Indian Weekender--December 4, 2015

4 December, 2015 • Vol. 7 Issue 37 • www.iwk.co.nz

NZ’s first Kiwi-Indian weekly newspaper

The pulse of Kiwi-Indians

A magical december:

SANTA is here

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CONTENTS

4 December 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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NEW ZEALAND

Pg 5

Five-year pathway student visas launched

Pg 17

OPINION/EDITORIAL The truth behind Turkey downing a Russia plane

Pg 24

RAZZMATAZZ

Your staple style guide

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INDIA ABROAD

Maya’s kitchen adventures

Pg 21

Australia’s biggest Hindu temple opens

Pg 25

FEATURE

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FACE OF THE WEEK A new singer on the block

AT HOP cards will cost $10 from 17 December 2015.

NEW ARRIVAL

You can still get one now for $5.

You can buy an AT HOP card: • Online at AT.govt.nz/athop • At train and ferry Ticket Offices.

• At Customer Service Centres • At selected retailers (for details visit AT.govt.nz/retailers).

Remember, AT HOP provides at least a 20% discount off single trip cash fares (excludes NiteRider, Airbus Express (SkyBus), and Waiheke ferry services).

The purchase price is non-refundable. Cards must be topped up before use (minimum top up $5).

Terms of use and registered prospectus for the AT HOP cards are available at AT.govt.nz/athop. The obligations of Auckland Transport under the AT HOP cards are unsecured.

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NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 4 December 2015

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PM John Key addresses Paris Climate Change Conference IWK Bureau

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rime Minister John Key has told the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris that it must produce a meaningful agreement.

“New Zealand wants a deal that puts the world on a pathway towards limiting global temperature rise to no more than 2°C .

“Every country needs to contribute towards this goal.

While New Zealand’s emissions are small on a global scale, we are determined to make a strong contribution to the international effort.

“That’s why we have set ourselves a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 30 per cent below 2005 levels, by 2030. A significant increase on our current target of five per cent below 1990 emission levels by 2020. “We wanted to ensure

our target was achievable and didn’t impose unfair costs on any particular sector or group.”

Mr Key says New Zealand faces unique domestic challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “Almost 80 per cent of our electricity already comes from renewable energy and around half of our emissions are from agriculture, where there are not yet cost effective technologies to reduce emissions. But we are working hard to change that.”

$20m for research to help reduce emissions Mr Key announced the government will invest $20 million over four years in the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases, which works to reduce emissions from livestock, cropping and rice production.

“The Alliance is gaining real momentum so I’m pleased to announce that New Zealand

Prime Minister John Key at COP21

is going to boost its funding by $20 million over four years, to capitalise on some exciting new research to reduce methane emissions.”

This builds on the $65m New Zealand has already spent over the last three years to help Pacific Nations secure reliable and clean energy. “New Zealand has been at the forefront of efforts

to shift the Pacific from reliance on fossil fuels to renewable electricity. This work to address energy insecurity and build resilience will continue as we step up our support for climate change adaptation.”

Removal of fuel subsidies

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Mr Key says New Zealand is also taking a strong lead in the

global push for the removal of fossil fuel subsidies. “Earlier today I delivered UNFCCC Executive Secretary, Christiana Figueres, a message on behalf of close to 40 nations calling for the removal of fossil fuel subsidies.

“Countries subsidised fossil fuels to the tune of US$500 billion in 2014. Removing these subsidies frees up money, which would be better spent on low-carbon energy, health or education.

“It also makes no sense to be calling for emissions reductions on one hand, while subsidising emissions on the other.

“These are practical initiatives aimed at getting real outcomes.”

Mr Key chaired part of today’s Leaders’ meeting in Paris.

“The government takes climate change very seriously and we are committed to ensuring New Zealand does its fair share.”

Read about Narendra Modi at the conference on page 18

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4 December 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

Ho Ho Ho! Santa Parade on Queen Red

Rizwan Mohammad

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t was a beautiful Sunday morning as thousands gathered with their picnic chairs, mats and drinks on Queen Street, Auckland for the 82nd Santa Parade 2015. The carnival started at 1 p.m. with three massive Farmer balloons hovering on the boulevard followed by skaters clad in red angel dresses, giftwrapped Christmas-themed car and a small girl riding a unicorn.

The crowd greeted their favourite cartoon characters— the minions, chipmunks, Charlie Brown and Snoopy and Cookie Bears—with applause and hoots.

This year’s new attractions were Children of the World River Rhapsody, Flower Power, Dancing Zombies with Monster Mash, Sebastian the Sea Serpent

Aucklanders enjoy the grand march of the bands, dancers, cartoon characters and Santa at the 2015 Farmers Santa Parade on Queen Street

IWK Bureau

For one in five children, their holiday happiness came crashing down after reading a Tweet or Facebook post saying that Santa is make believe.

The research shows that seven per cent of children have turned cyber sleuth and looked through their parents’ Internet search history or online shopping accounts to find evidence that mum and dad had procured the Christmas presents, not Mr Claus and his elves.

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The age belief ends According to new research of 2,058 New Zealand parents, by virtual private network provider www.hidemyass.com, the Internet is playing a major role in altering children’s Christmas beliefs. One in seven parents said that the Internet was responsible for their children finding out that Santa Claus is not real.

A generation ago, the responding parents stopped believing in Santa at an average of 8½ years old compared with children born in the last 20 years where the average age they

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and Pohutukawa trees. The parade concluded with the Santa sleigh on an ice block with reindeers and a Kiwi.

Families undeniably had a great time, with party poppers bursting on the streets and clowns greeting the kids on the block. The Christmas celebrations have begun!

Keeping the belief in Santa alive he internet is contributing to children discovering Santa isn’t real at a younger age driving down the average age Kiwi kids stop believing from almost nine years old in their parents’ childhood to under seven years old.

Children will eventually discover the truth about Santa but it is now happening much earlier than parents are happy with.

Because of social media, targeted advertising and the truth of Santa being just a Google search away, youngsters are more likely to come across the reality.

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stopped believing in Santa was just over 6½ years old.

The online culprits The most common online offender was advertising. Thirtyeight per cent of children had their Santa suspicions raised after seeing ads online for the gifts they’d wished for in their letters to the North Pole.

Over a third performed a Google search for Santa and clicked onto a web page explaining that he was no more than a merry myth.

While 29 per cent children simply watched on in the background as their parents shopped online for Christmas presents.

Keep believing in Santa To help parents keep the wonder alive, HMA! has made available a simple plug-in that can be installed on home computers to let children continue to browse the internet without stumbling on un-Christmassy news.

The Keep Believing in Santa plug-in can be downloaded free from the HMA! website.

The development of the software has already been welcomed by 64 per cent of parents in New Zealand who are keen to see an online feature that will help preserve the mystery of Santa Claus for their children that little bit longer—something 68 per cent see as important.

HRC: all must fight for gender equality

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he Human Rights Commission is welcoming the launch of the United Nation’s HeForShe gender equality campaign in New Zealand.

“Gender equality is a human right that half of all New Zealanders are yet to realise: we need the other half to stand alongside us,” said EEO Commissioner Dr Jackie Blue.

“Involving men and boys is about truly standing shoulder to shoulder, side by side. Equality should not be a fight women have to lead on their own.”

HeForShe is a global UN initiative that promotes gender equality around the world with a focus on men taking an active role.

Dr Blue said New Zealand’s White Ribbon Campaign is an excellent example of men working shoulder to shoulder with women.

“White Ribbon is about men making a public stand against violence and their voices and

participation are crucial,” said Dr Blue.

“With gender equity male business leaders also have a key role to play as they dominate publicly listed boards (86%) and senior management teams at 80%.”

“New Zealand women were the first in the world to vote in a general election, more than a century later we need to aim to be the first nation in the world where women have equal opportunities and where there is a zero gender pay gap,” said Dr Blue.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 4 December 2015

Five-year student visas launched

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IWK Bureau

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arly this week, New Zealand introduced a pathway student visa pilot—valid up to a maximum of five years—that will allow international students to undertake a progression of up to three consecutive programmes of study with education providers on a single visa.

Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce and Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse announced that the visa will be implemented on December 7 for an initial pilot period of 18 months and will cover more than 500 primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.

This 18-month pilot has been designed to make New Zealand more competitive for international students.

“The international education industry is already worth $2.85 billion dollars in foreign exchange each year, and pathway student visas are an important initiative that will help us in our goal to double the value of international education to New Zealand by 2025,” said Mr Joyce.

The key features of the visa are: }} Education providers will be required to have a 90% global student visa approval rate for entry into the pilot }} Providers will enter into a formal agreement between themselves to manage pastoral care and education progress }} Qualifying education providers participating in the pilot will be published on the INZ (Immigration New Zealand) website

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}} Students will provide an offer of place and paid tuition fees for the first programme of study/year and conditional offers for subsequent programmes of study }} Students will provide evidence of maintenance funds for the first year of study }} Work rights will be granted for the visa duration if the first programme of study qualifies for work rights under existing immigration instructions Mr Woodhouse said, “The 18-month period will enable INZ to evaluate outcomes of the pathway student visa pilot programme such as student transition rates from the first and the second programme of study and how well the arrangements between providers are working.

“They will also lead to efficiency gains for Immigration New Zealand and the industry as students will not need to apply for as many visas.”

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4 December 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

Shanti Niwas launches emergency housing project IWK Bureau

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hanti Niwas announced the opening of Shanti Niwas Emergency Housing (SNEH) in partnership with Rancchod Group. SNEH will provide emergency shelter for senior citizens from the Indian and South Asian community who are in an abusive environment, at risk of being abused, or in dire need of emergency housing.

Shanti Niwas has been in the fore front of providing various culturally appropriate services for the enhancement and wellbeing of the older people of Indian and South Asian origin living in Auckland region since 1994.

In 2012, KHUSHI—Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention project was started, to recognise, prevent and respond to abuse and neglect of older people and ensure their wellbeing. While delivering its services, Shanti Niwas noticed the need of providing short-/longterm shelter for the seniors in abusive situations or in dire need

of housing in our community.

The main objective of this shelter is to provide a safe and secure environment to our elders in such situations. Clients will be housed for an initial period of three weeks, with a maximum stay of three months.

The initial period of three weeks will be used to provide breathing space for families as well as enable social workers to assess and identify suitable programmes for arriving at positive outcomes for the elderly.

SNEH’s first option is to get the elders back to their families, however if moving back is not an option, then the organisation will look into alternative long-

term arrangement.

Shanti Niwas will assist its clients by providing ongoing counselling and mediation services.

Social workers will work with the clients and help them with the process of resettlement. Shanti Niwas proposes to charge a small fee to the clients to defray a part of the expenses incurred in running and maintaining the SNEH facilities. SNEH at this stage will not cater to clients with high medical needs due to lack of resources.

Dosti Visiting service of Shanti Niwas will supplement the rehabilitation/resettlement of the client during the stay and after discharge.

Dosti is a befriending volunteer service where a trained volunteer visits elders who live alone or with partners and are house bound or socially isolated from community either due to ill health, age, mobility, culture or other issues.

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IWK Bureau

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national transport survey revealed that disabled people use transport less than non-disabled people and find it less easy to use.

It highlights that these access issues are impacting on people’s quality of life.

The Kiwi Transport Survey was undertaken in September and October by CCS Disability Action and TDG. The survey aimed to provide information about the way disabled and non-disabled people viewed transport, how often they used it and what barriers there were in accessing transport.

Senior Transportation Researcher, Bridget Burdett, of TDG said, “The survey showed us that if the transport industry is to improve the profile of disabled people in planning we need to measure who is excluded from transport—not just who isn’t included. When we measure who is excluded we understand what is needed for people to be fully included—and what this will take.”

Ms Burdett said people who had mobility impairments found trains and buses and even footpaths less easy to use. Almost

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750 people who responded to the web-based survey were aged above 74 years.

CCS Disability Action and TDG also surveyed professionals working within the transport sector, with 250 respondents providing their views on transport planning and design.

Ms Burdett said while more than 80% of transport sector respondents said they thought our standards for vehicles were adequate for all users—only 40% thought we had an adequate standard for all users when it came to our footpaths. And, fewer than 10% of respondents thought New Zealand had good data about who used footpaths, who didn’t and why people didn’t use them.

The Kiwi Transport Survey results were shared with key stakeholders in the transport industry and disabled people in Wellington on December 1.

The survey is part of a wider Measuring Accessible Journeys project being led by CCS Disability Action. The project has received funding from the Ministry of Social Development’s Think Differently Fund and has the aim of developing a transport system that demonstrates inclusion.

Long White Cloud launching to rally Kiwis

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iwi pop/rock royalty has joined with international awardwinning multimedia Attitude Group to produce music track with a lofty social goal.

Long White Cloud talks of Kiwi pride and unity. It has been produced to drive public awareness of the 25% of New Zealand’s population who live with some form of disability.

The song will be launched at the 2015 Attitude Awards—a black tie event to celebrate UN sanctioned ‘International Day of People with Disability’ and acknowledge people with disabilities.

Robyn Scott-Vincent, Attitude’s founder and CEO, says the idea grew after she met Mike Chunn, a founding member of the world renowned band Split Enz, and told him she thought Kiwis with disabilities would appreciate an anthem.

“I thought it would be good to rally the nation ahead of the Rio 2016 Paralympics and to have something to make people stop and think for two minutes about the one million Kiwis who live with a disability and rise above their challenges,” Scott-Vincent says.

Chunn had the perfect song— Long White Cloud—and that it needed to be part of a significant

celebration. “I sent Robyn a demo of a song written by my old school friend Paul Fitzgerald,” Chunn says. “Long White Cloud personifies New Zealand, the nation and its people. Very, very few songs do that. It is us singing about our nation hood in evocative and stirring language.”

Chunn, who has publicly spoken about his own past issues with agoraphobia and his fear of leaving secure places that restricted his travel and forced him to leave Split Enz, called on musical industry friends Leza

“I thought it would be good to rally the nation ahead of the Rio 2016 Paralympics and to have something to make people stop and think for two minutes about the one million Kiwis who live with a disability and rise above their challenges” —Scott-Vincent Corban and Callum Martin to help him with the musical production.

Corban sorted the vocals and

Above: Ntalie Te Paa, a talented musician from Takapuna Below: Mike Chunn, founding member of the band Split Enz

Martin, who is formerly of the Kiwi band The Checks, helped him with the musical backing and arrangement at Roundhead Studios. Former Split Enz mate Eddie Rayner added his magic when he mixed and mastered the track in his home studio.

“The final recording is triumphant,” Chunn says. “It captures the very essence of the song’s purpose, which is to portray a single New Zealand voice, a nation’s collective spirit and the summation of all of that under the powerful image of the Long White Cloud.”

Scott-Vincent and Chunn agreed from the outset that the artists to perform the song should be new talent—an ideal

fit for Chunn’s Play it Strange Trust, which encourages young New Zealanders to develop song writing and musical performance skills. Chunn chose two young

and blind vocalists he has been mentoring across several years.

One of the artists is not a complete newcomer to the spotlight. Natalie Te Paa, a talented musician from Takapuna, has performed many times before, including at the Attitude Awards.

Blind from birth, the 20-year-old now combines her musical career with university studies.

The other singer, Cam Dawson, is a 15-year-old from Blenheim. Also blind, Dawson has been featured on the Attitude programme on TVOne singing and playing the piano.

Scott-Vincent is calling on New Zealanders to join the awareness campaign and become ‘social messengers’ by sharing the Long White Cloud video via downloads fromAttitudeLive.com, YouTube, Spotify and iTunes.

“The nation has adopted songs as sports anthems before,” she says.

“This is an original song with a Kiwi flavour. We are asking people to take a moment to stop and think about those more than a million people in New Zealand who live with mental health issues, disabilities and chronic ill-health.

Everyone will know someone who is affected. December 3 is the day to stop and think how we can better support them.”

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 4 December 2015

Foss welcomes $25m boost for visiting driver safety

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ssociate Transport Minister Craig Foss is welcoming the NZ Transport Agency’s $25 million boost to visiting driver safety initiatives.

“For more than six months the government and Visiting Driver Signature Project (VDSP) partners have been continuously rolling out initiatives to help visiting drivers keep themselves and others safe on New Zealand roads,” Mr Foss says.

“This significant funding boost is yet another demonstration of the government’s commitment to improving safety for all road users.”

The funding will be split between state highway and local government initiatives, as well as a social marketing programme.

“While a programme of initiatives is still being developed, it’s likely to include further rumble strips, improved rest area signage, barriers, slow vehicle bays, shoulder widening and more ‘keep left’ arrows,” Mr Foss says.

“This is about saving lives and reducing the harm we’ve all seen caused on our roads, especially around some of our most popular tourist destinations.

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“The list of both government and private sector safety initiatives is extensive and covers every stage of a tourist’s visit— planning, booking, in-flight, on arrival and on our roads.

“Still, there is more to be done. This additional investment will help strengthen and reinvigorate our efforts to ensure visitors have a safe and enjoyable time in New Zealand.”

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Guiding and educating GenNext Red

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Rizwan Mohammad

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avin and Naidu were among some of the proudest parents in New Zealand when their young daughter, ShantiPushpal, walked on stage to receive a medal for studying English and maths far beyond her school grade level.

“We were very proud,” Navin said.

“It’s a huge achievement for someone her age. She has put in a lot of effort to achieve this. We always support her, but seeing her up on the stage was an amazing experience for me as a parent.”

The event held on November 29 at the Hilton Hotel in Auckland was the Annual Kumon Advanced Student Forum that brought together some of the brightest students from around New Zealand. At just seven years old, ShantiPushpal was one of the youngest students to be awarded for her achievements in Kumon, as she can understand high school level English and solve math problems studied in Year 5.

To inspire the students, speaking at the forum were Manukau East National List MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Natalie Tsang who completed the Kumon English Programme in Year 6, and Daniel Flynn, co-founder of the popular ThankYou Movement in Australia.

The young ShantiPushpal said she related the most with Natalie’s story of overcoming challenges in Kumon: “I liked the forum because I liked Natalie’s story of how she kept on going even though it was challenging, and it was great to see other kids who have completed maths and English programmes because I want to do that too.”

For Navin and Naidu, the event was a chance to see where ShantiPushpal’s advanced learning can take her and a chance to introduce a special guest to Kumon. “The Forum gave us an idea of where ShantiPushpal can go to from here. It gave us huge motivation to be a guiding light for her through the Kumon programmes,” Naidu said. “We also invited ShantiPushpal’s primary school principal, Wayne Bainbridge from Matipo Primary, so we have been involved in getting him to know about Kumon and the achievements that can come with it. He put a photo of ShantiPushpal and himself on the school website and Facebook pages and since then, we have got so many people asking us about Kumon!” she said.

Besides her advanced maths and English knowledge, ShantiPushpal, who started Kumon when she was four, has been developing other skills. “I see Kumon can benefit children beyond the subjects. It helps children to become a complete learner and be disciplined.

The way I see it is, you need to brush your teeth every day and you need to nourish your mind every day as well,” Naidu said.

From top: National List MP Kanwaljit Bakshi with the Kumon team, ShantiPushpal with her Kumon Instructor, Bhairavi Shah, and awardees with their medals

Navin agrees that Kumon is more than maths and English, “She’s picking up habits that will hold her in good stead in the future,” he said. “She sits down and does her math in the morning and her English in the evening. That will become a habit over the years and as she grows older, it will stay with her.”

ShantiPushpal is looking forward to continue her learning over the holidays and her goal is to be invited to next year’s Kumon Advanced Student Forum and to one day complete the Kumon programmes. “I would really like to complete the Kumon programmes because it is really interesting to know all those facts!” she said.

Approximately 100 students of all ages were awarded for their academic achievements on the day. The event was also attended by a team of robotics students from Auckland University, Robotics Association (AURA), who exhibited small robot vehicles and cartoonist Rob McLeay who ran cartooning workshop.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 4 December 2015

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Labour line-up to take the 2017 election

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pposition Leader Andrew Little has announced a strong and talented shadow Cabinet to take Labour into the 2017 election.

“Labour had an impressive intake of fresh faces after last year’s election and newest MPs have now had a year to show what they’re made of.

“This reshuffle rewards hard work and continues my drive to renew our Caucus line up.

“Kelvin Davis moves up after he shone the spotlight on Serco scandals and the treatment of detainees in Australia. He will now take on Māori Development.

Megan Woods joins the front bench in recognition of the important work she is leading in Canterbury and on climate change. Newer faces Jenny Salesa and Peeni Henare move into the Shadow Cabinet,

along with Meka Whaitiri who takes on local government.

“High profile MP Jacinda Ardern moves up along with Phil Twyford who adds Auckland Issues to his bow.

“Stuart Nash moves into the Shadow Cabinet and picks up police. Her tireless campaigning on paid parental leave sees Sue Moroney promoted.

“Today’s reshuffle is a strong mix of new talent and experience—and builds a solid team to win in 2017,” Andrew Little says.

READ ONLINE AT www.indianweekender.co.nz

10-year passports back

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nternal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne welcomed New Zealand’s return to 10-year adult passports on November 30.

Legislation necessary to effect this change, a change driven by public demand, was passed into law on October 20 and enables the Passports Office to start issuing 10-year adult passports to applicants from November 30.

“It is gratifying to announce the wait is over and New Zealanders can now apply for and receive a passport that has a more practical lifespan that reflects their travel patterns and requirements.”

“This decision was in response to public calls for a longer passport life and my government colleagues listened to those wishes. Government, indeed Parliament as whole, have made a pragmatic decision that balances security considerations and the need to make travel easy and affordable for New Zealanders.

“I’m also delighted the Department of Internal Affairs has responded quickly to this change and worked very hard to put the necessary changes in place to ensure that 10-year passports can be issued ahead of the Christmas period,” Mr Dunne says.

Mr Dunne advises travellers wanting a 10-year passport before Christmas

should submit their application as soon as possible.

“The Department is expecting to process around 3,000 passport applications every day in the lead up to Christmas so it is important intending Kiwi travellers submit their applications as soon as possible to allow time for their passports to be processed and couriered back to them.

“For quicker processing, renewals should be made online via our world-class online passport service,” Mr Dunne says.

The fee for standard adult passports issued in New Zealand is $180 and child passports are $105 (including GST). The fee for adult passports continues to subsidise child passports by 42 per cent.

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4 December 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

Hep A berries must be Auckland building consents continue to surge recalled Red

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he latest figures released by Statistics New Zealand showing the number of building consents in Auckland at an 11-year high have been welcomed by Building and Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith, who says strong momentum is underway for Auckland’s new house build rate.

“There were 8,935 consents issued for Auckland in the year to October—the highest in any year to October since 2004.

The 805 consents issued for Auckland last month is an increase of 25 per cent on the previous month, and an increase of 36 per cent on October 2014. This data confirms that solid progress is being made in lifting the pace of Auckland’s residential construction,” Dr Smith says.

“Today’s (November 30) figures are the latest in a recent series indicating the pace of Auckland’s new house build rate. The National Construction Pipeline Report has projected that an extra 80,000 new homes will be built in the six years to 2020, as compared to the 30,000 in the preceding six years.

The Household Labour Force Survey shows the number of people employed in Auckland’s construction industry has increased from 45,000 to 75,000 over the past three years.

“The government is continuing to free up more land faster through the Auckland Housing Accord, together with the council.

Last week Mayor Len Brown and I released the latest monitoring report, which showed we are on target at the two-year mark of the

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Accord. “We also have in place initiatives to constrain building materials costs, rein in development contributions, cut compliance costs and invest in improved sector productivity. Our new $435 million HomeStart support package, which came into effect April 1, will help 90,000 people into home ownership over the next five years.

“We need to keep our foot on the accelerator to ensure we support this positive momentum. The next steps in the government’s programme include advancing new housing on Crown-owned land in Auckland, supporting the Auckland Council in the completion of the new Auckland Unitary Plan, consulting on a new Urban Development National Policy Statement, and reform of the Resource Management Act to address the longterm issues affecting housing supply and affordability.”

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CHALLENGING GRAVITY

inister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy must seek urgent answers from his Ministry over its handling of imported frozen berries linked to a Hepatitis A outbreak, Labour’s Primary Industries spokesperson Damien O’Connor says.

“The Ministry for Primary Industries must publicly name the affected products and recall them.

“It is not good enough to just warn people to boil the berries before eating them. Thousands of people every day around the country are drinking smoothies full of berries.

“Hepatitis A is particularly dangerous for the elderly and those with chronic liver damage.

“Australian officials recalled important frozen berries there in February. Nathan Guy must explain why—when there is a joint Australasian approach to food safety— the same wasn’t done here.

“This latest scare is yet again proof that Labour is right to call for the return of a stand-alone food safety agency,” Damien O’Connor says.

CoOL approach needed frozen imported berries

for

The risk to consumers posed by frozen imported berries contaminated with Hepatitis A shows the need for New Zealand to have Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL), Labour’s Food Safety spokesperson Damien

O’Connor says. “The Ministry of Primary Industries’ refusal to name the affected products or the country these berries were grown in is unhelpful to consumers, food producers and importers of safe products.

“When Australia took the urgent and proper step of recalling contaminated berries in February, the job of their food safety authorities was undoubtedly assisted by that country’s CoOL system.

“New Zealand consumers want and deserve to have clear origin labelling on their food products.

“The lack of information from MPI is resulting in people around New Zealand throwing away products that might be safe.

“As a berry grower, I appreciate the high standards New Zealand food producers have to meet.

“New food safety legislation demands a precautionary approach at every part of the food production chain. We expect the Ministry to take the same approach and identify the source of the Hepatitis A contamination,” Damien O’Connor says.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 4 December 2015

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Unstoppable GFS bags two more awards

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IWK Bureau

O

n

November

team

two

Financial

23,

IBA

the

GFS

awards.

Best

Adviser

(Mortgage

and Insurance)—this is the first year this category was announced and Ajay Kumar on behalf of GFS was the first winner in New Zealand. It was presented by AIA CEO Natalie Cameron and Mai Chen, Director of

BNZ Bank.

Best

Medium-Sized

Business—The

Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards 2015 (IBA) were presented at the Sky City

Convention

and

eminent

Centre

by

Ministers

personalities

including

Steven Joyce (Minister for Economic Development), Todd McClay (Associate Minister for Trade), Craig Foss (Minister for Small Business), Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga (Minister for Ethnic Communities), Mr.

(Editor-in-Chief, The National Business

Sandeep Sood (Charge dAffaires, High

Review), Steve Corbett (Chief Executive,

Commission of India), Mayor Len Brown,

e-Centre Ltd, Massey University) and Mike

Andrew Little (Leader of the NZ Labour Party), Anthony Healy (CEO and MD of BNZ) and Dr Jebamalai Vinanchiarachi (Senior Economist and Former Principal Advisor to the Director, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation).

The

entries

were

judged

by

an

independent panel of judges, featuring business leaders such as Nevil Gibson

IBZ Awards Ad_HalfPage_Final_Bleed_30nov2015_V3.pdf 1 30/11/2015 12:52:30 PM

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Y

CM

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CMY

K

Skilling (Management Consultant, Director SBS Bank), etc.

On receiving the awards, Ajay Kumar, MD of GFS said, “Thank you! To the nearly 4,000 families who inspired us to be most careful about their homes, mortgage and insurance. Thanks to the GFS team for working as if these families were their own.” Over the years, GFS has been ranked as Number 1/one of the top brokers/

On receiving the awards, Ajay Kumar, MD of GFS said, “Thank you! To the nearly 4,000 families who inspired us to be most careful about their homes, mortgage and insurance.

Thanks to the GFS team for working as if these families were their own.”

insurance advisers in New Zealand by ANZ Bank, ASB Bank, AIA Insurance. Earlier this year, it had also received the Excellence in Customer Service award at Westpac Auckland Business Awards.

These awards have given GFS more responsibility and we know our customer’s expectations will be higher. We assure you we will always make our best endeavour to fulfil the same.

Ajay Kumar and his team once again thank you very much for your help, guidance and motivation.

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NEW ZEALAND

4 December 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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The illusion of competition David Shearer Labour MP

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hen it comes to some of life’s basic expenses—food, banking, electricity, building materials—New Zealand consumers pay too much.

We have the illusion of competition and choice that are supposed to keep prices low, but sadly monopolies and backroom deals are becoming the norm. There needs to be a much more aggressive and comprehensive look at some of our key industries and take them to task. Let me give you some examples. Bank profits for the four Australian owned banks—ANZ, Westpac,

BNZ and ASB—hit $4.4 billion after tax last year: double the profits they made 10 years ago. That’s a profit before tax of $1,350 for every man, woman and child in New Zealand. It’s hard to find another country in the developed world where banking profits are so high.

Our supermarkets too are owned out of Australia. Two giant companies, Foodstuffs and Progressive, together comprise a duopoly. Because of them, New Zealanders are stuck with one of the least competitive grocery markets in the world.

Our electricity prices have climbed dramatically over the last few years as well, but no one has been able to pinpoint the reason. Are the lines companies such as Vector and Orion putting their prices up?

Is it the company that manages our grid, Transpower, that’s causing the increases?

Or are our retailers such as Meridian and Contact charging more than they need to?

There’s no use consulting your bill to work it out—there’s no transparency. Why? Because a lack of clarity suits the power companies: they can blame increases on others—and nobody has evidence to the contrary.

My Electricity Transparency Bill, before parliament at the moment, aims to change this. If I have my way, Kiwi households will finally get to see exactly who’s charging them for what—and who’s behind any price-rises.

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Meanwhile, prices for building materials in New Zealand are sky-high. The cost of “Do It Yourself” projects is now prohibitive for many families. It’s at least 20% cheaper to build a house in Australia than it is here.

TV3 journalist Michael Morrah recently revealed some of the murky deals being struck between building product manufacturers such as Fletchers and Winstones and the big hardware stores.

With cosy arrangements between big suppliers there is little competition—and without that competition, we end up paying outrageous prices.

The government is aware, but is avoiding the issue rather than confronting it on behalf of Kiwi consumers. That doesn’t just go for building products, but for banking, the grocery monopoly, and power prices too. Don’t you agree that we should expect a competitive market so that prices are more affordable for a family budget?

PM misses mark on training Kiwi workers Winston Peters NZ First leader

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ith command of the Christchurch Rebuild, the country’s biggest ever short-

term building project under his belt, the Prime Minister has failed to take the opportunity to train workers.

It was an opportunity to turn out-ofwork Kiwis with trade skills, which could now be put to good use in the building industry in Auckland.

There are thousands of young New Zealand on benefits or doing a bit of casual work. They would prefer to have skills.

The government instead allowed tens of thousands of workers to come in from

overseas. Now many of those workers will have their visas extended so they can work in Auckland.

This is pointless for a country. There is no benefit in having our workers unemployed and not contributing to the economy.

Many are stuck hanging around the streets, watching TV for hours on end or surfing the internet aimlessly.

They are paying the price for a government failing to lead. Christchurch was a missed opportunity.

White Ribbon Day a great step towards ending domestic violence Parmjeet Parmar

National List MP

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have been advocating against domestic violence for years in multiple roles.

As a member of the community, as a Families Commissioner, and working in media, I have seen the extensive damage that violence in the home causes. I know the difficulty and complexity that those who work to help victims and educate people must grapple with.

Now as an MP, I am proud to support the government’s family violence package that came about from the Ministerial Group on Family Violence and Sexual Violence.

A great deal of good work is being done, but we are still a long way from achieving the sort of meaningful change in people’s lives that will end domestic violence in our communities. In New Zealand, the statistics we bear are disastrous. One in

three women will experience violence from a partner. While only 20% of abuse cases are reported, 2014 saw more than 100,000 police responses to family violence incidents, and every year there are 3,500 convictions recorded for assaults by men against women.

When police attend a family violence callout every five and a half minutes and family violence accounts for half of all reported serious crime, we clearly have a major problem that needs new approaches

to solve. White Ribbon Day and the whole month of November has been an important time to come together as a community to show our commitment to ending domestic violence and discuss what can be done to change the way we think about family violence. But it is a discussion we must continue throughout the year.

It is only by engaging the whole community in this discussion that we can reach everyone that needs to hear the message of the White Ribbon Campaign.

The government’s approach has been to take ideas from everyone who wants to add to the discussion document on domestic violence and see what can be used.

One new development being evaluated is allowing police to take a victim statement by video on their iPhone, making it easier for victims to report abuse and for charges and convictions to be more efficiently processed. It is innovations like these that will help change the difficulties that victims and others face in coming forward.

I want to thank the White Ribbon campaign and the White Ribbon Ambassadors for all their work in highlighting this issue and for educating so many victims, perpetrators, and bystanders about the real choices they face.

I also want to thank the many people working in the family violence sector who do great work in the face of a mammoth task. Most importantly, everyone needs to participate in education about respectful relationships and seek out what they can do to help the people around them.

We simply must find and do what is necessary to make our homes and communities safe for everyone.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 4 December 2015

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Speed control this holiday season

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f you’re driving, remember to check your speed, as the speed threshold reduced to 4km/h. Police will be enforcing the reduced speed threshold from December 1 to January 31, 2016.

This will be backed by a visible presence on the nation’s roads as part of a targeted road safety campaign, which will also feature a focus on impaired driving and other high-risk behaviour. This means that every driver stopped can expect to be breath tested.

Safety a focus “Police want all families to have a great summer that is memorable for the good times, not a summer ruined by the grief of losing a family member to a fatal crash,” says Superintendent Steve Greally, National Manager of Road Policing. “It’s the loved ones that are left behind that have to carry the pain and devastation a fatal crash causes.”

Speed threshold reduced for holiday season

Drink drive message getting through With December 1 also marking the oneyear anniversary of legislation lowering the adult alcohol limit, police are encouraged that many drivers seem to be getting the message and are deciding not to drive after drinking. “While it is still relatively early days, what’s pleasing is that as at the end of October 2015, we have seen almost twoand-a-half-thousand fewer drivers caught in the over 400mcg/80mg bracket since the new legislation came in, compared with the same period the previous year.”

Make a splash this summer

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lbert-Eden Local Board is providing a new play space at Waterview Reserve, with

interactive water play, a playground waka, fale-inspired

shade,

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volleyball

net,

barbecues and drinking fountains. “We are

working with the Well Connected Alliance, the New Zealand Transport Agency and the community to build a great park,” says board member and parks portfolio lead Margi Watson.

“The water will be the perfect place

Bridge draws mariners’ approval

A new state-of-the-art drawbridge next to the Milford Marina is nearing completion and is expected to be open for use

by Christmas.

The bridge provides local residents with direct access to Milford Reserve from Beach Road, and provides a critical sustainable transport connection for walkers and cyclists between Castor Bay and Milford.

It cost about $3 million to design, consent and build.

An artist’s impression of the new drawbridge

Win-win for Devonport-Takapuna Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Chair Joseph Bergin says it’s a win-win project for the area.

“Its construction has been eagerly awaited by those who have campaigned

for a long time for a new bridge to be built after the old one was removed in the 1970s,” he says.

“The design enables mariners to continue using the marina as they have, whilst providing an important link in our steadily growing sustainable transport network.”

for youngsters to cool off over summer, while the playground and courts provide a range of activities for people of all ages.

The park also connects into a coastal walkway along Oakley Creek.” In addition to

the board’s contribution, NZTA is building a skate park, BMX track and basketball court, with other features to be built throughout 2016 and 2017.

The playground is set to open by mid-December.

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FIJI

4 December 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Fiji joins world leaders in Paris

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iji joined world leaders in Paris to draft measures to counter global warming at the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

Fiji is represented by a 40-member delegation from government and the private sector led by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

While it will be interesting to see what world leaders have to offer in their bid to fight climate change, 1.8 million people worldwide have

put their names to a collection of faith-based petitions urging political leaders at the summit to take decisive action to curb global warming and deliver a strong, fair deal that helps poor countries adapt to their changing climate.

The petitions were presented to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) chief of staff, Daniele Violetti and Special Envoy of the French President for the Protection of the Planet, Nicolas

Fiji PM meets Mimica in Brussels

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rime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama met European Commission’s (EC) Commissioner for International Co-operation and Development, Neven Mimica in Brussels, Belgium.

The EC’s growing role in Fiji’s socio-economic development dominated the meeting.

Mr Bainimarama also commended the European Union’s (EU) commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 40 per cent by 2030.

He said this augured well for the future of Pacific Small Island Developing States and called on the EU’s support in the lead up to the Climate Change talks in Paris.

Prime Minister Bainimarama also met separately with the copresident of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Louis Michel, and the head of Cabinet of High Representative/vicepresident, European External Action Services, Stefano Manservisi and discussed the EU’s trade agreements and engagements with Fiji. Mr Bainimarama highlighted the

need to strengthen partnerships, especially in the sugar, fisheries and forests sectors.

He also pointed out that the assistance provided to Fiji would complement the work carried out by the FijiFirst Government to improve the lives of ordinary Fijians.

He also held discussions on the role of the EU within the region and highlighted the emerging role of the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) in addressing the challenges faced by Pacific Small Islands Development States.

Mr Bainimarama delivered the keynote address at the 102nd Session of the Council of Ministers of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States in Brussels.

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From the Philippines, former COP negotiator Yeb Sano, from Brazil Cardinal Claudio Hummes, from South Africa Archbishop of Cape Town, the Rt Rev Thabo Makgoba, from the US Rev Kyoichi Sugino of Religions for Peace International, from Kenya Mithika Mwenda, co-ordinator of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance and from Bangladesh

“pilgrimage to Paris”. Several key individuals spoke at the event.

Lotifa

Begum

of

Islamic

Relief Worldwide.

Reddy tells why education important

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Waqabaca presents credentials in NZ

iji’s new envoy to NZ says he looks forward to growing relations Fijian High Commissioner to New Zealand Filimone Waqabaca presented his credentials to New Zealand’s Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae.

When presenting his credentials at the Government House in Wellington, he said Fiji and New Zealand had a longstanding relationship that had endured the test of recent times.

He said the two countries, now re-engaging at various levels, was a positive indication of the mutual desire and commitment to strengthen this friendship and enhance bilateral co-operation.

Mr Waqabaca said it was an honour to represent Fiji in New Zealand and he looked

Hulot, on November 28 at the ‘Faith in Climate Justice’ (Les Religions Pour le Climat) event at Salle de la LÃ gion d’Honneur in Saint-Denis.

The hand-in was witnessed by about 400 people including faith leaders, COP21 delegates and climate campaigners from around the world including individuals from countries such as Germany, the UK, Philippines, Italy and Scandinavia who have walked hundreds of kilometres in a

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forward to contributing to the growing relationship between the two countries. “I believe that in the process there will be more opportunities for further collaboration on bilateral issues as well as on the global challenges of peace and security, climate change and sustainable development,” he said.

Also in attendance was the staff of the High Commission and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

ducation is now seen throughout the world as the important sector of the economy, says the Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Mahendra Reddy.

Speaking as chief guest at the Monfort Boys Town graduation, Mr Reddy said education was critical for sustainable growth and development for any country.

“It’s a binding constraint.

Education is always seen simply as a vehicle that provides employment opportunity for livelihood for people,” he said.

“Education is important and critical in terms of supporting

Most improved student of Montfort Boy's Town,Vikash Dayal receives his prize from the chief guest,Dr Mahendra Reddy during the annual prize giving at the school

all the sectors of the economy to grow and contribute to the overall growth of the country.” Mr Reddy said this recognition of education

by government demonstrates its commitment towards education for all Fijians in the country.

Wedding with a difference

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special wedding ceremony was conducted at Vunivalu, Labasa.

It fulfilled a 25-year-old Labasa hearing and speech impaired man’s dream to get married.

The dream came true when he married his former classmate who is also hearing and speech impaired.

Vinay Chand and Sanjana Mudaliar, 24, studied together for eight years at the Labasa School for Special Education.

They never dreamt that one day they will get married. Their former teacher, Shiu Prasad who taught them for eight years and now retired, said the wedding was a joyous and historic moment for the couple, relatives and those who were at the function.

Vinay Chand getting married to Sanjana Mudaliar in Vunivau, Labasa

“After Vinay completed his Certificate in Graphic Design at Fiji National University, he came to me and using sign language expressed his desire to get married,” Mrs Prasad said.

“Seeing these two grow up, I took the bravest step to talk to

both parents and finally we get to be part of this great occasion.”

Vinay’s father Bal Govind of Naodamu, Labasa, said he never thought his son would have a life partner. Sanjana’ father Govind Mudaliar said he always had high hopes for his daughter.

Kiribati commends Fiji at COP21 summit

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iji was once again praised for leading the charge to help countries that were seriously under threat from climate change.

This time around at a world event, again, President Anote Tong of Kiribati commended Fiji at the COP21 in Paris for offering to help his people and Tuvalu who may need relocation because of the rising sea

level. He said, “It is so heartening to hear that Fiji in response to our calls to the international community has undertaken to accommodate our people from Kiribati, our people from Tuvalu in the event climate change renders our home uninhabitable.

“Thank you Fiji,” to which leaders and officials in one of the two plenaries where world leaders

are addressing COP21 gave a hearty applause.

Kiribati has a population of about 110,000 scattered over 33 small, low-lying islands extending over a total area of 3.5m sq km.

President Tong also urged negotiators to approach the next two weeks as global citizens, and not to bring their national political agenda into the global negotiations.

FIJI

www.iwk.co.nz | 4 December 2015

15

Miss Fiji makes it to category top 16

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iss Fiji, Brittany Hazelman is ranked in the top 16 for the Best National Dance and Costume at the Miss World Pageant in Sanya, China.

Miss World Fiji national director and FBC TV producer and presenter, Andhy Blake is delighted with the achievement.

Mr Blake hopes Miss Hazelman qualifies for the top eight to perform in the finals.

“It is exciting for Brittany and Fiji to be selected into the top sixteen for National Costume and Dance. Our designer, Hupfeld

Passion for fashion

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Hoerder and choreographer, Navi Fong of Vou worked extremely hard to perfect the outfit and dance,” Mr Blake said.

He said getting that recognition was a testament that Fiji had world class talents.

“It shows that Fiji has great talents and Fiji excels in National Costume.

“Last year, we were rated tenth and in 2012, we were placed first.

“I am extremely grateful to our creative team and commend Brittany for carrying the costume and dance off well.” Miss Hazelman completed her audition

o some people it may seem a bit absurd to link fashion with medicine but for Sidhant Maharaj, his passion for fashion and design knows no barriers.

The second-year medical laboratory science student at the Fiji School of Medicine is one of three finalists shortlisted for Digicel Pacific’s uniform design competition.

Mr Maharaj, 21, said he entered the competition for the opportunity to showcase his creativity and talent in fashion designs.

“I wouldn’t miss this opportunity for the world with such a prestigious company such as Digicel.

“My designs were inspired by modern fashion trends and depicts my vision of what would signify all Pacific islanders and at the same time give it a stylish and professional look,” he said.

Mr Maharaj was also the winner of the Style Magazine’s “Best Street Wear of the Year Award” at the Project Jejemon Fashion and Design Awards earlier this year.

In addition to studying for his MLS, Mr Maharaj is designing a ‘60s themed outfit for a client in addition to a wedding dress with a western traditional fusion theme.

A statement from Digicel Pacific stated Mr Maharaj also does voluntary work for Auztec medical laboratories and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

His talents are not limited to fashion only as Mr Maharaj won the 2013 National Finals of Climate Zone, a first climate change awareness educational competition in the Pacific co-ordinated by the University of the South Pacific and European Union.

He also participated in the 2013 Climate Zone regional competition representing Fiji alongside other Pacific Island countries and emerging as the only undefeated team in the competition.

Meanwhile, Digicel Pacific had launched the uniform design competition with the aim to offer people of the Pacific the opportunity to help design the company’s new retail, corporate and casual uniforms.

The winner of this competition will be presented with a prize of $US2,000 ($F4306) plus the experience of managing the entire design project from start to finish with a select project team in Australia.

Mr Maharaj’s designs are currently in production with internationally renowned textile company Total Uniform Solutions, and were showcased on the catwalk last weekend at Style Fiji’s charity fashion event at the Sofitel Resort & Spa.

Miss Fiji Brittany Hazelman at the Miss World Pageant in Sanya, China

for talent in her campaign towards

Wednesday. The 118 contestants

the 65th Miss World Crown on

from around the world will be

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Mr Blake will be joining Miss Hazelman on December 11 for the national directors’ meeting in Sanya.

Supporters can vote for Fiji by downloading the Miss World App on www.missworld.com and vote for People’s Choice.

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INDIANEW ZEALAND

Thought of the week

Quiet people have the loudest minds.

— Stephen King

Editorial

Courtesy : Satish Acharya sify.com

From the desk of the Managing Editor

“

What would become of a sea captain, who whenever he saw a fog settling down on the waters, or a storm coming up, would turn his ship around and sail back to the port he had left? You know he would lose his job and be branded as an incompetent and a coward. Every sea captain keeps his ship true to the compass and he plows through fogs, storms or hurricanes to his distant goal. You are the captain of your life ship, and it is up to you to bring it into port grandly. If you haven’t the qualities of a good sea captain your ship is in danger.

Downright hard work, a purpose which never flags, a grit and nerve which never retreat; these are the qualities that make life victorious.” – Orison SwettMarden from Making Life a Masterpiece.

No one in life is free from trials and tribulations, but like I always say, the person who wins in the end is the one who sticks to the fight even when they are hardest hit.

When one is amidst a difficult time, it is easy to not see the light at the end of the tunnel or to believe that things in life will never change, but often people who emerge victorious are the ones who refuse to give up. So no matter how hard the going gets, I hope each one of you can find the strength to keep going. And when you think you cannot, then it is important to reach out to someone who will put you right back on track.

We have an exciting issue for our readers this week. On the lighter side, we have another dose of Razzmatazz and a brand new column called Maya’s Kitchen Adventures—a food column with a difference and this time the focus is health and fun. So you don’t just get the recipes but also the goodness in the ingredients.

On the more serious issues, we deal with the issue of Climate Change bringing you the best from Prime Minister John Key and Narendra Modi, the commitments to the contribution each country is willing to make towards this. In the end, it boils down to not just how each country can contribute towards a more sustainable planet, but how each one of us can make a difference. I personally feel it also boils down to educating people about sustainability and raising awareness on the subject of climate change. It is about garnering more support and participation from peoples at large.

The Farmer’s Santa Parade hit the streets of Auckland CBD well and truly heralding the silly season. One can see that people all over are winding down now for the end of the year or shall I say Christmas cheer. Office Christmas parties are in full swing, the sales are all coming on and one can see happy shoppers all around.

This can also be a stressful time for those who maybe struggling financially or also for those who may be away from their families. Let us spare a thought for those people and offer support wherever we can.

Pick of the week

Until next time.

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan announce baby girl—and massive charity organisation called the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative

Giri Gupta

Indian Weekender : Volume 7 Issue 37 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 Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | designer@indianweekender.co.nz Accounts and Admin.: Farah Khan | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Sales and Marketing: 022 3251630 / 021 1507950 | 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.

Primo Meaning: Excellent Usage: If you could bring some beer to the barbeque that would be primo

Tip from the trenches

Cooking tips

• Always store spices in a cool, dark place as humidity and light will cause the herbs and spices to lose their flavour • Never try a new recipe or an ingredient when cooking an important meal • Substitue half of the mayo with Greek-style yogurt for a healthier version of creamy dressings • Avoid burning garlic while sauteeing by slicing it rather than mincing it • If you’ve added more salt to soups and stews, throw in a potato. It will suck up the excess salt.

OPINION/EDITORIAL

www.iwk.co.nz | 4 December 2015

17

Whodunnit: The truth behind Turkey downing a Russian plane

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Saeed Naqvi

was not in Turkey. It was in Syria. While the pilot, Sergey Rumyantsev, was killed, the navigator is alive. He is being treated in Syria. He has confirmed what would otherwise be speculative stories emanating from Moscow.

There are other issues the US and NATO must be confidentially sorting out with Russia. Written into the understanding between Washington and Moscow was an obligation to give prior notice of every aerial activity to the alliance partners. In this instance, neither Washington nor NATO were informed of the airspace violation by Russia and that Turkey proposed to take drastic action against the Russian aircraft.

Recently, an Ankara-Moscow hotline was established to avert just the sort of mishap which has generated fears of a wider conflict. A senior Turkish official turned the argument against the Russians.

“Russians are under global sanctions and their purchase of oil from ISIS for delivery to the Syrian regime is in violation of these sanctions.” The official has, in his armoury, the transcript of the warnings issued to the

erring Russian pilot. But the transcript only records warning and no response and, by that token, is weak testimony.

That Iraq and Syria are overcrowded with divergent interests became clear in February when Iraq’s Army shot down two British planes allegedly carrying weapons for the ISIS in the Anbar province. The incident was never denied largely because Iraq Parliament’s National Security and Defence Committee had photos of the planes that had been shot down.

And now that Prime Minister David Cameron is rearing to go into Syria with airstrikes (if only he can coax a nod of approval from his parliament), he is probably eager to reach out for the piece of the Syrian pie he could not lay his hands on all these months.

An amusing sketch that surfaces on the social networks at intervals shows Uncle Sam seated in an ornate carriage. An Arab, looking rather like the Saudi King, is in the driver’s seat. He has a firm grip on reins strapped to four burly, hooded ISIS militants.

The message, consumed avidly in Iraq, is that ISIS was, at one stage a Saudi-US asset.

Some of this activity boomeranged on the US when an embarrassed Defence Secretary Ashton Carter had to announce to the press that a $500 million training programme in Syria had been withdrawn after Syrian opposition trained by the US had handed their weapons to militants and sought safe passage to heaven knows where.

So far the Syrian-Iraqi terrain has been the graveyard of many regional and Western reputations. Russians must keep their fingers crossed.

asked to do? India goes to talk about the issue of “climate justice” to its 300 million people who do not have access to electricity.

The government has the mandate to resolve the “power poverty”. Development and access to power for citizens cannot be held hostage to international relations and obligations. This is where developing countries such as India find themselves in a spot of bother, as reducing dependence on coal at present looks impractical. This is because coal is at present the cheapest source of producing power and India has abundant reserves of it. Also, governments have to subsidise new and renewable energy that make them environmentally good but financially costly. The solution

that countries such as India seem to look at is boosting the renewable capacity over the next few years more than the coal output increases. It is a pragmatic stance since it increases the output of Co2 emissions but at the same time looks to move towards renewable energy more so than ever before and more than coal. The leaders have already submitted their countries’ Intended Nationally Determined Contributions to COP-21.

India has pledged to reduce its emissions by an estimated 33–35 per cent by 2030 down from its 2005 level. It aims to do so by focusing on solar and wind energy. It is estimated that the funding requirement to achieve this would be close to $2.5 trillion. The leaders that have gathered in France must find solutions that are practical and sustainable. The best way forward is to commit to investing in R&D and radical innovation in solar and other renewable energy sources.

The issue of equity and access to power for their citizens are of critical importance.

Leaders must look at finding solutions by investing in energy technologies that are novel and less polluting.

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urkeman tribesmen, on the Syrian side of the border with Turkey, calling themselves the Syrian Liberation Army, are actually in harness to protect routes on which oil tankers have been plying regularly from Syria to Turkey for the Western market. This smuggling enterprise is controlled by Bilal Erdogan, son of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.

The whodunnit nature of the incident is explained by the extraordinary pressure on the President’s office brought by this extra constitutional entity.

Ever since the Russians entered the Syrian theatre as part of a broader understanding with the US, these tankers and the mercenary soldiers protecting them have come under heavy Russian fire.

Moscow would be justified in being somewhat puzzled that neither the US nor NATO, with its vast intelligence apparatus, spotted 90,000 barrels of oil being “clandestinely” transported over the border. Profits from this enterprise finances groups that constitute the ISIS. Turkey has been most enthusiastic and active in supporting anti-Assad militancy in Syria. When some of the groups patronised

by Turkey, mostly affiliated to the Muslim Brotherhood, mutated into the Islamic state, Turkey tried its best to have this region of its operation, in Northern Syria, declared a no-fly-zone.

The official Russian press note quotes verbatim what Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, on November 26: “By shooting down a Russian plane on a counter-terrorist mission of the Russian Aerospace Force in

Syria, and one that did not violate Turkey’s air space, the Turkish government has in effect sided with ISIS.” Lavrov added, “Turkey’s action appears premeditated, planned and undertaken with a specific object.”

Even Washington has not come to Turkey’s rescue. On the specifics of the shooting down of the Russian fighter jet, US officials maintained the Russian plane was in the Turkish air space for “no more than 17 seconds” during which period “10 warnings” could not have been given to the Russian pilot as Turkey claims.

Even among Western countries that recently forged an alliance against the ISIS there are skeptics who see Turkey playing both sides of the street. There are serious suspicions that the shooting down of the plane had been planned. As soon as the Russian pilot and his navigator ejected from the jet in a mountainous, inhospitable terrain, their parachutes were instantly targeted by machine guns, which were clearly expecting the shooting of the Russian plane in their area. This area

COP-21 must find practical, pragmatic, sustainable solutions Amit Kapoor

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staggering 147 heads of state have assembled at Paris to discuss and possibly find a solution to the problem of climate change at the COP-21.

The broad consensus that exists is that the global temperatures should not be allowed to breach the 2 degree Celsius change over the pre-industrial atmospheric temperatures.

However, the foundations of this number as well the likelihood of averting this limit both seems shaky at present.

The reason is that the limit before it become mainstream in the climate change policy discourse was used by Yale economist William Nordhaus. He used it to express “a first intuition” to show that these levels “would take the climate outside the range of observations, which have been made over the last several hundred thousand years”.

Post this, several conferences and resolutions were passed but little serious commitment is observed from most stakeholders. In 2010, the Cancun Agreements committed the governments to hold the increase in global average temperature below 2 degrees. However,

the limit in itself is arbitrary. It is used, as it serves as an important benchmark for governments to commit to measurable targets. It forces the global leadership and national leadership to find solutions within this 2 degree limit.

Another major problem with the 2 degree limit is that it does not take into account the historical contribution so far that countries have made. This makes it even more difficult to reach a consensus on the limit. Developing countries such as India have argued that since they have not contributed to climate change in a massive way in the past 150 years, why are they being pressurised to reduce carbon emissions in the same way developed countries have been

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Modi launches solar alliance, reminds rich countries of ‘green’ promises’

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ndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched an alliance of some 120-odd nations to harness solar energy better and asked the rich nations to shoulder their responsibilities in protecting the environment, with funding and transfer of clean technology to poor and emerging economies. He said India would cut carbon emission levels substantially by 2030 by expanding renewable energy.

“Today, when the energy sources and the excesses of our industrial age have put our planet in peril, the world must turn to Sun to power our future,” Modi said.

“This is an alliance that brings together the developed and developing countries, governments and industries, laboratories and institutions in a common enterprise,” he said, offering to host this initiative in India, providing the requisite land and also making a contribution of $30 million for the proposed secretariat.

During his various engagements at the 21st Session of the Conference of Parties (COP-21) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and side events, Modi said India has done its bit by targeting 175 gigawatts of renewable energy in seven years.

“The entire world, 196 nations, have come together to shape the future of this world and the health of our planet. We want the world to act with urgency. We want a comprehensive, equitable and durable

PM Narendra Modi (centre) along with President of France Francois Hollande (left) and UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon (right) at launch of the International Solar Alliance during the COP21 Summit in Paris, France

agreement, which must lead us to restore the balance between humanity and nature,” he said.

At another event on innovation attended

by French President Francois Hollande, US President Barack Obama and Bill Gates among others, Modi said it was imperative to make renewable energy much cheaper and more reliable and the conventional sources cleaner, while developing newer sources that are green.

“Our innovation initiative should be driven by public purpose, not just market incentives, including on intellectual property. That will make clean energy technology available, accessible and affordable for all.” The prime minister also held bilateral talks with Presidents

Hollande and Obama, as also Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, besides an unexpected brief meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

“India will work closely with US on ‘Mission Innovation’,” he assured Obama, referring to the initiative to dramatically accelerate public and private involvement on cutting-edge technologies to address climate change, provide affordable clean energy and create commercial opportunities in this area.

The prime minister opened the India pavilion at the convention to showcase the country’s commitment towards renewable energy and climate change.

“India’s progress is our destiny and the right of our people. But we must also lead in

combating climate change,” said Modi. “We have a target for renewable generation of 175 gigawatts by 2022. We have got off to a good start, with nearly 12 gigawatts likely to be installed by 2016, more than three times the current capacity,” he said.

India has already submitted for the consideration of the conference, what is called the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, sought from the 196 member states of the convention, offering to cut its emission intensity by 33-35 per cent by 2030. Alluding to what rich nations needed to do to protect the environment, he made it clear that a pact reached in Paris must be one of partnership, where resources and technology are shared with poor and developing economies, so as not to deprive people who live between want and hope.

He also launched at the India Pavilion a coffee table book, entitled Parampara, with Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar and Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy Minister Piyush Goyal.

Modi also unveiled a book authored by him on innovations—Convenient Action.

Addressing the plenary CoP 21 plenary session, he said India has set ambitious targets to cut carbon emissions.

“By 2030, we will reduce emissions by 35 per cent of 2005 levels, and 40 per cent of our installed capacity from non-fossil fuels,” he said.

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Modi opens India Pavilion at Paris with focus on renewables

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rime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India pavilion at the global climate change conference in Paris, showcasing the country’s commitment to renewable energy for which a target of 175 GW of additional capacity has been set by 2022.

“The India Pavilion has used technology to showcase India’s commitment to climate change and focus on climate justice,” Modi said.

“The India pavilion also seeks to demonstrate the strong belief that the world needs to look beyond climate change.”

He said the pavilion also displays the country’s harmony with nature and environment, and added: “Summit is of great significance to India’s future. It is a window to our tradition, progress, aspirations and achievements: that India’s progress.”

The prime minister, who said climate change was a major global challenge, also launched a coffee table book Parampara.

He said India looked at the Paris convention

66 lakh benefit from Mudra scheme

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Barack Obama

with both commitment and hope. “We

Change in a spirit of partnership, based on

approach the negotiations under the United

the principles of equity and common but

Nations Framework Convention on Climate

differentiated responsibility.”

rime Minister Narendra Modi said some 66 lakh people, including 24 lakh women, have benefitted from the Mudra scheme that provides loans for setting up business.

“So far about 66 lakh people have benefited ... with Rs.42,000 crore spent. I am happy to announce that out of 66 lakh people, some 24 lakh are women,” Modi said in his radio address Mann ki Baat.

He said that Dalits, tribal and people belonging to the OBC category make up for most beneficiaries.

“The scheme is trying to help small workers such as barbers, laundrymen, milkmen, newspaper vendors who run the economy,” Modi said.

“It provides a boost to three Es— Enterprises, Earning and Empowerment.

The scheme encourages enterprises, provides opportunity for earning, and in the truest sense empowers people. It is helping small entrepreneurs.”

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Knowledge, innovation key to India’s growth: Mukherjee

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onstructive use of India’s 1.1 billion minds could free its society from all woes it was currently facing, President Pranab Mukherjee said.

“It is for each one of us as an individual to make a commitment and to dedicate oneself to solving the problems of society and country,” said the president, after presenting the annual APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE Awards at IIM-Ahmedabad.

On a three-day tour of Gujarat, Mukherjee urged the new generation to engage with creative minds from industry, business, entrepreneurs, society leaders and with those who work at the grassroots.

Mukherjee said it was imperative to address the pressing issues confronting today’s society and the IIM “must strive to be a beacon of knowledge, nurture

President Pranab Mukherjee addresses during an exhibition at the Institute of Management-Ahmadabad in Gujarat

other institutions with generous mentorship, and maintain a culture that blends the drive for excellence and performance with the spirit of collaboration and compassion”. He said that the National Innovation Foundation

and IIM-Ahmedabad had given a global identity to the Indian model of social innovation.

Mukherjee encouraged the institute to continue investing energy and resources in nurturing innovations that

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accelerate the nation’s economic progress and create a sustainable inclusive society.

“Innovation is a key to economic development and reflects the maturity of a nation and society to respond to the emerging needs and challenges.

It is a continuous process and needs to be nurtured at each and every step.

“Innovation, higher education and industry need to be closely networked for maximum benefit of the society. Any innovation happening either at the grassroots level or in the higher educational institutions must be linked to the industry for commercial purposes,” the president said.

He said the children of India have proved that innovative spirits can dispel any amount of inertia and replace it with exciting new possibilities.

There is some amount of intolerance: Naidu

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dmitting “some amount of intolerance” exists in the society, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said in the Rajya Sabha that the issues need to be “localised and dealt with firmly”.

The minister added instead of that, issues are being generalised, showing India in a “poor light”.

“There is some amount of intolerance in the society in different areas, that has to be identified, that has to be localised, it has to be dealt with firmly,” Naidu said.

“Instead of that, we are trying to make it generalised, which in turn shows India in a poor light, which is not in national interest,” he said.

“Keep that in mind and then when intolerance debate takes

Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Parliamentary Affairs M. Venkaiah Naidu

place in the house, there are other seniors who will participate in that. I am only appealing. Let us all be tolerant to each other, and then tolerant towards the mandate of the people,” he said. “According to me, biggest

tolerance, biggest respect to the constitution is respect of mandate of people,” he added.

“This is also an important aspect that there has to be respect to verdict of the people. Respect to the other man’s belief,” the minister said.

Naidu also said there have been incidents of intolerance under different regimes and it is not that it started happening after Narendra Modi became the prime minister. “...All these things have not happened overnight after Narendra Modi has become the prime minister.

These things have been have been happening in different parts of country. I am not trying to justify anything. The atrocities on Dalits, are they

happening now?” he asked.

Referring to former finance minister P. Chidambaram’s comment that banning Salman Rushdie’s Satanic Verses was a mistake, Naidu said there should be a uniform policy on banning books and even banning “feelings”.

“Chidambaram said it was wrong on their part to ban Salman Rushdie’s book. There are two things: One, people writing books should not arouse social tension.

“But at the same time about freedom of expression and freedom of speech, people have got right, but there has to be a broad consensus how do we go about it. You ban Salman Rushdie’s book, people are happy, somebody ban Shivaji book, then there is protest,” he said.

Government committed to maintain peace: Rajnath

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ome Minister Rajnath Singh has said the government was ready to discuss and fix the issue of intolerance and will do anything possible to maintain peace and tolerance in the country.

Replying to the debate in the Lok Sabha on the situation arising out of incidents of intolerance, the home minister said there were forces that were making an issue out it.

“There has been an effort to raise a question on our tolerance,” he said.

The minister said “India was, is and will be tolerant” and remains so under no pressure as tolerance was in its culture. “I want to assure all political parties,

scientists, artistes and others that we will not allow intolerance.

“If they feel that there is intolerance, please come and discuss it, we will work on the issue,” he said.

“I am prepared to sit with you and would do everything possible to ensure tolerance in the country.”

On the Dadri lynching incident, where a Muslim was killed by a mob following rumours that he ate beef, the home minister said the report from the Uttar Pradesh government could not reach any conclusion.

“I was ready that if the state government would ask for probe by the CBI, I would allow it,” he said. On the issue of renowned

Home Minister Rajnath Singh

Kannada writer, research scholar and rationalist M.M. Kalburgi, who was shot dead in Karnataka

in August, the home minister said the state CID was investigating the matter but if the Karnataka government wants it to be probed by a central agency, the government was ready for it.

“If they want it to be probed by the CBI, we are ready for it,” he said.

The home minister said the government was being targeted in the name of intolerance.

“There have been attacks in the name of intolerance, we are not tolerant due to pressure from somebody but it’s in our culture,” he said.

He said anybody who tries to disturb peace in the country would be dealt with strongly.

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he Indian economy grew 7.4 per cent in the second quarter ended September, showing some improvement over the seven per cent expansion in the quarter before but a notch lower than the 8.4 per cent registered in the same quarter of the last fiscal.

As per official data on gross domestic product (GDP) released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) under the statistics and programme implementation ministry showed the growth of 7.4 per cent was led mainly by expansion in commercial and financial services and manufacturing output.

GDP, which is the aggregate market value of all the goods and services produced in the country, had expanded by 8.4 per cent in the corresponding quarter of last fiscal.

“GDP at constant (2011–12) prices in Q2 of 2015–16 is estimated at Rs.27.57 lakh crore as against Rs.25.66 lakh crore in Q2 of 2014-15, showing a growth rate of 7.4 percent,” a statement quoted the CSO as saying.

“Quarterly GVA (gross value added) at Basic Price at constant (2011-12) prices for Q2 of 2015– 16 is estimated at Rs.25.80 lakh crore, as against Rs.24.02 lakh crore in Q2 of 2014–15, showing a growth rate of 7.4 per cent over the corresponding quarter of previous year,” it added.

The GVA, which is a gauge to measure the value of goods and services produced in a particular sector or a grouping of industries, had stood at 8.4 percent in the corresponding quarter of last fiscal.

According to the data released, economic activities which registered growth of more than seven per cent in Q2 of 2015–16 over Q2 of 2014–15 are “trade, hotels and transport, communication and services related to broadcasting, financial, insurance, real estate and professional services and manufacturing”.

During this period, the growth in agriculture, forestry and fishing was 2.2 per cent, mining and quarrying grew 3.2 per cent, electricity, gas, water supply and other utility services’ growth was 6.7 per cent, construction at 2.6 per cent, and public administration, defence and other services grew 4.7 per cent, CSO said.

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US to work with India, China on climate change Arun Kumar

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esponding to Indian Prime Minister Narendara Modi’s “not our fault” message on climate change, the US said President Barack Obama has signalled a willingness to work with India and China for an ambitious climate change agreement.

Obama had “very constructive” meetings this week with Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in on the side-lines on Paris Climate Summit, deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes told reporters in Paris.

“Now, today, very deliberately, President Obama wanted to send a signal with his meetings that we were going to work with China and work with India to pursue an ambitious agreement here in Paris,” he said, according to a White House transcript.

The US had helped to mobilise “a truly global effort” over the course of the last seven years with a recognition that “we needed to bring together the entire world, including major emerging economies [such as] China and India”, Rhodes said.

“Given the fact that they are more and more the source of carbon emissions, clearly we have felt throughout the course of this administration that China and India need to be a part of the solution,” he said.

“I think you heard Prime Minister Modi reiterate with the President his commitment to pursuing an ambitious agreement,” Rhodes said, noting, “India has put forward its own targets.”

In his meeting with Modi, Obama said “that he certainly understands that whether it’s India or another developing

country, there has to be a focus on making sure that countries can continue to lift people out of poverty.”

“We have recognition, of course, that you have hundreds of millions of Indians who don’t even have access to electricity,” Rhodes said. “At the same time,

Australia’s biggest Hindu temple opens

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he Sri Durga Temple— Australia’s biggest Durga temple, built on the western suburb of Melbourne, opened on November 30, after five years of construction, amid fireworks to culminate seven days of ceremonies.

Located in Rockbank, a rocky district of Melton City, the new building will provide a house of Hindu worship to an ever-growing population of Indians and other Hindu nationalities in Australia’s second largest city.

Rajan Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism based in Nevada, said the temple serves as an important accomplishment to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations.

Besides worship services, leaders of the Sri Durga Temple are planning to make the temple a non-profit organisation to undertake charitable activities.

Among the projects under consideration is the collection and distribution of clothing, medicine and food to the less fortunate.

Blood donation camps are also being planned.

Other programmes in the pipeline include organising events such as discussions, chanting and meditation sessions, free yoga,

however, we can pursue an ambitious climate agreement even while India pursues an ambitious development policy,” he said.

“And, in fact, we can pursue the types of solutions that can meet both climate and development challenges.”

Noting that Modi had later joined Obama at the US Mission Innovation event, Rhodes said this “demonstrates a recognition on the part of India and other countries” about making investments in basic research.

“If we are financing both from the public sector but also from the private sector renewable sources of energy, that has the ability to help us raise our ambitions in terms of reducing our emissions, but also can, frankly, be a source of development for countries like India and other countries around the world. So I think, with Prime Minister Modi, there was

recognition and a commitment to pursuing an ambitious agreement here in Paris.”

In both meetings, Obama clearly “made the point that addressing the challenge of climate change and pursuing sustainable economic development that lifts people out of poverty around the world are not competitive goals “In fact, they can be mutually reinforcing. And I think US leadership in working with our traditional allies but also working with China and India is going to be essential to getting a good deal here in Paris,” Rhodes said.

As Obama himself acknowledged “advanced economies have important responsibilities, that the whole world has to be a part of this,” he said. “And you can’t have a bifurcation of our commitments in these various areas that prevents consensus.”

Indian-origin engineer discovers new green power source

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Hindi classes, pilgrimages, helping India-descent senior citizens and students, and providing support for local schools.

The temple will open daily and will conduct aarti every day and kirtan on Sundays.

For Hindus, Durga, a highly revered Hindu Goddess, is considered the saviour of the world from evil.

Hinduism, the oldest and third largest

religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.

Pre-opening ceremonies, called Pran Pratishtha Program, were held from November 24 and ended on November 30 with the opening of the temple.

(Rowena Dela Rosa Yoon’s report from the Asian Correspondent)

n Indian-origin engineer and his team from Concordia University have created a technology to harness the electrical energy from blue-green algae.

Both photosynthesis and respiration, which take place in plants cells, involve electron transfer chains.

“By trapping the electrons released by blue-green algae during photosynthesis and respiration, we can harness the electrical energy they produce naturally,” said engineering professor Muthukumaran Packirisamy who did his MS (mechanical) from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.

Also known as cyanobacteria, blue-green algae are the most prosperous microorganisms on earth.

“By taking advantage of a process that is constantly occurring all over the world, we have created a new and scalable technology that could lead to cheaper ways of generating carbon-free energy,”

federalism in India. The event took place last week in Aula Pieter de Somer in Brussels, the largest lecture hall of the university and was attended by more than 300 students and faculty of KUL. Professor

Idesbald Goddeeris, who runs the India programme at KU Leuven, organised the event. A panel discussion compared the Indian Constitution with the Belgian Constitution. M.S Vishnu Sankar, practising lawyer in the

Supreme Court of India, spoke on the concept of federalism as enshrined in the Constitution of India.

Indian Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri delivered the opening address while a visiting Indian

said Packirisamy who is member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

The invention, however, is still in its early stages.

“We have a lot of work to do in terms of scaling the power cell to make the project commercial,” he said.

Currently, the photosynthetic power cell exists on a small scale and consists of an anode, cathode and proton exchange membrane.

The cyanobacteria or blue green algae are placed in the anode chamber. As they undergo photosynthesis, the cyanobacteria release electrons to the electrode surface. An external load is connected to the device to extract the electrons and harness power.

Packirisamy hopes that the micro-photosynthetic power cells will soon be used in various applications, such as powering cell phones and computers.

“And maybe one day, they will power the world,” he added in a paper published in the journal Technology.

professor, Rajendra Jain, provided a European Union (EU) perspective.

The Constitution of India was adopted on November 26, 1949, before it came into force on January 26, 1950.

Belgian university honours B. R. Ambedkar

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elgium’s most prestigious and oldest university, KU Leuven (KUL) marked India’s Constitution Day as an honour to B. R. Ambedkar with a big audience of international relations and law students on

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Kumble leaves Mumbai Indians

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ricket legend Anil Kumble decided to step down as chief mentor of Mumbai Indians with immediate effect.

The former leg-spinner has been associated with the Indian Premier League (IPL) outfit since January 2013 and now has decided to pursue other opportunities in sports and cricket.

In his first year as mentor, Mumbai Indians won the IPL and the Champions League in 2013.

The outfit again won IPL this year.

“I sign off with the obvious satisfaction of moulding a set of brilliant individuals to a high performing unit. Over the three

being our crowning glory,” said India’s highest wicket-taker in both Tests and One-Day Internationals (ODI).

“As I move on to pursue other interests around cricket, I shall be amiss if I do not express my deep sense of appreciation to the Ambani family for their unstinted support and empowerment. The players and my support team have been an admirable bunch and were a joy to work with. Finally, I thank the fans for their constant support. I wish the Mumbai Indians farewell, convinced that I remain a member of the Ambani family.”

will vie for the Puskas Award for the best goal of the year. The winners will be announced on January 11.

would be interested in seeing the best bikers of the world racing in front of them and we would be glad to put up a show,” said the three-time World Champion.

“I am sure the people of India would love to see the World Championship coming here to see us fighting on this circuit. If the owners of the track and MotoGP can make a deal, then we can have a race here.”

The Yamaha biker also rode a few laps on the BIC, which hosted three Formula 1 races from 2011 to 2013, praising the 5.1 track.

“I went on the limit, as fast as possible but had to slow down because it had rained so the track was wet.

“The bike (Yamaha R3) was obviously not as fast (as a MotoGP bike),” said the 28-year-old Spaniard.

“It is an amazing young track.

It has very different corners; the back straight is more than one km long so it can really test riders. It is a technical circuit and fun to ride on. Overall, a very good circuit.”

India was also supposed to host the Superbike World Championship in 2013 but the round was cancelled due to “operational challenges” at the BIC.

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uperstars Lionel Messi, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo were named on the FIFA shortlist for the World Footballer of the Year (Ballon d’Or) award for 2015.

FIFA released its final nominated list on its website on Monday, November 30.

Real Madrid’s Portuguese star Ronaldo has claimed the award in the last two years. He is aiming to win the world’s best player contest for the fourth time, following previous successes in 2008, 2013 and 2014.

FC Barcelona’s Argentine Messi has won the award for a record four times between 2009 and 2012. None apart from Messi and Ronaldo has won the award since 2007.

Messi’s Barcelona teammate Brazilian Neymar will be hoping to break that. Luis Suarez, the other offensive partner of Barcelona’s famed attacking trident was also a strong contender to make the final three, as was Bayern Munich’s Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.

The three finalists for the prestigious individual honour

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were chosen from a 23-player long list. Bayern Munich’s Spanish coach Pep Guardiola, together with compatriot Luis Enrique of Barcelona and Chile’s Jorge Sampaoli were nominated for the World Coach of the Year award.

America’s Carli Lloyd, Japan’s Aya Miyama and Germany’s Celia Sasic are in the running for the women’s Footballer of the Year award.

AS Roma’s Alessandro Florenzi, Messi and Vila Nova Futebol Clube’s Wendell Lira

Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar shortlisted for Ballon d’Or award

Clockwise from above: FC Barcelona’s Argentinian striker Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona’s forward Neymar and Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo

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Poor technique, not pitches responsible for Proteas’ loss: Mishra rushing aside controversies over the nature of the pitches during the ongoing Test series against South Africa, India leg-spinner Amit Mishra said that poor batting technique is more responsible for bowlers’ domination.

The pitches during the series have been spinners’ paradise with the first and third Tests at Mohali and Nagpur respectively being decided within three days. Even the second Test in Bengaluru saw 12 wickets fall on the opening day before heavy rain forced the match to be abandoned.

“There was a lot of turn in the wickets, but the low scores were more due to lack of technique from the South African batsmen.

Many of the dismissals were due to poor judgement of edges resulting from a lack of proper application,” Mishra said.

He pointed out that since Indians have to deal with fast and bouncy tracks during foreign tours, visiting teams have to cope with the unique conditions in the subcontinent.

“Visiting teams have to adjust to the conditions of the country they are playing in. When we travel outside the subcontinent, we have to adjust to the pace and bounce. So when other teams visit us, they should adjust to Indian conditions. It is all about adaptability,” Mishra said.

“It is a given that there will be more turn on offer when teams come to India. Batsmen need to do their homework and improve their technique on pitches that offer turn. I believe they are under a lot of pressure because we have not given them boundary balls,” he added.

Mishra lamented the fact that the focus on the pitches has undermined the performance of the Indian spinners. The Indian spin trio of Mishra, Ravichandran

years, Mumbai Indians met unprecedented success winning the IPL twice and the Champions League once. Winning both trophies in the same year (2013)

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Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have clinched 47 of the 50 South African wickets to fall so far in the series.

Ashwin is the most successful bowler in the series with 24 wickets. Jadeja has 16 scalps to his name while Mishra has seven.

“We have not been given due credit with so much talk about the pitch. Our achievements should have been highlighted more and talked about. Our home conditions have been like this for the last 15 years and it is not from today. When we went to Sri Lanka, we got turning tracks there and bowled well,” Mishra said.

“If the spinners are bowling well, then at least praise them for doing well. It is not that spinners got wickets only because of these pitches. We also have done well outside the country,” he added.

The leg-spinner is happy with his form during the series and asserted that the understanding between the Indian bowlers is responsible for their success.

“It is important to understand each other’s games and trust each other to build a winning combination,” he said.

“The delivery with which I got Hashim Amla in Nagpur is my second best after the one with which I got AB de Villiers out during the second innings in Mohali. That was more crucial as they had many wickets and the target was not too big,” Mishra added.

Would love to see MotoGP in India: Lorenzo

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eigning MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo expressed his wish to see the pinnacle of motorcycle racing in India, saying he would like to race at the Buddh International Circuit.

“I can only hope and wish that one day MotoGP comes to India. It is such a big country with a lot of people. I saw several people riding bikes on the streets. I am sure they

KIDS

www.iwk.co.nz | 4 December 2015

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What do birds of prey eat?

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Word serach

irds of prey will eat any other animal, including other birds. Insects such as wasp grubs are favourites of the honey buzzard.

Secretary birds like locusts, and kestrels will catch beetles.

Some eagles eat other birds of prey. Frogs, fish, snails, small mammals, tortoises, antelopes, monkeys, snakes, lizards, even dead elephants and whales, are all on the menu.

Did You Know A group or large number of hawks is called a “kettle.� Kettles of the Swainson hawk in Nebraska like harvested field because they can find plenty of grasshoppers there.

Spot the difference

Many birds of prey eat a variety of insects, including wasps.

Frogs that live in marshy area are prey for marsh hawks and harriers.

These birds also eat mice, snakes and insects.

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

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FEATURES

4 December 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Your staple style guide

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he journey from a girl to a woman begins here. Wear your confidence as your smile, and keep the energy high.

Archita Wad

Lesson 1: Embrace whites An all-time classic, you cannot go wrong with a white outfit. Whether it is a dress or a kurti, the purity of this colour will brighten your day. This works from a day of travelling to a trip to the beach.

Lesson 2: Colour block

Bold colours from the ’70s are back. Colour blocking always works and will guarantee a second look. However, the bold look is certainly not for the fainthearted. Team it with accessories such as a headband or sun shades.

Lesson 4: Black and white stripes are in

Stripes never go out of fashion. They look good in workwear and even with jeans They add a little extra to any silhouette. Team it with a bright-coloured scarf or a bold necklace to give it a dash of colour.

Lesson 3: Mix and match

Create a new outfit by simply mixing colours from your wardrobe. Take it up a notch by choosing different prints and ranking the colours from most used to least used. Pair these prints with dresses and coats or smaller accessories.

Lesson 5: Maxis are always a good idea

Every girl should have a maxi in her wardrobe. It is just an easy anytime, anywhere outfit, and you can never go wrong with it. Choose your pick from the different styles—plain, printed or stripes.

FEATURES

www.iwk.co.nz | 4 December 2015

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Maya Shivam

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eing a foodie, the kitchen is a place I love. I will experiment and slog to create my magic in the kitchen. No mundane everyday cooking for me; if I am in the kitchen, it has to be special.

Being a nutritionist and a voracious follower of all things related to food and its effects on the body, I will often cook with ingredients that are “oh! So good for

you”. Olive oil is one of the few widely used culinary oils that contains about 75% of its fat in the form of oleic acid (a monounsaturated, omega-9 fatty acid).

Research has long been clear about the benefits of oleic acid for proper balance of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol in the body.

There are several other benefits of olive oil such as the evidence to prove that use of olive oil reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, reduces the risk of a stroke, keeps the

Rosemary Lamb Greek Salad

heart young and also fights osteoporosis. Consumption of olive oil is also known to help prevent skin cancer and fight depression.

I am a big fan of olive oil, and so I thought what better than to share with our readers some exciting uses of this wonderful super food.

You can also find more detailed information on the health benefits of olive oil on www.oliveoiltimes.com.

Preparation time: 15 minutes + 2–3 hours marinating | Cooking time: 1 hour | Serves : 4 INGREDIENTS: • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, crushed • 2 tbsp. chopped rosemary • 1 tbsp. lemon juice • Salt and cracked black pepper • 1 kg boneless lamb leg SALAD: • 250 g heirloom tomatoes, halved • 1 Lebanese cucumber, sliced • ¼ cup pitted kalamata olives • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced • 1 cup baby spinach leaves • 100 g Greek Feta cheese, crumbled • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil • 1 tbsp. lemon juice

METHOD: Combine the extra virgin olive oil with garlic, rosemary, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the lamb and coat well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 2–3 hours.

Preheat oven to 180C. Drain the lamb from the marinade and place in a baking tray lined with baking paper. Transfer to oven and cook for 1 hour or until cooked to your liking.

Remove and cover loosely with foil.

While the lamb is resting, make the salad. Combine the tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onion, baby spinach and Greek feta cheese. Divide between serving plates. Slice the lamb and place a couple of slices on each plate. Drizzle with combined extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice and serve with crusty bread.

Honey and Pistachio Olive Oil Biscuits Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Makes: 12 INGREDIENTS: Pour the olive oil mixture into the flour and fold with a large metal spoon or spatula until • ½ cup self raising flour just combined.

• ¾ cup plain flour Roll the mixture into walnut sized balls and place • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Flatten, • ½ cup honey allowing room on the tray for spreading then sprinkle • 1 tsp. finely grated orange zest a little finely chopped pistachio in the centre of • 1 egg, lightly beaten each cookie.

• 1/3 cup chopped pistachios Transfer the tray to the oven and cook for 15 minutes • Extra finely chopped pistachios (to garnish) or until golden. Remove and set cookies aside on a cooling METHOD: rack before eating.

Preheat oven to 180C. Sift the flours into a large bowl.

Note: Substitute your favourite nut such as almond, Whisk together the olive oil, honey, orange zest and egg for hazelnut or walnuts if desired. Substitute lemon zest for 2–3 minutes or until frothy. Add the pistachios and whisk until orange zest if desired. fully combined.

Watermelon and Feta Salad Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: Nil | Serves: 4 INGREDIENTS: • 1 pomegranate • 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil • ¼ small watermelon • 150g Feta cheese, cut into cubes • Mint leaves, to serve • Cracked black pepper, to serve

METHOD: Halve the pomegranate and collect the juice and seeds in a bowl.

Mix with the extra virgin olive oil and set aside.

Cut the watermelon into thin wedges. Remove the skin and discard.

Place on a serving platter and top with cubes of Feta cheese.

Spoon over the pomegranate dressing and scatter with mint leaves and a little cracked black pepper.

Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil to serve. ** See Minerva Australia Facebook page for more inspirational recipes

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ENTERTAINMENT

4 December 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

Aamir Khan’s remarks innocent: Rajkumar Hirani

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irector Rajkumar Hirani says that actor Aamir Khan’s controversial statements were “innocent” and that the hype created because of it should’ve been ignored.

“If you take the answer what he said, he’s clearly said, ‘I feel distressed, I feel sad that my wife once said this to me.’ To me, it was a very innocent answer,” said Hirani.

“Perhaps he shared something from his family conversations with the public, and according to me, that (hype) should’ve been ignored.

But the manner in which people have attacked him, I see a bit of intolerance in that, in certain sections,” he added.

Hirani also said that people need to become “a bit more tolerant. I feel we need to pick up on positive things and talk about

those things, we all need to be careful,” he added. The row began at the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards where numerous other issues were discussed but Aamir’s statement that his wife suggested they leave the country was picked up everywhere and was slammed and mocked at.

“If you analyse that interview, it’s not that Aamir Khan called for a press conference and said, ‘this is what I feel’.

“He was called for an award function.

He was asked on various topics and one of the questions happened to be this (on intolerance),” Hirani said.

The Punjab unit of the Shiv Sena had offered Rs. 1 lakh to anyone who slapped Aamir, while another of its leaders said that the PK actor should go to Pakistan,

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eteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar feels the acting standards of this generation have largely improved from earlier eras but still there is no one of the calibre of Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan or Balraj Sahni.

“This could be something controversial I say but leave aside actors such as Dilip Kumar, Bajraj Sahni or Amitabh Bachchan, who were brilliant actors, I don’t think that currently there is any actor who is of the standard of these actors,” he said at a media interaction during a seminar on Perfecting Indian Cinema.

“But the paradox is that by and large, acting standards have clearly improved as compared to previous times. The hamming evident earlier is absent today. Some positive developments have happened but this is also true that you don’t have another Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip Kumar or Balraj Sahni,” he added.

Akhtar, along with Salim Khan was responsible for some of the most memorable stories in the films of the 1970s and the 1980s. At the same time, they were also the brain behind melodramatic dialogues such as Mere paas ma hai. Akhtar feels in some places things have improved in the industry while it’s become worse in some departments.

“Perhaps you can say that the writing standard isn’t up to what it was previously.

It’s also true that the cliches, theatrical dialogues are not seen nowadays. The emotional depth now is insufficient and should be more.

“Earlier, there used to be so much theatrics and other kinds of drama, that this generation got so irritated by it and they went on a separate path,” he said.

He lavished praise on another writer-lyricist Gulzar’s daughter Meghna’s recent film Talwar for its dialogues. “Any good film of today, the dialogue is of such a type that you wonder, wow, can I write it like this. We recently saw Talwar, see the dialogues in the film, there’s not one dialogue which looks out of place.”

I respect court’s decision: Govinda

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while members of the Hindu Sena even booked tickets for Aamir and his family for Pakistan. Aamir’s religion also came into the picture among numerous negative remarks on the issue.

“And this fact was connected to the incident that he is a Muslim. This thought had never even come in our minds.

“I’ve celebrated every Diwali at Aamir’s house. Today, I’m sitting with Javed sahab, but this thought that a Hindu and Muslim are sitting together didn’t come to our minds,” Hirani said.

“This thought should be the last thought. The manner in which this is spreading, I feel there is a certain divide that’s been created,” he added.

Hirani has delivered two blockbusters, 3 Idiots and PK with Aamir.

No actor of Dilip Kumar, Big B, Balraj Sahni’s level now: Javed Akhtar

ctor Govinda, who was urged by the apex court to apologise to a fan he slapped to end the dispute, says the decision of the court is paramount for him and that he’ll respect it.

“Till the time I receive the letter from the court, I cannot make a comment on it.

The decision of the court is paramount for me and I will respect its decision,” he said.

Asked if there was any funding for the fan in question regarding the case, he replied,

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“This is something worth thinking about.

From where is the funding coming? It’s a matter of thinking that this person lands up illegally at a place out of love or out of emotion or on the instruction of someone or something similar.

Such a person never stretches such a matter for so many years especially since he is not someone who is a resident of this place. It’s surprising that it’s been 10 years and these things (case) are happening now.

Govinda was caught on camera slapping Santosh Bateshwar Ray on the sets of his film Money Hai Toh Honey Hai in 2008.

The apex court, reminding Govinda that he was big Bollywood star of yesteryears, asked him to settle a dispute by apologising to him. Bench of Chief Justice designateJustice T.S.Thakur and Justice V. Gopala Gowda counselled Govinda “show your big heart” and apologise and settle the matter.

Ranbir, Deepika pairing extremely special: Ranveer

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ctor Ranveer Singh is in awe of the performance of his colleagues Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone in Tamasha. Praising Imtiaz Ali’s directorial, Ranveer says the lead pair takes the storytelling to a new level.

“Tamasha is absolutely brilliant, extraordinarily fabulous and exceedingly nuanced. Ranbir, Deepika pairing is extremely special. They truly up their game. Whenever they come on-screen they make the film delightful,” said Ranveer at a party to celebrate the success of Tamasha in Mumbai.

Ranveer, who is rumoured to be dating Deepika, will be seen romancing the actress in his next Bajirao Mastani. Tamasha narrates the story of internal conflict. It is about two individuals, who meet while on a holiday and decide to make-pretend during the trip, but problems erupt when they return to their real life. The film released on November 27.

Ranveer went on talking about Ranbir as he asserted, “Ranbir is a stellar performer.

He inspires me, words are not enough to explain his talent. I really look up to him.”

The Gunday actor hopes for a similar response to historical love saga Bajirao Mastani.

ENTERTAINMENT

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ENTERTAINMENT

4 December 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

I will direct a film next year: Dia Mirza

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ctor-producer Dia Mirza, who has explored various aspects in showbiz, is now all set to wield the megaphone next year.

“Yes, I would like to direct a film I am very much interested in it. I would also like to gain more experience before I direct a film as I am still learning and developing my directing skills. If things go well then I will direct a film next year,” Dia said.

She said that her film will be based on human stories and it will be a “fresh script.”

“I haven’t decided yet whether I will also be acting in it or not I am not sure whether I will be able to juggle both,” she said.

The actress who has lately been busy donning the producer’s hat also assured that she has not quit acting.

“If I would have got an earth-shattering script, I would have dropped everything and worked on it. I love acting but that earth shattering role has not come my way.

People feel I am not acting for some strange reasons but that’s not true,” the 33-yearold said.

Film festivals look down upon massy films: Farah Khan

I think, for us in a way, they get your movie.

They get the business of your movie. But I think here (in India), the ones who organise the festivals, they tend to look down upon commercial hit films or what they call the masses’ love,” Farah said.

The 50-year-old director’s comment only seems relevant after a veteran Bengali actor Dhritiman Chatterjee, who has acted in films by auteur as iconic as Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen, objected to Bollywood star Anil Kapoor’s tapori dance at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Farah, who has made films such as Main Hoon Na and Happy New Year, said it’s only ironic that “actors and commercial film directors” are invited to film extravaganzas to draw footfalls.

Her Om Shanti Om, which was screened in Cairo where Farah was honoured with the Faten Hamama Award for excellence in cinema, starred Shah Rukh Khan and launched Deepika Padukone. Interestingly, the movie had over 40 actors appearing in the course of the film, including 30 of them in the deewangi deewangi song alone.

She hopes that film festivals on the home turf start showcasing a mix of commercial and non-commercial films.

“I think if they had a mix of both, it would be ideal... especially if they did not ignore the commercial movies... the good commercial movies,” she said.

Perhaps steps are being taken as Salman Khan’s blockbuster entertainer Bajrangi Bhaijaan not just set the cash registers ringing but also left people moist-eyed with a heart-warming story.

Meanwhile, films such as The Lunchbox, Masaan, Angry Indian Goddesses and Titli are some offbeat movies from Hindi filmdom that have found prominence at movie galas.

Farah is now planning to make a movie on “girl power”, which will be produced by her friend superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s banner Red Chillies Entertainment.

Unfortunately, Bajirao... shooting was used to take back home. I am generally a going on throughout the year, almost 250 switch on and off actor, but this character Black Orange was very heart-wrenching.” days this year we were shooting, so to take Red The film is slated for December out time to host shows was not possible,” 18 release. said Ranveer.

“But hopefully in the coming year, it is very much on the cards and it should happen very soon,” he added.

“It’s been a long time that I have been pursued to host various shows. In fact, half a dozen offers have come already only in the past year,” the actor revealed.

“Every time I would go for promotions for any film, all the producers used to say ‘you’re very cut out for television—in terms of your hosting capabilities and the kind of energy you have, you suit television very well’. I understand all too well the power and penetration of television,” he added.

Ranveer’s AIB Roast partner Arjun Kapoor recently ventured into television with the seventh season of Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi. Superstars Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan and actress Bipasha Basu have their shows going on currently. iteish Deshmukh, whose Marathi Bajirao Mastani is Ranveer’s second production Yellow has been film of 2015 after family-based Dil selected as the opening film of Dhadakne Do. the first International Film Festival for the Persons with Disabilities (IFFPD), says it is a “special film” and he is “honoured and excited” with the selection. “Yellow is a special film and we are honoured and excited to be the opening film at the first international film festival for persons with disabilities. Such initiatives are important and will help spread the necessary awareness,” Riteish said in a statement. The film’s director Mahesh Limaye called it a “proud moment for the entire team”.

“We are honoured to be the opening film. I’m very happy for Gauri Gadgil (on whose life the story is based) who chased her dreams and they came true. She is the inspiration for all of us,” he said.

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), union ministry of social justice and empowerment, has collaborated with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to organise IFFPD, a unique three-day film festival for persons with disabilities.

Yellow was selected among one of the eight features in the competition category and was screened on Tuesday.

Yellow a special film for Riteish Deshmukh

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Did Bajirao Mastani for Bhansali: Priyanka Chopra

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ight years after it regaled Bollywood audiences with its song and dance sequences, filmy story line about reincarnation and an ensemble cast, Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om was showcased at the 37th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) recently. The film-maker, however, feels that “commercial or massy” films are largely looked down upon at film festivals in India. Farah was also feted in Cairo.

“When a foreign film festival honours you,

Ranveer Singh keen to foray into television

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ctor Ranveer Singh feels that he is “cut out” for the medium of television and wants to make his debut on it soon after receiving numerous offers in the past year.

“I would have to agree that I’m cut out for television and I really do want to make my debut on television very soon.

ctress Priyanka Chopra, who is not playing the title role in Bajirao Mastani, says she has a very challenging role as Kashibai in the film, which she took on only for director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

“I did this film for Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

I know you all will ask me, ‘Mastani is played

by Deepika (Padukone), and Bajirao is played by Ranveer (Singh). So why did you do this film?’ Let me tell you, I was the first person to be cast in this film. I remember Sanjay came to me with this script and he was clear he wanted me to do this film,” Priyanka said.

“I thought Kashibai’s character was very heart-breaking. This is a feminine character and it was very challenging for me to do the role... It’s a special film for me. I am just super excited to be part of it,” she added.

Priyanka Chopra will be seen playing Bajirao’s first wife in the movie.

“It was not easy to do this role. I wanted to get the Maharashtrian accent right and there were many dramatic scenes, which I

I am a spokesman of millions of Indians: Anupam Kher

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eteran actor Anupam Kher, who is known for being vocal about his opinions on social media, says he is the “spokesman of millions of Indians” who believes that “India is the best”.

“I am a spokesman of millions of Indians who believe East or West, India is the best even with its shortcomings,” Anupam wrote on Twitter while having a chat session with his fans and well-wishers.

The 60-year-old actor was also asked by a fan whether he has any plans of following in the footsteps of his actress-politician wife Kirron Kher in the near future.

“Not at all. I am happy to be an actor and teacher and a motivational speaker,” The Shaukeens actor wrote.

On the silver screen, Anupam was seen in Prem Ratan Dhan Payo starring Salman Khan and will next be seen in Neeraj Pandey’s directorial M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story where he will be seen essaying the role of cricketer M.S. Dhoni’s father Pan Singh. Actor Sushant Singh Rajput will be portraying Dhoni for the biopic, which is slated to hit the theatres next year.

ENTERTAINMENT

www.iwk.co.nz | 4 December 2015

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Earlybird Fares Return fare starting from

Delhi ...................... $1446* Amritsar ............... $1484* Hyderabad ........... $1370*

Mumbai ................... $1372* Kolkata .................... $1372* Ahmedabad ............ $1474*

*Offer ends on 31st December 2015 unless sold out prior.Advertised fares are all inclusive for travel on the route Auckland-India-Auckland(via Sydney/Melbourne/Delhi), priced as on 30th November 2015 for outbound travel on 21st March 2016 and inbound travel on 20th April 2016, with 8 kg carry-on luggage and 30 kg check-in baggage.Travel between Auckland and Melbourne/Sydney permitted on our interline partner Air New Zealand (NZ) Virgin Australia (VA), Qantas (QF) only.Outbound travel is permitted from 16th Feb 16 to 15th June 16 or 06th July 16 to 30th September 16.Travel must be completed within 3 months from the date of departure. Prices are correct as on 30th November 2015 and small variations in prices may occur as a result of changes in airport taxes or currency fluctuations. Offer is subject to availability and fares are valid on Air India operated flights only. Basic fare and fuel surcharge are non refundable and change/no-show fees apply. For full termsand conditions, please visitwww.airindia.com or contact your local travel agent or call Air India on (03) 90218720 / (02) 92833370.

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

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FEATURES

4 December 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

A new singer on the block

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A recent University of Auckland graduate, Neel Patel works as a health promoter with East Tamaki Healthcare. Aside from his interest in the game of cricket, he plays the tabla and guitar. But it is his passion for singing that piqued our interest. The Indian Weekender spoke to this small town Gujarati boy who came to New Zealand last year armed with a degree in dental surgery and a passion for all things music.

ESHA CHANDA

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

IWK: When did you develop an interest in music?

Neel: I remember being dragged to a tabla class when I was six after my mother noticed me banging on a table whenever a song played on TV. I hated going there, as my teacher had a dog that freaked me out and also because I had to miss out on cricket. My teacher told my mother that I should be trained in singing rather than in tabla. It was difficult to find a good music teacher in my town then, but my mother made sure that I receive the best training in music. She used to take me to Mumbai every weekend where I received training in voice culture and voice modulation from Mr Panu Ray. He always told me that “music is not what you hear, it is what you feel”.

Neel Patel

IWK: Is singing a my passion. hobby or would I strive to balance music mere you like to pursue it with my profession. professionally?

Although my ultimate goal Neel: Music has always is to practice dentistry in been my passion. I Auckland, whatever time strive to balance music with my profession.

I get out of work and Although my ultimate goal studies, I invest it in is to practice dentistry in Auckland, whatever time I get music IWK: Which artists for. I like to be creative with my music, and I have always enjoyed listening to shows such as MTV Coke studio and MTV unplugged.

IWK: Where do you regularly perform in Auckland?

Neel: After winning the Bollywood B-Factor competition and Tarana-Idol by Radio Tarana, I got many opportunities to perform. I am not in any band, but I have performed with a few of them. Hemant Thaker, the renowned keyboard player in Auckland along with Dinesh Raniga and Kirit Patel, has helped me to gain a lot of exposure and offered a lot of places where I could perform. I recently performed a medley of A.R. Rehman’s composition at Miss India NZ 2015 and sang garba during Navratri in Christchurch.

Neel: After I came to New Zealand, I tried to keep my passion for music alive.

I contacted bands and event organisers in and around Auckland. However, initially, I failed to get a positive response.

It was only after I won a couple of only have a good tune but also good lyrics. I competitions, opportunities started coming always relate tune to a body and the lyrics to my way.

The constant support and love its character. from people has helped me grow as A combination of a singer, and ever since, there Music both is what I am has been no looking back. always looking has always been

do you look up to?

IWK: What you enjoy?

genre

of

music

do

Neel: I enjoy slow and soft music such as light Bollywood music and ghazals. I like it when the song connects with my soul. This has only been possible with songs that not

Hunua village summer fete

Date: Sunday, December 6 Time: 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Venue: YMCA Camp Adair, 2487 Hunua Rd, Papakura, Auckland Escape the silly season and spend time with your family and friends at Camp Adair. Enjoy local entertainment, participate in camp Adair’s outdoor activities, browse through the market or take on the kids at some old school games. The camp will have lucky-dips, Devonshire tea, music, performance, craft, art and food.

And there’s a mudslide, so don’t forget to carry a change of clothes. Admission is open to all.

Neel: I love Sonu Nigam’s music. I used to imitate him since I was a kid. I admire his versatility. He is one of the few singers who can sing live without missing a single note. His songs are packed with emotions, and you learn something new every time you listen to him. One of my favourites sung by him is abhi mujh mein kahin.

pies with fruit mince and chocolate that will be wrapped in fabric. The class will provide all ingredients and is restricted to 12 participants.

Admission is priced at $45 and can be bought by calling 0800 BUY TIX (289 849).

Sandringham food and spice tour Date: Saturday, December 5 Time: 2 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Venue: Sandringham Community Centre, 18–20 Kitchener St, Auckland

Kids can cook: edible treats for Christmas

Date: Saturday, December 5 and 12 Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Venue: Nosh Melting Pot, 422 Dominion Rd, Auckland An engaging and fun interactive class for children aged between five and 12, the class will be guide children to create Christmas treats. Vanessa will be organising the class, who creates an exciting atmosphere. In the December 5 class, children will make hanging stained glass cookies for the tree and little truffle balls that will go into a recycled box, which they can decorate.

In the December 12 class, children will make minced

Tingle your taste buds at six great restaurants and three spice markets. This two-hour walking tour discovers the secrets of Sandringham village while tasting various Indian culinary treats. The meeting point is at Sandringham Community Centre (18–20 Kitchener Road). Tickets are priced at $45 and can be bought at www.eatauckland.co.nz.

FCBD: comic book day

Date: Saturday, December 5 Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Venue: Arkham City Comics, shop 45a, 691 Manukau Road, Auckland The free comic book day is back and is only being held at Arkham City Comics Auckland. On the day, you can get two free comics just for visiting the store (till stocks

out of work and studies, I invest it in music.

IWK: What are your future plans?

Neel: I hope to start practising dentistry soon and invest maximum time in music.

Learning new musical instruments and singing songs in different languages have always been on my future agenda. I am also looking forward to exciting music projects coming up early next year.

last) and another two free comics if you’re in a costume.

There will also be free sketches by local artists, free face painting, free cans of V and free photo booth photos.

Admission is free.

Christmas at the Zoo

Date: Saturday, December 4 Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Venue: Auckland Zoo, 99 Motions Rd, Auckland Celebrate the festive season with roving entertainers, carolling elves, face painting and the famous singing Santa show. Along with the Christmas concert, there will be special animal encounters. Tickets are available from Eventfinda or you can call 0800 BUY TIX (289 849). Last entry at the Zoo is 6:45 p.m. The zoo will be closing at 4:30 p.m. and reopening at 5 p.m. for Christmas at the Zoo. Find more details on www.aucklandzoo.co.nz.

Coca-Cola Christmas in the park

Date: Saturday, December 12 Time: 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Venue: Auckland Domain, Parnell Gather your friends and family for a magical night under the stars. Enjoy an evening of star-studded entertainment and fabulous fireworks. Performances include Avalanche City, Jessica Mauboy, Caleb Jago-Ward, Vince Harder, Ben Lummis, Lavina Williams and Ester Stephens.

Admission is free for all. Find more details on www. christmasinthepark.co.nz.

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