economic and health goals of New Zealand’s health research investment,” says Mr Joyce. We want to maximise the contribution of science to New Zealand’s economic growth and wellbeing of New Zealanders.”

“The new strategy will help to enhance the impact, relevance and uptake of health research. It will optimise the Health Research Council’s contribution to improving the effectiveness of our health system,” says Dr Coleman.

Development of a health research strategy is a key recommendation of the just completed review of the Health Research Council (HRC). The review was announced in March 2015 to identify how to optimise the HRC’s contribution to the Government’s broader goals.

The review concluded the HRC is an efficient organisation, well regarded by stakeholders, and that health research plays a central role. It found the HRC can make a greater contribution by taking more of a leadership role and improving connections across the health and science and innovation system.

“Health research is a strength for New Zealand. It underpins improvements in

health outcomes and the quality of care for New Zealanders,” says Dr Coleman.

“We want to improve collaboration between health researchers and those in the health system delivering care for New Zealanders. Stronger relationships will help align research with health sector priorities such as childhood obesity or improving the health of vulnerable groups.”

“Health research is also a strength for New Zealand in terms of scientific quality, and it generates new high-value, knowledgeintensive companies and industries,” says Mr Joyce.

“Developing a health research strategy will also set the direction for future Government funding, with the National Statement of Science Investment stating health research is a priority for future funding increases. This is in line with the government’s goal to raise science funding to 0.8 per cent of GDP.” The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will lead the development of the health research strategy in collaboration with the HRC. A public consultation on the health research strategy is expected to begin in early 2016.

• Fully licensed bar with 18 gaming machines • Unit title of approximately 403m² with 27 car parks • Prime location on Link Drive in the Wairau Valley A great opportunity for investors and/or future owner occupiers alike as a fantastic value investment. The property comprises the retail ground floor of a multi-story development leased to Mad Dogs and Englishmen, and is located within Link Drive, one of North Shore City's most popular retail precincts.

Incorporating a restaurant and bar area with gaming facilities for 18 machines together with a commercial kitchen to the rear, an area of mezzanine storage/office along with a keg storage area and garden bar. There are 27 associated car parks.

Property Details Land Tenure Carparks Net Lettable Area

Tenancy Details

Auction (unless sold prior) 11am, Wednesday 2nd December 2015 Maritime Square, Ground Floor 4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue Auckland, New Zealand Adam Watton M +64 27 299 6643 B +64 9 489 0979 adam.watton@bayleys.co.nz Devereux Howe-Smith Realty Ltd, Bayleys, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

Stratum in Freehold 27 403m² (approximately)

The property is currently leased to an established operator trading as Mad Dogs and Englishmen. It is held under a lease with a final expiry of 31st October 2021, and the rental is also under review. This provides the investor with numerous options.

Michael Block M +64 21 888 233 B +64 9 489 0973 block@bayleys.co.nz

Devereux Howe-Smith Realty Ltd, Bayleys, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

A day out with Thomas

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homas the Tank Engine is back, and will be operating in steam at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway over the weekend of 14 and 15 November. And this time, he’s brought his friends Rusty (the little narrow gauge diesel locomotive), Bulgy, the grumpy double-decker bus (which will be taking passengers for jaunts around the beautiful Franklin (sorry Sodor!) countryside), Trevor the Traction Engine, Terence the Tractor, and Caroline the Fat Controller’s Car. Sir Topham Hatt, the Fat Controller will, as usual, be keeping everything running smoothly! Of course, the 12-km train rides behind our steam engine continue to be one of the main features of the weekend, and once again all the engines on the railway will be sporting their awesome faces.

Thomas will be offering free rides in his trucks for those who buy tickets for the 12 km train rides. There will also be Thomas storytelling, colouring-in, a bouncy castle, face painting, plaster model painting and much more, all also provided free when you purchase your train ticket.

A fantastic array of Thomas merchandise will be available at our

legendary competitive prices, and in time for Santa’s stocking. This event has established itself as Auckland’s premiere event for the under-5s, and in particular Thomas fans, and is tremendously popular not only with the little folk but also with their mums, dads, and grandparents!

Entry and parking are free.

Train fares are: Adults $25, Children 4–14yrs $10 (Under 4 yrs—free) Family $65 Visit www.gvr.co.nz, or ring 636 9361 or 0508 123 487 for further details.

Just follow the Drury-Waiuku route and turn left into Glenbrook Station Rd at Glenbrook.

Nov 14th & 15th 2015

FREE ENTRY www.gvr.co.nz

GLENBROOK VINTAGE RAILWAY Near Waiuku, 55 Minutes South-west of Auckland “SIR TOPHAM HATT, THE FAT CONTROLLER” WILL BE IN CHARGE!

First train departs 9.30am, and every 30 minutes thereafter ‘till 4pm Train Fares: Adult $25, Child $10 (Under 4yrs free) Family $65 (Train fares also include all childrens entertainment)

Follow the Drury-Waiuku Route. Turn into Glenbrook Station Road. www.thomasandfriends.com

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NEW ZEALAND

13 November 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Restoring the Kiwi Dream Phil Goff Labour MP

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ndrew Little gave the best speech I’ve heard him make at Labour’s conference last weekend. It was about the Kiwi dream—the things that brought us or our forebears to New Zealand to make a better life.

New Zealanders don’t ask for a lot, but some things are important to us and for those we love.

They include having a home to call your own, a job that gives an income sufficient to enjoy life without constantly worrying about money, the services we rely on for our well-being and betterment such as health and education, and living in a clean and sustainable environment in which we can enjoy our leisure hours. There is a lot we can be thankful for living in New Zealand.

However there is also more that we should be doing to make this the great country it can be.

It is not a case of throwing money at problems rather of doing things better, sometimes doing more with less and sorting out our priorities. There were some good examples of that in discussion over the

weekend. Andrew put the emphasis on jobs.

Unemployment has just gone up to more than six per cent and there are predictions that it might reach seven per cent by late next year.

Unemployment wastes human potential, damages those who are affected by it and costs us all both in benefits and the loss of tax and production we’d have had if the people were in work.

We need a better system for upskilling people to be able to find work. This becomes even more important when we learn that over the next 30 years, up to 47 per cent of today’s jobs will be eaten up by automation.

Our education and training system must be more flexible and responsive to people’s need to retrain, possibly for as many as six

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or seven careers, during their working life.

Annette King and Andrew spoke at conference about our health system and the pressures it is under, affecting services that are struggling to keep up with demand.

Annette focused on non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

With New Zealand having one of the world’s most obese populations, we also have one of the highest rates for some of these diseases.

Prevention is better than cure.

Fast foods and heavily processed foods with high sugar content are one of the main causes.

Getting industry to reduce the amount of sugar and salt they add, and requiring proper labelling telling us, in language we can understand, how many teaspoons of sugar per serving is a good way to promote better health.

It is time for the government to get its priorities right and debate these issues rather than wasting time, money and energy on such things as $30 million pandas and expensive referendums on changing our flag.

Does NZ need more offshore buyers?

Winston Peters NZ First leader

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oreign investment is only a plus when it is considered with full scrutiny and it delivers real benefits for New Zealanders and the economy.

It should be on our terms, just as it is in so many other countries, who put their people’s needs first.

When the government capitulated without argument to the global dictate to

allow foreign ownership, it demonstrated how out of touch it is with Kiwis stuck in the rental market.

New Zealand is moving away from what former National Prime Minister Keith Holyoake described as “a property owning democracy”.

We can no longer ban foreign ownership of our property, be it houses or land; now the government has agreed to the TPPA. According to one Cabinet Minister, there’s no crime in allowing the world to come property shopping in New Zealand.

But there are so many Kiwis in the queue waiting to buy a home there’s hardly a need to add more offshore buyers.

That’s just making it tougher for Kiwis by pushing the sale price up in a climate where demand is high and supply is low.

Foreign buyers flush with money, a favourable exchange rate and much lower interest rates and have all the advantage over Kiwis.

The government seem oblivious to the situation of many Kiwis becoming frustrated and depressed because they can’t achieve the Kiwi dream of home ownership.

New Zealand First believes a ban on property sales to foreigners is needed urgently to take the heat out of the Auckland housing bubble and stop the grab for our farms and export business.

New Zealanders have a right to own our own destiny and would-be homeowners have a right to go on the property ladder— not to be neglected by the government.

All the best for students sitting NCEA exams Kanwaljit Bakshi

National List MP

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ver the next four weeks, 50,444 Auckland students will sit end-ofyear NCEA exams.

Our local students have worked hard to prepare for these exams, and I congratulate them for their hard work so far.

I’m confident our students are capable, and well-prepared by our world-class education system.

Manukau East has around 40 per cent migrant population. One of the reasons that we migrate is for quality education.

I want every Manukau East teen to leave

school with the skills they need to reach their potential. Under National, school achievement has gone from strength to strength.

We’re learning to work better across agencies and to make better use of data to target resources. We’ve so far established 42 Communities of Learning across the country. This means students will benefit from shared teaching practices and

expertise, with schools working alongside each other on shared goals.

We introduced a managed network for digital learning so students get fast, reliable internet with uncapped data, web filtering, and network security services.

More than 590,000 teachers and students are connected and by the end of this year we expect around 90 per cent of schools to be connected.

Learning environments are also important. We’ve built 24 new schools over the past six years and this progress shows no sign of slowing. Budget 2015 invests $373.9 million over four years to improve school infrastructure, such as modern classrooms and new schools to meet rollgrowth demand.

We know the higher the achievement at school, the better the opportunities for further education, employment, higher wages, and a better standard of living.

That’s why National set a target of 85 per cent of all 18-year-olds achieving NCEA Level 2 or an equivalent qualification in 2017.

Last year, 84.5 per cent of Auckland region 18-year-olds held a NCEA Level 2 qualification or above. This is an increase of 6.2 % points since 2011.

The progress made towards our target highlights the benefits of the Government setting itself ambitious goals.

These results mean thousands more Kiwi students are leaving school every year equipped with the skills they need to undertake further education or training.

Teachers and principals do a fantastic job and I thank them for their dedication.

I have no doubt the hard work of teachers, parents, and students will be reflected in this year’s NCEA results. I wish all our Manukau East students well for their exams.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 November 2015

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Multi-Tenanted Split Risk Investment 65-67 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead, Auckland

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www.bayleys.co.nz/378134

A is for Alphabet this summer at the library

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earn your ABC’s this summer at a fun new exhibition at Auckland’s Central City Library. ABC: Decorative Initials and Alphabets will feature distinctive designs and typography from some of the rare books and medieval manuscripts held in Auckland Libraries’ Sir George Grey Special Collections.

The free exhibition opened on November 11 and runs till February 14.

Illustrators, designers, artists, readers, families and children can all enjoy a range of interesting “ABC” design from 15th century medieval manuscripts to 21st century alphabet books.

Cr Cathy Casey, chair of the Community Development and Safety Committee says that the exhibition is a chance for Aucklanders to see the treasures available for free on their front doorstep.

“This exhibition is a visual feast of colours and letters that will be very appealing to the public, and is perfect as part of Auckland Council’s summer programming at our libraries and parks.”

ABC: Decorative Letters and Initials is not just for typography geeks but very accessible to people of all ages, says Georgia Prince, curator and manager of the Sir George Grey Special Collections.

“Before the advent of page numbering and chapter headings, readers found their way around handwritten manuscripts by way of decorative initials.

“Through the centuries, book designers have enjoyed using decorative initials,

Boundary lines are indicative only

• • • • •

Excellent opportunity to occupy, invest or develop in Birkenhead. The property offers profile and exposure to high traffic volumes and benefits from being in the vicinity of the Highbury Shopping Centre, major banks and a wide range of shops, restaurants and cafés.

Located minutes from the Birkenhead ferry terminal within easy reach of the Auckland CBD, this property has a lot to offer. Future development of up to a total of five levels (20.5 metres) is catered for by the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (PAUP).

Property Details Land Tenure Building Area Zoning PAUP

Tenancy Details

744m² (more or less) 1,042m² (more or less) Business 2 - Auckland Council - North Shore Section 2002 Birkenhead - Town Centre

A diverse tenant mix including medical, retail, industrial and office uses. Spilt risk with 10 income streams, the property is fully let, returning $197,123.25pa + GST + OPEX. Full tenancy details are available on request.

Auction (unless sold prior) 11am, Wednesday 2nd December 2015 Maritime Square, Ground Floor 4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue Auckland, New Zealand Damian Stephen M +64 21 80 80 92 B +64 9 489 0810 damian.stephen@bayleys.co.nz Devereux Howe-Smith Realty Ltd, Bayleys, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

Adam Curtis M +64 21 720 997 B +64 9 489 0997 adam.curtis@bayleys.co.nz Devereux Howe-Smith Realty Ltd, Bayleys, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

Adam Watton M +64 21 299 6643 B +64 9 489 0979 adam.watton@bayleys.co.nz Devereux Howe-Smith Realty Ltd, Bayleys, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

from early printers through to modern book artists.

Decorative initials often feature in alphabet books too, both for children and adults, where illustrators can explore the wilder side of letter forms and fonts,” she says.

Groundbreaking new policy to make homes cheaper

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a b o u r ’ s groundbreaking new policy on reforming planning rules will make housing more affordable, Labour’s Housing spokesperson Phil Twyford says.

“Labour will free up density and height controls to allow more medium density housing and reform the use of urban growth boundaries so they don’t drive up section costs. This will curb land bankers and speculators.

“The other new element is changing the way we fund infrastructure for new developments. Currently those costs are either subsidised by the ratepayer or passed by the developer onto the price tag of a new home.

“That makes houses much more expensive. It also means they are paid off through mortgages at expensive bank interest rates.

“Our new policy will see infrastructure funded by local government bonds, paid off over the lifetime of the asset through a targeted rate on the properties in the new

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development. This will substantially reduce the cost of new housing.

“Reforming the planning rules will stand alongside Labour’s commitment to crack down on speculators, and build 100,000 new homes for first home-buyers. These are the game-changing reforms that will fix the housing crisis and renew the dream of Kiwi homeownership.

“National has been blaming councils and the Resource Management Act for rising house prices for the past 10 years, but has done precious little to fix the problems.

“Labour has the policies and the political will to get the job done,” Phil Twyford says.

14

FIJI

13 November 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Special Diwali treat for senior citizens

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t was a cheerful atmosphere at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School when teachers and students along with 10 members of the Samabula Senior Citizens Home and guests, gathered to celebrate Diwali.

The Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar was also present at the celebrations with some other officials who presented gifts to the 10 members of the Samabula Senior Citizens Home.

Ms Akbar reminded the students and those gathered on the importance of our elderly in Fiji and their contribution towards our nation.

“Our senior citizens have contributed to the betterment of this nation in their own way,” Ms Akbar said.

“Our children can have a feel of community service and to know what is it like to serve others, especially

Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Rosy Akbar lighting up the diya wit Manhar Narsey at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Primary School during pre Diwali celebration

the elderly in our society. Caring for the elders is good teaching and education too.” Ms Akbar said there were indictors of disrespect and lost attention to elders.

“It is for these reasons that we decided to enlighten our children with this good behaviour.

“Today, we pay tribute and honour to them for their influence and more so just for who they are,” said Shahani Mala.

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Message from Harish Lodhia JP, Honorary Consul for the Republic of Fiji

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am pleased to send this message of greetings on the occasion of Diwali, extending my good wishes on behalf of the government and people of the Republic of Fiji.

The festival of lights has a lot of culture behind the lights. It is light after darkness, victory of good over evil, welcoming the Goddess of Wealth and indeed renewing of friendship. This is the time we renew bonds and make new friends.

Diwali heralds a new ear of progress and prosperity, bringing with it joy, happiness and excitement. The festival of lights has become an event in which people of

varied ethnicities, cultures, beliefs and backgrounds participate, extending their goodwill, understanding and friendship.

Fireworks usually symbolise a welcome to the goddess, and also the blasting away of the devils in some parts of India.

Generally fireworks are not

an integral part of the Hindu prayers and rituals, but have become an extension of the festivals recently.

It is gratifying that Diwali has become an important occasion in New Zealand and over the years, an increasing number of New Zealanders attend the festivities organised by government agencies, associations, groups and individuals throughout the country.

At this time I wish every citizen in New Zealand a very happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year.

Australia welcomes The EU is a strong Fiji delegation Agriculture development partner in Fiji and the Pacific T

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he European Union Ambassador for the Pacific, His Excellency Andrew Jacobs says the EU is a strong supporter for agriculture development in Fiji and around the Pacific.

Ambassador Jacobs made the comments while opening the Pacific’s first ever debate on organic and conventional farming methods at the University of the South Pacific ICT Building in Suva. ”European Union is a strong supporter of the agriculture sector in Fiji and around the Pacific and we are supporting the development of organic agriculture,” Ambassador Jacobs told people gathered to witness the debate organised by the Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom) supported by the European Union.

“Within its borders, the European Union spends more money on agriculture than on anything else, and the way in which the funds are spent

has been under constant reform since the 1970s,” said Ambassador Jacobs.

In its most recent form, the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union is about promoting diversity and quality, notably by supporting different types of farm and farming practices, and in particular familyrun, conventional or organic practices. And we have been keen to provide similar support in the Pacific—hence our support to POETCom. Ambassador Jacobs says the EU is seeking to open up commercial

opportunities for organic farmers and such opportunities should exist not only in the private sector, but in the public sector as well.

In this regard it is important to look at government procurement and state budgets in the Pacific as these are important drivers of economic growth.

“Organic farmers and association should not only engage with private sector but also with public sector and respond to their demands—the demand for organic food in hospitals, schools or for public functions.”

There is also significant potential to leverage further support towards organic agriculture enterprises through the regional co-operation programme that we are preparing for the period from now to 2020.

The mechanics of the programme are now being discussed between the EU, PIFS and its member countries whereby specific areas will be identified for support before the end of 2015.

he Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) has welcomed a delegation from the Government of Fiji, which visited Australia for three days to learn more about border security functions, particularly in the cruise ship sector.

The three participants, from Fiji Immigration, Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority and the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre, travelled to Brisbane and toured Brisbane Airport and the nearby cruise ship terminal facilities. They observed the arrival and departure processing of two cruise ships and viewed the small craft yacht arrival point.

Margaret Twomey, Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, said the visit highlighted the strengthened relationship between the two countries.

“We were pleased to welcome the delegation to Australia, and I commend Fiji for its commitment to working together on strengthening border protection across the Pacific,”

High Commissioner Twomey said.

“The leisure cruise industry is enjoying strong growth in both our countries and it is regarded as one of the fastest growing areas within the tourism sector. To ensure we are ahead of the game we need to work together and continue to put robust immigration and customs clearance procedures in place.

“This visit is an important step as we continue to build on the partnerships between agencies and strengthen regional capabilities. It recognises that collaboration is needed to achieve effective outcomes and ensure all our borders are protected,” High Commissioner Twomey said.

At Brisbane Airport, the delegation observed arrivals and departures using Australia’s new SmartGate technology which allows eligible travellers to selfprocess through passport control when they arrive in Australia.

The system provides a secure and efficient way to clear passport controls. The delegation also visited the container terminal to observe cargo inspections there.

Fiji Airways plans to commence Singapore services

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iji Airways, Fiji’s National Airline, has announced plans to commence twice weekly direct services to Singapore from April 5, 2016.

The flights will operate from Nadi International Airport on Tuesdays and Fridays, with flights times to

suit onward connections to India and South East Asia. The airline also announced special launch fare from Nadi to Singapore, starting from F$999 all-inclusive. This sale starts Monday November 9th.

Making the announcement in the Fijian Capital, Suva, Fiji

Airways Managing Director and CEO Andre Viljoen said the introduction of direct Singapore flights was excellent news for Fiji Airways customers and all Fijians.

“We will be flying direct to a destination considered as Asia’s leading hub,” Mr. Viljoen

stated. “The attractions of Singapore are numerous, from the world’s best airport, Changi, to world-renowned shopping and entertainment. Fijians will now be able to enjoy the comfort of our A330 aircraft on this 10-hour flight, departing Nadi late night

and arriving in Singapore fresh in the morning ready to explore all that this bustling metropolitan city-state has to offer.” He added that onward connection times to other key destinations would make transiting through Singapore extremely convenient.

FIJI

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 November 2015

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Vijay Singh agrees to represent Fiji at Rio Olympics

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orld champion Fijian golfer Vijay Singh has offered to represent Fiji at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, when golf is re-introduced as an Olympic sport for the first time in 112 years.

Singh’s participation is contingent on him making the top rankings on the PGA circuit in the lead-up to the Olympics. But if he repeats his performance this year, his selection is assured. The announcement that the Lautoka-born champion has made himself available to represent Fiji in Rio was warmly welcomed by the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, who described it as great news for Fiji.

“Vijay is a proud Fijian who has been successfully representing our nation for more than 30 years, bringing great credit

Fiji teams to play in NZ event

Golfer Vijay Singh with former American Presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush Snr and with the current Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimara.

to Fiji by reaching the top of world golfing.

For him to agree to be part of the Fijian team for Rio if he qualifies is something that every Fijian sports fan will welcome.

Because I have no doubt that on his current performance, the chances of him doing so are very high”, he said.

The Prime Minister also revealed that Vijay Singh has agreed to mentor the Fijian

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crucial,” the Prime Minister said. From his humble origins as a caddy at the Tavakubu Golf Course in Lautoka, Vijay Singh has gone on become one of the most famous golfers in the world. In 2004 he achieved one of the finest seasons in golfing history, posting nine wins and becoming No. 1 in the Official World Golf Rankings. He held this position for 32 weeks in 2004 and 2005.

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ocal teams have been invited to participate in the 2016 New Zealand Fiji Football Inc (NZFFI) Veterans Championship.

The matches will be played in two categories, over 35 years and over 40 years.

In the past, the championship sanctioned by the Fiji Football Association attracted teams from the NZFFI affiliates, Australia Fiji Football Association, the Fiji Soccer League of greater Vancouver and the Fiji Soccer League of the USA. NZFFI vice-president Jiten Lal said the tournament would also feature players of Fijian origin residing in other countries such as England, Tonga and Samoa.

“This is a popular veterans’ tournament played annually,” Lal said.

“The JD Maharaj Memorial Cup will be contested for in the over-35 category while the over-40 teams will fight for the Leone Rakoroi Memorial Cup. “It is one of the aims of the NZFFI to bring the former Fiji district reps and national reps together.

“This will bring in the memories of the past and create an atmosphere to inspire our younger footballers and supporters.

“The tournaments in the past have always been enjoyed by the spectators supporting their respective Fiji district teams and witnessing some of the great skills displayed by the former reps.

“The magnitude of this competition is such that it brings the whole Fijian community at a single platform to enjoy football which is among the most popular sports in Fiji and also globally.”

Lal said this would be the first tournament on their calendar.

“We expect a bigger participation following the success of the Fiji International Veterans Championship in Nadi in July,” he said.

“A lot of interest has been shown by the teams that have participated in previous events. Also a number of new teams from Fiji are expected to join teams from Australia, USA, Canada and New Zealand.”

The tournament will be held at the Bill McKinley Park in Panmure, Auckland from January 28 to February 1.

Rugby Sevens team, which has already qualified for Rio, along with the Under 19s National Football team.

“To have Vijay in Rio supporting our boys as they chase gold will be a great asset. This is a world champion sportsman who understands the importance of the psychology of winning and I’m sure that whatever assistance he can offer will be

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Thought of the week

Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.

— Martin Luther King Jr

Editorial

From the desk of the Managing Editor

Courtesy : Satish Acharya

“

The most self-defeating thing you can do is to take action with divided intention.

If you are doing something while resisting, resenting, or complaining about it, you are ripping yourself off, along with everyone else involved. Nothing is more annoying than someone doing something and kvetching and whining as they do it.

Either do something with a whole heart or don’t do it. If you agree to do something, then really do it. If you don’t agree to do it, then really don’t do it. Be total.”

—Alan Cohen I recently read these lines and was impressed. These resonate with my own thinking. I always believe that once you decide to do something, then there should be no room for doubt. You must go after your goal with your whole heart, no matter how difficult the journey. The moment we start to complain or be disheartened, we not only lose momentum but also lose focus. In all situations, therefore, it is important that we are true to ourselves and not be at cross-purposes with our own dreams.

Talking of dreams, BJP’s dream of taking Bihar has crashed and how. The invincible duo, Modi and Shah, have faced strong criticism from BJP elders who have stated that they have failed to learn anything from the Delhi defeat. I had been following the developments in Bihar quite closely but now that its all over. I suppose it’s a matter of “wait and watch”.

Meanwhile, Modi’s current trip to the UK is also being seen with enthusiasm across the world. We will bring you more details on this in our issue.

The other big news that we cover in this issue is the introduction of new flights to and from the USA. On just the announcement of it, one can see price cuts by Air New Zealand who have until now had the market monopoly. Clearly this will mean more traffic between the two countries and also a rise in the tourist traffic from the US. With Diwali now over, all the big and small celebrations around the country have come to an end. This year we possibly had many more celebrations than previous years and while we enjoyed every single one of them, it was difficult keeping track to them all and reporting on them. However, it is not too long before Christmas celebrations will kick in and we will all be celebrating again. Amidst all the festivities, we do hope that the message of hope, love and brotherhood stays with us. While we are enjoying our own celebrations, let us not forget others and be considerate. Let us be mindful of the environment and make sure our celebrations don’t come at a cost to anyone.

I would like to close today by wishing all our readers the best for the festive season as it continues into the New Year. Please look after your health with the changing season and remember to take breaks and spend time with friends and family.

Until next time.

Pick of the week

Beluga whales kiss their trainers during a performance at an aquarium in Harbin, China

Giri Gupta

Indian Weekender : Volume 7 Issue 34 Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited Managing Editor: Giri Gupta | girigupta@xtra.co.nz Editor: Annu Sharma | editor@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Reporter: Swati Sharma | reporter@indianweekender.co.nz Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | iwk.rizwan@gmail.com Reporter: Esha Chanda | iwk.eshac@gmail.com Reporter: Kumar Suresh | iwk.kumar@gmail.com Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz Senior Graphic & Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | designer@indianweekender.co.nz Accounts and Admin.: Farah Khan | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Sales & Marketing: 022 3251630 / 021 1507950 / 09-2137335 | 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 Indian Weekender is published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great South Road, Auckland Printed at Horton Media, Auckland Copyright 2015. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

Nick Pronounced: Nick Meaning: Steal

Usage: He nicked my shoes.

Tip from the trenches

Love your tresses • Revive your curls by using dry shampoo • Longer hair require frequent trims and conditioning the ends • Use Moroccan oil to treat dry hair. You can apply it after a shower or before you blow-dry.

• Avoid hot water showers, as it will leave your hair dry and brittle. Hot water tends to remove the protective oil from your hair.

• Eat healthy. Include food such as poultry, eggs, whole grains, green vegetables, salmons and nuts in your diet.

OPINION/EDITORIAL

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 November 2015

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Nitish Kumar: Can he be a rallying figure for the opposition?

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Amitava Mukherjee

The factor that can go in favour of Nitish Kumar is his suave personality. He enjoys good equations with Navin Patnaik and Jayalalithaa, the chief ministers of Odisha and Tamil Nadu

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s the Bihar assembly election results started pouring in, veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar made a serious mistake while going through his otherwise admirable election analysis on CNN-IBN. Faced with a question whether Nitish Kumar can become a rallying point for the opposition at the national level, Aiyar discounted the possibility on the ground that he did not have a presence outside Bihar.

Obviously, Aiyar wasn’t considering the past example of Vishwanath Pratap Singh when the latter became a rallying point for anti-Congress forces in the late 1980s and cobbled up a coalition, which was supported by the Left and BJP. Singh, too, had little political presence outside Uttar Pradesh. It may be a strange coincidence that Nitish Kumar whose political star started rising at that time, now holds out the same possibility.

Certainly it is not prudent at this stage to jump to a specific conclusion but that possibility would always remain. Before the Bihar elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress Chief, expressed her support for Nitish Kumar and wished for a victory of the Janata Dal-United-Rashtriya Janata Dal-Congress combine. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party had already expressed his support to the Nitish Kumar-led conglomeration.

It can be taken for granted that the Left would like to see the Bihar chief minister as a rallying factor for anti-BJP politics at the national level, as after the demise of Jyoti Basu, the Left is not in a position to throw any leader at the pan-India level,

Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar

who commands acceptance from other political parties.

The case of Congress will be interesting.

It is a known fact now that Rahul Gandhi played a vital role in persuading Lalu Prasad to accept Nitish Kumar as the leader of the Grand Alliance and the future chief minister if the alliance won the elections.

But Congress is certain to have reservations in accepting Nitish Kumar as even an informal leader of any future anti-BJP political platform.

This has already been indirectly indicated by former finance minister P. Chidambaram without taking Nitish’s name in an interview to the electronic media while results were still coming in.

The message of Chidambaram’s interview was that the Congress would act as a junior partner where the party is

weak but would certainly take the leading role where it enjoys a strong position.

Moreover, long years of Nitish Kumar’s alliance with the BJP in Bihar and his track record of anti-Congress politics as a disciple of Jayaprakash Narayan might come in the way of the Congress accepting his leading role.

The Samajwadi Party will certainly remain an enigma. Mulayam Singh Yadav must now be ruing his decision to walk out of the JD-U-led alliance in Bihar. His socalled third front has not been able to cut any ice in the Bihar polls. Besides, he is senior to Nitish Kumar in age. But Mulayam Singh is a pragmatic man.

Moreover the Communist Party of IndiaMarxist has a good influence over him, and it is not inconceivable that the Left might step in while prevailing upon the

Samajwadi Party to have at least some sort of understanding at the national level.

The factor that can go in favour of Nitish Kumar is his suave personality. He enjoys good equations with Navin Patnaik and Jayalalithaa, the chief ministers of Odisha and Tamil Nadu. As a railway minister, Nitish Kumar had a tiff with Mamata Banerjee when he truncated the Eastern Railway to create a new division. But at a later stage, he was able to iron out his difference with her.

As the chief minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar has an enviable record. So far, as vital parameters of development are concerned— such as net per capita state domestic product as percentage of all India per capita net national income, annual growth rate in agriculture and allied activities, decrease in percentage of population below poverty line and life expectancy of people of Bihar—he has been able to show impressive results.

It is true that he has yet to come out of the tag of a regional leader. But the electoral triumph and his several stints as a central minister give his case a certain legitimacy.

Bull run to continue if and only if lessons from Bihar are learnt Vatsal Srivastava

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he media and political pundits needed the Bihar election outcome to conclude that the Modi wave is now officially over. The Indian markets, however, have been giving this signal for many months now with equities not participating in yet another global liquidity driven rally with the benchmark indices remaining more than 15 per cent off their all-time highs.

The Modi bandwagon is clearly in a downtrend. Now the question remains whether it consolidates here or enters a bear market. Firecrackers did not go off in Pakistan but one certainly hopes that the energy of the Nitish-Lalu wave will wash away some arrogance of the top BJP leadership, especially the Modi-Shah duo.

If lessons from the Bihar loss are learnt quickly, one can expect the Indian bull run to continue as we could then expect their focus to return on policies which actually matter for the economy.

Whether or not it is within the scope of a credit rating agency such as Moody’s to comment on India’s “ethnic tensions” is not important. The fact is that these aspects are now on the radar of global investors and financial institutions. One or two

more research notes highlighting the rise in communal tensions by say a Goldman Sachs or a Morgan Stanley in the near future will really batter down India’s image in the financial markets.

The latest quarterly earnings season has been disappointing to say the least.

When you have the country’s largest infrastructure player (L&T) and the biggest private bank (ICICI) trade near their 52week lows, it surely paints a grim picture on the ground. If oil prices were to rally $10–15 from current levels, our inflation and CAD

readings would be badly hit. India already has a low weight on the MSCI and any downgrades from its current overweight stance would really make one wonder on who wants to own India Inc now?

The BJP must now also start focusing on the social sector. Remember, it was the rural demand that held up India’s real economy during most of the 4–5 years following the financial crisis. The Bihar pounding is also a result of the NDA government’s total neglect towards the social sector. If the two flagship schemes of this government—Jan

Dhan Yojana and Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana—are an indication of the vision of this government for rural development, then there are justifiable reasons for the rural electorate not being content. They completely lack an indication of budgetary commitment to meet welfare priorities.

Further, though the government has articulated an intent for “housing for the poor” there has been no commensurate action of increasing the budgetary allocation for rural housing or even demonstrating an action plan for achieving it.

There have been no efforts undertaken by government that launched the SECC data to illustrate how it will use this to better target welfare provisions in favour of the poor. The sabka vikas slogan has been shown its place by this election, which was the first time a state with a substantial rural population was voting after the 2014 mandate.

The message is clear Mr Prime Minister: polarisation will not win you elections. You need to save the secular fabric of our country first, then the economy. The focus must be on development and governance alone. You are still the best hope for India’s long-term economic future but a total rebranding of your politics is needed even if it comes at a great political cost.

INDIA

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13 November 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Britain visit will strengthen ties: Modi

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rime Minister Narendra Modi said his visit to Britain this month will help strengthen ties while his visit to Turkey to attend the G20 summit would see a review of the decisions taken in last year’s summit in Brisbane.

Modi, who left for Britain on November 12, wrote on his Facebook page that it is “aimed at strengthening cooperation with a traditional friend that is not only a major economic partner of India but also one of the leading economic players of the world”.

“India and UK are two vibrant democracies, which are proud of their diversity and multicultural societies,” he said.

Describing Britain as one of the fastest growing G7 economies and home to a strong financial services sector, he said the country “is known for its innovative zeal and for its creative industries”.

He noted Britain has the largest diplomatic presence in India and was the third largest source of foreign investment while India too was the third largest source of FDI in terms of the number of projects in Britain and that he saw

He noted Britain has the largest diplomatic presence in India and was the third largest source of foreign investment

“immense scope” for improved economic and trade relations for mutual benefit.

Terming defence another important sector for bilateral cooperation, he said, “We have traditionally been cooperating extensively on defence and security issues and this visit will build on strong ties. Defence manufacturing will be a prime focus in my talks.” Stating that this was the first prime ministerial

from India to Britain in almost a decade, he said he had the opportunity to meet his British counterpart David Cameron at various international forums and have “productive” meetings.

“Prime Minister Cameron is a good friend of India, and we in India have had the privilege of welcoming him thrice during his first term as prime minister,” he noted. He also addressed the 1.5-million strong Indian diaspora

in Britain which he said has “contributed greatly to society in different walks of life”.

“Lakhs of professionals and students are also working and studying in Britain.

We want to deepen the bond between our diaspora and the people of India.”

He also mentioned that he would address the Indian diaspora on November 13 at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium, and also expressed joy at the opportunity to visit the house of Babasaheb Ambedkar during his visit.

Earlier this year, the Maharashtra government had

bought the place that will be converted into a museum.

From Britain, Modi will leave for Antalya in Turkey on November 14 to attend the annual G20 summit, which he said is being held at a critical juncture—just after the adoption of Sustainable Development Goals agenda at the United Nations, and just before discussions on climate change at COP-21 in Paris.

“During the Summit, we will review the progress on decisions taken at the Brisbane Summit (of 2014) and take up issues of climate change, terrorism, refugees, weak growth in global economy, strategies for growth and employment, investment strategies, trade, energy and financial sector resilience.”

Like at Brisbane, “India’s focus on mitigating the menace of black money, tax erosion and bringing greater transparency” would remain, he said.

“There will be several bilateral meetings too with world leaders on the sideline of the summit, which will help deepen our bilateral ties,” he said.

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INDIA

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 November 2015

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Bihar verdict brings cheer to Congress T he Bihar assembly results brought cheer to the Congress with a nearly seven-fold jump in the party’s tally in a crucial state of the Hindi heartland and BJP, its main rival in national politics, losing a key election.

The results came as a vindication of the party leadership’s decision to forge an alliance with the Janata DalUnited and Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar to contain the Bharatiya Janata Party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It also seemed to indicate that the party might go for alliances in the crucial state of Uttar Pradesh, where it is considered weak. The success of the strategy espoused in Bihar is likely to revive voices in the party for the elevation of Rahul Gandhi, who had taken an early initiative to forge alliances by meeting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of the JD-U in June.

The results are encouraging for the Congress, who is bracing for assembly polls in party-ruled

Assam and Kerala next year.

Tamil Nadu and West Bengal will also face elections next year while Punjab and Uttar Pradesh will go for polls in 2017.

The Congress, who has been reduced to being a marginal player in Bihar, which it ruled on its own about three decades back, contested 41 seats of which it won 27—nearly seven times more than

the four seats it had won in the 2010 polls when the party had contested all 243 assembly seats.

With wins from two-thirds of seats it contested, the Bihar outcome is the best news for the Congress in terms of electoral success since its debacle in the Lok Sabha polls last year.

However, in terms of seats won, it is still placed fourth.

The party had strong candidates on some seats and also owed its performance to transfer of votes from supporters of JD-U and RJD. It does not appear to still have forged a loyal support base of its own with upper castes having switched loyalty to the BJP and the Dalits and backward classes divided among various parties. The Congress has finished third or fourth in assembly polls in Haryana, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand held after the Lok Sabha polls last year where it put up its most dismal performance— winning only 44 seats. The party faces a growing challenge from the BJP in Assam while the Left Democratic Front appears to be on the upswing in Kerala.

Gandhi, whose June meeting with Nitish Kumar clearly signalled that the Congress intended to fight in an alliance and conveyed to Lalu Prasad’s RJD that, if push comes to shove, Congress will ally with JD-U, on Sunday interacted with media persons

with a smile on his face. He said the results were “a victory against the ideology of RSS, the BJP and Narendra Modi”.

Party leaders said the verdict has demonstrated that BJP can be easily defeated, despite the resources at its command, through correct strategy and opposition unity, noting that the three parties of the Grand Alliance had eventually thrashed out a clear-cut formula for seat adjustment and the alliance proved cohesive in the polls with easy transfer of votes.

The BJP campaign in Bihar was led by Modi and its resounding defeat is likely to embolden the Congress and other opposition parties in taking on the National Democratic Alliance government more aggressively during the coming winter session of parliament on issues such as “growing intolerance”, and not cooperate in the passage of the Goods and Services Tax bill to protest Modi’s “confrontationist attitude”.

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INDIA

13 November 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

OROP: Ex-servicemen Investment, defence cooperation to top Modi’s British agenda protest march to Rashtrapati Bhavan I Red

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x-servicemen escalated their protest against the notification on the implementation of ‘One Rank, One Pension’ (OROP) and took out a march from Jantar Mantar to Rashtrapati Bhavan, saying a “diluted” OROP scheme was not acceptable.

“A protest march was taken out from Jantar Mantar to Rashtrapati Bhavan against the diluted OROP scheme,” said a spokesperson of the exservicemen’s front.

He said retired military personnel will try to meet President Pranab Mukherjee and returned him their gallantry and other medals.

Delhi Police, however, stopped the protest march before it could reach Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Some protesters also tried to burn their medals but were stopped by the other members.

Group Captain V.K. Gandhi (retd), general secretary of the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement, said they were fighting for their rights and a “diluted” OROP scheme was not acceptable.

“The OROP scheme was cleared by parliament. Then

why were the changes made in the scheme? Why did they put conditions?”

Gandhi asked, and accused the government of cheating them.

The veterans listed seven changes made by the government, including annual equalisation, the 2013–14 financial year as the base year for calculating pension, and taking the highest pension scale of 2013 as the base for calculation and not the average as announced by the government.

The new scheme also says it will be reviewed once in five years and not annually.

Gandhi said the veterans demanded reconsideration of the changes made by the government in implementation of the OROP scheme.

Earlier, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said the ex-servicemen protesting against the OROP notification were “misguided”.

He said that while everyone had a right to make a demand in a democracy, not all demands can be fulfilled.

nvestment and defence will be the key sectors that will be in focus during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s threeday visit to Britain.

Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar said that India and Britain are leading investors in each other’s countries. “Our ballpark figure for UK investments in India is in excess of $22 billion. It amounts to nine per cent of the current FDI level in India,” he said.

He said that the working assumption on Indian investments in Britain was around $500–600 million per year for the past few years. “We have 122 FDI investments in the UK. We are a significant job creator there,” Jaishankar said. Terming Britain a significant trade partner of India, he said that “we have almost $18 billion worth of trade”.

“We have trade in services of $4 billion-plus,” the foreign secretary said. “We have a very robust partnership in science and technology, education, healthcare, culture. We have 800 Indian companies operating in the UK,” he said.

Defence is another area of bilateral cooperation that will be in focus. “We have traditionally been cooperating extensively on defence and security issues and

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NRIs hail Modi’s UK trip

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this visit will build on strong ties.

Defence manufacturing will be a prime focus in my talks,” Modi wrote on Facebook.

According to Jaishankar, government-to-government discussions will be held between Modi and British Premier David Cameron. Modi will also address the British Parliament, which according to the foreign secretary will be the first by an Indian prime minister.

Following the conclusion of his visit to Britain, Modi will leave for Antalya in Turkey on November 14 to attend the G-20 summit.

“During the summit, we will review the progress on decisions taken at the Brisbane Summit and take up issues of climate change, terrorism, refugees, weak growth in global economy, strategies for growth and employment, investment strategies, trade, energy and financial sector resilience.”

rominent NRIs based in Britain have welcomed Modi’s visit. G.P. Hinduja, cochairman of the multi-billion dollar transnational conglomerate Hinduja Group, said Modi’s visit will “boost bilateral trade and investment between the two countries”.

Mumbai-born British lawyer and the first Asian to set up a law firm in London, Sarosh Zaiwalla said the two countries enjoy a strong bond in economic cooperation, rule of law and relatively free movement of labour.

“Much to the excitement of the (Indian) community, this relationship is set to be celebrated and renewed when Modi lands here,” Zaiwalla noted.

Indian founder and CEO of UK-based companies RationalFX and Xendpay, Rajesh Agrawal said this is the time to “celebrate the great talents of the Indian community and the benefits they bring to the UK, both economically and socially”.

“If the success of the BritishIndian community is anything to go by, then the government must recognise that we should not close our doors to such a rich resource of labour if we want to compete in the world market in the long term,” Agrawal said.

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Nestle announces Maggi’s re-launch after five months

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estle India said it has begun the roll-out of Maggi noodles and that the priority would now be to reach the popular snack to the consumers at the earliest.

“The return of Maggi Noodles on the auspicious eve of Deepawali and on the day of Dhanteras is a moment of celebration for all of us,” Nestle India chairman and managing director Suresh Nayaranan said in a statement, announcing the re-launch after it was banned on June 5.

“Maggi has special relationships and strong emotional bonds with its consumers across the country and I am confident that our bonds will grow even stronger,” Nayaranan said, adding the company has also entered into a pact with Snapdeal for online sales.

On June 5, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had ordered a pan-India ban on the company’s noodles on the ground that these were “unsafe and hazardous” for human consumption due to presence of lead, allegedly beyond

permissible limits. After a fivemonth legal battle, Nestle said that Maggi masala will hit the retail shelves as early as this month having cleared all tests ordered by the Bombay High Court at three accredited laboratories.

INDIA ABROAD

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 November 2015

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Indian-Canadians sworn in as ministers

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t was a great day for Indians as four Indian-Canadians were sworn in as ministers as 42-yearold Justin Trudeau took oath as the country’s 23rd prime minister at a grand public ceremony.

While 42-year-old Indian Canadian Harjit Sajjan was appointed defence minister, 38-year-old Navdeep Bains got the portfolio of innovation, science and economic development.

Another Sikh, Amarjeet Sohi has been sworn in as minister for infrastructure.

A young Sikh woman, Bardish Jhagger, who is a first-time MP, has been sworn in as minister for small business and tourism.

Navdeep Bains, who played a key role in Trudeau’s election as the Liberal Party leader in 2013, has been awarded with the important cabinet berth.

Bains, who became MP for the third time last month by winning from Mississauga-Brampton, previously served as parliamentary secretary to the prime minister in 2005 when he was MP from 2004 till 2011 when he lost.

Considered suave, Bains has been a distinguished visiting professor at Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University in Toronto till now.

India-born first-time Sikh Harjit Sajjan is Canada’s defence minister

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A police and army official, Sajjan has been the first Sikh to command a Canadian regiment, called the Duke of Connaught’s Own, which is a reserve regiment based in British Columbia province. Sajjan has served in Afghanistan and Bosnia and been twice a

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Clockwise from top: Amarjeet Sohi, Bardish Jhagger, Harjit Sajjan and Navdeep Bains

special adviser on Afghanistan. He was given the Meritorious Service Medal in March 2013.

A father of two, the 45-year-old Sajjan was with the Vancouver Police Department for 11 years and served as a detective for the gang crime unit.

However, Sajjan’s nomination as the Liberal Party candidate from Vancouver South last year attracted controversy when many Sikh leaders resigned from the Liberal Party, alleging that the party leadership has been ‘manipulated’ by hardliner Sikhs of the World Sikh Organisation.

Harjit Sajjan’s father Kundan Sajjan is a board member of the WSO, which is alleged to have hardline sympathies.

But Sajjan told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation last year, “I am not a member of the WSO. I’ve had no negative vibes from anybody.”

Harjit was five when his father moved to Canada from Punjab. His wife Kuljit Kaur is a family doctor.

AIF raises $200,000 for India initiative

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merican India Foundation (AIF) has raised $200,000 for its Maternal and Newborn Survival Initiative (MANSI), designed to reduce maternal and child mortality in rural, impoverished areas of India.

Founded in 2001 at the initiative of the then US President Bill Clinton, the community organisation engaged in catalysing social and economic change in India, raised the amount at its annual Washington DC gala.

The gala featured Mamta Mahato, a 26year old health worker from Jharkhand, India. She shared that skills training from AIF’s MANSI programme has enabled her to safely deliver more than 90 healthy newborns in her village. More than 250 influential guests from the US and Indian governments, corporate and entrepreneur leadership, media, and philanthropy of the greater Washington DC area attended the power-packed evening at the historic Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.

Javed Akhtar, noted film writer, lyricist, and poet, was honoured at the event addressed by Indian Ambassador to the US Arun Kumar Singh. “The American India

Foundation is steering relations between the world’s largest democracy and the world’s most powerful democracy,” he said.

Singh addressed the current development challenges in India and the solutions being implemented across the country, including initiatives to revitalise the economy through entrepreneurship and start-ups.

“The effort of the government has to be supplemented by what civil society and people like you are able to do,” he said.

Praising the involvement and contribution of the American Indian community in strengthening villages and small towns in India, Akhtar said, “What is wonderful about you is that you have not forgotten your connect to India.”

Teresa Carlson, Vice President of the Global Public Sector at Amazon emphasised the entrepreneurial potential of India.

Venkatesh Raghavendra, AIF Senior Director thanked the young leaders of the greater Washington DC area for having taken ownership of the AIF’s cause.

The gala also recognised the leadership of Neera Tanden, President of The Centre for American Progress, Kumar Barve, member of the Maryland House of Delegates and Aziz Haniffa, managing editor at India Abroad.

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SPORTS

13 November 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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India beat South Africa by 108 runs in first Test

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avindra Jadeja led the charge with a fivewicket haul as India overpowered South Africa by 108 runs on the third day of the first Test at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.

Chasing a target of 218 runs, the Proteas could only manage 109 in their second innings on the rapidly crumbling wicket before being all out.

Jadeja had figures of 5–59 while Ravichandran Ashwin (3–39) also made good use of the conditions.

Fast bowler Varun Aarun (1–3) and leg-spinner Amit Mishra (1– 26) bagged a wicket each.

India, who had started the day at 125/2 in their second innings, were all out for 200 shortly after lunch. Imran Tahir and Simon Harmer spun a web around the Indian batsmen to grab fourwicket hauls. But the Proteas could not rejoice for long as their batsmen struggled to come to terms with the copious turn and variable bounce.

Jadeja struck the opening blow for India when he trapped Vernon Philander leg before with his first ball of the day. Ashwin justified Virat Kohli’s decision to open the attack with spin bowlers when he dismissed Faf du Plesis in the next over. Ashwin unleashed a delivery

that straightened after pitching as du Plesis offered an easy catch to the slips.

The Indian spinners continued to dominate and the South Africans were in deep trouble when the in-form AB de Villiers went back to the pavilion.

Aaron finally put an end to Dean Elgar’s laboured innings with a short-pitched delivery. Dale Steyn also did not last long as he tried to smash Ashwin out of the park but only managed to find Murali Vijay at long on. India was 202 ahead at lunch with Wriddhiman Saha batting on eight.

India started the day in a steady manner before seamer Stiaan van Zyl sent back Kohli. Tahir got the

Lot more to come from me: Vijender

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ndia’s Vijender Singh knocked out (Kayoed) Dean Gillen in the first round to register his second consecutive win in professional wrestling.

“Wow! That was quick! I felt very comfortable in there and lined him up with my jabs first to get the range. But then when I started connecting with the right, I knew it was only a matter of time before I caught him properly,” said an excited Vijender after his win.

“He went down, which the referee said was a slip. I wasn’t so sure about that. But anyway when he got back up I knew I’d hurt him so I went straight into him and didn’t stop punching until he went down. When I landed the last right hand and he dropped, I had a feeling that he wasn’t going to get up. When the referee counted to 10, it was a fantastic feeling to get my first KO.” Vijender will now take a week’s break and reach India to celebrate Diwali with his family. His third fight is scheduled for December

19 in Manchester. “I said that after the first fight I’d improve. I showed some of the development and improvement but there’s a lot more to come from me. I know this is a just step-by-step journey for me but I have to cover a long way to be champion,” said the Olympic bronze medallist.

“After having two fights I can just say that Indian young boxers can also do it, it’s just about doing hard work. I would like to thank all the fans for their support.”

second breakthrough for South Africa soon after when he had Pujara caught by Amla in the slips.

Ajinkya Rahane survived only nine balls before Temba Bavuma took a fine catch at forward shortleg to give Harmer his first scalp of the day. Harmer then dismissed Ravindra Jadeja and Amit Mishra in quick succession to reduce the hosts to 182/7.

Jadeja was trapped leg before while Mishra was caught at square-leg as he went for a pull shot. Ashwin pushed India’s lead past the 200-run mark, before Tahir found his outer edge with the last ball before lunch as Amla pulled off another fine effort in the slips.

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Want to play in MLS for a year: Ronaldo

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eal Madrid’s star forward Cristiano Ronaldo said he is “definitely thinking” of leaving his club for a year and play Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.

“I am not closing the door on any league anywhere in the world,” Ronaldo was quoted as saying by goal.com. “I’m definitely thinking about playing in the USA for a year. I’ve always said living and playing there is a possibility.”

The Portugal captain has been heavily linked with his former club Manchester United and Paris SaintGermain.

But his possibility of playing in the US might come as a surprise to many including his agent J o r g e Mendes w h o had

earlier said that the 30-year-old would retire from Real.

Recently the MLS has seen a galaxy of superstars including the likes of David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo.

Ronaldo left United for Real in 2009 for a then-world record fee of 80 million pounds (approximately $120 million), and he says he is still in contact with the footballers from United who played alongside him.

“There (in United) I was treated in the same way as a son is treated by a father,” he said.

“I had some incredible moments. I’m still in touch with (Rio) Ferdinand, Nani, Anderson, (Nemanja) Vidic, (Patrice) Evra and with (Ryan) Giggs, who is now the assistant manager. I have some amazing memories.”

India sixth in world hockey rankings

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he Indian men’s team has jumped two places to be sixth in the latest global hockey rankings, while the women’s team remained at 13th The International Hockey Federation (FIH) released the rankings charts as Asian Games 2014 champions India leapfrogged Belgium (three places down to seventh) and New Zealand (now eighth), riding on good recent performances at the Hero Hockey World League (HWL) Semi-Finals.

Meanwhile, men’s World Cup holders Australia and women’s Olympic and World champions the Netherlands remain at the top of the FIH rankings.

There is no change in the men’s top three nations, with the Netherlands ranked second and Germany third. While England moved into fourth, Argentina continued their rise as they moved up to fifth place.

Behind New Zealand were South Korea, Pakistan, Spain, Ireland, Malaysia, Canada and South Africa till the 15th spot respectively. The biggest rise in the men’s rankings saw Venezuela

The Indian men's team has jumped two places to be sixth in the latest global hockey rankings, while the women's team remained at 13th.

move up 22 places to 47. In the women’s rankings, despite losing the EuroHockey Championships 2015 final to England, the Netherlands remained in the top spot.

Australia followed by Argentina made up the top three, New Zealand in fourth, while only 13 points separate China, England and the United States positioned fifth, sixth and seventh place respectively. Dominican Republic made the biggest rise as they moved from 51 to 37.

The rankings were confirmed following the conclusion of the African Hockey Championships 2015.

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SPORTS

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 November 2015

Young players have an edge in chess: Anand

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ive-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand said that he is still rectifying his mistakes but believes young talent has now got an edge in the sport.

The 45-year-old lost to world No.1 Magnus Carlsen of Norway in 2013 and 2014 in the World Chess Championship.

“Median age is 20 and some are around 22. Top players are younger but as long as I am happy, I will compete. I will try but you just cannot ignore the fact that the peak age for chess is not 40, it is below,” Anand told reporters at the Blender’s Pride Fashion tour.

“When you are younger, you calculate better but later on, you have to think how can you put one in,” he said.

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“I am constantly rectifying, and I will keep trying and you have to constantly work on your mistakes.”

Anand believes Carlsen, who is now 24 years old, is from a different generation and that he and Kramnick are just hanging in there.

“Kramnick and I are still hanging in there. Kramnick and my way of thinking is almost the same because we were roughly born in the same era, so we have the same way of doing things. Carlsen is from a different generation,” he said.

Speaking on whether it is an advantage going into the World Chess Championship as one of the top ranked players, Anand said, “There are no advantages and disadvantages. It only matters how many points you

score there. It only matters what you do as candidates.

Anything you are carrying forward to make you feel good, gives you the energy to do well, perfect! Other than that nothing.”

The former World No.1 also said that he has not been in the right frame of mind for the last two or three events and added challenges were getting tough with time.

“In the last two events I did not do well and somehow was not in the right frame of mind. So I will have to keep on working and developing more ideas. But it is getting difficult with time. At 20, all tournament’s were a piece of cake,” said Anand.

Chelsea are Tiger Woods of football: Gullit

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ormer AC Milan star Ruud Gullit has compared Chelsea to Tiger Woods because neither the English football champions nor the American golf icon are feared like they once were.

Chelsea lost 0–1 as Stoke City condemned them to their third consecutive defeat and their seventh in the English Premier League (EPL) this season.

Head coach Jose Mourinho was serving a one-game stadium ban at the Britannia stadium and Gullit feels his former club has fallen from grace in similar fashion to golfing legend Woods, winner of 14 Major titles.

“It’s like Tiger Woods. In the beginning

everybody who was standing with Tiger Woods knew already that they had lost the game. Now people see him and Chelsea and think: ‘We can beat them’,” said Gullit, who played 66 for the Netherlands and won the European Championship in 1988.

“They’ve lost that aura of invincibility.

You can feel it. The players sense it also that the opposition is not afraid of you anymore.

To get that back you get it only by results.”

To fix their slump, Gullit believes Mourinho must accept he has made mistakes and that the Portuguese tactician needs to stop blaming his players. “He can change it. If he would have said after the

Saina, Sindhu win, Srikanth out of China Open

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eading Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal edged past her Chinese opponent Sun Yu 22–20, 21–18 to move into the second round of the China Open.

Although it was a neckand-neck affair, the top seed held her nerve to win the gruelling battle in 49 minutes.

In the first game, it was Yu who started in top gear, picking up four quick points. Saina, the defending champion, made a swift comeback to make it 6–7 but the Chinese surged ahead again.

Yu led 18–14 and looked all set to bag the opener. But the Hyderabad-born shuttler stormed back with four back-toback points to make it 18–18. They were locked at 20-20 too but then Saina picked up the last two crucial points to pocket the game in the tie breaker.

In the second game, Saina carried forward the momentum gained after winning the first and was very quick to respond to anything that Yu produced. She led from the start and after some hiccups in the middle of the game, finished on a strong note, taking it 21–18.

In the men’s singles, Ajay Jayaram lost to World No.1 Chen Long 12–21, 11–21. The No.25 shuttler was hoping against hope to

upset Long, who was just too good.

In neither game, Jayaram looked like giving his opponent a scare. Long dominated easily and quite convincingly clinched the encounter.

It was a sad outing for defending champion Kadambi Srikanth too as he crashed out of the tournament after losing his first-round encounter to Hu Yun of Hong Kong. In the first game, Yun led from the beginning till the end but Srikanth tried staging a comeback in the second. It was all even at 16–16 but then the Hong Kong shuttler pipped Srikanth to clinch the issue.

In another men’s singles match, Prannoy Kumar battled hard but ultimately lost against his Chinese opponent Guo Kai in a first round match that stretched for an hour and three minutes.

last game: ‘I’m wrong. I didn’t need to do that. I was emotional. You’re right. I should have this punishment.’ Then everyone would forgive him,” he added.

“In the past, when the team won with Mourinho, it was Mourinho who won. When they lost, it was Mourinho who lost. All of a sudden this year, he was blaming the players. Now it was Mourinho who won and the players who lost. That was a bit of a difference I saw.

“He was criticising his players.

Beforehand he always guarded his players; protected them.”

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FIFA to formally give India U-17 World Cup hosting rights

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orld football governing body FIFA will entrust India the right to host the third most important event on the FIFA calendar—the Under-17 World Cup India 2017—at the closing ceremony of the 16th U-17 World Cup in Chile.

The final of the 2015 U-17 World Cup will be played between Nigeria and Mali at Viña del Mar. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) looks upon this as an important step towards building the sport in India.

With 24 countries playing 52 matches, the tournament is scheduled to be played across six world-class FIFA certified venues in India.

“We are proud to host the third most coveted international football tournament in the world and the biggest ever in Indian history,” AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said.

“This is a matter of national pride as we help create world class infrastructure, bring in professional planning and execution and deliver the best possible tournament to India’s football lovers. We see this as the onset of a ‘Football Revolution’ in India.”

AIFF president Praful Patel said, “This is historic. Hosting a tournament of such stature will help galvanise the face of Indian football among the masses and youth of the country.”

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13 November 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Indian-born Binumon flourishes in early childhood education New Zealand Tertiary College

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inumon Thanangattu embarked on an adventure to further his teaching career two years ago with a move from India to New Zealand, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Having always had a passion for teaching children and experience teaching primary and secondary school in India for 12 years, Binumon was ready to pursue an exciting new career direction by studying to become an early childhood educator.

“I began researching early childhood education programmes in New Zealand, a country renowned for its highquality education,” Binumon explained. “From there it was an obvious choice to consider one of the best early childhood education colleges in the country—New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC).”

Although Binumon was initially unsure which early

childhood education qualification would be the most beneficial for him, he quickly made up his mind once the NZTC India Office in Mumbai assisted him with guidance, helping him to clarify his thoughts and remove any doubts. With their support, he decided on studying towards a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) through NZTC’s Blended Learning mode of delivery, which combines online study with faceto-face learning and practice.

He began his Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) studies in September 2014 and has been enjoying New Zealand life and education ever since. “It is awesome to be in a country which welcomes and respects different cultures,” he said. “I’ve had no difficulty fitting in with the lifestyle, people and educational environment here because I’ve had a lot of helping hands around me.”

But a move to a new country and education system is seldom

without challenges. Binumon initially found studying online “a hard nut to crack” because of his background with face-to-face learning, but he soon came to find online study invaluable for managing his learning around his other commitments.

Adjusting to using English (his second language) and understanding the local accent was another challenge for him, but he had plenty of assistance from NZTC in overcoming any obstacles.

“NZTC’s lecturers are flexible and knowledgeable, and they provide excellent support,” Binumon commented. “I am also very impressed by the Pastoral Support Team’s services for international students, which are really helpful when students are faced with both personal issues and issues relating to their studies.”

Binumon added that his experience working in an early childhood education centre has

been another highlight of his time in New Zealand. He is particularly interested in styles of teaching that use play as a medium for learning and encouraging children to explore their own interests.

After a warm welcome from his early childhood education centre, Binumon now feels right at home in New Zealand, commenting, “Now I know I am an important part of the whānau, and I am very proud of this.”

Tech round-up: Fallout 4 and BlackBerry Priv mahesh

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ope you all had a great Diwali and enjoyed the festival with family and friends. Let’s kick off this week’s tech round-up with the release of Fallout 4.

Fallout 4 The much-awaited fifth instalment of the role-playing game is set in a post-nuclear war-torn world. Developed by Bethesda Studios, the game was launched on November 10 and is available for Playstation 4, Xbox One and Windows.

The beautifully-designed game begins with the gamer waking up in Vault 111, 200 years after

the nuclear war. Gameplay has been improved and streamlined in Fallout 4. It relies on the SPECIAL ruleset—strength, perception, endurance, charisma, intelligence, agility and luck.

Points are attributed to the gamer as the game progresses.

It is not your typical shootthem-all game. There are mental games, psychological and philosophical elements that you need to tackle as well. When

you come out as a sole survivor from the Vault, you experience a distraught world struggling to nurture humanity again; a world filled with mean raiders, dangerous mutants. And as you go along, you solve problems and gain experience. You learn from your decisions, your mistakes and gain new abilities and skills.

The game also lets you craft your weapons using modular systems. You collect materials and use them to improvise your ammunition. Like I said, it is not like your regular games. If you are a gamer, I would suggest you experience Fallout 4.

BlackBerry PRIV Yes! BlackBerry. Not the fruit but the mobile phone you once owned. It is back and it runs on Android. The company, which lost a whopping amount of market share in the post-iPhone world, is making a comeback with BlackBerry Priv. And it has chosen to ride on the openness and popularity of Android.

The problem is, the market is full of Android devices—all kinds, all sizes and all price-points.

But BlackBerry has a trick up its sleeve—the physical keyboard.

BlackBerry’s famous keyboard is present in its full glory in this

slider phone. So is there any scope for BlackBerry to survive and thrive in this cut-throat market?

Let’s see the specs. Priv has a 5.4-inch curved AMOLED 2560 x 1440 screen, which seems perfect for the slide-out keyboard. Processing package has a Snapdragon 808 paired with 3GB of RAM and an expandable 32GB of storage. On the rear, there is an 18-megapixel sensor snapper featuring Optical Image Stabilisation and dualLED flash. The 3410 mAh battery seems promising as well.

The phone has great build quality. On paper, the phone

looks as good as any other flagship smart phone.

There are various smart ideas built into the software. With Priv—that stands for Privacy— Blackberry is trying to say that it is a secure phone, unlike other standard smart phones. While the core is Android Lollipop 5.1, BlackBerry’s software layer on Priv provides many security and audit features that are supposed to be good for enterprise and corporate executive. While it all looks good, the price might prove to be a bit of a problem. At US$699, the phone is not cheap.

But then again, the segment that Priv targets might not have any issues with the pricing.

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 November 2015

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13 November 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

Badshah—ruling the pop charts

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Mayashivam

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ome call him the “rap-god”, the fastest rising star on the music, especially the R&B horizon of Indian cinema. His name says it all— Badshah. He is regularly compared to YoYo Honey Singh, but the popularity of Abhi toh party shuruhui hai has ensured he has his place in the industry. As he churns out more and more hits—the most recent being DJ waale babu—he confirms he means business and is here to stay. Also, if you have been anywhere near anyone from the northern states of India (or any Indian pub/club for that matter), you could not have missed the popular

Punjabi song Proper patola. The song sung by Diljit Dosanjh and written by Badshah has achieved a cult status with its YouTube video getting more than 70 lakh hits.

Badshah was recently on his first tour to Australia and New Zealand. After performing at packed venues in Australia, Badshah performed before a full house at The Studio in Auckland. He won many hearts with his live-wire presence on stage before he left to Wellington for a performance the next day.

We sat down with Badshah, over a cup of Chai Latte on his first ever trip to Auckland for an exclusive tete-a tete and were completely floored by his humility, down to earth and boy next door demeanour. Dressed in his sweatshirt and tracks, Badshah spoke to us candidly about his life, love, music and all things personal.

Maya: So tell us why the name Badshah?

Badshah: Well, it comes quite naturally.

When I was born, the doctor asked my mother—what do you want to name him?

And she said “Prince”. That is what I have always been called since then. So when it

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came to choosing a stage name, it was Badshah. The name on my passport is AdityaPrateek Singh Sisodia. I was born into a Punjabi family in Delhi, my father is from Haryana.

Maya: So where was Prince raised and what were your early years like?

Badshah: raised Pitampura i n

I was in

Delhi and did my schooling from BalBharati Public School in Pitampura. I used to perform in the school choir and played a lot of basketball. I had dreams of becoming a basketball player till I realised there was no future for basketball players in India.

After I finished my schooling I went to Chandigarh to pursue my engineering and have lived there since then.

Maya: Do you have any siblings?

Badshah: I have a younger sister, who is going to get married soon.

Maya: So when did you get interested in music?

Badshah: I don’t know. I can’t think of how far back but I could never study without music. So I always had music playing. I have also always loved writing. When I was in school, I wrote a rap piece on one of my teachers that became quite infamous. I gradually realised that whatever I do, I need to have music in my life. I now compose, I write my own lyrics, I do my own music and I act in my own videos.

“I was raised in Pitampura in Delhi and did my schooling from Bal Bharati Public School in Pitampura. I used to perform in the school choir and played a lot of basketball. I had dreams of becoming a basketball player till I realised there was no future for basketball players in India.

tête-à-tête

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 November 2015 Maya: So how did the step up from Prince to Badshah happen?

Red Orange Badshah: When IBlack went to Chandigarh,

Indian music was going through a revolution.

Punjabi music was at an all-time high. Jay Shaun and Richie Rich were making waves in the industry with their music.

There was a sudden change in scene for Indian music. As I was on the internet a lot, I kept track of everything that was happening and what was going on. I was excited and inspired and wanted to do something on my own.

Since I am a reserved person, there was always so much to vent, so much to tell people and I put it all in my songs, in my music.

I don’t really remember what my first number was. I have done many songs that weren’t released. Then in 2007, I started working with Honey Singh. In 2012, I went solo and recorded Saturday Saturday, which was eventually used in Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania. So that’s how it all started and it has been a great journey so far.

Maya: Do you travel a lot?

to Shimla or Manali. I love the mountains.

For my shows, I have been to America, England, Dubai and Hong Kong, but the one place I really loved was Melbourne.

Maya: Does the Badshah have a “Queen of hearts”?

Badshah: Yes, I have been married for three years. My wife usually travels with me, but she is not here now, as she is preparing for her exams.

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In fact, because she has never been to this side of the world, I was keen for her to join me.

Maya: Do you have a message for all your fans?

Badshah: Thank you for all the support.

Keep supporting me and I will keep making the music you love.

Badshah: Yes, I do. Even if I am not travelling for work, I just plain enjoy travelling. If nothing else, I will just take off

Badshah in Auckland

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adshah performed in Auckland in front of a packed house at The Studios along with the ravishing and charming Astha Gill. Together they created magic on stage churning out one popular track after another. The Auckland show was presented

by Page 3 lifestyle events and managed by Sony entertainment.

One got so carried away by the vibe that the performance seemed almost too short—but worth every bit. From the ever popular Saturday Saturday, to Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai and DJ waale babu…they treated the audience to it all.

The other star that definitely stood out for me that evening was DJ Areeb, who seemed to be at his best. The young crowd seemed to have had a treat as the evening came to an end and there are similar reports from Wellington. Kudos to the Big Bang Drop entertainment for this treat to New Zealand.

Trivia • My Sun Sign: Scorpio (a little birdie told us 19 November) • My Favourite Colour: Black • My Favourite Food: Rajma-Chawal • I am most comfortable in: Sweatshirts and pants • I am happiest when: I am comfortable • I usually smell of: Perfumes, duty-free • I love: My family • My idol: Myself (laughs) • My inspiration: Life

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ENTERTAINMENT

13 November 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Rishi afraid to do plays

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eteran actor Rishi Kapoor, who is yet to perform in a play, says that despite a strong desire, he is afraid to come on stage.

“I’ve never done a play. I’m a cinema actor. I’ve had a strong desire but I’m afraid to come on stage,” said Rishi, when asked if he would like to feature in one.

He was present at the iconic Prithvi Theatre here for the popular Prithvi festival that begins on the occasion of his grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor’s birth anniversary— November 3. He had also shared pictures of his grandfather on Twitter terming him, “Good looking, Greek God Grandfather!”

Asked about the changes in the festival over the years, he replied, “It’s been happening every year and it’s actually on auto-pilot— as such there haven’t been any changes in it. There is no profit making in this, it’s a trust. It’s (admission price) barely minimum just to keep it going on. You can’t do anything for free as nothing is free in today’s time.”

He also feels that there hasn’t been a decline i n theatre. “It’s not got less, I believe theatre is progressing.

On one side, MAMI is going on and on the other side, theatre is also going on.

People present a play so well, it is very encouraging and I’m hopeful that lot of people will come and be part of Prithvi festival. If you give the platform, people are going to

increase,” he said.

The Prithvi theatre, set up by legendary Prithviraj Kapoor, is one of the iconic venues for the medium of theatre in the country having completed almost 70 years since its inception. Rishi feels that the there is a need for more platforms like Prithvi theatre, which conducts more than 500 shows every year, to promote the medium.

“We need more such venues to promote theatre, like we see in every country or in West where there are more platforms like Prithvi theatre to showcase their talent and creativity. We need to give it a push.

“Every drama company takes their play to various cities and promotes it, so I hope that we should also promote our plays in our city and in our country,” he said.

India should do away with film censorship: Dheepan actor

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ctor Anthonythasan Jesuthasan of Palme d’Or-winning drama Dheepan—a French drama about three Tamil refugees who flee the civil war in Sri Lanka to settle in France—feels the film may not release in India, and says it’s time the country gets rid of its film censorship.

“I’m not against censorship, but when it’s still bound by the rules created during British regime, it worries me. It’s unlikely that Dheepan will release in India thanks to the censors. I think India should just do away with (film) censorship,” Anthonythasan said during the17th Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. He believes censorship can’t be used to judge any form of art.

“It’s not just cinema. I’m a writer too, and some of my novels have been banned from being released in the country.

My film Dead Sea, which I had written and directed in 2009, was denied censor certification because it was about Tamil fishermen being killed on Sri Lankan waters,” he said.

In Jacques Audiard-directed Dheepan—which won the most prestigious award of the Cannes International Film Festival earlier this year—Anthonythasan plays Sivadhasan, a former Tamil LTTE member who assumes the name Dheepan and forms a family with two strangers so that they can flee Sri Lanka and gain asylum

in France. The reel story is very similar to Antonythasan’s real life.

“I worked as an LTTE soldier and then came to France, where I’ve been living as a refugee for over two decades,” he said.

The only thing that has changed in his life after starring in the movie is that people recognise him now wherever he goes.

“I’m no longer a refugee. I get to travel business class now and no more ticketless ride on the

subway.

People listen to me when I talk and I make the best use of the opportunity. I try and speak about the problems faced

by Sri Lankan immigrants all over the world,” he said.

Anthonythasan views cinema as a powerful medium to address the most burning issues plaguing humanity.

“I don’t want only the Sri Lankan issues to be highlighted but wish filmmakers use the medium to throw light on several problems from around the globe,” he added.

He admits such films will receive strong objection.

“People hold on to certain beliefs and when you go against them and try to make a point, there will be resistance. It will come via public and even government.

But these things shouldn’t stop a filmmaker from making a point, even if it means going against the whole system,” he said.

Anthonythasan will soon work in a Canadian film about the large population of Tamils settled there.

DDLJ screened at prestigious British Film Institute

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ontinuing its 20th year celebrations, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) had a special screening at the iconic British Film Institute (BFI).

It was screened as part of BFI’s Love: Films To Fall In Love With...

Films To Break Your Heart in partnership with internet service provider Plusnet.

This special screening of DDLJ took place on November 7 at BFI Southbank, said a statement.

The BFI’s ‘Love’ season is currently celebrating a broad spectrum of romantic films and TV gems from the swooning silent era to the present day and the DDLJ extravaganza was featured alongside a wider curation of Hollywood melodrama, British period drama and European erotic thriller.

Aditya Chopra’s DDLJ, starring superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, was showcased as “The Brave-hearted Will Take the Bride” and was the only Indian title at the BFI screening.

As part of this screening, a nationwide search for Britain’s very own Raj and Simran was also held in conjunction with Asian TV

channel B4U and BFI, to uncover a special ‘Raj and Simran’ jodi with their own unique love story against the odds.

The winning couple, Pahul Ahluwalia and Rahul Sharma of East London, were welcomed onstage and gifted with hampers of DDLJ memorabilia and collector’s item merchandise while they paid homage to the iconic screen looks of the film’s lead stars.

Also Shah Rukh himself regaled the audience and winners with an extraordinarily delightful and charming video message.

ENTERTAINMENT

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 November 2015

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Award wapsi a matter of personal choice: Soha Ali Khan

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ctress Soha Ali Khan says she has had “discussions” with mother and veteran actress Sharmila Tagore over the recent spate of award wapsi over intolerance in India. But the Rang De Basanti actress believes it’s a matter of personal choice when it comes to returning or keeping the awards.

“We’ve had discussions. She (Tagore) is very passionate about certain things and I know she has been vocal. I completely respect her point of view. We haven’t had a chance to debate on it but we both come from a secular and liberal school of thought. But my take is ‘each to their own’. People who have awards and who want to keep them or return them, it’s their personal choice,” Soha said.

Tagore has said the attacks on writers and artistes were against the basic principles of democracy.

Soha, along with numerous other Bollywood celebrities came out in support of the Pakistani artistes being targeted by the Shiv Sena, asserting that art and creativity shouldn’t be stifled.

Talking about the motherdaughter’s line of thinking, Soha said though they do differ at times, but their thoughts “certainly aren’t poles apart”.

“We come from a similar school of thinking. I had a different life, educational system and so I have my own thoughts as well,” she said.

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promotion but merits.

“I don’t think any film can be successful with promotions. A successful film can become more successful with promotions. But if any film does well, that’s on the basis of its merits. So I’m hoping that with Charlie Kay Chakkar Mein, this fact is either proved,” he said to a query about the film’s low-key promotion at screening of the film.

The screening was attended by producer Karan Arora, director Manish Srivastav and other cast members including Naseeruddin and Anand Tiwari.

Naseeruddin, who is one of the most senior actors in the industry, also disputed the term “realistic” saying that even his successful thriller A Wednesday was termed “realistic” but that wasn’t exactly the case. He also refuted comparisons with “Talwar”, claiming that there are numerous

viewpoints in the film such as Roshomon.

“Charlie Kay Chakkar Mein story is very simple but strangely it’s narrated in a complicated manner. Even this is an imaginary situation, which may or may not be true. The treatment to the film is definitely very edgy and a thriller kind,” he said.

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Mastani came to an end when Priyanka Chopra released the first look of her character from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s forthcoming film online.

The actress says her role of Kashibai displays many emotions, from simple and poetic to devoted. Priyanka also added that the look comes as a pre-Diwali gift for her fans. “#KashiBaiPoster Simple...

Poignant... Poetic... Sanguine...

Devoted #somanyemotions,” Priyanka tweeted.

The actress, who made her international TV debut with Quantico, added: “Early Happy Diwali from cold Montreal. I miss home! Here is the first look of #KashiBaiPoster”.

Bajirao Mastani narrates the love story of Maratha Peshwa Bajirao I (played by Ranveer Singh) and Mastani (Deepika Padukone).

Priyanka plays Bajirao’s first wife Kashibai.

In the poster, Priyanka can be seen in a Maharashtrian attire, standing with an aarti thali in her hands. The canvas of the image is a myriad of colours such as orange and purple with an impression of palace and Marathas in the background. The film, which is expected to be opulent and grand, is scheduled to release on December 18.

Returning awards not the best way to dissent: Kamal Haasan

retain his award.

“They keep asking why I didn’t return my award. In that case, Mahatma Gandhi should’ve also returned his law degree to the British government because he was against it. But he didn’t do so, did he?” he asked.

Kamal, who was criticised heavily for choosing to not return his National award, said he will only raise his voice against the government if it invades freedom.

“I will dissent against any government if it impinges on individual freedom of my fellow citizens. I will raise my voice against such intolerance and I’ll do that regardless of any biasness,” he said. Kamal also clarified that his decision to not return his award should not be interpreted as his party bias. A number of filmmakers, scientists and writers have returned their awards to protest against the growing intolerance in the country.

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he wait to meet the third and pivotal person of the historical saga Bajirao

ctor-film-maker Kamal Haasan believes there are so many different ways to register dissent against government but returning awards is definitely not the best way to do so.

“People should seriously consider using podiums to raise their voice. I don’t see the need to return awards. I received the National award from an eminent jury of 12 members, and if I decide to return it, I’d be insulting them,” he said.

He also said it’s his wish to

the award wapsi by various people.

Kher also said the Prime Minister’s Office had invited renowned Urdu poet Munawwar Rana, but he has not replied to it so far. On October 18, Rana had returned his Sahitya Akademi award along with the Rs.1 lakh cash prize amid the ongoing debate over growing intolerance.

Rana had said that if he is called by the PMO, he will go and meet Modi.

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo not about numbers: Salman Khan

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alman Khan says his muchanticipated Diwali release Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is

Anupam Kher meets Modi over intolerance issue

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rime Minister Narendra Modi met a delegation of artistes led by Bollywood actor Anupam Kher protesting against a section of artistes who are returning their awards over intolerance in the country.

“He (Modi) listened to us and said the intolerance issue is harming the country and its reputation,” Kher said after meeting the prime minister.

“The film-makers and documentary makers must make

Priyanka introduces Kashibai of Bajirao Mastani

Film’s success depends on merit, not promotions: Naseeruddin

aseeruddin Shah, lead actor of upcoming suspense thriller Charlie Kay Chakkar Mein feels that film’s success does not depend on its

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an attempt to talk to the PM and not wait for the government to contact them. We have to express our anguish but nothing should come between us and the integrity of the nation to be discussed outside India in an intolerant manner,” he added.

The delegation led a ‘March for India’ to protest against those returning their awards over intolerance.

After the march, Kher called on President Pranab Mukherjee, and described it as a “great meeting” where he raised concerns about

not about box-office numbers or frantic promotions but a film that every person should watch with the entire family.

“This film is not about numbers or promotion. This film is about ‘go and see it with the family’. Get everyone together; make it like the time when we would go for picnics with family, make this one outing with the whole parivar. Trust me, you’ll love it,” Salman said at a press meet.

All three of Salman’s films with director Sooraj Barjatya— Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! and Hum Saath Saath Hain—saw Salman playing a character in love, with family values forming an important element to the love life.

Barjatya says he wants to take Salman back to that space.

The film’s villain Armaan Kohli dies in the end but Salman wanted him not to die. The writers eventually didn’t change it. About it, Barjatya said: “That’s what he believes, make it (film) as pure and pure.”

Salman added, “In a Sooraj Barjatya film, if we cannot turn the negative into positive, then what.

That (change in script) would’ve been so lovely... in the midst of such positivity, one negative person that should not be.”

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, which also stars Sonam Kapoor, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Anupam Kher, and Swara Bhaskar, releases on November 12.

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FEATURES

13 November 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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One of the highlights of the book is when the authors justify the need for efficient governance by saying that though India is sitting on a demographic dividend and is expected to become the world’s youngest country by 2020

Anirban Ghoshal

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here can be no denial that a country like India has grown by leaps and bounds when we start to think of demographic dividend but we have always found ourselves wanting in crucial aras to become the next developed economy or a super power.

Nandan Nilekani and Viral Shah’s Rebooting India... goes on to explore the potholes in India’s road to efficient governance and envisions patching these problems with technology and learning gathered from the days of researching and shaping the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) that has given a new identity to every Indian.

The authors’ logic in the book, which explores Aadhaar, Digital India, e-KYC and the role of government in an innovation economy among others, seems to be that while technology is disrupting everything from music to manufacturing, why not the government itself? Especially if it puts the country in much better economical health.

Every chapter in the book starts with what is wrong with the system which is demonstrated with real life-like characters under present

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day conditions. Then the authors point out the fallacy, compare it with other economies and then point out a tech-oriented solution to it which sounds really simple.

One of the highlights of the book is when the authors justify the need for efficient governance by saying that though India is sitting on a demographic dividend and is expected to become the

world’s youngest country by 2020 with 64 per cent of its population, roughly 800 million people, of working age, the government cannot provide them with work opportunities.

They have claimed that the challenge before the country is to enable every one of India’s 1.2 billion citizens to realise their aspirations and they say that the only way to do this is by using technology to radically re-imagine government itself. Shah and Nilekani also say that not only

will these techbased solutions help the economy evolve; it will save money for the government.

In their book, they say that a dozen initiatives with a series of citizen-friendly, high-tech public institutions can deliver low-cost solutions and could save the government a minimum of Rs 100,000 crore annually which is about 1 per cent of India’s GDP— enough to fund 200 Mangalyaan missions a year. It doesn’t take 10,000 people or even a thousand,

CAB workshop on New Zealand health system

Date: Monday, November 16 2015 Time: 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Venue: CAB Whangarei, Municipal Building, 71 Bank Street, Whangarei CAB presents its free workshop on New Zealand health system. Find out more about it works and your rights. It will be presented by ACC Advocate Jeanette Brock and Health and Disability Advocate Alina Mancini. The workshop is free. Light refreshments will be provided at 5 p.m. For more information, call Moea Armstrong on 09 4388046 or drop an e-mail at cab.whngr@xtra.co.nz.

Auckland Garden DesignFest

Date: Saturday, 14 November to Sunday, 15 November Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Auckland, CBD Be inspired by some of the country’s best garden designers at this year’s Auckland Garden DesignFest. The twoday festival will feature up to 20 private design gardens across Auckland that are not otherwise open to the public.

Tickets are priced at $10 for a single garden entry and $65 for entry to all gardens. Find more details on www. gardendesignfest.co.nz or call 09 361 1000.

say Nilekani and Shah. The solutions in the book in some ways are too similar to the moves and strategies of the current central government and at times reads like a new circular from the government which has the letter ‘e’ added to the front of any other word.

The authors have also gone ahead to say that all the solutions could be achieved with the help of a small focused team of highly skilled, enterprising individuals, and a supportive prime minister.

In 2009, Nilekani wrote a book called Imagining India: The Idea of a Renewed Nation in which he had shared his ideas for a better India before joining the UPA government to implement the unique identification project.

Waiheke Walking Festival

Date: Saturday, 14 November to Sunday, 22 November Time: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Venue: Matiatia Wharf, Ocean View Road, Auckland Celebrate all that Waiheke has to offer with free guided walks for nine days on the beautiful Waiheke Island. Walk alongside experts, who will talk about subjects such as wine, olives, history and conservation.

Urbanesia: InspireYOUTH.GI film festival

Date: Thursday, 19 November Time: 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Te Oro, 98 Line Rd, Auckland InspireYOUTV.GI presents six short films, all filmed and edited by InspireYOUTV digital students and residents of Glen Innes.

There will also be a special screening of From Boys2Men—a film filmed in Glen Innes and produced by high school students, featuring local residents.

For more information, check out their website www.urbanesia.org.nz.

FEATURES

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 November 2015

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