Indian Weekender 5 May 2017

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5 MAY17

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Vol. 9 • Issue 07

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Priyanca Radhakrishnan set to become first Kiwi-Indian Labour MP

Andrew Little keeps his promise to Indian Weekender SANDEEP SINGH

Regardless of the fact that her nomination has put her in an enviable position to become a Labour MP, Ms Radhakrishnan is still committed to winning Maungakiekie electorate for the Labour party.

“Maungakiekie is a winnable electorate, which used to be with the labour before 2008 and with current incumbent not standing again there is a strong chance to win it back for the Labour.

“I am committed to winning Maungakiekie for the labour,” Ms Radhakrishnan affirmed.

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he much awaited Labour Party List for 2017 was released on Tuesday May 2 after being delayed by one day, with one Kiwi-Indian Priyanca Radhakrishnan being placed at a winnable 11th position thus setting her to become the first Labour MP of Indian origin.

This brings to a conclusion of a long and straightforward demand raised by Indian Weekender with the Labour Leader Andrew Little when Mr Little last visited Indian Weekender at our office in October last year.

In a bold and honest confession, Mr Little had then acknowledged Labour’s historic glitch lately in engaging effectively with the Indian community and failing to nominate a Kiwi-Indian higher up in the list for the Labour caucus (Read our October 7 issue).

“I am determined to change this by next elections,” Mr Little had then said in an exclusive interview to the Indian Weekender.

Probing further then, Indian Weekender had asked Mr Little if he can give a personal assurance to the community to nominate a Kiwi-Indian among the top 20

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It is a huge honour and humbling experience to be nominated at such a higher position in the Labour Party list.

position in the next Labour Party list, to which Mr Little had replied in affirmative.

It is pretty obvious that Mr Little has kept his promise.

Priyanca Radhakrishnan, who was also present when Mr Little had looked back in our eyes to answer in affirmative to the question of long felt demand of getting a Kiwi-Indian Labour MP, spoke exclusively with the Indian

Weekender today about her selection in the list and about her future plans as an MP. “It is a huge honour and humbling experience to be nominated at such a higher position in the Labour Party list.

“I am grateful for the support I have received from our community and am committed to working for the community and the Party,” Ms Radhakrishnan said.

Three most important issues for the Indian community

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ccording to Ms Radhakrishnan, the three main issues affecting Indian community in New Zealand are safety (law & order), housing, public transport and health, and she will be focussing on raising community’s voice in parliament around these issues.

“Safety is definitely on top of the list.

“Lately, there have been many brutal attacks in the community and Labour is taking it seriously,”

Ms Radhakrishnan said.

“On top of these normal issues dear to Labour Party, there are some issues affecting our community disproportionately such as institutional racism where our people find it hard [to get integrated] as ethnic communities in general,” Ms Radhakrishnan asserted.

Party or community: What is more important for her?

I

ndian Weekender raised one important question affecting everyone in our communities where does her “heart” will rest – with the Party or with the community.

Apparently, there is a simmering undercurrent within the wider community that in the current set-up, MPs of Indian origin irrespective of the political party they are representing, ends up toeing party lines at the cost of community’s wider interest.

However, Ms Radhakrishnan was not the one to be caught on a wrong foot live in front of a camera and tap came her reply

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“both,” clearly demonstrating her preparedness to be politically correct.

“I have been a member of the Labour Party since last 11 years; I have worked behind the scenes for the last three elections and have been very active on the ground for the Party.

“Within the party, we have different sectors that look into the needs and aspirations of various ethnic communities. We used to have [something called as] an ethnic sector which was very large back in the Helen Clarke government.

“I have been quite passionate along with a core group within the Party to rebuild that sector because I believe very strongly that we must have a voice within the party as well.

“The sector does two things.

One is to engage with ethnic communities including the Indian community. The other is to make sure that our communities have a voice at the different level within the party.

“So for me the two [Party and the community] are inseparable,” Ms Radhakrishnan avowed at the end of the conversation.

However, this is something that remains to be seen in the future.

Till that point, Ms Radhakrishnan deserves all accolades for being in a position to become the first Indian-origin Labour MP after next elections.

India also wants ‘quality FTA’ with New Zealand:

Amitabh Kant, CEO NITI Aayog

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SANDEEP SINGH

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India also wants ‘quality FTA’ with New Zealand,” says Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog the premier policy-making body of the Indian Government and a close economic adviser to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

NITI Aayog (National Institute for Transforming India) is the new premier body that has replaced the former institution of Planning Commission and is largely responsible for transforming India.

Mr Kant has been closely associated with many new initiatives of the government of India such as “Make in India,” “Startup India,” “Incredible India,” and “God’s own country,” which aims to drive manufacturing and tourism in India.

Mr Kant is in New Zealand as the recipient of the Prime Minister’s Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship for 2017.

As a part of his tour to New Zealand, Mr Kant has met with Prime Minister and several Members of Parliament and

Mr Kant is in New Zealand as the recipient of the Prime Minister’s Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship for 2017.

Ministers in Wellington to discuss areas of mutual cooperation between New Zealand and India.

Speaking exclusively with the Indian Weekender at the sidelines of a public lecture hosted by Export NZ in Auckland on Wednesday, May 3, Mr Kant spoke passionately about how India was transforming under the current government in New Delhi and laying out Indian expectation for an expedite deal on FTA.

Below are the excerpts of Indian Weekender’s exclusive conversation with India’s key economic bureaucrat.

IWK: Can you tell us more about NITI Aayog? What is the mandate and terms of reference of this new institution?

AK: This is a national institution for transforming India. It is a successor to Planning Commission, which used to be a five-year plan and has been done away with it.

Now we have a 15-year vision document, seven-year strategy and a three-year action plan. This is a body which does all the ‘outcome monitoring’ of different programs of various ministries and presents the ‘outcome’ directly to the Prime Minister. This is the first time that the country has moved from inputs to the outcome. It is also a body which initiates several transformative measures such as driving the digital payment measures and many more things.

Continued on page 5

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Crime Prevention Group: Five things we learned about the recent protest-march SANDEEP SINGH

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ollowing the protestmarch organised by the Crime Prevention Group on Sunday, April 28, against the rising crime and spate of ram raids and aggravated robberies in the community, Indian Weekender looks at what we learned from the protest march.

Protest was well attended

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A good mix of ethnic representation

t will not be an exaggeration to assert that the protest march was well attended by over five to six hundred shopkeepers and small businessmen who arrived from distant locations in Auckland on a Sunday afternoon, along with their family members and relatives.

In most cases, these family members of local businesses owners are the ones who are at the frontline facing aggravated assaults while manning their respective businesses. Given the fact that women and elderly in most of the ethnic communities are usually shy of coming out in public, chose to participate in this public march signifies the importance of this issue among the communities.

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part from some reasonable numbers in the protest, the other notable observation was the good mix of ethnic participation from other communities notable among them Chinese, Korean, Maori, and Pacific Islanders, apart from few Pakehas, which challenge the notion currently prevailing in the mainstream media that this issue is limited to a small part of the Indian community.

The numbers and the mood prevailing in the public protest march suggest otherwise.

Well supported by prominent faces in the community

U

nlike many instances in the past, where issues of wider interest in the community have failed to enlist an unequivocal support from community leaders solely on the pretext of individual and political preferences of those in the lead, there was some success this time.

Many prominent community members have rallied together for this protest-march overtly, despite their individual political preferences.

Notable community leaders present on the occasion were Jeet Suchdev of Bharatiya Samaj,

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Many prominent community members have rallied together for this protest-march overtly, despite their individual political preferences.

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Despite claims to keep it apolitical, Labour Party has more visibility

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lthough, Sunny Kaushal, the lead organiser of the crime prevention group made some bold announcements that no political party or Member of Parliament was formally or particularly invited for the protest. Yet, the labour party and its associated unions had a visible presence in the march.

Jenny Salesa, the Labour MP for Manukau East where the protest march was held participated in the protest and made a brief speech at the end of the march.

Speaking to the Indian Weekender Ms Salesa acknowledged that rising crime was a serious concern for the communities and her Party [Labour] was keeping a close eye on the situation.

However, she chose to deflect cautiously Indian Weekender’s direct probing if her Party would support the crime prevention group’s call for a change in the law to deal with the rising incidences of youth crimes, apparently suggesting that there are some ‘sensitivities within the Labour Party’ around this issue.

No Kiwi-Indian MPs bothered to attend the protest march

O

ne key unmistakable observation of this protest march was the absence of any current Kiwi-Indian MPs and this fact does not require any further explanation.

The irony was that almost all the mainstream media reporting have described this protest march as something concerning local businesses within the Indian community.

Continued from page 3

Amitabh Kant receives Prime Minister’s Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship for 2017 IWK: NITI Aayog has created two hubs Team India Hub and the Knowledge and Innovation Hub. As a part of the Knowledge and Innovation Hub do you envisage partnering with the vibrant Indian diaspora in New Zealand and harnessing their talent and energies in India’s growth story?

AK: Yes, of course! The Indian diaspora is very vibrant and energetic. Our Prime Minister himself has travelled around the world to build a partnership with the Indian diaspora. NITI Aayog will be delighted to work with the diaspora all around the world.

IWK: Have you got any specific plan or agenda for the Indian diaspora in New Zealand?

AK: In New Zealand, we have interacted with the members of the Indian diaspora in Wellington and Auckland. We realise that 180,000 is a big strength, and we get a lot of students here. It’s important that we keep them informed about all the schemes of the Indian government and that’s why we made some presentation to them in Wellington to keep them apprised of the dynamism of the present government back in India, and the vast number of new schemes launched recently.

IWK: Prime Minister Narendra Modi missed New Zealand when he was last time in this part of the world. When is he coming to New Zealand?

AK: Well, it’s for him to decide when he can make it here. But I am sure that he will decide in due course and plan a visit to New Zealand.

IWK: What is holding back NZ-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA)?

AK: From India’s perspective, FTA with New Zealand is important, and we are committed to working towards signing a deal. However, it is also important to realise that our services sector on which India puts a lot of emphases is also given due importance in the agreement. We are waiting for a good offer on services sector from New Zealand for us to move forward. The FTA has to be a win-win situation for both India and New Zealand.

IWK: New Zealand government talks about a high-quality FTA with India.

What do you have to say about that?

AK: Sure, India also wants a high-quality FTA with New Zealand. Any FTA deal should raise exports of both the countries.

We do not want a sub-standard FTA at all.

IWK: Can you tell us three main reasons that are holding back NZ-India FTA?

AK: No, there are no particular reasons.

India is putting emphasis on services sector whereas New Zealand wants greater access in agriculture. This is being discussed, and we are committed to taking it forward.

IWK: So when should we expect NZIndia FTA to materialise?

AK: I think we need few more rounds of meeting to move forward.

IWK: There have already been 10 rounds since last seven -eight years?

AK: We will have another round of meeting where we will mutually devise a roadmap on how to move forward on FTA.

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Sunny Kaushal withdraws name from Labour Party, amidst allegations of ‘bullying’ in the Party

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SANDEEP SINGH

S

unny Kaushal – a prominent Kiwi Indian community leader, a Labour candidate for Pakuranga electorate in the 2011 elections and a Labour candidate for List Member of Parliament in 2014 has shocked many in the community by announcing to “take back his name from the Labour Party and withdrawing from all party commitments” on Monday, May 1.

Mr Kaushal had been with the Party since last nine years, and many believe that has become a face of the Labour Party within the Kiwi-Indian community.

The announcement had come shortly after Mr Kaushal had led a reasonably successful protest march earlier in the day, as the lead organiser of Crime Prevention Group – a community action group formed earlier in March against the rising incidences of ram raids and aggravated robberies against dairy stores and small businesses.

“Today, I have taken back my name from the Labour Party and withdrawn from all party commitments.

“The decision I have made is due to my recent stand on immigration and rising crime based on the suffering of our communities, and the ongoing hostilities and bullying from some of the Party Membership and Hierarchy that I have been subject to (some which have been public).

“For me my community matters,” Mr Kaushal posted on his social media post shortly after the end of the protest march.

The decision I have made is due to my recent stand on immigration and rising crime based on the suffering of our communities

It is important to note that the Labour Party has recently stepped up the ante on the issue of immigration calling for “cutting tens of thousands of numbers” from emigrating to New Zealand sighting that record net migration is largely responsible for Auckland’s overcrowding and infrastructural woes.

PARTY UNAVAILABLE TO COMMENT

I

ndian Weekender’s attempts to contact the office of the Labour Leader Andrew Little to speak about Sunny Kaushal’s allegation of “bullying by the higher-ups in the party” were unsuccessful and were advised to contact the Party general secretary instead, for any comment.

Similarly, our attempts to speak with Michael Wood, the Party’s spokesperson for Ethnic Affairs were also unsuccessful as the latter chose not to comment before the Party list was announced.

However, as per some social media posts, it is widely assumed that Mr Kaushal’s decision to withdraw from the Labour Party is linked with his position, or, exclusion from the Party list.

Mr Kaushal chose not to reveal much about his position in the list while speaking with the Indian Weekender later, though affirming that withdrawing his name was “a difficult decision to make.”

“Yesterday I spoke with many other leaders in the community who are concerned

about our community, and they advised me to withdraw my name from the Labour Party.

After all, this is not just my individual decision but is the community’s decision,” Mr Kaushal further asserted.

Earlier today New Zealand Herald has reported that the announcement of Labour Party list had been delayed until Tuesday as broadcaster Willie Jackson, a prospective Labour list candidate, flew to Wellington to discuss his ranking.

Apparently, Mr Jackson was hopeful of a higher list position, a hope which now appears has not materialised as expected by Mr Jackson in the “delayed list.”

However, it is clear that the discontentment with the Labour’s list is not limited around the higher and much sought after positions.

WHAT DOES COMMUNITY HAVE TO SAY?

R

egardless of wider assumptions about reasons for Sunny Kaushal’s withdrawal from the Labour Party, there seems to have some support behind him.

Many members of community commented favourably on Mr Kaushal’s post backing his actions and appreciating his latest political stance.

One Dharmesh Parikh commented “there is absolutely NO DOUBT that you are standing up genuinely for the community.

Go well.”

Another Baljeet Khaira commented, “Good decision sir, Labour polices [are] not good for immigrants anymore.”

www.iwk.co.nz | 05 May 2017

Makrand KarKhanis posted a comment that “All the best Sunny ji! You are doing good work.”

Sumesh T. Maharaj said “you [have] done a great job for the community. We are with you.”

Indian Weekender also spoke with some prominent leaders within the community about Mr Kaushal’s allegation of being bullied by the higher-ups in the Labour Party for his stand on issues that affect the community most – crime and immigration.

Suresh Ramji, President of newly christened Indian Association New Zealand (IANZ) from the earlier Manukau Indian Association, criticised the circumstances leading to Mr Kaushal’s decision to exit from the Party.

“Sunny Kaushal has given so many years of his life to the Party and the cause, and it is really disappointing to know that he is

not allowed to speak up for the community within the Party.

“He is a bold and courageous person, not shying away to speak up as and when needed by the community,” Mr Ramji asserted.

Similarly, Veer Khar, the previous President of Indian Association New Zealand was equally dismissal of the Labour Party for their failure to engage effectively with the Kiwi-Indian community in New Zealand.

“Labour Party has lost a golden opportunity to engage with the Indian community.

“Unfortunately, they have a bankruptcy of ideas, and they do not have any idea how they are engaging with the Indian community.

“They have not a clear mandate to have an Indian representation in the upcoming elections,” Mr Khar asserted.

About Sunny Kaushal, Mr Khar reiterated that “at the end, it was a good decision as he was not going anywhere in the Party.”

South Asians’ fight with diabetes gets a ‘Jumpstart’ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

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umpstart’s diabetes health programme has received a stupendous response from the South Asian community in Auckland earlier this week. The programme that commenced at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre on New North Road on Monday, May 1 saw a record attendance with 55 members of the community joining the programme.

“55 members of the community have joined this programme to change their lifestyle to live a healthier life,” Ella Kumar, a physical health and wellbeing promoter and educator who is leading the programme said.

“Few more people are considering, our target was to get at least 30 sign ups, but we are so happy with the turnout,” Ms Kumar added.

Jumpstart is a successful national initiative providing exercise, nutrition and lifestyle education for people with diabetes, or those who have been told they are prediabetic. Founded by YMCA Auckland and healthcare company Pharmaco (NZ) Ltd, the programme has helped over 600 people in the last two years.

The programme was flagged by the 101-year old athlete from India, Ms Man Kaur who visited Auckland for the World Master Games 2017. The presence of the centenarian athlete raised the spirits of the community members and many signed up for the ten-week programme.

“Our aim is to reduce the waist measurements, help them reach their goals they have set, increase physical activity as this needs to be a part of their daily life just like how we eat every day,” Ms Kumar added.

Jumpstart is for Type 2 diabetes, and the

WITH A

Indian community is considered to be at a high risk of becoming diabetic.

“The members of the programme will get motivation and support from the dietitians, nutritionist, and physical activity professionals and they get to use the YMCA gym facility for ten weeks anytime at any of the YMCA branches,” a member of the Jumpstart team said.

The South Asian Jumpstart Diabetes Health Programme is partly funded and will cost participants just $40 for the entire tenweek course, which takes place weekly at 7:30 p.m. on Monday evenings. People who enrol will also be given a 10-week membership to any YMCA facility, meaning they can try different types of exercise in a community focused and welcoming gym.

More information can be found on the website www.jumpstartprogramme.co.nz and interested people can call Ella Kumar on 0210477642.

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Preparation for Ramadan starts with Shab-e-baraat RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

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his year the holy month of Ramadan will commence on Friday, May 26 with the sighting of the hair-thin crescent new moon on the western skies.

Ramadan is the ninth month according to the Islamic calendar in which millions of Muslims around the globe fast from dusk to dawn.

An important day just before Ramadan is the auspicious night of Shab-e-baraat that comes on the 15th night of the month of Sha’ban (Sha’ban is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar). This year Shab-e-baraat will be observed on Thursday, May 11. Shab-e-baraat is also known as ‘Night of Salvation’ where Muslims pray all night seeking forgiveness and repenting to Allah.

Shab-e-baraat is observed in parts of South and South East Asia such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, Indonesia, some parts of the middle eastern countries and by Muslims migrated to the western countries as well.

There are not direct references mentioned about the night in the Holy Quran or Hadith (followings of Prophet Muhammad, peace

be upon him), but this night is considered blessed by some scholars and widely observed in the global Muslim community.

Muslims do different activities on this auspicious night such as fasting, making sweets and distributing among the community, visiting the graves of family and relatives, staying in the mosque, reading the Holy Quran and praying all night.

There is no set custom for this day but it usually starts with fasting and then visiting the graves during evening hours and the actual praying time starts after the sunset.

Many mosques host special mass prayers during the night besides the regular prayers and hold lectures and sermons for the community.

The idea behind Shab-e-baraat is purely to observe a special night of prayer and repentance. Muslims are encouraged to read the Holy Quran, do ‘dhikr’ or ‘zikr’ (reciting small phrases in glory of Allah), make lots of naf ’l Namaz (non-obligatory prayers), make a particular Salat called Salat-ul-tasbeeh, and make du’a, asking for the wellbeing of the family, friends, the community and the whole world.

Individuals can choose to pray in the house or at the mosque, and

women make their prayers in the house. Shab-e-baraat special prayers end with the early morning prayer or Fajr with a mass session at the mosque, and special dua sessions are also held. Most people observe another day of fasting to continue their devotion.

Shab-e-baraat also gives a small reminder to the people that the holy month of Ramadan is just 15 days away.

The Holy month of Ramadan

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amadan is the month in which Almighty Allah bestowed the Holy Quran to the Muslims; the holy book was given as a gift to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The Muslims start fasting from dawn to dusk, remain without food or water all day until the sun sets and continue this practice for 30 days until a new moon is sighted and celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.

There are different special prayers and activities observed in this month, which is said to bring tranquillity to one’s soul and bring a believer closer to Almighty Allah.

Fasting is obligatory for every individual of age eleven and

above or after obtaining puberty.

Ramadan is not just about controlling ones’ desire for basic need, that is, food and water but to control ones’ soul from worldly desires.

Fasting is exempted for children under the age of eleven, old people, sick, mentally challenged, travellers, and pregnant and menstruating women.

There are three phases of Ramadan divided into ten days each, called Ashura. The first Ashura is called Rahmat (mercy), second is called Maghfirat (forgiveness), and last, is called Ni’jaat (salvation). Each of these three Ashura has special dua’s and dhikr to be performed.

There are three different aspects of Ramadan namely Sehri (the meal

before dawn), Iftar (meal to open fast at dusk) and Taraweeh (20 or eight rakat special Salat along with I’sha prayers).

Sehri is the Sunnah (the way of prophet Muhammad-PBUH) and is strictly advised to be taken before the dawn. It is advised to have at least one date and a glass of water during Sehri. Iftar is also recommended to be kept light to moderate, to keep oneself active for the following evening prayers.

The last five odd nights of the last Ashura is called Laylat-ul-Qadr or ‘the Night of Decree’. It is said that the Holy Quran was brought down to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in one of these five nights and these nights are better than a thousand nights.

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NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 05 May 2017

World Masters Games 2017: The moments of Indian glory RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

T

here were many moments of glory for the people of India, both domestic and from overseas, in the recently concluded World Masters Games 2017.

MAN KAUR WINS MILLIONS OF HEART WORLDWIDE

E

xpectedly, any recollection of feats of Indian descent players would be incomplete without a glorifying reference of 101-year old runner from Punjab, Man Kaur, who had become a darling of Aucklanders over the period of games.

Ms Kaur had not only dazzled everyone in the field but also inspired people outside the field with demonstration of her agedefying grit and determination. By achieving double gold medals at 100m and 200m at a global sporting event, Ms Kaur now joined the league headed by Usain Bolt. Apart from sprint races she also participated in games like 400g javelin throw and shot-put. With four Gold medals at WMG 2017, Ms Kaur has achieved a total of 20 Gold medals since her first haul eight years back.

BRONZE IN VOLLEYBALL

T

he Indian volleyball team IndianIslander competing in the 40+ age category at the World Master Games have secured the bronze medal for India on Tuesday, April 25 at the Trust Arena in Henderson.

In the Indoors Volleyball 40+ men’s category match for the bronze medal, India-Islander made a clean sweep against Proserve Masters SA in a three set game.

India-Islander scored 25 points in each set with Proserve Masters scoring 8, 10 and 22 points respectively.

India-Islander Master Volleyball team 40+ was defeated at the hands of ANZOV 40+ in the semi-finals by a margin of 2:1.

The Indian-Islander team scored 16 points against ANZOV’s 25 in set 1, in set 2 the team made a comeback with 25 against the opponent’s 21 and in the final set scored only 8 points giving ANZOV a decisive victory with 15 points.

India-Islander secured its position in the semi-finals on Monday, April 24 by defeating Jackie Chan 40+ by 2:1 in the quarter-final match. The team’s score against Jackie Chan in set 1 was 27:25, 21:25 in set 2 and then had a narrow win with 15:13 points in set 3.

India-Islander topped in Pool B matches winning five of the six matches.

ANZOV 40+ took the gold medal by defeating Sparta Masters 40+ in the final match with 3:0 on Tuesday, April 25.

Down: Bronze winning Indian-Islander team members ; Bottom; Kiwi-Indian Badminton player Bobby Sapra who won a bronze and a silver medal.

BRONZE AND SILVER FOR KIWIINDIAN BADMINTON PLAYER

K

iwi-Indian Badminton player Bobby Sapra from Auckland won bronze and a silver medal in Badminton matches 35+ age category. Bobby has previously played for national games in India before moving to New Zealand.

A series of games were played between April 22 and April 30 in which Bobby qualified for the bronze medal match in the singles and played the finals in the doubles match.

On Friday, April 28, Bobby played the match for the bronze medal against Waikato player Corrie Robinson at Gillies Avenue Badminton Hall in Mt Eden, Auckland.

Bobby’s final score was 21-14 and 27-25 that gave him his first WMG 2017 bronze medal.

Bobby partnered with Canadian badminton player Jacep for the doubles and completed his playoffs cementing his position

9

for the finals against NZ players Larry Narida and Kanwal. Bobby and Jacep lost in the finals held on Sunday, April 30 with final scores 21-12 and 27-29. Bobby and Jacep were awarded the silver medals.

“It was a proud moment for me; I started practising since I heard of the WMG being held in New Zealand,” Bobby Sapra said.

“It was my first-time participation at the World Master Games, and I am happy to have won the bronze and silver medals,” he added.

The World Masters Games is international multi-sport event and it witnessed the participation of approximately 25,000 sportsmen and women from all over the world from the age 25-years to 100 and plus to compete in the 28 sporting events. Each team or individual represented themselves and not a country. The 10-day event concluded on Sunday, April 30 with the closing ceremony at Entertainment Hub on Queens Wharf.

Auckland air waves 10

NEW ZEALAND

05 May 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Humm FM light of hope ¡ IWK BUREAU

I

n New Zealand, every second day a youth is diagnosed with cancer, and the journey through the treatment can be a tough one. Auckland’s Only Hindi FM Radio, Humm 106.2FM is raising funds to help Auckland’s 1st Global Indian support young people living with cancer. & Asian FM Station ‘HummFM Light of Hope’ will commence * Tune Digital Radio to 106.20 FM at 6:15 a.m. on Thursday, May 4, and run until 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, with 106.2 listeners making online donations through a special page. humming the new tune https://Canteenauckland.everydayhero. www.hummfm.com com/nz/humm-fm-light-of-hope Meanwhile, HummFM and Canteen team Auckland’s members will be present at different collection centres on Saturday, May 6 between 9 a.m.Only Hindi 3 p.m. in Auckland with donation buckets FM Radio, Humm where listeners will be able to drop their donations personally.

106.2FM is raising funds The listeners will also be able to make to help support young donations at HummFM studio at 16 Taylors people living with Road Morningside Drive, St Lukes.

The first announcement of online cancer collections will be made public at around 6 p.m. on Saturday while the final figure will be released in about 48 hours after the bank completes its tally. victims in Fiji, four staffs of Humm FM went Humm FM and Canteen is pleading to the on Radio for 30 hours without any food and listeners and the members of the public to just on water diet and collected over $30,000 step forward and support the great cause. through the radio campaign and donated to Canteen operates as a national peer support Fiji Red Cross Society. network through 14 regional branches with Last Christmas, Humm FM did the second their primary aim to help young children Radiothon, and three radio presenters diagnosed with cancer. went on air for 55 hours without sleep and It’s not the first time when Humm 106.2FM collected over 4000 Christmas gifts which is doing charity of this calibre.

In 2015, Humm FM did Christmas for were donated to Salvation Army.

Humm FM is confident that this time too, Kids 54-hour Radiothon and collected nearly 2000 Christmas presents which were donated the listeners will come forward and support to City Mission Auckland. its initiative to help Canteen through ‘Humm A few months later to help cyclone Winston FM’s ‘Light of Hope’.

“

Community leader Dr Rajiv Chaturvedi passes away RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

D

r Rajiv Chaturvedi, an eminent community face passed away on Sunday, April 23 at his residence in Wellington. Dr Chaturvedi suffered respiratory difficulties on Sunday and died within a short time as emergency services arrived.

Dr Chaturvedi was the vice president and national media & public relations officer for Hindu Council of New Zealand (HCNZ), a research scientist at AgResearch Ltd., New Zealand’s largest Crown Research Institute.

Dr Chaturvedi immensely contributed to the New Zealand’s multicultural society as a knowledgeable scholar and community leader. He played a major role in all HCNZ projects, led the organisation of regional Hindu conferences in Wellington, accompanied the Hindu-Maori delegation to India, and organised several Hindu festivals of Holi and Raksha Bandhan in Wellington. Earlier in April, just before his demise Dr Chaturvedi appeared at the Maori Affairs Select Committee to make HCNZ’s submission on the use of waterways for ashes dispersal on behalf of Hindu community.

He also made a submission to support Secular Education Network’s submission to High Court regarding religious teachings in New Zealand schools.

Dr Rajiv Chaturvedi worked closely with many community organisations such as Hutt Multicultural Council, NZ Vegetarian Society, United Nations Association of New Zealand, the Nepalese society of Wellington, Wellington interfaith council, various Hindu temples, etc.

Dr Chaturvedi’s sudden demise has come as a shock to the community and many who knew him.

Hindu Council of New Zealand team has organised a memorial service on Sunday, May 7. The memorial service will be conducted from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Indian Cultural Society Hall on 119 Nelson Street, Petone, in Wellington.

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www.iwk.co.nz | 05 May 2017

11

News-in-brief from South Island

by Gaurav Sharma

Abhinav Manota wins

NZ Badminton Open championship From Jalandhar, the Indian Badminton sensation moved to Christchurch in 2014, and is now New Zealand’s top-ranked player

A

bhinav Manota, an Indian immigrant, who came to New Zealand in 2014, to study Diploma in Business and Enterprise Management (Level 7) from Christchurch-based Abacus Institute of Studies, is now the New Zealand men’s singles champion in Badminton.

In the recently concluded New Zealand National Championships and North Harbour Open, Mr Manota defeated Mr Edward Lau. He was leading the first game by 20-4 when Mr Lau retired due to injury.

To top it, Mr Manota partnered with Ms Justine Villegas to defeat Mr Lau again in the mixed doubled final, who was partnering with Ms Alyssa Tagle. The match score was 21-17, 21-17.

Unfortunately, though, the Indian badminton sensation, couldn’t complete a treble of titles when he and his men’s double partner Mr Dylan Soedjasa was beaten by the reigning Oceania Junior champions Mr Oscar Guo and Mr Dacmen Vong. The hard fought match, which lasted 53 minutes, ended with the scoreline of 21-18, 20-22, 26-24.

Mr Manota, who turned 25 recently, and works as Development Officer at the North Shore Badminton Association, credited his wins to years and years of hard work. He was the Punjab State badminton champion when he moved to Christchurch three years back.

Describing his exemplary journey, he noted, “Along with my studies, I started playing with Badminton Canterbury players when I was a bit settled in Christchurch. That gave me an opportunity to represent Canterbury in the nationals. Dylan saw my potential and invited me to shift to North Shore so that we can train together. I did. Nowadays, I train at least four hours everyday, and have equipment sponsorship from Badminton New Zealand. Their support in my success has been great.”

“As I am still only a NZ resident, I can’t represent the country in tournaments such as the Olympics or the Commonwealth. But I intend to play at least 3-4 open tournaments this year including the Badminton World Federation’s Grand Prix Gold, Grand Prix Series and Super Series,” he added.

“Once I get my citizenship, I aim to bring glory to New Zealand by winning medals in these international competitions [Olympics, Commonwealth and Oceania] as well.”

“

As I am still only a NZ resident, I can’t represent the country in tournaments such as the Olympics or the Commonwealth

Economic impact of the devastation revealed

A

Government-commissioned report assessing the economic impact of the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake has revealed that over the first 18 months following the earthquake, the impact on New Zealand’s GDP would be in the range of $450-$500 million. “The estimated reduction is made up of $110-$130 million (25 per cent of the total impact) in Canterbury and $340-$370 million (75 per cent of the impact) across the rest of New Zealand. Increased freight transport costs and impacts on businesses from infrastructure damage and transport disruptions [affecting tourism] are the two key contributing factors,” noted Economic Development and Transport Minister Simon Bridges, while releasing the findings.

As business support subsidy ends, business recovery grants open up

M

r Simon Bridges has also announced the launch of a new one-million dollar Business Recovery Grants programme from May 1, for eligible quake-affected businesses in Kaikōura, Hurunui and Marlborough. The Central Government has already distributed $17 million as part of its Earthquake Support Subsidy. The Recovery programme is the next stage of support and “is intended to support local businesses until State Highway One reopens,” Mr Bridges added.

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

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12

NEW ZEALAND

05 May 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Christchurch mesmerised by

Bollywood Dreams’ second musical

R

unning to packed houses on two consecutive days, that too with majority Kiwi audiences on the second day, is no mean achievement. But that’s what a locally-produced Bollywood musical did last weekend - April 28 and 29 in Christchurch.

Titled Teri Padosan Rangeela, the two-hour musical featured 45 popular Bollywood dance medleys, on which 60 students of a Christchurch-based dance school, Bollywood Dreams, performed. The performers were divided into five groups depending on their dancing skills. Mr Shawn Thomas, who is a Masters’ student at the University of Canterbury, as well as the owner of Bollywood Dreams, directed and choreographed the show. The show was written by Dr Waleed Bukhari, who is originally from Pakistan and works at the Christchurch Hospital.

“Our combined attendance for two days crossed 650, and the standing

“

Titled Teri Padosan Rangeela, the twohour musical featured 45 popular Bollywood dance medleys, on which 60 students of a Christchurchbased dance school, Bollywood Dreams, performed

ovation by the audiences at the end of the show was very encouraging, especially for our young performers,’ Mr Thomas said.

Describing the storyline, he informed, “It told the cautionary tale of Dev, a college Casanova, caught in his act by three young boys Prem, Rahul and Raja. Dev then goes to

This came out in a gathering of local community leaders to announce the upcoming Punjabi Virsa concert to be held in Christchurch in August; cases of some Indian restaurant owners convicted of exploiting recent Indian immigrants, and the deportation of Indian international students was on everybody’s mind

“ great lengths to hide his true nature from his family, and in the process, risks his relationship with his younger sister and best friend, Milli.”

About the future plans and what comes next, Mr Thomas added, “We have done pilot projects on Bollywood-themed fitness classes, and workshops on how to organise Bollywood-themed events such as birthday parties, anniversaries and corporate events. So obviously, our goal is to take it forward. Moreover, this year, we will be looking for potential actors to star in our next year’s production. To groom some in-house choreographers is another initiative we are looking at.”

Mr Monty Parti, a proud parent, whose two daughters Saanch and Ariana performed at the show and another Ananya was the Props Manager, added, “Bollywood culture for me is performing arts and dancing, and I am excited that my daughters share this passion with me.

“

‘We need to change the image of the Indian community by good initiatives’

Yes, these cases don’t help the image of our community, and it’s time we take a stand against it from within the community. If naming and shaming is the answer, so be it,” said Mr Harjit Singh, the chairperson of National Party’s Global Indianz Group (Canterbury branch).

Another way to tackle the issue of exploitation is to spread awareness among the community about workers rights in New Zealand. “When employers employ Kiwi workers, they can’t even think of exploiting them.

It’s all because those workers are well aware of their rights, which is not the case with us Indians,” said Mr Gurinder Mann, a local singer who would be performing at the concert, alongside Canada-based singerscomposers brother-trio of Manmohan Waris, Sangtar and Kamal Heer.

“And one way of doing that is to talk to people. That’s why we organise free interactive immigration seminars at the local gurudwara from time to time,” informed Gaurav Soni from Zealand Immigration.

Rajwinder Singh, who has been working with all

When employers employ Kiwi workers, they can’t even think of exploiting them.

It’s all because those workers are well aware of their rights, which is not the case with us Indians. stakeholders to bring the concert to Christchurch, also shared the community’s plan to start a free monthly langar in the city very soon.

Nathan Miglani, and Monty Parti, who both work in the property business expressed their full support to the initiative.

“Just make sure, it’s consistent.

Once you start it, please keep it going,’” Mr Miglani added.

Thus, be it concerts like Punjabi Virsa, which introduces the wider community to Indian culture, free immigration seminars, monthly langars, or naming and shaming those who indulge in worker exploitation, the community needs to take steps to change its image to a positive one, was the general consensus at the gathering.

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www.iwk.co.nz | 05 May 2017

Catholic Women’s League

organises healthy ageing seminar

NEW ZEALAND

$11b boost for infrastructure Kanwaljit Bakshi National List MP

N Dr Ancy Aneesh Paul conducting the workshop

IWK BUREAU

C

atholic Women’s League of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in North Shore had organized a healthy ageing seminar earlier last month for the benefit of members of the church and the wider community.

The two-hour workshop held on Tuesday, April 18, at Takapuna, was conducted by Dr Ancy Aneesh Paul (BHMS India, MBA, and PGDPH).

The objective of the seminar was to share the knowledge of healthy ageing through proper health interventions. The workshop explored the aspects of health and vitality which is of utmost importance to healthy ageing.

Valuable information about maintaining an ideal body weight based on their individual Body Mass Index (BMI) was shared with the participants.

The need to discern anti-nutrients from the nutrients, the knowledge of foods that interfere with medications and the wellness

pyramid for healthy ageing were also discussed at the seminar.

The talk also focused on quick tips to recognise the early signs and symptoms of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, senile depression, and insomnia.

In particular, the homoeopathic interventions were discussed for each clinical condition along with diet regime and tips on exercises for the aged were discussed.

The talks concluded with a positive affirmation from the attendees to take strong steps to healthy ageing. The interactive discussions made the seminar more informative and entertaining to the participants.

Dr Paul had done a voluntary internship with prestigious NGOs in Auckland like the Health Promotion Forum and Raeburn House which focus on health promotion and have extensive knowledge on the determinants of health and preventative medicine for community health.

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ew Zealand is growing faster than we have for a long time and adding more jobs across the country.

That’s a great thing, but to keep growing, it’s important we keep investing in the infrastructure that supports growth.

This Government is New Zealand’s infrastructure government. We’re already investing hugely in new schools, hospitals, housing, roads and railways, and broadband.

In roading alone, Kiwis are travelling on new highways across the country, including in Auckland, Wakiato, the Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

We are increasing our investment further with the Finance Minister announcing in his pre-Budget speech an $11 billion boost for new capital infrastructure over the next four Budgets.

This new investment will extend our runrate significantly, and include new investment in the justice and defence sectors. It represents the biggest addition to our capital stock in decades.

The first $4 billion will be allocated in Budget 2017 on 25 May and will include $812 million for reinstating the earthquakedamaged State Highway 1, north and south of Kaikoura. The allocation in the following Budgets is $2 billion in 2018, and $2.5 billion in each of 2019 and 2020.

To put the new $11 billion

investment into context, the net new capital allocated in the last four Budgets was $4.8 billion, of which $4.1 billion was funded through the proceeds of the mixed ownership model programme.

In Budget 2016 we were forecasting just $3.6 billion in new capital spend between Budget 2017 and Budget 2020 compared to $11 billion now. And that the $11 billion is on top of investments already planned by the Government.

We want to extend that $11 billion further, with greater use of public-private partnerships, and joint ventures between central and local government and private investors.

Details of how the first tranche of that money will be invested will be laid out in the Budget.

As a country we are now growing a bit like South-East Queensland or Sydney, when in the past we grew in fits and starts. That’s great because we used to send our kids to South-East Queensland and Sydney to work, and now they come back here.

We just need to invest in the infrastructure required to maintain that growth. Budget 2017 will show we are committed to doing just that.

14

FIJI

05 May 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

One of India’s greatest minds and icons celebrated in Fiji I n 2012, the Columbia University did a list of 100 best scholars in the world.

The Indian that topped the list was Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, popularly known as Baba Saheb.

In memory of the scholar, the Indian High Commission to Fiji on Monday celebrated the 126th anniversary since his birth.

Indian High Commission to Fiji Vishvas Sapkal, said Baba Saheb fought against inhumane practices whether it was against women, untouchables (Dalits) or the labour class.

“He was a great protector of

From left: Ashok Kumar Dhiman, Sandeep Halder, Member of Parliament Ashneel Sudhakar, High Commissioner to Fiji Vishvas Sapkal with his wife Anita, USP Associate Dean Mohit Prasad, Indian High Commission head of chancery Ravi Dutt Yadav, and second secretary Hindi Anil Sharma. Photo: Indian High Commission

human values,” Mr Sapkal said.

“Baba Saheb was a leader who always stood up for the interests of the labourers.

Hospital upskills staff in India for efficiency, expertise

M

adras Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (MIOT) Pacific Hospital is upskilling its staff on the use of modern equipment.

This is in a bid to offer efficient in-house service and reduce dependency on overseas professionals.

Two of its medical staff members have returned from India through the Learning Exchange Programme under MIOT Pacific’s Wellness Programme and the Pacific’s Orthopaedic Camp.

Head of the MIOT Lab pathologist Rajeshni Mala, and chief radiologist Dr Jonetani Kama returned with new-found skills on the operation of medical equipment.

Managing director of MIOT International Dr Prithvi Mohandas said the aim was to have everything under one roof.

Having staff on a permanent basis with more technical expertise on the use of modern medical equipment was imperative, he said.

Dr Mohandas said it was important to have training for both the technical and medical staff so that when modern equipment was installed they would utilise it to its maximum.

“I can then as a doctor use the

“In India, there were no laws restricting work hours for labourers and they were working in inhumane conditions for 1214 hours.

“Baba Saheb laid the foundation of the labour laws restricting work to eight hours.

“He led the community by setting his own examples and ideals and inspired all by giving mantra ‘educate, unite, fight against injustice’,” Mr Sapkal said.

According to Wikipedia, Baba Saheb was widely known as an Indian jurist, an economist, politician and social reformer.

He was the one of the greatest and most influential leaders from India who devoted his life and efforts towards bringing a positive difference in the lives of millions of poor, marginalised and lesser privileged people in India.

Goverment plans to honour women of indenture in Fiji

C

Indian hospital group features at Fiji Health Forum

I

ndia’s Apollo Hospitals Group will today use a health meeting in Fiji to seek more business investment opportunities in the country.

The group is one of the biggest hospital chains in India, and representatives will join 200 health stakeholders from all over Fiji to discuss the health challenges and priorities with the Ministry of Health at the Fiji Health Forum.

The secretary of the Fiji Medical Association, Alipate Vakamocea, said this was the first time Apollo has been included in the forum, although it had links with Fiji for many years.

“Some of the aims of the Fiji Health Forum is to get everybody talking,” Dr Vakamocea said.

“One of the major contributors to this years forum is the Apollo Group of Hospitals and basically they are looking at Fiji as an investment and trying to see ways in which they can value add to the services already provided by the Ministry of Health,” he said.

Dr Vakamocea said the one day talks in Suva will focus on a variety of healthcare priorities, including infections, noncommunicable diseases and cancer.

elebrations to and sisters under the system commemorate women as part of a larger municipal of the Indentured family celebration in each centre.

Labour System in Fi Fiji will be Mr Bala said hosting held next month. mothers and wives, daughters This was revealed

by Minister for Local and sisters of Fiji would Government, Housing, pay proper respects to those Environment, Infrastructure strong women who laid the and Transport, Parveen Bala, foundations of our families and contributed immensely in Parliament yesterday.

“All centres will mark towards national building under indenture.

May 14, 2017 as a day of The programme will also remembrance in particular for the women of indenture,” include iTaukei local history, culture, performance arts and he said.

The day will coincided with oral narratives as part of the on-going programmes among Mother’s Day celebrations.

Madras Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (MIOT) International manThe Minister said events local councils. aging director Prithvi Mohandas He said it would further would be organised on that day to remember the include celebrating the diverse equipment day and night to give hardships and sacrifices of multi-cultural nature of our people the best result and give the mothers, wives, daughters municipalities. correct diagnosis and technicians will know how to use the equipment and sustain its use of up to 10-15 years,” Dr Mohandas said. eirogorogoci, an itaukei cultural trait best He said Fiji currently faced the described as ‘dialogue problem of depending on foreign and consultation’ is one of the medical staff.

So when patients need a scan or unique characteristics of Fiji which MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging), could be exported to the world›s it can take up to three months until trouble spots.

Miss World Finalist, twenty four it is being performed because of the year old Jane Tipo Prasad said this dependency and other factors.

Dr Mohandas said they had was one of four things about Fiji she identified permanent and efficient found most beautiful and wanted staff who would be undergoing to share on the pageant platform.

“I joined Miss World because I training in India every month. thought it was a beautiful and Bilibili princess ... Jane is a vasu of wonderful start to showing people Nasautoka, Wainibuka where this out there what Fiji can give to photoshoot was conducted. the world,” Ms Prasad said.

Picture: NIYAAZ DEAN “I believe our Fijian culture and “I grew up in Fiji and it has land is fascinating. Fiji has a built me to be who I am and I just beautiful, rich culture that a lot of other races would find interesting want to give back while showcasing our landscape is amazing.” Fiji to the world.

Standing just past standard Orginally from Vatukoula, Jane is of Indian descent on her paternal runway height, Jane is a part time side and is a vasu of Nasautoka in model and she enjoys swimming, hiking and dancing.

Wainibuka.

While the Wainibuka lass is She is studying towards a Bachelor of Arts in Heath Science happy to promote that Fiji has Psychology at Massey University in beautiful beaches which can compete amongst the best in the New Zealand.

Jane was educated at Adi world, she says if she was Miss Cakobau School before leaving to World Fiji she would promote Australian employers. pursue further studies in Aotearoa. cultural traits.

78 females have participated in She has come back to Fiji especially “In today›s climate on the global the program-to-date. to join the pageant.

Jane about respect and tolerance

V

727 Fijians benefit from Recognised Seasonal Employer Programme

7

27 Fijians have benefitted from the Recognised Seasonal Employer Program in New Zealand and Australia.

Minister for Employment Jone Usamate says based on the three employers that provided earnings for the Fijian seasonal workers for a term of 6 months of work, the range of earnings was from $12,859.82 to $22,939.75.

He says the workers earnings is productivity based.

Fijian seasonal workers are currently engaged with 20 New Zealand employers and seven

s t a g e, e ve r y new piece is about war, terror attacks and there is a lot of fear mongering and intolerance,” Ms Prasad said.

“I would like to share a little bit of that Fijian culture of respect, hospitality, tolerance and veirogorogoci can go a long way.»

“Fiji is beautiful! Yes! But it›s the people that make it even more beautiful. Different races living together in harmony.”

FIJI

www.iwk.co.nz | 05 May 2017

Fiji PM’s second plea to Trump

P

rime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday made a second impassioned plea to United States President Donald Trump on climate change.

“Mr President, please do not abandon the Paris Agreement. Stay the course,” he said.

“Listen to those around you who are encouraging you to do so. Don’t let the whole side down by leaving when we have a clear game plan and have put so many scores on the board.

“Let’s see this process through for the benefit of all 7.5 billion people on Planet Earth, including your own citizens in the vulnerable parts of America.”

Mr Bainimarama made the new plea during the opening of the 4th Australasian Emissions Reduction Summit in Melbourne, Australia.

Shortly after his appointment as president of COP23, he made his first call on Mr Trump, to not withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate.

He wrote to Mr Trump and asked that the US continue to take a leadership role as “we confront undoubtedly the greatest challenge of our age.”

This second plea underscores the seriousness in which Mr Bainimarama regards the threat

by Mr Trump to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, abolish the Environment Protection Authority’s climate policy role, scrap former

US President Barack Obama’s centerpiece Clean Power Plan and dismantle any curbs on fossil fuel developments.

Mr Bainimarama had also asked his Australian counterpart, Malcolm Turnbull, during their meeting in Sydney on Sunday, to reinforce his message when he met with Mr Trump.

Mr Turnbull will head to the United States this week where he will meet Mr Trump.

And, he will be taking an important message from Mr Bainimarama.

“So my message to Donald Trump and the message I hope that Prime Minister Turnbull will also convey to him is very simple.”

Mr Bainimarama also called on countries to come through on promises regarding climate change funding and COP23 meetings.

Mr Bainimarama spoke candidly about Fiji’s presidency of COP23

‘Press is free but frightened’

J

ournalists can do their work in the country but there is a culture of fear in newsrooms and in the minds of those interviewed by the Fiji media.

A panel discussion which ended this past hour at the University of the South Pacific heard the country's two newspapers agree that press freedom exists in Fiji.

While Fiji Sun Editor Nemani Delaibatiki based his presentations on preventing the 1987 coup, his Fiji Times colleague Elenoa which will be held in Bonn, Baselala spoke of difficulties to the media working environment Germany in November.

“We must preserve at all costs, the historic achievement that was reached in Paris at the end of 2015; the multilateral consensus to take decisive action to reduce carbon emissions and arrest the current rate of global warming.

“The Paris Agreement must be implemented in full and the groundwork laid for even more ambitious action down the track.

And that means every nation fulfilling the pledges they made in Paris. And demonstrating an iji loses more than 2%of its unwavering commitment to see this coral reefs per year. process through.”

This was highlighted by At the Melbourne event were key the Minister for Fisheries Semi business decision-makers, climate Koroilavesau at the Second policy leaders and private sector National Multi-Stakeholders investors. Mr Bainimarama also Consultation on Oceans. highlighted the need for civil society Koroilavesau says the fisheries groups and the private sector to industry and aquaculture play an increasingly important role contribute to more than $136 during COP23. million towards Fiji’s GDP.

brought about by government imposed changes post 2006 coup.

Community media broadcaster Sharon Bhagwan Rolls of Femlink Pacific told the full house audience at the discussion that media freedom can only happen when there is no policing of viewpoints.

Ms Rolls reminded the mainstream media present that it was the role of government media departments to project the views of the elected government.

"I hope we don't go towards the politically correct news, let's always be clear!"

Fiji loses more than 2pc of its coral reefs per year

F

He adds more than half of Fiji’s population that live along the coast heavily depend on subsistence fishing.

Today’s discussions will focus on the formulation of Fiji’s national oceans policy framework ahead of the UN Oceans Conference, which Fiji will Co-President the meeting next month.

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Insanit y is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results

- Albert Einstein

Editorial

FUNNY BONE

Will the recent fall in unemployment rates affect the ‘immigration debate’ in New Zealand?

T

he growing concerns that new immigrants are taking away more Kiwi jobs might be allayed to some extent after Statistics NZ revealed on Wednesday, May3, that unemployment rate fell to 4.9 per cent in the March 2017 quarter (down from 5.2 per cent in the previous quarter), while employment continued to grow.

“In the March quarter, 6,000 fewer people were unemployed,” labour market and household statistics senior manager Mark Gordon said.

“The unemployment rate for men fell from 4.8 percent to 4.2 percent, making it the lowest rate since the December 2008 quarter,” Mr Gordon further added.

However, to what extent, if any, would this new report alter the current immigration debate in this election year remains to be seen.

Lately, the figures of Statistics NZ have been at the forefront of anti-immigration narrative in New Zealand. The new immigrants taking away the jobs and keeping more numbers of local Kiwis out of employment is one central theme of this narrative.

The government have recently responded to these growing concerns by introducing a minimum income threshold to qualify for gaining entry in New Zealand through Skilled Migration Category route.

Anyone entering on a prioritised “skilled” visa would need to earn $49,000 for jobs considered currently skilled, or $73,299 for positions not currently considered skilled but are well paid. The announcement described as “tinkering” by the Labour Party is already pushing some businesses and industry association relying heavily on migrant workers into anxiety for fear of dearth of the employable work force.

The latest report released by Statistics NZ might give some food for thought for all of us to ponder and soothe over the narrative that immigrants are taking away jobs of local kiwis.

According to Statistics NZ, unemployed people are those who are available to work, and who had either actively sought work or had a new job to start within the next four weeks.

The number of employed people increased 1.2 per cent (29,000 people) in the March 2017 quarter. Men provided the main contribution to this increase, with more males in both full-time and part-time employment. For the sixth quarter in a row, employment growth exceeded growth in the working-age population (which was 0.7 per cent). This meant New Zealand’s employment rate was up by 0.3 percentage points, to 67.1 per cent.

Filled jobs (as measured by the Quarterly Employment Survey) increased 2.4 per cent over the year to the March 2017 quarter. The accommodation and food services and construction industries contributed almost half this increase – 32,300 more jobs.

Employment growth in construction, hospitality industry, and outside Auckland While the immigration debate which is partly fuelled by the fear of rising unemployment among the local Kiwis particularly around Auckland, it is opportune time to include the developments outside Auckland region in this [immigration] debate.

The recent report released by Statistics NZ tells us that employment is growing in regions outside Auckland.

“We’re also starting to see construction employment build in regions other than Auckland and Canterbury,” Mr Gordon said.

“Over the quarter, the Household Labour Force Survey showed a significant increase in employment in the Waikato region, which included 3,600 more people working in construction” Mr Gordon added.

Probably, a more nuanced immigration policy which brings appropriate migrant workforce in sectors and regions currently facing shortage of skilled workers is in the order.

Indian Weekender : Volume 9 Issue 07 Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited Managing Editor: Bhav Dhillon | bhav@indianweekender.co.nz Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Reporter: Swati Sharma | swati@indianweekender.co.nz Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Reporter—South Island: Gaurav Sharma Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz Accounts and Admin.: 09-6366306 | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Sales and Distribution: 022 3251630 | sales@indianweekender.co.nz

Auckland Weather forecast for the week May 5 - May 12

Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Some sunshine

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Partly sunshine with a shower

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Periods Cloudy of rain and sun with a shower 19° 21°

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This week in New Zealand’s history 8 May 1926 New Zealand Railways Magazine launched The New Zealand Railways Magazine was published monthly until June 1940. Based on British and American railway company magazines, it was originally intended as a journal for the Railways Department’s 18,000 staff and their major customers.

10 May 1897 NZ’s first woman barrister and solicitor appointed Born into a prominent Dunedin Jewish family, Ethel Benjamin excelled at Otago Girls’ High School, where she passed the university junior scholarship examination in 1892.

Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent the views of the team at the Indian Weekender Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland.

Printed at Horton Media, Auckland Copyright 2017. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.

9 May 1945 New Zealand celebrates Victory in Europe Germany formally surrendered on 7 May, New Zealand time, but acting Prime Minister Walter Nash insisted that celebrations should wait until after British Prime Minister Winston Churchill had officially announced peace at 1 a.m. on 9 May, New Zealand time.

OPINION/EDITORIAL

www.iwk.co.nz | 5 May 2017

Who will stop the BJP? No one in sight ¡ AMULYA GANGULI

A

fter the resounding victories of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the UP assembly and Delhi municipal elections, the party increasingly appears to be politically invincible.

The three parties which offered some resistance to it in 2014 -- the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha and Trinamool Congress in West Bengal—are not in the pink of health today.

The AIADMK has all but collapsed after former Chief Minister Jayalalitha’s death, the BJD has suffered serious reverses in the local polls and is feeling distinctly nervous while the Trinamool Congress has shot itself in the foot by its rather too soft a policy towards the Muslims, thereby alienating the Bengali middle-class Hindus, while several of its prominent personalities have become embroiled in scams.

Among the supposedly all-India parties, the fact that the Congress has fallen back on Sonia Gandhi to reach out to the regional leaders for an anti-BJP alliance shows that the party’s attempts to prop up Rahul Gandhi haven’t succeeded. It will not be easy for Sonia Gandhi, who is clearly not as fit and energetic as before, to take up the kind of role which she played to bring the nonBJP parties together in 2004.

Those who worsted the BJP in 2015, like Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

and Nitish Kumar in Bihar, have also suffered a decline, especially the former.

It is not surprising, therefore, that the BJP is now eying the east and the northeast as its new areas of conquest. The alacrity with which Congress MLAs in various states are joining the BJP shows that they regard their former adversary as a greener pasture for political and personal advancement.

It is not that the BJP doesn’t face problems. For one, it has become a virtual one-man party with its dependence on Narendra Modi for success in even municipal elections. The party does not have a second line of defence if only because Modi has kept previously prominent party members like Arun Shourie and Yashwant

Sinha, not to mention veterans like L.K. Advani, well outside the organisation.

For another, the economy has not been picking up in a manner which will sustain hope about the success of Modi’s development agenda. The prime minister, therefore, has been speaking more about a pro-poor thrust a la Indira Gandhi than about rapid growth.

For a third, the government appears to be at a loss as to ways to deal with both external and internal threats posed by the Pakistan-based fidayeen (suicide bombers) and the Maoists, mainly in western and central India.

Even then, what evidently keeps the BJP going is Modi’s popularity which has made him the

most dominant person in today’s politics, as Congress leader P. Chidambaram has said. Apart from the Prime Minister’s seemingly boundless energy and rhetorical skills, his advantage is that there is no one in the opposition camp who can match his wide appeal.

Not only that, his adversaries have undermined themselves by self-defeating moves as when Sonia Gandhi stalled the Manmohan Singh government’s forward march on the economic front by opting for extravagant populist measures, thereby handing over her own government’s development agenda on a platter to Modi. As Chidambaram ruefully admitted later, the government should not have taken ‘the foot off the accelerator of reforms’.

Similarly, Kejriwal came to power with the assurance of providing a clean government as promised by his one-time mentor, Anna Hazare, who pleaded for the setting up of a Lokpal, an anti-corruption ombudsman. But Kejriwal’s own internal ombudsman, Admiral L. Ramdas, had to leave the Aam Admi Party (AAP) for questioning the Chief Minister’s authoritarian style, which also led to the ouster of the latter’s former allies, Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan.

By the time Kejriwal had concluded the purge of his own party, it was clear that governance, whether a clean one or not, was

not his primary objective, but an insatiable craving for power. Once this obsession became clear, it was obvious that his party’s days were numbered since the aam admi or the common man after whom the outfit was named had seen through his pretensions. The AAP’s defeat in Delhi was only to be expected, therefore, after its setbacks in Punjab and Goa. Like Kejriwal, Nitish Kumar, too, has failed to live up to the expectations that he had aroused during his earlier stint as Chief Minister when he succeeded in ridding Bihar of the lawlessness —or the jungle raj, as it was called —which was rampant during the tenures of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders Laloo Prasad Yadav and his wife, Rabri Devi.

But now, as an ally of Laloo Prasad while Rabri Devi is calling 17 for her son, Tejaswi, to be elevated from Deputy Chief Minister to Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar’s focus is somehow to hold on to power.

So, who will stop the BJP? Not only is there no one in sight, but there is little chance of the opposition parties being able to put together an anti-BJP combine because of their fractious internal relations.

Besides, they lack a forwardlooking economic agenda which appeals to the young as Modi’s Make in India, Digital India, startups and other programmes do.

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INDIA

India, Turkey call for action against terror, seek enhanced economic ties 18

5 May 2017| www.iwk.co.nz

C

ondemning the menace of terrorism, membership of the MTCR and applications India and Turkey on Monday, May 1, to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group and expressed their common concern over Wassenaar Arrangement. its menace and urged nations to destroy its The statement also recognised the need global network. for comprehensive UN reforms including They also called for enhancing their the Security Council expansion to make the body more representative, accountable and bilateral economic relations.

“Terrorism in all its forms and effective and the two sides agreement to to manifestations, wherever committed and by work towards its reform in order to enhance whomever, and declared that there could its democratic nature and to reflect the reality be no justification for terrorism anywhere,” of the 21st century.

According to the statement, India and said the Joint Statement after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Turkish President Turkey noted that there is an immense Tayyip Erdogan held talks along with their untapped potential for growth in the trade bilateral trade and investment. They also delegations.

“Both Leaders strongly condemned the agreed to encourage business efforts to use of double standards in addressing the achieve a level of at least $10 billion by 2020 menace of terrorism and agreed to strengthen in bilateral trade.

The bilateral trade between India and cooperation in combating terrorism both at the bilateral level and within the multilateral Turkey is $ 6.4 billion. system,” it said, adding that they also sought The two sides expressed desire to hold the early conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

The statement also “Both underlined the shared Leaders strongly interest of India and condemned the use Turkey in strengthening of double standards in global nonaddressing the menace proliferation objectives. of terrorism and agreed to In this regard, Erdogan strengthen cooperation in welcomed India’s combating terrorism accession to the Missile both at the bilateral Technology Control level and within the Regime (MTCR) in multilateral June 2016. system.”

Modi thanked Erdogan for Turkey’s support for India’s

Turkey-India Joint Economic Committee meetings regularly.

Both leaders agreed that cooperation in the field of IT, pharmaceuticals, health and tourism will improve the bilateral trade between the two nations.

On the energy sector, the two sides agreed to improve cooperation in the fields of hydrocarbons, renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Taking note of the tourism potential of the two nations, the two leaders agreed to encourage more tourist exchanges.

Kumar Vishwas remains in AAP, his MLA critic suspended

D

elhi’s ruling AAP averted a major crisis on Wednesday, May 3, when its disgruntled founder leader Kumar Vishwas agreed not to quit while an MLA who took him on was suspended from the party.

After indicating a day earlier that he may quit the Aam Aadmi Party, Kumar Vishwas on Wednesday attended a meeting of the party’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC) at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence.

“The PAC has decided to suspend Amanatullah Khan from the party,” Deputy Chief Minister and Kumar Vishwas’ childhood friend Manish Sisodia told reporters.

The decision came three days after Khan alleged that Kumar Vishwas was conspiring to break the party and plotting a coup against Kejriwal at the behest of the BJP and RSS. The AAP also announced a threemember committee of party leaders Pankaj Gupta, Atishi Marlena and Ashutosh to determine why Khan made the allegation against the poet-politician.

Appearing before the media with Sisodia, Kumar Vishwas said he was happy a dialogue among party members had resumed.

AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal (left) and Kumar Vishwas (right) celebrate party’s performance in the recently concluded Delhi Assembly Polls in New Delhi

“I want to assure all the workers that whenever there is a need to brainstorm and discuss, we will sit together even if we have differences,” he said.

“No one should have an impression that it was a power struggle.”

Kumar Vishwas again insisted he had no desire to become the Chief Minister or convener of the party.

After the PAC meeting, Sisodia went to meet Khan, the Okhla MLA. While the party said he went to communicate the PAC’s decision,

informed sources said it was meant to placate the suspended legislator.

Khan said he was pained by the party’s decision but would not comment on the Kumar Vishwas issue. He added he would speak only in party forums.

Also on Wednesday, Kumar Vishwas was named the AAP in-charge of Rajasthan, where assembly elections will be held next year.

Sisodia said Kumar Vishwas had been given the task of strengthening the AAP in Rajasthan and the party “will fight election in the state under his leadership”.

The BJP and Congress slammed the infighting in the AAP. BJP leader Vijender Gupta called the AAP a “team of losers” and said the party was facing infighting as it had lost the municipal elections.

Congress leader Ajay Maken called the AAP the B-team of the BJP and said not just Kumar Vishwas, even Kejriwal and Sisodia had an understanding with the BJP. On Tuesday, Kumar Vishwas alleged a conspiracy against him and indicated his possible exit from the party.

He dubbed Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan, who accused him of being a “BJP-RSS agent”, as a “mask” behind those ganging up against him.

After his public outburst, Kejriwal called on Kumar Vishwas on the night of May 2, and the two drove to the Chief Minister’s residence to discuss the unprecedented rift between them.

INDIA

www.iwk.co.nz | 5 May 2017

Dump VIP culture, embrace ‘EPI’, says Modi C alling for cleansing the Indian psyche of the “deeply entrenched” VIP culture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said ‘VIP’ must be replaced by ‘EPI’ – Every Person is Important.

Speaking on a range of issues in his radio address ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Modi also said that the South Asia Satellite to be launched by India on May 5 will go a long way in addressing the region’s economic and developmental priorities.

The Prime Minister also urged the young to step out of their comfort zone.

“The red beacon used to be fixed atop a vehicle but slowly and steadily it permeated into the psyche and got firmly entrenched in the mindset. The red beacon has gone for good but nobody can say with certainty that it has also disappeared from the mindset,” said Modi, adding there was disdain for VIP (Very Important Person) culture in the country.

“The concept behind the ‘New India’ is that EPI should replace VIP. EPI means Every Person is Important. We should accept the importance of 125 crore Indians,” said Modi, asking people to collectively strive to flush out the VIP culture.

Talking about space diplomacy, Modi said the South Asia Satellite was an appropriate example of India’s commitment towards the region.

“The capacities of this satellite and the facilities it provides will go a long way in addressing South Asia’s economic and developmental priorities.

“Natural resources mapping, tele medicine, the field of education, deeper IT connectivity or fostering peopleto-people contact – this satellite will prove to be a boon in the progress of the entire region,” he said, describing it an important step by India to enhance cooperation with South Asia.

The communication satellite GSAT-9 will be launched using the Indian Space Research Organisation’s heavy rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F09). All South Asian countries, except Pakistan, are part of the project. Stressing on the importance of having practical knowledge along with theoretical, Modi asked the young to move out of their comfort zone and gather new experiences and skills. Urging them to experiment and satiate their curiosity on various subjects, Modi suggested youngsters to travel in unreserved rail coaches.

“What you cannot learn in a year, you will learn in that crowded train travelling without any reservation for 24 hours.”

He also asked them to play with poor children.

“Have you ever thought what changes will come in the lives of those kids who live in abject poverty when they get an opportunity to play with you. I believe that if you go there once, your heart will tell you to go back again and again. This experience will teach you a lot.”

Modi also expressed concern over people being too engrossed with technology and asked youngsters to “self-evaluate whether the human element within yourself is getting frustrated”.

Observing that climate change was no more confined to the academic world, Modi said “nature has changed the rules of the game”.

“The heat we used to experience in May-June is being felt in March-April this year.”

He said the government will on Monday release a stamp to mark the occasion of the 1,000th birth anniversary of Saint Ramanujacharya.

He also spoke on the relevance of Buddha’s philosophy.

“The world today is undergoing a plethora of problems such as violence, war, annihilation, the arms race. Amidst this atmosphere, the philosophy of Buddha comes across as extremely relevant,” said Modi.

Modi said he will be paying tributes to Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka on the occasion of UN Vesak Day - that celebrates the birth of Gautam Buddha.

19

NEWS in BRIEF Not just talk, better policies needed to better workers’ condition: Sonia

C

ongress President Sonia Gandhi on Monday, may 1, said the condition of workers will not change “only by talk, slogans and promises”, and the government needs to bring in new policies and better programmes to make a difference to their lives.

“Everyone has to realise that change in the condition of workers will not come about only by talk, slogans and promises. It will happen with true dedication and giving the workers right of equality and justice,” Gandhi said in a statement on the occasion of International Congress President Sonia Gandhi Labour Day. She said that if workers are left behind in the march of progress then development will remain incomplete.

She also talked about the role of workers in India’s progress towards self-reliance in various sectors.

India voices concern over Australia’s change in visa programme

I

ndia on Tuesday, May 2, conveyed to Australia its concern over the possible impact of the changes made by that country in regulations regarding a visa programme for skilled professionals, official sources said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a phone call from his Australian counterpart Malcolm Turnbull, during which the Indian concern was voiced, a Ministry of External Affairs statement said.

“The two Prime Ministers agreed that officials from both sides will remain in close touch on the issue,” it said.

They also discussed the follow-up action taken after Turnbull’s visit to India last month, and the steps required to further strengthen bilateral relations.

A few weeks ago, Turnbull had announced his decision to abolish the 457 Visa, which allows businesses to hire foreign workers for up to four years for skilled jobs.

India to be voluntary tax compliant society: Jaitley

I

ndicating greater compliance measures from government agencies in the days ahead, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday said that India will be moving towards becoming a voluntary tax compliant society.

“We are moving from a developing state to a developed state. As we move from a developing economy to developed economy, we will also be moving to a voluntary tax compliant society,” Jaitley said here in his address at the Enforcement Day celebrations.

“Non-compliance of tax laws is both against public interest and national interest,” he added.

Be humble, be accountable: Shah’s mantra to UP leaders, workers

B

JP national President Amit Shah advised party workers in Uttar Pradesh to be humble and accountable to the people and warned them against getting swayed by the landslide victory in the state assembly elections held earlier this year.

Speaking in the presence of the party’s state President and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other senior leaders, the BJP chief hailed the party workers. Shah also exhorted the BJP President Amit Shah workers and state leaders not to rest and instead be prepared for winning other elections and to ensure that the people standing on the last step of the social ladder were benefited by the schemes rolled out by the central and state governments.

He also praised the Yogi Adityanath government and said the state government had begun to work for the people.

20

INDIA

5 May 2017| www.iwk.co.nz

Push for electricity to last 4,141 villages by 2018, says minister

U

nion Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday, May 3, said that “a final push” is needed to provide electricity to the 4,141 un-electrified villages in the country by 2018.

According to the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines, in the next 3-4 months, “a final push is needed to electrify the remaining 4,141 unelectrified villages in the country.”

The minister spoke at the two-day State Power Ministers’ Conference being held in New Delhi.

Goyal also reiterated the resolution taken in the last State Power Ministers’ conference to provide electricity to every household in the country by December 2018.

P Union MoS Power and Mines Piyush Goyal addresses at the inauguration of the conference of Power, Renewable Energy and Mines Ministers of States & UTs, in New Delhi on May 3

The last such meeting was held in Vadodara, Gujarat.

The minister observed that the objective of the current conference is to review the work done in the power, coal, renewable energy and mining sectors by the state and union territories’ governments in

the past six months.

“Further, the conference intends to forge new policies for achieving the goal of providing 24x7 quality and affordable power for all in the stipulated time...,” the Ministry of Power said in a statement

India test fires nuclear-capable Agni-II missile handling unit of the Indian Army,

I

ndia on Thursday, May 4, successfully test fired its medium-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni-ll off the Odisha coast.

The trial of the surface-tosurface missile was conducted from Launch Complex-4 of Integrated Test Range (ITR) in the APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Balasore district, said Defence Ministry officials.

The Strategic Forces Command (SCF), a specially raised missile-

Punjab CM for zero tolerance against anti-India forces

carried out the test at 10.20 a.m.

Agni-II has two solid fuel stages and a Post Boost Vehicle (PBV) integrated into the missile’s Reentry Vehicle (RV). The 20-metre missile is a two-stage, solid propelled ballistic missile.

It has a strike range of more than 2,000 km, is 20 metres long, weighs 17 tonnes and can carry a payload of 1,000 kg.

unjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh (Retd) on Wednesday, may 3, called for an Indian zero tolerance policy against “inimical” forces across the border and called for a befitting response to the killing of Indian soldiers by the Pakistan Army.

He also dismissed threats to him by Khalistan sympathisers, saying he would not allow anyone to disturb the peace in the state.

Reacting to the killing and mutilation Chief Minister of Punjab Capt. Amarinder SIngh of an Indian soldier and a Border Security Force On the threats to him, the trooper along the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Chief Minister said, “If they have Kashmir on May 1, Amarinder the guts, they should come and Singh said India’s response should spea k here instead of misleading the people with unsubstantiated be clear and unequivocal.

“We should stop being a statements elsewhere.” gentlemen’s Army. If they “They can shout their heads (Pakistan) cut one of our heads, we off... who cares?” he said, adding should cut three of theirs,” he told that “we want a stable Punjab; we a TV channel. want development”.

INDIA ABROAD

www.iwk.co.nz | 5 May 20172017

Retired Indian doctor honoured in Australia

R

etired Indian doctor Mirza Datoo has been presented with the Order of Australia.

Dr Datoo, whose grandparents came from Gujarat in India, has been presented with the Medal of the Order of Australia for years of service to medicine in rural New South Wales.

Dr Datoo went to Australia in the 1970s to begin a new life after studying medicine. He spent a quarter of a century in the western New South Wales town of Harde.

Often called to attend emergencies in the middle of the night, he had

Retired Indian doctor Mirza Datoo

to drive 70 kilometers to the scene of an accident.

For many years, Dr Datoo was on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergencies. “When you start delivering the kids of the kids you delivered, then you know you’re getting old.”

Speaking about his award, Dr Datoo said he is really honoured his dream worked out. The honour, he explained, is a fitting reward for someone who embraced his adopted home so fervently.

He retired in 2011 and now resides in Canberra with his wife Sheryn. The couple has four children.

21

Google CEO Pichai doubles his pay package

Google CEO Sundar Pichai

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oogle’s India-born CEO Sundar Pichai received a stock award of $198.7 million in 2016, almost double his 2015 stock award of $99.8 million, a media report said.

That brought his total compensation in 2016 to $199.7 million, almost twice the $100.6 million he earned in 2015.

Pichai received a salary of $650,000 in 2016, slightly less than the $652,500 he earned in 2015, CNBC reported last week.

Pichai’s massive pay package came even as his two bosses and Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, once again drew salaries of only one dollar for their roles as CEO and President, respectively, of parent company Alphabet.

But Page and Brin are each worth more than $40 billion through their stock holdings.

According to the report, Pichai’s raise came during a year when Google’s sales rose 22.5 per cent and net income rose 19 per cent as it maintained its position as the top seller of internet advertising.

Trump failed in his first 100 days: Indian-American Congresswoman n d i a n - A m e r i c a n

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Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal has said that US President Donald Trump has failed to keep his poll promises since he took office in January.

Jayapal said the President, who is completing 100 days in office on Saturday, talked big on reforms, taxes and jobs but could deliver nothing.

“He has been able to do nothing that he promised. He has not been able to put forward a single jobs bill. He keeps talking about a huge infrastructure package ‘its gonna be big; its gonna be big’, we haven’t seen anything,” Jayapal told ABC News.

Jayapal, the first Indian-

American woman in the US House of Representatives, said that Trump did not put in action any of his poll promises, including lower deductibles, lower premiums and better healthcare, the ABC News reported.

“Trump proposed trillion dollars in tax cuts for the wealthiest, but nothing of that sort happened,” the Democrat said.

“So, I would say a big F. Failing grade for the President on actually being able to move this country forward. And propose anything that he can’t even get his own party to stand by,” Jayapal said.

“This is a President who has both chambers, and still he has not been able to get anything done.”

The US President suffered three massive blows in the shape of blocked executive orders, in the first 100 days of his presidency.

He passed orders, twice, to temporarily block people from six predominantly Muslim countries, but failed.

Earlier this week, a San Francisco Judge, William H. Orrick, blocked Trump’s order to withhold federal grants for the sanctuary cities.

Sanctuary cities is a term used for cities that protect immigrants’ rights by not sharing information on their immigration-status to the federal immigration authorities.

“We are thrilled. I am not surprised because we have been

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal

saying for months that it is unconstitutional and unlawful for the federal government to try and withhold funding for sanctuary

Far from Maharashtra, Marathi flourishes Down Under

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group of migrant Maharashtrians, separated by some 10,000 km of oceans and nations, have joined hands to keep Marathi language, culture and traditions alive in far away Australia.

The brainchild of the Marathi Association of Sydney Incorporated (MASI), the Australian Marathi Vidyalaya (AMV) was founded in 2008 with just a dozen-odd students grappling with the strange-sounding “foreign mother tongue” of their parents.

After the modest beginnings, the AMV has now grown into four flourishing centres for Marathi learning with around 150 students (40 per cent girls) in different age groups in Sydney and Wollongong, AMV President Arun Ghatge told IANS in a series of social media chats.

“These are essentially weekend schools, recognised and funded through grants from the New South Wales Department of Education and Training—Community Language Programme (NSWDET), and governed by their rules and regulations in all aspects,” Ghatge added.

These have proved to be a boon to the approximately 150,000-strong community of Maharashtrians, mostly first, second or even third generation migrants settled on the East Coast since decades.

(L to R): Pavan Lakade, Arun Ghatge, Julia Finn (MP- NSW), David (Principal WPS), Amit Tere, Neha Takale

Arriving in an alien land and to a different culture, many of the home-sick Maharashtrians took refuge by celebrating and enjoying festivals like Holi, Shiv Jayanti, Gudi Padva, Kojagiri Poornima, Diwali, Ganeshotsav and the like, besides holding small cultural gatherings and functions.

“However, the younger generations and those born in Australia were completely severed from their rich Maharashtrian and Indian cultural traditions... making us think of a formal approach integrated with their regular schooling, to imbibe the best of both worlds,” Ghatge said.

“We are creating a great link between our doting parents and their beloved grandchildren by breaking the language barrier,” said 45-year old Ghatge, who migrated in 2005.

The AMV launched the weekend schools, which are gaining popularity within the local community, not for “textbookish” knowledge, but using more of “learn thru fun” methodologies, and without disturbing or overburdening the children’s regular schooling in mainstream Australian schools.

“We charge them a nominal fee of 150 Australian dollars per annum, or roughly Rs 7,500, though the major portion of our expenses are covered by NSWDET,” Ghatge explained.

AMV is supported by around 25 regular and back-up teachers— trained and government-approved —at its centres in Western Sydney, South West Sydney Region, Wollongong and North Shore, and is a member of the umbrella organisation for community languages in the Association of Illawarra Community Languages

Schools Inc. Currently, the students are taught their mothertongue from Kindergarten to Class VI, with the vision to expand up to Class XII, by when Ghatge hopes Marathi would be accorded the official status of a “foreign language” in mainstream schools, and which would be available to all Australians on the lines of French, German, Spanish and Chinese.

The AMV teaches the essentials of Marathi language—oral, written and communication skills —and provides insights into the relationship between language and culture; it explores Marathi with the correct application of linguistic structures and vocabulary, and develops the students’ knowledge and understanding of their cultural heritage in a foreign land, using selected prescribed Marathi textbooks and literature.

cities,” Jayapal said in response to the district court’s order.

Trump, however, blasted the district court judge’s decision to block his executive order.

He wrote on Twitter, “First the Ninth Circuit rules against the ban & now it hits again on sanctuary cities—both ridiculous rulings. See you in the Supreme Court!”

Jayapal, who came to the US at age 16, said that Trump needs to understand the Constitution and respect the courts.

“He needs to understand the Constitution of the United States of America. That’s the document he swore to protect and uphold,” Jayapal said.

At the end of each year, the students undergo examinations and are awarded certificates based on their performances, an event at which many turn up in traditional Maharashtrian attire.

“The changes among the younger generation are obvious.

Compared to many years ago, now when the grandparents and grandchildren meet either in Australia or India, they have an instant emotional connect because of Marathi... Many seniors visiting us from India are moved to tears hearing their Australian-born grandchildren conversing properly, though accented, in their mother tongue,” Ghatge added.

Interestingly, the Australian East Coast supports over 100 different cultural and linguistic groups from all over the world living harmoniously, including Indians. Besides Marathi, there are a handful of similar such schools for Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil and Kannada languages which impart education to children in their mother tongues and have proved equally popular.

“Now, the gen-next is able to better comprehend the rich culture, traditions, language, literature and legacy of their forefathers back in India—adhering to our motto ‘Language keeps you in touch with your culture’ strongly,” said Ghatge.

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5 May 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Tony Blair to return to politics

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ormer British Prime Minister Tony Blair has decided to again get involved in politics and take an active part in trying to shape the policy debate on Brexit.

On the 20th anniversary of his New Labour win on Monday, Blair told The Mirror that money was not the motivating factor behind his return to politics and predicted that Britons would eventually want to rejoin the European Union.

The former leader, who led Labour to a triumph in 1997, said: “This Brexit thing has given me a direct motivation to get more involved in politics. You need to get your hands dirty and I will... I am going to be taking an active part in trying to shape the policy debate.

“We don’t know yet what the final deal on Brexit will be. We are advocating a very simple British common sense position, which is to say, let’s see what the Tories come up with first.

“This is not about defying the will of the people. It is saying the will of the people may change

when they see the final deal.

“My prediction is it may take another generation but at some point we will want to be back in the EU – there is a direct link between the number of people and the size of an economy,” The Mirror quoted him as saying.

However, things have moved on a lot in the 10 years since Blair has been absent, and he admitted: “I know the moment I stick my head out the door I’ll get a bucket of wotsit poured all over me, but I really do feel passionate about this.

“I don’t want to be in the situation where we pass through this moment of history and I hadn’t said anything because that would mean I didn’t care about this country. I do.”

The former Prime Minister was nonchalant about his predicted 60 million pounds wealth and claimed he has given away most of it.

“I have the capacity to earn money. I have made money which has given me a nice house in London and a nice house in the

SpaceX launches spy satellite for US

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paceX launched a spy satellite for the US Department of Defence on Monday, May 1, officials said.

The two-stage Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the classified NROL76 satellite, lifted off at 7.15 a.m. from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, the same pad that supported numerous Apollo and space shuttle launches, the company’s live webcast showed.

About 10 minutes later, the rocket’s first stage landed at SpaceX’s Landing Zone 1, just south of the launch site at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Xinhua news agency reported.

SpaceX previously landed a first stage booster at Landing Zone 1 three times. It also successfully recovered Falcon 9 first stages from six missions at sea using the company’s drone ships.

Few details have been released about NROL-76, a satellite

designed, built and operated by the National Reconnaissance Office under the Department of Defence.

This launch marks the 15-yearold company’s first mission for the Pentagon.

For years, the market for launching US military payloads was dominated by the United Launch Alliance, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Boeing.

But SpaceX broke the monopoly in 2015, when the US Air Force certified its Falcon 9 rocket to launch national security space missions.

Since then, the Californiabased company has also won two contracts to launch Global Positioning System satellites for the US Air Force.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair

country and I am very lucky and the equity in those two properties is the bulk of my wealth,” he said.

According to the tabloid, the 63-year-old has had talks with

the Liberal Democrats about setting up a new force to fight for the centre ground and was coy when asked whether he would establish a new political party.

This automated, robotic drill may perform surgery in 2.5 minutes

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computer-driven automated drill that could perform a type of complex surgeries, surgeons typically use hand drills to make intricate openings, adding hours to a procedure and may also increase the risks of loss of facial movement.

However, the new automated machine replaces hand drills to produce fast, clean, and safe cuts, reducing the time the wound is open and the patient is anesthetised, thereby decreasing the incidence of infection, human error, and surgical cost.

“I was interested in developing a low-cost drill that could do a lot of the grunt work to reduce surgeon fatigue,” said A.K. Balaji, Associate Professor at the University of Utah in the US. The drill, which could play a pivotal role in future surgical procedures like hip implants, was developed from scratch to meet the needs of the neurosurgical unit, as well as developed software that sets a safe cutting path, the researchers

said in the paper reported in the journal Neurosurgical Focus First, the patient is imaged using a CT scan to gather bone data and identify the exact location of sensitive structures, such as nerves and major veins and arteries that must be avoided. Surgeons use this information to programme the cutting path of the drill.

In addition, the surgeon can programme safety barriers along the cutting path within 1 mm of sensitive structures.

If the drill gets too close to the facial nerve and irritation is monitored during surgery, the drill automatically turns off.

Facebook may announce it has 1.9bn monthly users

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head of its first quarter results of 2017 on Wednesday, media reports say Facebook may announce it has nearly 1.9 billion users who log onto the social media platform every month.

The company is also expected to report a blockbuster set of results, with revenues rising 45 per cent, The Telegraph reported on Sunday.

Earlier this year, when Facebook announced its earnings for the fourth quarter and full year 2016, it showed a steady growth in its revenue and user base.

Facebook reported $8.8 billion in revenue, $3.56 billion in profit and said more than 1.23 billion people were using the social network every day and that 1.15 billion log in from mobile devices each day.

A report in The Verge said with this growth rate, the social media giant would hit two billion monthly active users by the middle of this year.

It is clear that Facebook came on top of all the expectations despite being mired by issues like fake news.

It is expected that the number that log in every month will have risen to 1.9 billion in the three months to the end of April, with the social network now set to close in on 2 billion in the coming weeks.

However, analysts believe the company will have to start running out of steam eventually.

“We expect (monthly users) to grow 14 per cent in the first quarter (down from 17 per cent) as it decelerates due to the law of (really) large numbers,” an analyst at RBC Capital Markets was quoted as saying in The Telegraph.

Consensus forecasts are for Facebook to report revenues of $7.8 billion and profits of $3.3 billion—up 72 per cent on a year ago.

Rising protectionism threatens Asia-Pacific growth: UN

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he UN on Monday, May 1, warned that the rise in protectionism put economic growth in Asia Pacific at risk and urged countries in the region to improve governance and fiscal management to bolster development.

Unveiling its annual report on economic and social outlook, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) highlighted the increase in growth outlook for the next two years, Efe news reported.

According to the report, the Asia-Pacific region, including countries like China, India, Japan, Australia and South Korea, would

see growth ranging from 5 to 5.1 per cent in 2017 and 2018

Even though the numbers signified “modest” economic growth compared to the recent historical trend, the report said they were still above the 4.9 per cent growth achieved in 2016.

The UN report highlighted that global uncertainty - brought about by economic policies of several developed nations such as the introduction of Non-tariff measures (NTMs) - posed threats for the Asia-Pacific region.

Rising trade protectionism was the most significant risk to the overall economic outlook, said the study, with the US policy change and the UK’s exit from the European Union.

ESCAP added that the rise in free trade barriers could slow down the estimated growth rate of developing countries in AsiaPacific by 1.2 per cent.

The study projected China’s mild downward economic trend, putting the country’s growth at 6.5 per cent in 2017, compared to 6.7 per cent in 2016.

Despite predicting overall regional moderate economic growth, the study expected an economic stability in China as the government introduced reforms to favour establishment of sectors with greater value addition.

The report predicted that domestic consumption would continue to be the main driving force of the region’s economy, owing to the fall in exports and private investment triggered by the 2008 global financial crisis.

ESCAP called for the developing Asia-Pacific economies to improve governance and fiscal management, in order to increase its growth outlook and to combat rising inequalities and environmental degradation.

“Sustained productivity gains, in turn, will require effective institutions and better governance, in both public and private spheres,” said ESCAP Executive Secretary Shamshad Akhtar.

The study found that inequalities rose as poverty reduction pace slowed in countries with weak institutions.

SPORTS

www.iwk.co.nz | 5 May 2017

101-year-old Mann Kaur’s world

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record breaking Auckland sky walk S

The athlete had the world at her feet after a record breaking day at the World Masters Games 2017 in Auckland

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01-year-old athlete Mann Kaur has become the oldest person to skywalk around Auckland’s famous landmark Sky Tower.

The athlete from India had the world at her feet after a record breaking day at the World Masters Games in Auckland, New Zealand, on Thursday.

Having set a new world record on the field, she stepped out 192 metre above Auckland city to become the oldest person to skywalk around the city’s famous landmark.

She held her 79-year-old son Gurdev Singh’s hand as she inched along the narrow platform towering high above the city centre.

“Everyone should do this, everyone should come here and visit Sky City,” she said.

Kaur, who hails from Punjab, is the oldest competitor and has completed the 100m, 200m, shot put and javelin events.

In her final competition at the Trusts Stadium in Waitakere, West Auckland on Thursday, she broke the Guinness World Record for javelin with a throw of 5.12m taking her gold medal tally to four.

India rise to No.3 in ICC ODI rankings post-annual update

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Meet Arun Panchia, a Gujarati insurance agent who led New Zealand against India in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup This is Panchia’s second stint as the Black Sticks captain...

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he 28-year old Arun Panchia is a full time insurance agent, who is representing New Zealand hockey team at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia. This is Panchia’s second stint as the Black Sticks captain, but for the first time he led his team against the country of his ancestors – India.

Although, India rode on Mandeep Singh and Harmanpreet Singh’s double as they beat New Zealand 3-0, to register their first win of the tournament.

Panchia made his international debut in 2009, and his first visit to India was during the 2010 World Cup in Delhi. But the hockey bug bit him well before that, when he was just five.

“A couple of my uncles and all my cousins played the game,” Panchia, who was also part of the Rio Olympics last year, said. “So we got into it at a young age. I started playing proper hockey from about five years old.”

Panchia’s inspiration in hockey were the Indians who broke into the New Zealand

panish star Rafael Nadal got the better of Dominic Thiem of Austria in straight sets to win his 10th title at the Barcelona Open tennis tournament here.

The Spaniard defeated the fourth seeded Austrian 6-4, 6-1 in Sunday night’s final to lift the trophy, just one week after his 10th victory at the Monte Carlo Masters, reports Xinhua news agency.

The 14-time Grand Slam champion met some resistance in the beginning from Thiem, who had stunned world No.1 Andy Murray in the semi-finals on Saturday.

But Nadal took control in the second set and wrapped up the match in just over 90 minutes.

Arun Panchia

team. “As an Indian, you look up to the Indian players,” he said. “For me, it was Bevan Hari and Umesh Parag. They were in the New Zealand team [during early 2000s] when I was growing up.”

In an interview given to Scroll website, Panchia said, “My great-grandfather came to New Zealand in the 1920s, my grandfather and both my parents were born in New

Zealand. I myself have only been to India for hockey, though we still have some family in the Gujarat region.”

He said, “I am not sure if there is a common reason, but there is a very big Indian community in New Zealand, all through the regions. They stay very strong together and you learn off each other. There are always people to help you through.”

Talking about his job, Panchia says, Hockey is not a professional sport in New Zealand. So players need to do other jobs to pay their bills. “We only get a little bit of money to help us train, so most of us either work or study. I work for an insurance and investments company. I am at work 9 to 5.

Before and after work I am training.”

Panchia first captained New Zealand only recently, against Pakistan earlier this month.

But he wasn’t expecting this elevation until the selectors broke the news to him. “It was a bit of surprise,” the Auckland resident said.

“As long as I enjoy playing hockey, I will keep playing,” he said.

ndia have risen to the No.3 spot in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) One-day International (ODI) rankings with South Africa and Australia taking the top two spots in the latest annual update on Monday.

India have gained five points to swap positions with 2015 World Cup finalists New Zealand, who have dropped to fourth after picking two points. This means India have 117 rating points as against Kiwis who have 115.

Number-one ranked South Africa gained four points following the annual update and are now on 123 points, while world champions and second-ranked Australia stayed on 118 points.

But the race for the all-important eighth place – which spells an automatic entry into the 2019 World Cup in England – has Pakistan taking a strong nine point lead over the West Indies. Hosts England, placed at fifth and the top seven-ranked teams, as on September 30, 2017, will get an automatic spot in the 2019 World Cup. The annual update is carried out to ensure the table continues to reflect teams’ recent form with older results being discarded. As such, the table now reflects all matches from May 1, 2014, with matches played after May 1, 2016 carrying 100 per cent weightage.

After the update, Pakistan have gone from 90 points to 88 and West Indies from 83 to 79 points – meaning Pakistan’s previous seven point lead over the Caribbean side has extended to nine points.

In the lead up to the ICC Champions Trophy next month, of Sri Lanka (93 points), Bangladesh (91), Pakistan (88) and West Indies (79), Bangladesh are scheduled to play a tri-series comprising Ireland, New Zealand in Ireland and West Indies host Afghanistan for three ODIs. There is no change to 10th-ranked Afghanistan’s tally of 52 points, but 11thranked Zimbabwe have dropped two points and are now on 46 points. Ireland gained one point and are on 43 points.

India handed first loss of Sultan Azlan Shah by Australia

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he Indian men’s hockey team, ranked No 6 in the world, have suffered their first loss at the 2017 Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey tournament, losing 1-3 to world champions Australia in Ipoh, Malaysia on Tuesday, May 2.

Losing the experienced goalkeeper PR Sreejesh in the 13th minute proved a major setback for India, as his replacement Akash Chikte allowed the Kookaburras to go up 2-1 shortly into the second half when a

goal went through his legs. This despite India being put ahead in the second quarter thanks to Harmanpreet Singh’s third goal of the tournament.

The marquee clash of the tournament, featuring the top highest-ranked teams, threw up some engaging moments overall but it was a tale of missed opportunities for India.

Nine-time winners of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Australia were provided a chance in the opening minute of the game,

only for Trent Mitten to fail to convert the penalty corner.

A keen tussle ensued between the teams, with plenty of chances missed.

India’s defeat follows a 2-2 draw with Great Britain and a 3-0 win over New Zealand.

They next play Japan on Wednesday at 13:55 IST. Australia’s campaign before today’s match featured a 1-1 draw with New Zealand and a 6-1 hammering of hosts Malaysia.

India vs Australia: India and Australia had started the tournament with a win and a draw each.

Play sudoku online at:

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Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3x3 squares contains all the digits from 1 to 9.

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Sudoku puzzle No. 3844 2017-04-22

Sudoku puzzle No. 3839 2017-04-17

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1. Which birds can leather be obtained from? Ostrich and Emu 2. What was the name of the bear in the Muppet Show? Fozzie 3. The Devil is usually associated with which piece of garden equipment? Pitchfork 4. True or False, Sharks can’t get sick? False, this is a common myth 5. Which story begins “all children except one grow up”? Peter Pan 6. What was the name of the taxi company, shown on TV’s TAXI? The Sunshine Cab Company 7. The oil of which spice is traditionally used for the cure of toothache? Cloves 8. What name was given to the eleven states that fought the Union in the US Civil War? Confederates 9. Tiger Bay is an area of which British city? Cardiff 10. In which country was Mel Gibson born? America (New York)

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

General Knowledge Quiz

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11. Which cut of beef is found between the rump and the fore rib? Sirloin 12. Which came first, Art Deco or Art Nouveaux? Art Nouveaux 13. Which black and white marine creature is the largest member of the Dolphin family? Killer Whale 14. Who wrote the Tale of Peter Rabbit? Beatrix Potter 15. Which doctor discovered Penicillin by accident? Dr. Alexander Fleming 16. What is the world’s most southerly capital city? Wellington, New Zealand 17. What kind of monkey gives it’s name to a type of blood group? Rhesus 18. The picture of which American President appears on the one dollar bill?

George Washington 19. When milk sours what acid is formed? Lactic acid Page 2/2 20. In which country was the food Chop Suey invented?

Page 2/2 America, China Town, San Francisco

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www.iwk.co.nz | 5 May 2017

Excess smartphone use bad for mental health: Study E xcess use of smartphone and other devices may lead to attention, behaviour and self-regulation problems for adolescents already at risk for mental health issues, warns new research.

“Also, on days at-risk adolescents use technology more, they experience more conduct problems and higher ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) symptoms compared to days they use technology less,” said lead author of the study Madeleine George from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, US. The research, published in the journal Child Development, looked at associations between adolescents’ mental health symptoms and how much time they spent each day texting, using social media and using the internet.

For the study, 151 young adolescents completed surveys on smartphones about their daily digital technology use.

They were surveyed three times a day for a month and were assessed for mental health symptoms 18 months later.

The youth participating were between 11 and 15 years old.

The adolescents spent an average of 2.3 hours a day using digital technologies.

The researchers found that on days when adolescents used their devices more – both when they exceeded their own normal use and when they exceeded average use by their peers – they were more likely to experience conduct problems such as lying, fighting and other behavioural problems.

In addition, on days when adolescents used digital devices more, they had difficulty paying attention and exhibited attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder symptoms.

The study also found that young adolescents who spent more time online experienced increases in conduct problems and problems with self-regulation – the ability to control one’s behaviour and emotions – 1 8 months later.

However, the study also found that using technology was linked to some positive outcomes. On days when adolescents spent more time using digital technologies they were less likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety.

May 5 to May 11 | By Manisha Koushik ¡ Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20)

¡ Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 20)

FEATURES

Global smartphone shipment grow 11%: Report In a stark contrast to the previous year, global smartphone shipments have grown 11 per cent in first quarter of 2017, logging 375 million units, a new report said.

There was a two per cent decline in global smartphone shipment during the same quarter in 2016.

According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, the major factors driving growth this year will be the proliferation of LTE networks in emerging markets and the roll-out of Gigabit LTE networks in established markets.

The industry recorded its slowest smartphone growth in 2016, however,

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we estimate the smartphone segment will bounce back registering 6-8 per cent volume growth during 2017,” said Jeff Fieldhack, research Director at Counterpoint Research, in a statement.

The top 10 brands contributed to almost 73 per cent of the smartphone volumes in first quarter.

The ‘affordable premium’ segment US$300-$399 was the fastest growing smartphone segment during the quarter mainly driven by OPPO, vivo and Samsung A series smartphones.

“The US$100-$199 segment is mainly driven by Samsung’s J series, Huawei’s Honor series, OPPO’s A series and Xiaomi’s Redmi series smartphones.

Together these brands accounted for almost half of the volumes of the price segment,” the report noted.

The US$100-$199 price segment has quickly become the sweet spot across the prepaid developed and emerging markets, it said.

This segment accounts for one in three smartphones shipped globally, registering a healthy 28.8 per cent growth in the first quarter.

“Only three brands out of the top 10 clearly outgrew the overall market – Huawei, OPPO and Vivo. These brands have reached dominant positions in their home market putting immense pressure on Samsung and Apple,” said Shobhit Srivastava, Research Analyst.

Manisha Koushik is a practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and fengshui consultant based in India with a global presence through the online channels. She is available for consultations online as well. E-mail her at support@askmanisha. com or contact at +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp: +919015607139 • www.askmanisha.com

¡ Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23)

¡ Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 21)

Keep superiors informed of all your actions to remain on a safe wicket. Happiness prevails on the work front as you gel well with co-workers. Common interest can get you together with like-minded friends. Someone from abroad or out of town is likely to brighten the domestic horizon. You get the chance you had been waiting for on the romantic front. Some of you can opt for a family package tour to go on a vacation.

This is a good time to force an issue hanging fire for long in your professional sphere. You are likely to have your hands full on the domestic front with the arrival of guests. A good professional opportunity threatens to slip out of your hands if you are not quick enough. Non-payment of a previous amount is likely to worry you. A current situation can force you to keep romance on the backburner. Health remains satisfactory.

You may be included in an ongoing project at work.

Forcing someone to do your bidding will only frustrate you. You may fail in defusing an explosive situation at work. Differences on the marital front threaten to lead some towards separation. Expenses rise, bank balance gets depleted, but back payments may still not be received. Lovers tiff is on the cards for some and can continue for some time. Going someplace far will help you unwind. Health needs care.

Lucky number: 11 / Lucky colour: Silver

Lucky number: 2 / Lucky colour: Bottle green

Lucky number: 18 / Lucky colour: Coffee

¡ Taurus (Apr 21-May 20)

¡ Leo (Jul 21-Aug 22)

¡ Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)

A personal issue may put you in two minds, so listen to your heart to follow the correct path. Your reputation is likely to soar both on the personal and professional fronts. Rising standard of living is likely to make you rub shoulders with the cream. You are likely to get a lucky break on the financial front. This is the right time to attract someone you have fascination for.

Efficiency will be the keyword for homemakers.

A good break on the job front is expected. You feel young and energetic this week. Your efficiency at work will be appreciated by all. Not succumbing to impulse buying will save you a lot. A pleasant surprise awaits some on the domestic front. Your love life promises to be immensely satisfying. Urge to travel can get the better of you, so plan out a vacation. Don’t get involved in any property deal this week. Those needing help can rest easy.

Hectic time is foreseen, as much is expected out of you. Some of you are likely to add to your skills. A chance to travel on an official tour will materialise for some. Good returns are foreseen on an investment.

You will have the money to do up your home. Some of you can get romantically involved. Lending a helping hand to someone will be appreciated. You are likely to opt for health foods. House hunting may prove frustrating.

Someone may try to contact you for a specific purpose that may benefit you. Focussing on family is likely to give you good emotional returns. Meeting an old flame is set to brighten up the romantic front for some. You can lag behind at work due to avoidable distractions. Your request for a raise is likely to fall on deaf ears. Be certain of the financial viability of a project before putting it in action.

Lucky number: 5 / Lucky colour: Aqua green

Lucky number: 15 / Lucky colour: Crimson

Lucky number: 3 / Lucky colour: Golden brown

¡ Gemini (May 21-Jun 21)

¡ Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 23)

¡ Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)

Lucky number: 2 / Lucky colour: White

There are times when you need to take things in your stride. You will be able to come to terms with someone close. A worrying situation on the work front is successfully resolved. You can go ahead with a venture which is likely to become profitable soon.

Your love life promises to cruise along smoothly.

Financial stability is likely to be achieved. Students will find peer support encouraging. Travel by road will be comfortable. Health remains satisfactory.

Lucky number: 8 / Lucky colour: Lavender

¡ Aquarius (Jan 22-Feb 19)

¡ Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)

There is a good chance of getting a break in a field that you are passionate about. You can be vindictive when you want to, but your actions are likely to have an equal and opposite reaction this week. Some of you are likely to get worried about your advancing age.

A trusted employee may break your trust. Financial worries can force you to go on a corner-cutting spree.

Spouse may appear at his or her complaining best.

A situation developing at work needs to be tackled urgently. You are likely to score on the academic front with your innovative ideas. Becoming the favourite of senior is likely to give some a new high. You will be able to benefit some family youngster by your experience and contacts. Sharing and caring will make the romantic front most fulfilling. Possibility of travelling to a distant place looks real. Someone may recommend your name for an event or competition.

This is a great time, when you will get to meet your near and dear ones. A family member may prove a big support for you. You will succeed in covering up someone’s mistakes at work. Marital life will prove most fulfilling, as loving bonds strengthen. You remain comfortable on the monetary front. Health will remain good and keep you alert and energetic this week. Love beckons those looking for it. You remain strong on the academic front.

You may be tasked for a job you are not too confident about. A pat on the back can be expected by some at work. Issue of your promotion or raise is likely to be taken up by superiors. A change in lifestyle will do a whale of a good to your health. You can get a bit concerned for a family member settled out of town.

Nearness to the one you love will keep your spirits high.

Lucky number: 4 / Lucky colour: Indigo

Lucky number: 2 / Lucky colour: Peach

Lucky number: 3 / Lucky colour: White

Lucky number: 6 / Lucky colour: Dark green

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FEATURES

5 May 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

PARENTING

Most Indian parents concerned about kids talking to strangers

41 juice cures you should know about

A

lmost half (49 per cent) of Indian parents are concerned about their children interacting with a social predator or a cybercriminal online, a new study revealed on Wednesday.

Even if the the parents know these dangers, only 36 per cent of them admit to using software to monitor their children’s activity on their devices, said a global study by US computer security software McAfee.

McAfee found that 93 per cent of Indian parents admit to talking to their children about the dangers of cybercriminals and identity theft.

“In today’s connected world, parents play a crucial role to decide on the usage of technology and how it can influence their kids’ lives,” Anand Ramamoorthy, Managing Director, South Asia at McAfee, said in a statement.

“As Indians shift towards smart connected homes, we must help parents actively manage the way their families interact with connected devices to ensure that security and privacy

measures are implemented,” Ramamoorthy added.

Nearly 84 per cent of Indian parents allow their child to bring an internet-connected device to bed and 54 per cent of them claim they have discovered that their child visited an inappropriate website -- highest when compared to 13 other countries.

According to the study, parents tend to use older methods to monitor the device usage of their children.

For example, 59 per cent of Indian parents monitor their child’s device usage by keeping the device in their possession and only giving the child the device when the parent can monitor.

Parents who are concerned about who their children are interacting with online, monitor how much time they spend in front of a screen.

According to the report, 57 per cent of Indian parents allow their child to have 1-2 hours of screen time per day, and 21 per cent allow their child less than one hour a day.

Obese kids at four-fold greater risk of Type-2 diabetes later

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hildren with obesity face four times the risk of developing Type-2 diabetes later, compared to children with a body mass index (BMI) in the normal range, warns a new study.

For the study, published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, the researchers examined BMI measurements, diabetes diagnosis records, and other data for 369,362 children between the ages of 2 and 15.

They found that 654 children and teenagers were diagnosed with Type-2 between 2009 and 2013. “As the prevalence diabetes between 1994 and 2013. of obesity and being overweight has Children with higher BMI A rapidly risen, an increasing number were found to have far greater child with of children and young adults have risk of developing Type-2 obesity faces a been diagnosed with diabetes in diabetes than those with four-fold greater risk the United Kingdom since the normal weight. of being diagnosed early 1990s,” Abbasi said.

“A child with obesity with diabetes by the Researchers also found that faces a four-fold greater age of 25, than their 1,318 children were diagnosed risk of being diagnosed with counterpart who with Type-1 diabetes during the diabetes by the age of 25, is of normal same period. As expected, they than their counterpart who weight found no association between obesity is of normal weight,” said lead and the incidence of type 1 diabetes, author of the study Ali Abbasi from which is linked to an underlying autoimmune King’s College London. disorder. Criteria to determine obesity in In addition, the researchers found that this study was dependent on the child’s age the rate of children developing Type-2 - obesity was classified as having a BMI in diabetes increased from an average of six the top five per cent of the population for new cases per 100,000 children each year their age, as measured by a 1990 study of between 1994 and 1998, to an average of British children.

33 new cases per 100,000 children each year,

1. Acidity – Grapes, orange, sweet lime, carrot and spinach 2. Acne – Pear, plum, grapes, tomato, cucumber 3. Allergies – Apricot, grapes, beet, spinach and carrots 4. Anaemia - Prune, red grape, beetroot, celery, strawberry, carrot and spinach

5. Arteriosclerosis - Grapefruit, pineapple, celery, lettuce and spinach 6. Arthritis - Pineapple, sour apple, sour cherry, lemon, grapefruit, cucumber, beetroot, spinach, grapefruit 7. Asthma - Apricot, lemon, peach, carrot, radish and celery 8. Bladder ailments - Apple, watercress, parsley, celery, lemon, cucumber, carrot 9. Bronchitis - Onion, carrot, peach, tomato, pineapple, lemon 10. Cellulite - Carrot, apple, ginger,beet 11. Constipation - Carrot, Apple, spinach 12. Colds - Spinach, celery, carrot, onion, grapefruit, pineapple 13. Diabetes - Citrus fruits, celery, lettuce, spinach and carrots 14. Depression - Carrot, Apple, Beetroot, Spinach

15. Diarrhoea - Papaya, lemon, pineapple, carrot and celery 16. Eczema - Cucumber, beetroot, red grapes, spinach 17. Epilepsy - Figs, red grapes, carrot, celery, spinach 18. Eye disorders - Apricot, tomato, parsley, spinach, celery 19. Fatigue - Carrot, lemon, oranges, spinach 20. Gout - Red sour cherries, tomato, cucumber, spinach, carrot, celery

21. Halitosis - Apple, tomato, grapefruit, celery, carrot, spinach 22. Hangover - Pineapple, honey 23. Headache - Grapes, lemon, carrot, lettuce, spinach 24. Heart diseases - Beet, spinach, red grapes, lemon, cucumber, carrot, grapefruit 25. High blood pressure - Grapes, orange, carrot, beetroot 26. Indigestion - Carrot, cabbage, beetroot 27. Influenza - Apricot, onion, carrot, orange, pineapple, grapefruit 28. Insomnia - Apple, grapes, lemon, carrot, celery 29. Jaundice - Pear, grapes, carrot, celery, spinach, cucumber, lemon 30. Kidney ailments - Apple, orange, lemon, cucumber, celery, parsley, beetroot 31. Liver ailments - Papaya, grapes, carrot, tomato, beet and cucumber

32. Memory loss - Peach, banana, lime 33. Menstrual disorders - Turnips, beetroot, prunes, cherry, spinach, grapes 34. Nervousness - Carrot, celery 35. Obesity - Lemon, orange, cherry, pineapple, papaya, tomato, beetroot, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, carrot 36. PMS- Pineapple, banana, soy milk 37. Psoriasis - Grapes, carrots, beet, cucumber 38. Stress - Strawberry, banana, pear 39. Tonsillitis - Apricot, lemon, orange, pineapple, spinach, radish, carrot 40. Ulcers - Carrot, cabbage, pineapple, papaya 41. Varicose veins - Watercress, plum, tomato, beetroot, carrot, grapes

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FEATURES ENTERTAINMENT

55May May 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

AUCKL AND’S HOT TEST BOLLY WOOD STATION

Priyanka: Whenever I get emotional, I

become desi

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ctress Priyanka Chopra has been juggling between Indian and American characters for a while now. The National Film Award winner says that whenever she gets emotional or angry, she becomes ‘desi and her ‘desi’ accent comes out. The Fashion star has stepped into shoes of characters like Alex Parrish of the American series Quantico and Victoria Leeds of Hollywood film Baywatch. Does her personality get influenced by the on screen characters?

“I am doing this all the time. Imagine, I was shooting for Bajirao Mastani during the first season of Quantico. But I think it is the other way round. At times Alex gets affected by Priyanka, the personality,” Priyanka said.

“There are some (long working) days when maybe... I am saying a dialogue (of Alex) in my way with an Indian accent. And then my dialect coach would come and remind me that I have to maintain Alex, an American girl. You know, whenever I get emotional or angry, I suddenly become ‘desi’ and my desi accent comes out,” she added.

The Padma Shri awardee believes that no matter how much she travels across the globe, she will remain an Indian by heart who wants to create and explore the diversity of our culture. And she is doing it. Marathi film Ventilator, produced by her, won three National Films Awards this year.

Apart from Ventilator, she has shown interest in producing regional films in languages like Bengali, Punjabi and Bhojpuri. Asked how she finds a script to invest in, Priyanka said: “I choose a script like an audience. But culturally, the process is quite interesting.”

“I get a translated script. Language is no barrier.

But there are certain differences in the society based on regional culture. And it is very interesting to understand that closely.

“As a producer, I try to put a cultural light on the region while making a film,” said the former Miss World, whose father served the Indian Army.

During her early days, Priyanka, who was born in Jharkhand, not only travelled across India but also to international places like Massachusetts and New York in the US. Now that she is working in the American entertainment industry, did that childhood exposure help?

“Since I was living there at a very impressionable age, which was my teenage, I was well versed with the culture. As a kid, I was very musical. So, I used to listen to a lot of American music. I still do. But I was not exposed to their entertainment industry,” she said.

Soon, she will be seen playing the antagonist Victoria Leeds in the forthcoming Hollywood film “Baywatch”, which also stars Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.

Asked about the universal appeal and how relatable the character is, she said: “We have not established where Victoria is from. So that is very I get ambiguous. a translated There is a scene that unveils a little back script. Language is story of the character where how she faced no barrier. But there gender discrimination as a child and later are certain differences became rich and powerful out of that in the society based on angst.” So, is she from India? regional culture. And it “Well, such situations ‘also’ happen is very interesting to in the Indian society, but the story does understand that not say that she is an Indian. I am not closely. giving away much about the character,” she signed off.

The ‘Sexy Sanyaasi’ Vinod Khanna is no more: A tribute to the legend ¡ PERDY MOHINDRU

H

is Panther like walk was unmatched. The words rugged and handsome were reserved just for him. His chiselled looks, the deep cleft on his chin, intense eyes and his awesome physique were easy enough to make the ladies swoon over him. A few could escape his magnetic charm.

From being a superstar to a disciple of Osho to being a politician, Vinod Khanna lived a complete life. But a pall of gloom descended on the Hindi Cinema, as the sad news of his passing away came out on Thursday, April 27.

The legendary actor left for the heavenly abode around 11:20 a.m. at the Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai, after losing his battle with cancer.

One of the most handsome and charismatic actors of Bollywood, Vinod Khanna, acted in more than 100 films in a career spanning more than four decades. He started his film journey as a villain in 1968, with the Sunil Dutt directed Man Ka Meet.

However, this handsome hunk was always destined for lead roles. Starting with Hum Tum Aur Woh opposite Bharathi in 1971, as a lead actor, Vinod never looked back. Mere Apne and Achanak catapulted him to fame.

His most memorable films as hero were Amar Akbar Anthony, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Parvarish, Qurbani, Hera Pheri, Khoon Pasina, The burning train, Dayavan etc just to name a few.

He also mesmerised his fans and critics alike in some offbeat films such as Achanak, Imtihaan and Shaque, and who can forget his rocking performance as a baddie Jabbar Singh in Mera Gaon Mera Desh. He married his college sweetheart and model, Gitanjali Talyerkhan in 1971 and with whom he had two sons Rahul and Akshaye.

In 1982 at the peak of his stardom he quit films, and left his family to seek spirituality. He followed his Guru, Osho to the US. It is widely assumed among many of his diehard fans that he would have easily beaten Amitabh Bachchan in the race to capture the number one position in the Bollywood.

He worked as Rajneesh’s personal gardener, at his Oregon Ashram, for five years, which had an expected impact on his marriage ending in a divorce.

However, Vinod Khanna could not stay away from arc lights forever. He came back with Insaaf in 1987 and tasted success with Satyamev Jayate , Chandni and Jurm once again. On the personal front he married Kavita Daftary, the daughter of a renowned industrialist Sharayu Daftary.

He had 2 children, Sakshi & Shraddha with Kavita. He turned a producer in 1997 with the movie Himalyaputra and launched his younger son Akshay. He also dabbled in Politics and served as a BJP MP from Gurdaspur between 1998-2009 and 2014 -2017.

His charisma and passion made him a winner on the political front as well, as his political status elevated when he became a Minister of State for External Affairs in Jan 2003, from his previous position as a Minister of Culture & Tourism.

He continued to do character roles in a few films as well. And also did TV, as he played the lead role of Kashinath in the Mere Apne. He acted alongside Salman khan in Dabang. His last film appearance was in the 2015 flick Dilwaale alongside Shah Rukh Khan.

The suave and debonair Vinod Khanna will always live in the hearts of millions of his fans through his films.

Some of his songs like Ruk Jaana Nahin Yu Kahin haar ke will always inspire people from all walks of life and be etched in our memories forever.

His innocent smile, larger than life screen image and generosity will surely be missed. Na koi hai, Na koi tha, Bollywood Main Tumhare Siwa.

ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES

www.iwk.co.nz | 5 May 2017

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Baahubali 2 Indian cinema’s pride: Rajinikanth

S

u p e r s t a r Rajinikanth on Sunday described S.S Rajamouli’s Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, which has already been adjudged a blockbuster, as Indian cinema’s pride. He even saluted the whole team for their efforts. Calling it a “masterpiece”, Rajinikanth tweeted: Baahubali 2 Indian cinema’s pride. My salutes to god’s own child Rajamouli and his team.” While the first part, “Baahubali: The Beginning”, released in July 2015 and minted over Rs 600 crore at the box office, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion was supposed to come out in 2016.

However, the makers took time and released the film on April 28 in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. With an estimated earnings of Rs 121 crore from first day across four languages, the second part in the “Baahubali” franchise is said to have registered the biggest opening for an Indian film.

Aamir Khan has become a role model: Shatrughan Sinha

V

eteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha says superstar Aamir Khan has become a role model with the kind of films he has been working in. “...Aamir doing such wonderful roles... he has now become a role model,” Shatrughan said at the launch of Asha Parekh: The Hit Girl, the actress’ autobiography penned along with veteran film critic Khaled Mohamed and published by Om Books International. The 71-yearold actor, who is the father of actress Sonakshi Sinha, said Aamir is not only known in Bollywood but also in the sectors of art and culture.

“I don’t think that there is any man, who can match up to Aamir Khan.

“The themes which touches the hearts, society, national interest in matter of woman empowerment like what he did a film like Dangal.... I believe neither there was a film like this has come and nor will it ever come,” he added. Shatrughan said that Aamit is inspirational and motivational as a role model, and the journey has just started for the 52-year-old superstar.

On the acting front, Aamir is currently prepping for his upcoming film Thugs Of Hindostan” where he will be seen sharing screen space with megastar Amitabh Bachchan

I have learnt to handle criticism gracefully, says Katrina Kaif

B

ollywood actress Katrina Kaif says getting criticised is disheartening, but she has learnt to not “overanalyse things” and move on.

“I, being an actress, faced a lot of criticism. I learnt to handle them gracefully. It is disheartening, of course, especially if there is a series of criticism on something which you put your heart to. But I do not overanalyse things, I move on,” Katrina said.

The actress, who made her debut on Instagram on Thursday, feels social media is an open platform where people should be prepare to face all kinds of opinion – positive or negative.

“Social media is a platform where people express their thoughts openly. So, there will be a variety of opinion, whether it is positive or negative. So people like us, who are always there in front of the camera, and people who are into creative profession, have to face it. I know that art cannot be judged on a set format,” said Katrina, whose last few releases including “Baar Baar Dekho” and “Fitoor” failed to elicit the expected response.

Talking about social media trolls, the “Bang Bang!” star said: “Different people can have different perspective to that, and everybody is welcome to their own opinion. However, I think trolls and

ranting happens more on Twitter.

I am not there.” Is that the reason she avoids Twitter?

“No not really, that is not the reason why I am not there. I might join Twitter. But these things are part of social media,” she said.

She battled Hindi diction woes and the ‘outsider’ tag to win over Bollywood audiences and has worked with top-notch stars and filmmakers. Having started with a box office dud like “Boom”, Katrina went on to create a success story with films like Namastey London, Apne, Partner, Welcome, Race, Singh Is Kinng, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Ek Tha Tiger. Katrina, who joined Facebook last year,

says she likes to interact with her fans “properly” on social media.

She said: “I know excessive use of social media at times kills the soul of conversation. But I always maintain a balance. When I am at work I stay away from Facebook as I take my work seriously. And when chatting with fans, I give time to them. It works properly with me. Now, that I joined Instagram I will be uploading lot of pictures, I love this idea of clicking pictures and sharing them with fans.”

T h e

actress is looking forward to Jagga Jasoos and Tiger Zinda Hai opposite Ranbir Kapoor and Salman Khan respectively.

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FEATURES ENTERTAINMENT

Loved Priyanka and Deepika at Met Gala 2017?

55May May 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

T

he designer khaki-coloured trench coat gown with a 20 feet long train sported by Priyanka Chopra at the Met Gala 2017 in New York has been trolled as a chapati, as the terrains of Egypt and as a promoter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. But the actress has taken the criticism in her stride, giving a drumroll.

Priyanka chose a customised Ralph Lauren for her debut at the fashion fiesta Met Gala, where even actress Deepika Padukone walked the red carpet in a Tommy Hilfiger creation.

But Priyanka’s look – accentuated by heavy make-up – grabbed more eyeballs.

The actress took to Instagram on Wednesday, and replied to all trolls by saying: “*Drumroll* to your creativity! I’ve picked a few of my favourites! Good to know that the dress serves more purposes than just fashion. Hope to continue to stir your creative juices.”

“This is why I love the Met Gala you literally can push the envelope for fashion anywhere!

Until next time...ROFL,” she added. Priyanka chose a couple of memes on her dress to support her post. The actress was herself proud of the dress she chose – especially because she could change its look in minutes for the gala itself and its afterparty.

“Ingenious design by Ralph Lauren and thank God for it!! Imagine the 20 foot train at the after party...

Lol! Spot the difference, Wardrobe Hacks, The Case Of The Missing Train, Inspector Gadget or Sherlock Holmes,” Priyanka posted along with a collage of two images juxtaposed to show how the dress was transformed.

Auckland Regional Migrant Servicesworkshops

Venue: 532 Mt Albert Road, Three Kings Plaza Auckland Regional Migrant Services is hosting a number of workshops educating new migrants in Auckland.

Intercultural Awareness & Communication Skills Workshop on Saturday, May 6, Professional Speaking Course – four sessions, starting Sunday, May 7, Job Search Workshop on Tuesday, May 16, Free Immigration Clinic every Thursday and The Treaty of Waitangi Workshop on Saturday,

May 27. To register for the workshops, please email reception@arms-mrc.org.nz or call on 09 625 2440.

CAB Dunedin

Date: Monday, 8 May Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Venue: Dunedin Community House, Alexander McMillan Room (upstairs), 301 Moray Place, Dunedin CAB Dunedin will hold a free information session on “Know your Rights”. The topics will cover: Consumer Law – facilitated by Consumer Guarantees Act Fair Trading Act – facilitated by Kevin

Flaherty Buying a car – facilitated by Stephen Duff Work rights – facilitated by Phillip de Wattignar of Fairness at Work Lunch provided. Please register your interest by phoning 03 471 6166 or Email at dunedin@ cab.org.nz by Thursday 4 May 2017

how to avoid becoming a target? Register with NZICA, & AIAI and Law & Order Crime Prevention Chairperson Nanette Nathoo on 0211575757 or NZICA G. Secretary Prakash Biradar secretary@nzindians.org.nz.

TRENZ 2017

Date: Friday, May 12 Time: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Venue: Kaimai Room, Tauranga City Council, Willow Street CAB Tauranga will hold a free information session for newcomers on Job Search in New Zealand. What are Employers are looking for? How to read a job advertisement and how to create a customised CV and covering letter to the job advertised presented by Brendon Gardner from MBIE and Nick Ball from Careers New Zealand. Please confirm your place by phoning CAB office on 07 578 1592 or email at Tauranga@cab.org.nz by Wednesday, May 10.

Date: Tuesday May 9 to Friday May 12 Time: 6 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

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

Free WorkshopDealing with Robbery and Burglary

Date: Tuesday, May 9 Time: 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Venue: Mahatma Gandhi Centre, 145 New North Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland Attention to all business owners, what would you do in the event of a robbery? NZ Police, Auckland Indian Association and NZICA brings a free workshop for shop onwers and residents dealing with robbery and burglary. How to defend oneself, how to restrain the offender and

CAB Tauranga

CAB Manurewa

Date: Saturday, May 13 Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Venue:Manurewa Library Community Room, 7 Hill Road, Manurewa, Auckland CAB Manurewa will hold a free information session for newcomers on Knowing your Money and Taxes. Please come and join to find about budgeting today and understanding the New Zealand Tax System. Registration and light refreshments will be at 10am. The session will promptly start at 10.30am and finish at 1.30pm followed by light lunch. For more information please call at Patricia Pera at 0211222014 or Armmajit Kaur at 0211421855 or Email at settlement.manurewa@cab.org.nz

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The Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame recognises individuals who have built a road to glory for themselves and left a path for the coming generations to tread on. The Indian Weekender invites nominations for such personalities from the community for getting inducted into the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2017. We also invite nominations for the Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the Year and the Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero of the Year. To nominate, visit www.halloffame.co.nz

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*Price refers to New Mazda CX-5 FWD 2.0L GLX 6AT petrol model.

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Venkik@Johnandrew.co.nz

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Chapman Street

K’ Road Newton

Venki Kumbakonam

Ponsonby

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