Asians will make up
33%
of Auckland’s population Celebrating our 23rd year!
website: www. asia2nz.co.nz FREE COPY
by 2021
October 2014 • Vol 2 No 52
email: asia2nz@xtra.co.nz
facebook.com/AsianMigrantNewsNZ
www.facebook.com/asianmigrantnews:
Are they facing political oblivion?
mobile: 027 495 8477
Reaching the broader ASIAN community
Melissa Lee National Kanwaljit Bakshi National
Dr Jian Yang National
Don’t miss our special post-election report with exclusive interviews in the next edition.
Chris Yong Internet Mana
Kenneth Wang ACT
Kenneth Wang NZ First
Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Labour
George Abraham NZ First
Kenneth Wang Labour
Roshni Sami Internet Mana
Sunny Kaushal Labour
Hi F i v e !
ke it, again. a m s P M n ia s Only 5 A w faces. e n 2 s lu P . s n 3 vetera
Sultan Eusoff United Future
Dr Parmjeet Parmar, National
Anjum Rahman Labour
Umesh Perinpanayagam, Greens
Anne Degia-Pala NZ First
Asian XPO E T N A R MIG dition lE Specia
2014 r e b o t 11 Oc
Raymond Huo Labour
Paul Young Conservative
INSIDE: Christchurch Job Market. Dotcom’s Mega Chef. Close encounter with 3D Technologies.
Mahesh Bindra NZ First
New Zealand has spoken. Leaked Nudes. So Lucky to be in NZ. New Style Settlement Support Served Up. NZ Education in India.
Pg 3
TRAVEL GALORE PULL-OUT
Sabah Longhouse Filipino Cuisine Pricey Passports
Page 2
www.asia2nz.co.nz
I
e: asia2nz@xtra.co.nz
New style settlement support served up. CAB takes on the migrant settlement support role - nationwide WELLINGTON On 1 July Immigration New Zealand launched a new information service model for new migrants to help them settle and work in New Zealand. The model is for new migrants, their families and their employers and replaces the previous Settlement Support New Zealand service by offering services in more locations throughout New Zealand. The new model includes an upgraded website (New Zealand Now www.newzealandnow. govt.nz), which is the primary resource for generic and local information about living and working in New Zealand. From 1st July Immi-
gration New Zealand is also introducing a settlement information service to its Contact Centre. Information about living and working in New Zealand will be available via the free phone number 0508 558 855 (press 2). The former Settlement Support New Zealand free phone number 0800 776-948
will still connect through to this number. From 1st July email queries can be emailed to newmigrantinf o @ m b i e . govt.nz. Immigration New Zealand also announced a new face-to-face service provider - the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) - for those new migrants who prefer to speak to someone personally about their settlement information needs. The CAB will also deliver workshops and seminars about living and working in New Zealand for new migrants in local areas throughout New Zealand.
I mob: 027 495 8477
Alyssa Tan is associated with Asia & New Zealand Consultants Ltd in Auckland and Mheta Immigration Consultancy in the Philippines
I mmi grati on advi s er barred for s eri ous mi s conduct WELLINGTON An immigration adviser has been barred from her profession for serious misconduct. Alyssa Tan, associated with Asia & New Zealand Consultants Ltd in Auck-land and Mheta Immigra-tion Consultancy in the Philippines, had her licence cancelled by the Immigra-tion Advisers Complaints and Disciplinary Tribunal. The Tribunal found that Ms Tan: • failed to enter into an appropriate agreement for the provision of professional servic-
THE GREAT IMMIGRATION DEBATE
At the NZAMI Conference 2014 in Auckland
(left:) Sanjai Raj, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, presented a paper on 'IAA - the way forward' at the NZ Association for Migration and Investment's Annual Immigration Conference on 29th August at Eden Park in Auckland. (below:) NZAMI Immigration Conference in Auckland. Representatives of political parties participated in 'The Great Immigration Debate - Should NZ be more or less open to Immigration and Foreign Investment’
The Immigration Advisers Authority is not aware of any licensed immigration advisers working at Asia & New Zealand Consultants Ltd or Mheta Immigration Consultancy at this time. The Authority advises migrants to check if the person giving them immigration advice is licensed or exempt. Migrants can get help from Immigration New Zealand direct-
One-third of Aucklanders will be ASIANS BY 2021.
ASIAN NEWS - asia2nz.co.nz MIGRANT NEWS - migrantnews.co.nz FILIPINO NEWS filipinonews.co.nz
by an unlicensed person. Ms Tan refused to admit any wrongdoing and said that the Tribunal's decision was wrong and made a personal attack on the client in response to the complaint. The Tribunal chair said: “The statutory disciplinary process has brought Ms Tan neither insight or a determination to rehabilitate herself. I am accordingly satisfied that alternative disciplinary sanctions would not be sufficient to cause Ms Tan to accept and maintain professional standards.
g n i n r a w t n a r Mig
KEEP AN EYE ON ASIAN ISSUES! What’s on their minds? Keep tabs by subscribin to:
es and then failed to deliver those services by the terms agreed and in accordance with the Licensed Immigration Advisers Code of Conduct. • withheld a communication from INZ to the complainant (an invitation to apply for residence) for the purpose of improperly demanding fees. • attempted to demand fees to which she was not entitled by withholding professional services she had agreed to provide. • was unprofessionally being a party to the unlawful provision of immigration advice
ly. If you, or anyone you know, has received immigration advice from someone who is not licensed, the Authority would like to hear from you. All information is received in confidence and will not affect your visa application. For more about who can help with immigration applications and a full list of licensed immigration advisers visit our website www.iaa. govt. nz.
For help with visa applications, Immigration New Zealand can be contacted on 0508 558 855 (from New Zealand) or +64 9 914 4100 ( f r o m overseas). To report someone giving immigration advice without a licence, the Immigration Advisers Authority can be contacted at info@iaa.govt.nz
The public will only be adequately protected and the objectives of the Act achieved by cancelling her licence.” Ms Tan was prevented from applying for a licence for two years, censured and ordered to pay a $5,000 penalty and a $4,700 refund. The complaint was one of two that were upheld. The other complaint related to Ms Tan lodging visa applications that had no hope of success and carried a penalty of $3,500.
or on 0508 422 422 (from New Zealand) or +64 9 925 3838 (from overseas).
Get a free copy of the Immigration Advice Consumer Guide
Subscribe today! 6 issues - NZ$18.00* 12 issues - NZ$36.00* ASIAN Migrant News
issues
FILIPINO Migrant News
issues
Name/Company ..................................................................................... Address ................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................ Amount paid .................................... cheque payable to SM Publications Ltd or Direct Credit to SM Publications, ASB Bank Acct No: 123 042 0427727 00 or Paypal: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz / or send us an email requesting an Invoice your email address............................................or tel................................ * Rates quoted for mail delivery in New Zealand; this is a promotional rate for a limited period only
www.asia2nz.co.nz
I
e: asia2nz@xtra.co.nz
I mob: 027 495 8477
Page 3
NZ has spoken. POLITICK OPINION by Louie Encabo
All the whiny social media politicos have finally been silenced and the rational New Zealanders who have faith in skill and hard work are rejoicing. Votes were cast and ballots were counted. New Zealand has spoken - and they have chosen to live in prosperity by re-electing John Key and his National Party to three more years in office.
Recipient of the Filipino-Kiwi Hero Award 2014 for
JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR The election results gave the Nats a significant share of the party vote - 48.1%, yielding 61 seats in parliament - a feat no party has ever been able to do since the advent of the MMP system. To say that this was a good night for rightwingers would be an understatement. Not only did a man vilified constantly by the left's over farcical allegations of mass surveillance and corruption stand triumphant, but he did so at the expense of his rivals. The Labour Party slumped to their worst result since 1922; they notched just 24% of the party vote this year. The Greens lost a seat as well; they entered election day expecting to touch the 15% threshold, but just nudged a measly ten percent instead. Winston Peters, who at the beginning of the election campaign expected to be the 'kingmaker' the winning party would be begging to win the support of, was left red-faced - realizing that John Key had enough seats to govern on his own and didn't need Peters' New Zealand First. Yet absolutely the best part of the evening was
Internet Mana's downfall. The party that was the loudest during the election period, rallying large groups of hipsters and tree-huggers and financed by millionaire Kim Dotcom, went away empty handed. The party managed just 1.2% of the party vote, which with Hone Harawera's electorate would translate to two seats in parliament. Hysterically, Hone did not even manage to win his Te Tai Tokerau seat - losing instead to Labour's Kelvin Davis. As a result, Mana are out of parliament and the Internet Party are reduced to the laughing stock of the entire election campaign. This is bad news for Kim Dotcom. With his blockbuster 'Moment of Truth' he thought he would cause John Key's demise. Instead, Kim's arch-nemesis is now stronger than ever and Kim himself is at risk of being extradited. It was also fulfilling to see David Seymour win Epsom, ensuring that ACT stays in parliament, as well as seeing Peter Dunne win
a narrow margin over his Labour opponent to keep his electorate seat of Ohariu. Te Ururoa Flavell also kept his Waiariki electorate seat; adding the Maori Party's 1.3% party vote and they brought in Marama Fox to Parliament as well. John Key and National have four allies still in the debating chamber. The only sad note of the evening was Colin Craig's failure to reach the 5% threshold for the second time. Craig spent a lot of his own finances to bankroll his party's campaign and unfortunately walked away empty handed. The party notched 4.2% of the votes; which is a significant
increase from the just over 2% they received three years ago. The party leader said that they would build from this and look to 2017 for another shot, but it was rather unpleasant to see 4% of the right-wing vote wasted. It was also tragic to see Napier turn red as Stuart Nash of Labour took a traditionally blue electorate
(left:) Prime Minister John Key; foto credit: Greg Honasan
from a retiring Chris Tremain. A huge reason why Nash snatched the victory is because the National candidate, Wayne Walford, had to split the rightwing vote with the Conservatives' best electorate candidate Garth McVicar. Election results showed that both Walford and McVicar's votes put together was nearly double what Nash received. If only the Nats had arranged an electorate deal, as in Epsom, in Napier where Walford would endorse McVicar to have the electorate vote. The Cons would have five MPs in parliament and Labour would be one more seat down. It was indeed a wasted chance, but no one could
complain about the election results. It was a good night and reading hate comments from leftist trolls on social media made it even better. Now that National has made an achievement no other party has been able to do before, that is to snatch enough seats to govern alone, it should now aim to pursue genuine right-wing agenda such as more tax incentives for small and medium businesses and the pursuit of greater free trade.
www.asia2nz.co.nz
Page 4
Licensed advisers are highly valued by migrants
Almost 90 percent of migrants surveyed said that they would recommend their licensed immigration adviser to family and friends, results of an independent survey show. Since 2009 the Immigration Advisers Authority has been annually surveying clients who have used a licensed immigration adviser. “These results again show the high regard that migrants have for licensed immigration advisers and the hard work they do,” says Catherine Albiston, Acting Registrar of the IAA. “They play an important role in making sure that their clients have accurate and timely information and advice; these results highlight how valued and respected this service is.” High satisfaction levels were once again found in the annual survey, with 87 percent of clients saying that they would be willing to recommend their adviser and 83
percent being satisfied with the overall service they received. The primary reasons given for the high satisfaction levels were helpfulness, professionalism and honest and timely service. Ms Albiston says. “A new question in this year's survey asked clients to choose the main reasons they used a licensed adviser. The results found that a preference for professional services and wanting to have the best chance of success were the top reasons.” She says that clients were also asked what they felt the main benefits of using a licensed adviser were. The knowledge and experience of advisers was found to be the top reason. The migrant survey is carried out by Premium Research on behalf of the Immigration Advisers Authority.
I
e: asia2nz@xtra.co.nz
Employment Charter will
strengthen migrants' rights
Establishing an Employment Charter for construction companies is a critical step to strengthen the rights of migrant workers who are fast becoming the face of the Christchurch rebuild, according to an alliance of union groups. The charter has the support of the Union Network of Migrants (UNEMIG, a division of FIRST Union), the Engineers, Printers and Manufacturers Union (EPMU) and the Council of Trade Unions (CTU), as well as industry representatives. The Christchurch Rebuild has meant a massive influx of skilled migrant workers, especially from the Philippines (there are estimated to now be between 2500 and 3000 Filipino construction workers in Christchurch). UNEMIG and the EPMU have dealt with many cases of migrant worker exploitation and intimidation in Canterbury. Issues have included unlawfully withholding wages, overtime and holi-
To advertise - please call: 027 495 8477, 09 838 1221
Duty-free tobacco
limits to drop soon
AUCKLAND Cus-toms Comptroller Carol-yn Tremain says this week travellers will begin to see advertising in airports and in-flight magazines alerting them to the November reduction in duty-free tobacco limits. “From 1 November the duty-free limit for tobacco brought into New Zealand drops from 200 to 50 cigarettes or 50 grams of tobacco products.
I mob: 027 495 8477
“Customs is running an awareness campaign until the end of the peak summer holiday period to inform travellers of the reduction in the tobacco allowance. “From 1 November anyone ex-ceeding the 50 cigarettes or 50 grams limit will have to pay duty and GST on the excess tobacco they are carrying or abandon the excess by placing it in a tobacco amnesty bin,” says Ms Tremain. “The gift concession will also disappear, meaning anyone sent tobacco from overseas will have to pay duty and GST on the entire amount when it arrives. The drop in the duty-free limit aligns New Zealand with Australia's duty-free tobacco allowance, and is another step towards reducing the harm caused by smoking.
The conditions of most migrant workers are much worse than their New Zealand counterparts and few have union a c c e s s.
UNEMIG National Convener Dennis Maga
day pay, extortionate placement fees and exit penalties, accommodation overcrowding and high use of 90-day trial periods. The conditions of most migrant workers are much worse than their New Zealand counterparts and few have union access. The Charter would cover issues around health and safety, employment conditions, training, pastoral care, accommodation, robust business practices,
robust employment relations (including worker and union rights) and a commitment to workplace diversity and would provide a positive framework where expectations are laid out for all participants. “An employment charter would look towards patching up some of the cracks which migrant workers are falling through,” said UNEMIG National Convener Dennis Maga. “It's shameful and unac-
ceptable that we can't control the level of migrant worker exploitation taking place in Canterbury,” said Paul Watson, CTU's Canterbury Unions Earthquake Recovery Coordinator.
www.asia2nz.co.nz
I
e: asia2nz@xtra.co.nz
I mob: 027 495 8477
Page 5
IMMIGRATION
By ELCEL MARCOS NERIDA
Immigration New Zealand updated its Canterbury Skill Shortage List in early August 2014. The list adds a new occupation of plumber (general) and revises the requirements for three other jobs: drainlayer, carpenter / joiner and telecommunications engineer. The 2011 Christchurch earthquake, devastating New Zealand's second largest city, posed a major challenge to the region's construction industry as it opened up unprecedented work opportunities. The earthquake's impact on public infrastructure has been immense. That is, widespread damage to public infrastructure, including 60% of CBD buildings. This is on top of nearly half a million EQC residential claims made as of 2012. With an initial projection of over 30,000 extra workers required for the rebuild, Immigration New Zealand now confirms an existing shortage of skilled workers in Christchurch. There is a high demand for engineers, surveyors, building inspec-
The largest sources of migrant workers in Christchurch are the Philippines, the UK and Ireland, however, Filipinos represent nearly half of the migrants granted work visas for the Christchurch rebuild over the past two years. - Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's 2013 year end report.
Elcel Marcos Nerida is an immigration lawyer at Justitia Chambers. A cum laude graduate and academic scholar from the Philippines, she had obtained her Bachelor of Laws from Auckland University and became one of the first awardees of New Zealand's formal qualification in Immigration Advice.
Experienced in all stages of the immigration process, she combines her work experience in the corporate and business sectors with a solid legal background to deliver successful outcomes for her clients. A strong advocate for fairness and justice, Elcel finds that practising law in the immigration field not only helps achieve immigration goals but also changes lives.
tors and project managers, plus a substantial list of trades jobs including painters, carpenters, plasterers, tilers and welders. India, the United Kingdom, the Philippines and China are the top source countries of SMC residence approvals as per the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's 2013 year end report. The largest sources of migrant workers in Christchurch are the Philippines, the UK and
COLLISION REPAIR SPECIALISTS
Call: 09 278 7623
53 Plunket Ave., Puhinui, Manukau Repair Assessment • Qualified Assessor • Free Quotes Restoration • Custom and classic vehicles Quality Collision Repairs Quality WOF & COF Repairs • Chassis • Panel • Paint We specialise in insurance and private repairs whether it is a fleet, commercial vehicle or a much loved family car. Courtesy cars are provided where necessary. All vehicles receive a free valet. We are approved repairers for all the major insurance firms, IAG certified Repairers and CRA member.
Ireland, however, Filipinos represent nearly half of the migrants granted work visas for the Christchurch rebuild over the past two years. The flip side of the coin is plummeting cases and media attention to exploitation of rebuild workers, particularly Filipino workers, in Christchurch. This served as the backdrop to those urging New Zealand to mobilise relevant stakeholders to provide greater protection to migrant workers. The Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2), for instance, was introduced to impose tough penalties on guilty employers of jail sentences of up to seven years and fines up to $100,000. “The fundamental and overriding principle is that migrant workers have the same employment rights and protections as all other workers in New Zealand have,” Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse says. Understanding skill shortage lists There is a common misconception that a visa applicant can only be eligible for residence if their employment or offer of employment is on a skill shortage list. It is also often assumed that if an occupation is on
the shortage list then a work visa is automatically granted without the employer having to prove that no suitable New Zealander workers are available via advertising the position or engaging with WINZ. These are myths. Currently there are three skill shortage lists, which set out qualifications and/or work experience requirements for each job in the list with a shortage of workers in New Zealand: 1. Long Term Skills Shortage List (LTSSL) used for both work visa applications under the Essential Skills Category and residency applications under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC); 2. Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL) used only for work visa applications under the Essential Skills Category; and 3. Canterbury Skills Shortage List (CSSL) used for work visa Essential Skills applications in the Canterbury region to aid the Christchurch rebuild. In a nutshell, a person who meets the LTSSL requirements may be eligible or may enhance their eligibility for New Zealand residence or work to residence. However, someone whose job or work experience is not in the LTSSL may nonetheless still qualify for residence if they meet Immigration New
Zealand's relevant minimum criteria. Both the ISSL and the CSSL, on the other hand, are often used by migrant workers to speed up the processing and approval of their applications. In effect, meeting the listed requirements of a particular occupation on these lists would indicate that there are no New Zealander workers available or readily trainable, which is the key to having a work visa Essential Skills application approved; the obvious rationale being protecting Kiwis' employment opportunities. As such, it is important to understand and check the requirements carefully if you are planning to apply for a visa using one of the lists. 'Better safe than sorry', albeit cliché, may turn out to be true.
Canterbury skill shortages Bricklayer Building inspector Building surveyor Carpenter Carpenter and joiner Civil engineer Civil engineering draughts person Civil engineering technician Construction project manager Drainlayer Electrical engineer Electrical engineering draughtsperson Electrical engineering technician Electrician Electric line mechanic Fibrous plasterer Fitter-welder Floor finisher Glazier Joiner Metal fabricator Painting trades worker Plumber Project builder Solid plasterer Stonemason Structural engineer Surveying technician Surveyor Telecommunications engineer Truck driver Upholsterer Wall and floor tiler Welder Quantity surveyor Roof tiler Scaffolder Official skill shortage lists can be accessed at Immigration New Zealand's website: http://skillshortages. immigration. govt.nz
ASIA PACIFIC
F o o d . C u l t u r e . T r a v e l S h o w. 27-28 June 2015, ASB Showgrounds
mobile: 027 495 8477, travelgalore@xtra.co.nz
Page 6
www.asia2nz.co.nz
I
e: asia2nz@xtra.co.nz
I mob: 027 495 8477
Dotcom’s
Mega Chef
'Filipino Chef of the Year 2014' finalist - Adrian Gabriel Fabella is a self-taught master chef By MEL FERNANDEZ Editor, Travel Galore - www.travelgalore.co.nz email: travelgalore@xtra.co.nz
AUCKLAND - When growing up in a family where males outnumber women there is a tendency for the men to step up to the plate and learn how to cook. In Adrian Gabriel Fabella's case it was no different. “In our family all the guys are good cooks and we happily prepare all the meals - from breakfast to dinner. My Dad is a great cook and he inspired me to take up cooking.” Adrian fell in love with the idea of becoming a chef when he turned 18 and found a job as a waiter. “After serving food to the guests I always went to the kitchen to observe the cooks at work. The chef noticed this and said: “Adrian, you are always inside the kitchen; it looks like you are interested in cooking.” “Yes chef,” I responded. Then he gave me some good advice. He suggested that when I look for my next job: “try to
get a job in the kitchen and once there, learn as much as you can about all aspects of restaurant cooking. Then stick to this career path. You will eventually realise your dream and become a top chef.” To fulfill that dream, at age 22 he was fortunate enough to find a job overseas as chief cook on board the MV Gondwana (Nabeel Ship Management Ltd), a tug boat, anchor handling and salvaging boat that services world wide and UAE destinations with their home port in Dubai. After a 16-month stint he returned to the Philippines and worked for Tamayo's Catering. This company is a leading caterer in Manila, providing Filipino and international cuisine for all occasions. “Its clients include resorts and power plants,” says Adrian. “I learnt a lot there and within 2 years I got a promotion from cook
helper to line cook. The next step up was to become an assistant butcher and within a year to become chief butcher. I then became head chef of some of our branches for the remaining year I was with the company.” Another step up the ladder came when he got a 9 month contract on board the Princess Cruise Line, which plies between European destinations. Here he picked up skills in preparing sophisticated Western cuisine for the fine dining restaurants on the luxury cruise liner. “Our executive chef was a 5 star Michelin chef and I worked with many highly experienced Italian and European senior chefs.”
Another change of course happened when when his Dad passed away. He returned to the Philippines to stay with his mum in his home province - Roxas Oriental Mindoro, Southern Luzon, for five years. He set up small restaurants there and launched a catering business as well. His secondary occupation was teaching proper food handling, catering and banquet operation, baking, bar tending and menu planning subjects to freshman and junior students or HRM courses for RIST (Roxas Institute of Science and Technology) and ICST (Innovative College of Science and Technology). Then … a mega break in
October 2012 brought him to our shores. His sister, who was working for internet tycoon Kim Dotcom in Auckland, told him about an Executive Chef vacancy at the Dotcom mansion. “I sent my CV to Mona Dotcom and after two days I was hired, even though I have no qualifications from culinary schools, just a wealth of international experience.” These days the 34-yearold Executive Chef and his team of chefs cook for the Dotcom family, for guests and for the lavish functions held at the mansion. His wide experience in preparing Western, Asian and Filipino food has helped. He cooks Filipino food for Mona Dotcom and
the six Filipino staff, Western cuisine for his boss Kim Dotcom and the kids and sophisticated spreads for VIP guests and the huge functions at the mansion. What lies ahead for this multi-talented international chef that New Zealand has been fortunate to adopt? Adrian loves New Zealand and his challenging job at the mansion. He plans to get married soon to a pretty Davaoeña from Digos Davao Del Sur and settle in New Zealand permanently. So gaining residency is a priority for him at the moment. The article first appeared in Filipino News www. filipinonews.co.nz
Enter the 1st Asian Chef of the Year Contest. To be held on 27 June 2015 @ ASB Showgrounds
for details email: asia2nz@xtra.co.nz; mobile: 027 495 8477
www.lookeast.co.nz mobile: 027 495 8477 travelgalore@xtra.co.nz
ASIA PACIFIC FREE COPY Mobile: 027 495 8477 www.travelgalore.co.nz OCT 2014
Borneo adventure cover story: by Mel Fernandez
pg 6
once were HEADHUNTERS BIRD WATCHING IN MURIWAI Pix: Chris McLennan (www.cmphoto.co.nz)
pg 3
An interactive TRAVEL SHOW featuring Asian & Pacific Island Destinations, Airlines, Tourism Organizations, Travel Agents, Hotels, Motels & Tourist Attractions Plus Food Stalls, Entertainment, Products & Services
ASIA PACIFIC
Food. Culture. Travel Show. 27-28 June 2015, ASB Showgrounds
FREE ENTRY
•
Media Partner: TRAVEL Galore www.travelgalore.co.nz
lo o k e a s t . c o . n z , t r a v e l g a l o r e . c o . n z w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / T r a v e l G a l o r e N Z
TravelGalore
2
Travel Destinations. Cultural Cuisine. Events. Festivals.
More to Filipino food than Adobo Over the last 23 years quite a few Filipino restaurants (listed right) have filtered in and out of our main cities. But few had staying power. Turo Turo Philippine Cafe has bucked the trend. Travel Editor Mel Fernandez, revisits the Cafe after four years to update this restaurant review.
AUCKLAND - In 2010 Turo Turo Philippine Cafe started cooking it up. Although Adobo; the national food of the Philippines, was not included, it’s menu was still stunning. (Turo Turo in Tagalog refers to ‘point, point’ restaurants and roadside food stalls, where you just point at the buffet style food and it will be served to you at your table). Located beside a sari sari store (Pinoy Oriental store) in the Glen Innes town centre in Auckland, the café enjoys a low rent and proximity to Filipino communities in Panmure, Howick and the South. The café is the brainchild of Filipina, Maria Shearer and her Kiwi husband, Andrew Shearer. The entrepreneurial pair reckon they’ve left nothing to chance in developing this product. Their research suggested that in order to attract both Filipinos and the locals, presentation was a key factor, less is better, stark even, and it had to be uncompromisingly clean. Turo Turo’s décor is still café-like, bright, freshly painted with brand new furniture. And thankfully, without any predictable ‘takeme-home’ scenery painted on the walls or the inappropriate display of popular religious icons. The food choices rangefrom simple street favorites to well-prepared dishes and home-cooked meals. According to Maria, besides catering to her community, the plan was to introduce Filipino food to Kiwis. As a back-up, Turo Turo also serves some Kiwi comfort food for the faint hearted who are not quite ready to try an unfamiliar cuisine. When we visited, our group of three adults and
two kids wasted no time in ordering from the substantial short orders and mains in the Filipino menu. The kids settled on Lechon Paksiw (tender roasted pork in transclucent sauce) and got stuck into it with no complaints. A good outcome - because kids can be quite critical when it comes to taste. My nephew Mark, who had never tried Filipino food was encouraged to pick Joyful Chicken (tasty fried chicken that comes with gravy and rice or chips); a top-seller at the Jollibee restaurant chain in the Philippines. As it turned out, this was a safe choice, because his verdict was: “Better than Kentucky Fried Chicken.” He felt the cafe’s ambiance was “very homely.” My wife ordered Bistek Tagalog (tender strips of marinated beef with rice and soup or salad). I must confess, this is one of my favourites, as it goes well with a glass of beer. But I decided to try something new - Tinolang Manok, a blackboard special for the day and promoted as a ‘great winter warmer’. I found this to be the Filipino version of Mum’s comforting chicken soup but with a tasty twist. I recall being served this very soup at a friend’s place and it had left a lasting impression on my taste buds. The magic ingredient is malunggay leaves. I’m a fan and will always crave for this dish. Maria says that the popular dishes for Filipino customers are sisig (spicy chopped pork on rice), followed by Tapsilog (marinated beef with garlic rice, egg
Turo Turo offers Filipino street favorites, home-style meals and well prepared dishes that appeal to both young and old.
Auckland: Papagayo, Oscar’s Grill, Pompino, Manong Al’s Café, Gold Ribbon Cafe, Pinoy Classic, Gloria’s Grill, etc Wellington: Mrs Bautista’s Blades Christchurch: Katribo Dunedin: Cuisina Pilipinas, Manila Grill
and soup), Longsilog (traditional Filipino sausage with garlic rice, egg and soup), Dinuguan (pork offal in a blood sauce), Pancit Canton (noodles with pork or chicken, prawns and vegetables) and Lapaz Batchoy (pork, pork crackling and eggs in soup with noodles and vegetables). “Non-Filipinos tend to go for the Beef Caldereta (Spanish style beef stew with vegetables) because it has a little kick, but is not too spicy,” confides Maria. We were spoilt for choice with the dessert menu as well. I loved the mango cake (the ube and mocha cakes are also great). Other Filipino favourites are leche flan (sweet caramel dessert) and puto (rice cakes). Mark had three helpings of the Buko Pandan dessert (jelly in a sweet cream sauce, flavoured with, as the name suggests, pandan leaves).
The Café’s advertising slogan exhorts: ‘Be proud, Atin ko (it’s ours).’ I think the Shearers deserve a pat on their backs for opening this restaurant and lots of support by way of patronage. It appears distance is not a concern for loyal customers. “To get good food in a clean environment, Filipinos are willing to travel from the North Shore and Henderson, even after work – and there are regular visits from as far as Hamilton, Tauranga, and Whangarei,” says Maria.
Simply the best balloons. Simply memorable.
Facebook and Google Adchoices are used effectively to inform clients about weekly specials. We were pleased to learn about the inclusion of sweet Filipino Spaghetti on the menu. Three cheers from the kids !!! And because of popular demand, Adobo is now on the menu - another reason why Turo Turo is my favourite Filipino Cafe in New Zealand. My first taste of Adobo was at the Hilton Hotel in Manila many years ago. Since then I’ve cultivated a taste for Filipino cuisine, thanks to Chicken Adobo, Hiltonsytle. The now familiar coconut frond logo of Turo Turo can be expected to spread far and wide. Andrew has plans to open a string of his concept cafes in Auckland and hopefuly further afield. Good move!
Turo Turo Philippine Cafe is the brainchild of Filipina, Maria Shearer (above) and her Kiwi husband, Andrew Shearer. Besides catering to Pinoys, the plan is to introduce Filipino food to Kiwis nationwide, says Maria Shearer
TURO TURO PHILIPPINE CAFE: 26a Mayfair Place Glen Innes, Auckland Tel: 09 528 6050 turoturo.co.nz Rating: *****
Services offered: Balloon Decor for all occasions/Balloon Bouquet for deliveries or pick up. As a proud member of worldwide Qualatex Balloon Network, you can trust our proven expertise for all your decor needs.
websites: www.balloonexpressionz.com www.threekingsbouncycastles.co.nz
Contact: Balloon ExpressioNz Ltd Phone: 8135572 Email: info@balloonexpressionz.com
TravelGalore
3
Travel Destinations. Cultural Cuisine. Events. Festivals.
By MEL FERNANDEZ
WELLINGTON - Previously those lucky enough to get a New Zealand passport would have been pleased that it had a validity 10 years. In the wake of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States the Government decided to switch to a five year regime for passports, primarily as a security measure. In 2005 when the new passports changed to include biometric facial recognition technology there was a much lower risk of passport fraud. Unfortunately for frequent flyers, besides decreasing the validity of the passport the Government also doubled the application fee to $140 for a first time passport or $134.50 for a replacement. “This resulted in an effective increase of 400 percent to the cost of passports for the New Zealand travelling public,” says Kyle Lockwood, who submitted a Petition to Parliament to reintroduce 10 year passports. Earlier this month Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne announced a review of the passport validity period, including an independent
Pricey passport? The current five year validity regime of the NZ Passport is considered unrealistic and it costs too much. So the 10 year passport may be back, but at a price. review of passport security and a review of passport costs with a view to returning to 10 year passports. “This is great news for New Zealand taxpayers, who currently pay more for the right to travel than anyone else in the world,” says Jordan Williams, Executive Director of the Taxpayers' Union. “The announcement from the Minister reflects common sense. Earlier in the year the Taxpayers' Union helped lead a campaign calling for an extension to the validity period and for a significant reduction in the price of New Zealand passports. It now looks like we are close to mission accomplished.” In a briefing paper Jordan McCluskey of the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union suggests that Kiwis pay more than other countries for a passport and for a shorter period. "Even if we had ten year passports, at current prices New Zealanders would still be paying more than citizens
Malaysia to develop an
‘Asian Manhattan’ A major new multi-purpose luxury development to be built near Malaysia’s first man-made island, Pulau Melaka, in the south of Peninsular Malaysia is part of the Government’s strategy to attract the “global élite” of international tourists. The NZ$14.5 billion 246 hectare Melaka Gateway – to be fully developed by 2023 – will be luxury on a grand scale, comprising an additional three man-made islands and feature villas, hotels, malls, restaurants, theme parks, a museum, recreational and sports centres, an international designer street, a sunset beach, an international cruise and ferry terminal, a marina, a beacon tower, a floating stadium, an “eco isle” and a Malaysia
Eye (similar to the one in London). Once completed, they will be Southeast Asia’s largest cluster of manmade islands and “on a par with Manhattan in New York”, says the Malaysian Government’s Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron. “This is a tremendously exciting new development,” says Zalina Ahmad, director of Tourism Malaysia in New Zealand. “It will offer a whole new world of leisure and adventure opportunities on a scale that many New Zealanders will be unfamiliar with but, I believe, very keen to experience. Check out the Malaysian Carnival report on www.travelgalore.co. nz
in most countries with whom we traditionally compare ourselves," he says. “The per year cost of a New Zealand passport is more than any other country examined. The Government is sitting on a whopping surplus of $20.8 million because of excessive passport charges.” “The research suggests that the current regime isn't about security; it's about raising money for the Government,” says Jordan Williams. Minister Dunne responded: “I have also asked the Department of Internal Affairs to review passport costs. Our world-class and highly secure passport system is funded purely on a cost recovery basis, meaning that only those who need passports pay for the service. “Moving to a 10 year passport could lead to higher upfront passport fees as revenue would decline from processing passports on a less frequent basis.” “In fact, the New Zealand passport can only be used for
four years and six months outside of Australia and the Pacific Islands,” notes Rt Hon Winston Peters, leader of the NZ First Party. “New Zealand First fully supports 10 year passports. There is no good reason to delay the return to 10 year passports. “We agree that adult passports could offer additional pages for added cost and that child passports should remain at five years, with the subsidy until they reach the age of 16 years.” Former Labour Leader David Cunliffe agrees as well. "Labour has listened to frustrated Kiwis who are forced to renew their passports every five years and will introduce a 10 year system. “The US, Australia, Canada and the European Union now issue their citizens with 10 year passports. “There is no reason for New Zealanders, who are amongst the world's most frequent travellers, to be different. “Labour will continue to
limit passport life
to five years for people under 15, because their features change a lot in younger years. “There will be no initial extra cost to the taxpayer or on applications resulting from this change because fees are ring-fenced and are not used for general government revenue purposes. However, passport fees would need to be reviewed in 2019. “This change will make overseas travel cheaper and easier for everyday hard working Kiwis,” David Cunliffe says. The Green Party is also in favour of reinstating ten year passports for New Zea-landers aged over 16 years,” says Holly Donald, Advisor, Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand.
“Moving to a 10 year passport could lead to higher upfront passport fees as revenue would decline from processing passports on a less frequent basis.” Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne
LYDIA KO TO PLAY IN MALAYSIA Darby LPGA Malaysia, taking place this year from October 9 to 12 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC), was too appealing to turn down for world number three Ko, who refuses to let a troublesome cyst on her left wrist get in the way of new challenges. The 17-year-old LPGA Tour Rookie has confirmed her participation, hot on the heels of her fourth Tour victory at the Marathon Classic in the US, during which she shot a final-round sixunder 65 to beat Korea’s So Yeon Ryu by a single shot. Lydia Ko’s first Pro Win - Foto supplied. The victory saw Ko become the youngest KUALA LUMPUR - Our Korean player in LPGA Tour history, at 17 teen sensation, Lydia Ko, is set to years, two months and 26 days, to cross make one of Asia’s top golf tourna- the $US1 million mark in career earnments even more exciting for Kiwis. ings, helped by her eight top-10 finishThe chance to compete at the Sime es and two victories on tour so far this
year. “I have heard so much about the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia from the other LPGA players and am quite excited to be playing it this year for my first time,” says Ko. “We’re delighted to announce Lydia’s participation in this year’s Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia, adds Steven Thielke, General Manager of the KLGCC. “Lydia is one of our new generation of young golfers which is taking the women’s game to a whole new level and reaching new fans all around the world. We look forward to welcoming her to Malaysia in October.” In a field of 75 hopefuls, Ko will line up alongside defending champion and fellow teenager Lexi Thompson, who has a world ranking of 21. Last year’s tournament was the second LPGA Tour victory for the 18-year old American, who shot a final-round 69 for a four-day total of 19-under 265 to finish four shots ahead of Shanshan Feng from China.
TravelGalore
4
Travel Destinations. Cultural Cuisine. Events. Festivals.
Head-hunting is now outlawed in Borneo but it was once the test of manhood.
ONCE WERE
Journey to the longhouses of Malaysian Borneo by Mel Fernandez
HEADHUNTERS Visitors to Sarawak remember the festive nights spent as guests in longhouses, the exhilarating experience of riding the rapids, and the tradition and culture of the people - in that order. Sarawak’s allure for tourists is without a doubt its unique longhouses. And a longhouse tour one of the last adventure of its kind in rapidly changing Southeast Asia is the main attraction in the itinerary of most tour operators in Kuching, the capital city. Each local tour operator has a favourite locality and longhouse for a visit, and the rates depend on the elaborateness of the arrangements. For the less hardy, there is the Longhouse Hotel, right where you need it – in Kuching. As you would expect, this up-dated version of the longhouse, with air-conditioning and other modern conveniences, is a caricature of the real thing. Longhouses in the jungle have no modern conveniences and visitors are told in advance that they must be prepared to rough it out. A typical tour begins with a journey of about 233 km (145 miles) out of Kuching by coach, to reach the banks of the Skrang River. It takes five hours. After this point, the journey is by motorised longboats. An hour’s traveling brings you within view of the first longhouse – longhouse Mujan - stretching along the river bank. The tual rumah (headman) and the reception party have been forewarned about our arrival and they come out to
greet us. The guide has gifts for the old chief usually cigarettes or cloth. The party is then shown into a communal hall where flickering kerosene lamps light up the late evening darkness. Dinner is longhousestyle. As we sit crosslegged on the bamboo floor, little dishes of chicken, rice and fish are placed before us. The headman makes sure that the guests don’t go thirsty. Young Iban damsels are summoned and they move around serving the local winetuak. The rice wine is strong and it burns as it goes down. But it washes away the aches of the tiring journey up-stream, and it loosens the tongue. After dinner, everyone settles down to enjoy some dancing. The Iban orchestra, which consists of girls, strikes up a heady rhythm on gongs and bamboo drums. As the music hots up, a youth steps out from the darkness into the lighted area. Dressed in elaborate head-dress of tall blackand-white hornbills’ feathers, a brightcoloured loincloth, silver belts, and a goatskin poncho over his shoulders, he cuts a striking figure. The lady guests are impressed and they reach for their cameras, but they are persuaded to wait for the finale. More dancers appear. They break into the first steps of an Iban dance with a fierce yell, enacting a dramatic version of a fight with swords and wooden shields. The women do not dance at officials functions. But a later stage,
they dress up in ceremonial finery to pose for photographs. Women go completely naked above their waists in many longhouses. But they enjoy dressing up wearing multi-coloured skirts, and adorning themselves with silver jewelry chains and bracelets. The evening is needed strange and exciting. And an overnight stay is necessary to enjoy the entertainment some of which goes on until dawn if the guests can take it! There are good reasons why the Ibans continue to live in longhouses. One reason is purely economical. To build attached houses saves material. A longhouse looks just like what its name implies - it is a long house. Each longhouse may have five rooms or it may have 100. Longhouse living is part of a social life for the Ibans. In the longhouse the people are together, this means that they have collective labour and they are also better protected. Longhouses have always been built on stilts with only one ladder leading up to it. In bygone days, this afforded protection against headhunters on the warpath from a rival longhouse. Head-hunting is outlawed today, of course. It was once the test of manhood. Iban girls showed little interest in men, who had not taken a head, as young braves tattooed themselves each time they brought in a kill. Although head-hunting has not been practiced for a long, long time, heads still find a pride of place in many remote longhouses. Early next morning, the
party moves up-river to longhouse Panchor. This trip takes about five hours as the journey is up-stream, where rapids are encountered. A strange and impressive calm pervades that part of the jungle. And in the cool of the morning, the city-dweller finds the jungle sobering, even a shade intimidating. The thick vegetation finally gives way to a space of pebbly shore where longhouse Panchor stands. Here, we are again treated to an elaborate welcoming ceremony. To propitiate the spirits, a live cock is brought to the chief. Its throat is slit and the warm blood is dabbed on our foreheads. The music and dances
go on late into the night and Iban hospitality here as in all longhouses can be summed up in one wordoverwhelming. Soon it is time to go, and we are all eager to start on the journey down-stream. There is a stretch along the way where you ride the rapids. The longboats travel at terrific speeds, but the skilled boatmen will get you through safely. It’s a great relief to know that in a few hours you will be back to the comforts of a hotel room. There will be time enough to relax in Kuching, to do some shopping and sightseeing before catching the plane home. The longhouse safari is by far the most popular
tour in Sarawak today – and it is an experience you will not easily forget.
HOW TO GET THERE:
You can go on a longhouse tour in either Sabah, Sarawark or Brunei. Malaysian Airlines flies to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) from Kuala Lumpur and Silk Air flies to these cities from Singapore. Singapore Airlines flies to Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei) from Singapore. Or you can fly direct to Brunei from Auckland on Royal Brunei Airlines. Photo Credit: The longhouse shown in the above foto is in Sabah. Courtesy of Sabah Tourism Board.
www.asia2nz.co.nz
I
e: asia2nz@xtra.co.nz
I mob: 027 495 8477
Stephen Fleming flies the NZ education flag in India By AMANDEEP KAUR
MUMBAI - Education New Zealand (ENZ) partnered with Stephen Fleming in India to raise awareness of New Zealand as a study destination. Taking advantage of the former Black Caps captain's massive profile in India, ENZ organised several awareness raising events fronted by Stephen to encourage Indian students to come to New Zealand. “Stephen has legendary status in India, with the country's love of cricket and Stephen's own connections through the Indian Premier League where he is coach of the Chennai Super Kings,” said Ziena Jalil, ENZ Regional Director for South and South East Asia. “He is a very well known and highly regarded personality and working with him to convey New Zealand's education story has enabled us to reach a volume and quality of audience that
“Stephen has legendary status in India, with the country's love of cricket and Stephen's own connections through the Indian Premier League where he is coach of the Chennai Super Kings,” said Ziena Jalil, ENZ Regional Director for South and South East Asia.
might not have been as readily accessible otherwise. As a passionate advocate for
quality education with a strong belief in the New Zealand education system
Stephen does a great job at exciting students, teachers and parents about what we
have to offer.” Stephen was at all three ENZ fairs in India in late August to interact with students and answer questions about studying in New Zealand. School and tertiary education institution visits in Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and New Delhi attracted more than a thousand potential students. According to Ziena, ENZ also secured a huge volume of quality media coverage as a result of Stephen's promotional activities - one media briefing drew more than 50 journalists, including several TV channels. An online campaign challenged students who were already thinking about study abroad options to take the next step and actively consider New Zealand as a study destination. Visitors who registered their interest in studying in
Page 11
New Zealand on the ENZ campaign website were contacted by an education agent who provided them with more information about the courses, the criteria and provided support with the application process. By expressing interest prospective students were automatically in to win an exclusive dinner date with Stephen Fleming. The lucky winners enjoyed a once in a lifetime experience with the cricketer, who is regarded in India as one of the best captains the Black Caps have ever had. While this campaign in India is over New Zealand's co-hosting the 2015 Cricket World Cup also offers additional opportunities in India from an education perspective. Photo and story courtesy of Education New Zealand.
Page 12
www.asia2nz.co.nz
e: asia2nz@xtra.co.nz
I mob: 027 495 8477
Close encounters with
By AMANDEEP KAUR
3D technologies
“This is definitely a fantastic idea that will allow everyone to get access to advanced technology." Cheng Mu, Marketing Assistant, 3D Hobby Club AUCKLAND - Having had working tie-ups with the Central City, Onehunga and Ponsonby libraries in Auckland, New Zealand's first 3D-oriented Hobby Club is now developing working relationships with primary schools. Marina View School is a client, says Cheng Mu, Marketing Assistant at 3D Hobby Club. “We recently offered them a 3D printing and 3D scanning solution. They were keen on the package and are very happy with the results.” The 3D Hobby club team is on a mission to extensively hold display and training workshops. The Club not only imparts knowledge, but also encourages its trained members to hold incentives such as training classes to pursue the goal of spreading
I
the utilization of 3D technologies throughout the length and breadth of the country. “We run school holiday workshops and after school workshops to teach children 3D design and we use Minecraft, a popular video game, as a medium as well as 3D design software,” says Cheng Mu. “Members of the 3D Hobby Club basically get access to high end computers with design software, selected 3D printers and 3D scanners, a roll of printing material, 3D design training,
Check out the
Tony’s innovative bent of mind An IT graduate and migrant from China - Tony Zhou, with a highly professional and innovative bent of mind, has started this Hobby Club to revolutionize the
a person and 3D print them out. This is great for weddings, gifts or just to remember loved ones. There is lots of sentimental value. We're currently the only people in NZ doing this. This has been very popular. “We also do one off 3D prints for people needing rapid prototypes; we can
they'll get 3D printer 3D Hobby Club access operating to the training NZ EXPERIENCE newest and disExpo 2015 3 D counts printers on all 27-28 June 2015 without our other ASB Showgrounds having to services. www.asia2nz.co. nz pay thou“The idea sands and behind that is worry about how easy. 3D printers are costly and difficult to to use them or about maintemaintain; why deal with the nance.” The Club has been graduhassle and spend thousands just to spend all your time on ally adding new product maintenance? Basically, lines for the general public. with the membership we'll “We now do 3D Mini-Me teach members how to use figures,” says Cheng Mu. 3D printers and 3D design; “What we do is we 3D scan
use of 3D technologies in NZ. Tony operated a barcode printing business in China from 2004 to 2012 and is very well versed in 3D printing as well. “In 2007
many 3D companies settled down in my hometown, Wuxi, with government support. “I was also inspired to have my own 3D printing business and the idea of opening such a business is to bring 3D technology into people's daily lives," says Tony.
GO
BIZ
basically print almost any 3D model someone gives us. They don't have to be a member of our company. For example, we had a customer come in who needed brackets for his remote made and we are currently making 50 of them for him.” The Hobby Club management has pledged to spend at least 8% of their annual sales income on technology upgrades and on improving infrastructure and facilities for the club members. The club has prepared its website http://3dhobby.co .nz/ for the perusal of students, professionals, digital designers and entrepreneurs.
(right:) Tony Zhou, Director with Vaibhav A Bhor, 3D Designer
Indian star’s pet project
Solving the dog and cat overpopulation crisis BOLLYWOOD Amidst the box-office success of her recent film Highway, Bollywood star Alia Bhatt is showing her many fans that we can all be angels for animals simply by opening our hearts and homes to a cat or dog in need. It didn't take much to turn the Student of the Year star and Lions Gold 2013 Favorite Female Debut
award winner into the purrfect angel: Alia earned her wings by adopting - not buying - her feline friend. Her gorgeous new ad was shot by Pavitr Saith Photography, with hair and make-up by Susan Emmanuel and Raju Jadhav. Tyson, the cat being held by Alia, was rescued by the group Welfare of Stray Dogs.
All animals deserve a safe and loving home. But, as Alia knows, breeders and pet shops worsen the dog and cat overpopulation crisis; every new puppy or kitten means one fewer home for animals on the streets or in shelters. Dogs and cats living on the streets can fall prey to cruel people and are at risk of starving, being hit by cars or suffering from
untreated diseases or injuries. By adopting her feline friend Alia made room for other animals to find their angels too. Alia explains that animals on the streets are “not safe”. She says: “I am an animal lover myself and
my message to my fans would just be that if you
love me then please love animals even more.”
www.asia2nz.co.nz
I
e: asia2nz@xtra.co.nz
Whilst foreign student numbers take a dip, post-grad enrolment boosts tuition fee revenue By AMANDEEP KAUR
HAMILTON - There is an increase in the number of international students enrolled in higher level programmes and in particular, postgraduate level qualifications, according to the International Education Snapshot 2013 full year report. While there was a net decline of 1,811 international students - there was a net increase of 1.3% (approximately $9.5 million) in tuition fee income from full
Post-grad student enrolment saves the day.
fee paying students. This was driven by an increase in the number of international students enrolled in higher level programmes and in particular, postgraduate level qualifications. The postgraduate increase has been driven by growth in PhD and Masters level enrolments, growing 51%
and 41% respectively when compared to 2009. Masters level enrolments are expected to grow in 2014 with the recent release of Taught Masters 2014 programmes. These programmes have had high enrolment numbers globally, with New Zealand providers also experiencing strong interest.
“Education New Zealand has made a significant investment and this investment is reflected in the increasing awareness of New Zealand education - our brand awareness is trending up in China and India and preference for New Zealand as a study destination is level with Australia. We're starting to get noticed, although
we're still well behind the UK and USA,” says ENZ Chief Executive Grant McPherson. Connor Brady, Director, New Life Global & licensed Immigration Adviser, says that there has been a consistent trend of international students focusing on quality higher education in New Zealand. “A New Zealand
Rare Gandhi photos on show Overseas students are excited about ‘Immigration Online’ at Massey’s Albany campus Seldom seen photographs of prominent Indian political and spiritual leader Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi will be on show at Massey’s Albany campus library for 10 days. The campus is preparing to celebrate Indian culture over the coming fortnight. Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand Ravi Thapar will launch an exhibition of 36 portraits by photographer Dadbhoy Rustam Wadia, on October 2, Ghandi ji’s birthday. They span his life (18691948) and are on loan to Massey University from a private collection owned by the director and chair of the University of Otago National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, Professor Kevin Clements. Massey new migrants director Professor Shaista Shameem says the exhibition marks the 145th anniversary of Mr Gandhi’s birth. “By hosting this significant exhibition, Massey University is actively recognising and embracing the increasing diversity of the people of Auckland, which
By Amandeep Kaur
includes a significant Indian population," Professor Shameem says. An Indian documentary film festival is also running alongside the exhibition until October 10. Three of the six documentaries are about Mahatma Gandhi. The film festival starts on October 3 and will be screened at the campus library mini-theatre during weekday lunchtimes. Professor Shameem says Mahatma Gandhi remains an international icon for peace and non-violent protest, who almost singlehandedly challenged colonialism in India. “Gandhi’s life and work paralleled those of other freedom fighters of the time in New Zealand, such as Te Whiti and Tohu in Taranaki.”
She says the exhibition is also a commitment by the university "to the principles Mahatma Gandhi stood for – tolerance, peace and goodwill towards fellow human beings”. On October 8 the campus will celebrate the ancient Hindu Diwali festival of lights. From 2pm-3pm at Student Central activities will include Indian music, food, henna tattoos, and cultural performances. Pro-fessor Shameem hopes students, staff and members of the community will take the opportunity to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, watch a film or join in the Diwali celebrations.
Page 13
I mob: 027 495 8477
HAMILTON - International students aspiring to come to New Zealand are now able to apply online for New Zealand visas. Immigration ONLINE a new technology platform allows international students around the world to apply, pay fees and upload supporting documents online. The new service is available to full fee paying, scholarship,
exchange and English language students. “Applying for a student visa is very convenient for international students using the online system," said Catherine Brady, a Licensed Immigration Advisor and Director of New Life Global. “International student applicants still need to provide passports, which they could do offshore through Visa Application Centres i.e.
Government scheme for international PhD students enables the University to offer new international PhD students the same annual tuition fee as New Zealand PhD students. An international PhD student has unlimited work rights and dependent children are classified as domestic students and can attend New Zealand's free public primary and secondary schools,” adds Connor. Nikita Bhalla, a postgraduate International student says, “New Zealand is a top performing country in terms of the quality of its educational system. New Zealand's universities offer numerous opportunities for research and internships where students can build practical skills needed in their future careers and academic lives.” Overall, there were 97,283 international students enrolled at New Zealand education providers in 2013 1.8 per cent less than in 2012.
TT services, or if the applicant is already in New Zealand, through the INZ Palmerston North office." Shami Bajaj, an international student from India, said: "Since everyone uses technology these days the online system makes it easy for international students to make their application while sitting at home. Being an international student I am very excited about this new system which Immigration NZ has put into place for us."
WANTED
Builders’ Labourers - Hammer Hands Kumeu and South Auckland sites Full time, Permanent and Contract/Temp No NZ Experience required.Top hourly rates. Possible overtime and weekends Indoor work in Kumeu Factory – Site work in South Auckland. You will need to be able to pass drug screening and a Police / MOJ check. Applicants for this position need to have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa. Apply on-line to rowan@trpnz.co.nz – Send us your CV or a cover letter outlining your previous experience or contact Greg on 027 297 0320
Page 14
By MEL FERNANDEZ
AUCKLAND, Quay Street - One of Auckland's best-kept secrets is the world-class waterfront boulevard along Quay Street; one of my favourite haunts. Strolling along this scenic stretch last weekend I found it so reminiscent of Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. The similarities are uncanny - the laidback feel, the ferry terminal, the street cafes, the tourist trade and so many attractions within walking distance. During the week there is a transformation as Quay Street bustles with the flow of the business crowd, international students, CBD dwellers and city visitors. And now there's a new Nando's Restaurant on the waterfront, located opposite the Ferry Terminal on Quay Street that you can visit during the week or over the weekend. Here you can get a taste of that famous Nando's chicken that will keep you coming back to the city for more.
www.asia2nz.co.nz
I
e: asia2nz@xtra.co.nz
I mob: 027 495 8477
The Quay to great chicken
They say that every Nandos restaurant has a different ambience and the Quay Street branch on the waterfront has its own particular charm. Dinesh Prasad has designed each of his restaurants to reflect the mood of the location, matched with an uncompromising customerfocused service culture. Dinesh also runs Nandos Botany and Nandos Sylvia Park in Auckland and stores in Queenstown and Wellington. I've noticed that these outlets have a sizeable Asian clientele.
The Nando's concept is quite different from fast food outlets. It's essentially a casual restaurant, as the food is made to order. You can select from an extensive range of offerings - from flame grilled chicken in different portions or platters to share, freshly grilled burgers, pitas, kids' meals, snacks, sides or flavour-packed wraps - at the counter and it is served to you with a smile. Now a word about their amazing food. This is, of course, the home of the world-famous flame-grilled Peri-Peri chicken. Accord-
ing to the company they, “select only the most succulent chickens and trim them of extra fat before they are marinated in Nando's traditional PeriPeri flavours ... so the unique Nando's taste is absorbed right down to the bone. “Nando's chicken is flame-grilled, never deep fried and basted in a choice of Peri-Peri flavour - mild, hot or extra-hot Peri-Peri or lemon and herb - until it is cooked to golden perfection. The chicken's butterfly-cut ensures equal browning from the leg and breast right down to the thigh. “Nando's basting sauces are completely vegetarian. They also contain no preservatives, colourants or added MSG. The same is true of our chickens.” Who could ask for more; their food ticks all the right boxes. These days you cannot afford not to be health conscious. So you will be
pleased to know that Nando's promise that, “all our meals and marinades are made with natural, nonprocessed, high quality ingredients”. This dish is actually based on a traditional Portuguese recipe using lemons, fresh herbs, garlic, Peri-Peri (chilli) and other spices. The chicken is marinated for 24 hours so that the flavours infuse right through. And this is what makes Nando's so tender and flavoursome. So, if you have a craving for spicy chicken the choice is clear. Nando's on the waterfront is the place to go. Enjoy! Nando's Quay Street is located opposite the Ferry Terminal in Quay Street, Auckland.
Phone: 09 366 1565. Open Monday - Sunday, 10:30 am till late.
Page 15
www.asia2nz.co.nz OPINION
Whatever happened to P r i v a c y ? By LOUIE ENCABO
I woke up to find my Facebook and Twitter feeds exploding with rows of excited status updates from my male peers. When such a phenomenon happens it can only mean two things: either Half Life 3 is confirmed or another celebrity sex tape or nude photo was leaked. My suspicions were correct; investigating what people were saying it appeared that a celebrity nude photo had been leaked. It did not take me long, however, to find out the sheer size and scale of the scandal that had just unfolded. A host of female celebrities had their respective iCloud storages hacked and personal photos of them were leaked online - many of them nude. At the helm of the controversy is Oscarwinning actress Jennifer Lawrence, who dominated news headlines pertaining to the scandal. Photos of Kate Upton, Teresa Palmer, Arianna Grande, Aubrey Plaza, Lea Michele, Kaley Cuoco and
It seems that veil of privacy is disappearing little by little. The advent of reality shows proved that; then revenge porn became a hit. Now there are leaked photos of celebrities being paraded everywhere.
Leaked Nudes
Top fotos from Twitter of Lea Michele @msleamichele, (right) Kate Upton @KateUpton Foto & Comment from Twitter: Jennifer Lawrence @JLdaily (centre)
a few more were also uploaded. The leaks were first published on the notorious online community 4chan, but have quickly spread to popular sites reddit and imgur and have undoubtedly been downloaded by millions around the world.
AUCKLAND
AUTO CLINIC 0800 FIX CAR
Want some free honest advice? 291 Church St., Onehunga, Auckland P: 09 622 1265 or E: service@autoclinic.co.nz Full Servicing of European, Australian, Japanese & Korean brand cars at very competitive prices
*WOF • Battery Sales & Service • Parts & Accessories • Tyres Sales & Service • Wheel Alignment • Express Lube Service • Engine Flush • Standard Service/Full Service • Transmission Flush /Servicing • *Cooling System Servicing • Diagnostics & Auto Electrical • Brakes • Clutch/Gearbox • Airconditioning • Diesel Vehicle Services • GDI Tuning/Cambelt • Muffler & Exhaust Repair Servicing Approved maintenance providers for: Custom Fleet, Leaseplan, Orix, Autosure, Cardlink.
It's not hard to imagine why straight males would rejoice at this happening. JLaw and Kate Upton are practically every man's fantasy women. But we have to remember that these individuals took these photos in privacy, something which they are entitled to despite all their fame. For someone to violate their privacy and expose these photos of them is not just something we should all condemn, but is also a matter for us to be concerned about. These women did not advertise their photos nor were they leaked by someone they had entrusted the photos to. They were hacked. A person extra savvy with how computers work snatched these private files from an online storage device called a 'cloud'. This is tantamount to a burglar breaking into your home and stealing those embarrassing baby photos of yours your mom likes to keep under her bed. Three crimes were committed here: the unlawful accessing of another person's prop-
erty (the iCloud), obtaining files stored in that iCloud and then publishing the content online without their permission. The scary thing is that the hacker behind it all claims to posses the nudes of dozens more female celebrities and has threatened to upload them shortly. The perpetrator claims no motive, no reason as to why he would expose these women like that. No demand for monetary compensation, no revenge angle whatsoever - the hacker is simply in this for the sake of exposing. Reactions online were dominated by males who rejoiced in seeing such explicit photos of their favorite celebrities. But there was a serious minority who echoed the sentiment that leaked nude photos would never happen if one did not take such photos and electronically send them to intimate contacts. Well, obviously without nude photos there would be no leaks, but what about privacy? You know, that inherent right we human beings have that guarantees us our
own space; our own secluded place of retreat where we don't have to worry about prying eyes and strangers minding our business. It seems that veil of privacy is disappearing little by little. The advent of reality shows proved that; then revenge porn became a hit. Now there are leaked photos of celebrities being paraded everywhere. Will we see a time when there will be no secluded place for us to just let our hair
down and not worry about being taped or photogra-phed? Now I realize that the practice of sharing sensitive photos of ourselves is a dangerous thing to do, hence why not a lot of us do it. But if we do choose to do it do we really deserve to be slutshamed by having the whole world see them? Just change the context this way: what if it was a love letter that I wanted to share with someone I have the hots for? Is it just to have a few bullies intercept that message and disclose the contents of that letter to the world? The men of the world may be able to celebrate seeing photos of females being leaked now, but they surely wont celebrate it if they suddenly find their own nude photos exposed online. And the rest of us may be judgemental now and act all selfrighteous by saying that these females brought it on themselves, but only when that last shred of privacy disappears will we realize that this practice of glorifying people who publish other people's private files online is a bad idea after all.Seriously, whatever happened to privacy?
ASIA PACIFIC
F o o d . C u l t u r e . T r a v e l S h o w. 27-28 June 2015, ASB Showgrounds
mobile: 027 495 8477, travelgalore@xtra.co.nz
Page 16
www.asia2nz.co.nz
I
e: asia2nz@xtra.co.nz
‘Culture No Excuse for Abuse’ booklet By AMANDEEP KAUR
AUCKLAND - Although it is important for communities and families to nurture their own cultural identities, it is not acceptable to use culture as an excuse for violence within families, says the 'Culture No Excuse for Abuse' booklet produced by Auckland's Shakti Community Council. The book was produced with help from the Ministry of Social Development for the 'It's Not OK' family violence prevention campaign.“This fantastic new resource is aimed at encouraging conversations within ethnic families and communities on how to recognise family violence in its many different forms and what to do about it,” says Social Development Minister, Paula Bennett.“With more than 87,000 family violence investigations affecting 100,000 children a year, New Zealanders of all ethnicities need to take action and commit to keeping their
loved ones safe and free from violence. The Social Development Ministry's 'It's not OK' campaign is a community driven effort to reduce family violence in New Zealand, launched on September 2007. Its goal is to change attitudes and behaviour that tolerate any kind of family violence. In 2010 a new message 'It is OK to Help' was added in response to consistent feedback that people want to help in family violence situations, but are not sure what to do. Since the campaign launched more New Zealanders are seeking help and more people believe that they can help others to change.
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett
I mob: 027 495 8477
So lucky to be in N Z In 2007 a trip to South Korea changed the course of Sophia's life when she met husband-to-be Leo.
Sophia Ma was born and raised in Gansu, China, a deeply landlocked province larger than the whole of New Zealand (a 'short trip' in Sophia's vocabulary is an 8-hour train ride). In 2007 a trip to South Korea changed the course of Sophia's life when she met husband-to-be Leo. Leo, also Chinese, migrated to New Zealand that same year and after a long separation Sophia arrived in Auckland in 2009. Leo was based in Wanganui, so with Sophia studying at the English Language Academy they continued their long distance relationship for some time longer before Leo made the move north in 2011. Leo and Sophia married in November 2012 and now run the Grey Lynn Stationers together, apparently one of the luckiest lotto shops in New Zealand with 14 big winners to its credit so far! Photo Credit: Rew Shearer
stalls for rent from
$200
+gst per wk
Now available! 4 new stalls in Taiping Glenfield, 25 Porana Rd, Glenfield.
• Good exposure • 8,000 customers per week • Can sell anything in the stalls except food
Call now: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
Glenfield
09-442 5780