EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY BHANA BROTHERS AND THE GANDHI CONNECTION Most of the Indians, perhaps 80%, who came to New Zealand early last century came from Gujarat State. In fact, the Bhana Brothers, famous for their fruit and vegetable shop on Ponsonby Road, came from a small village in Gujarat called Karadi. It was here, in Karadi, that Mahatma Gandhi, India’s famously ascetic independence leader, stopped for 21 days during his salt march against colonial oppression from the British. There is a memorial in the village to commemorate that stopover, and to remember Gandhi and his followers. Fakir Chhiba, the grandfather of the four Bhana Brothers who now run the iconic shop (Harivadan, known as Harry, Narendra, known as Nan, Arvind and Pravin), came to New Zealand about 1906. He went to Christchurch. Two of his sons, Bhana Fakir and Mani Fakir bought an existing fruit shop at 129 Ponsonby Road, and established Bhana Brothers 75 years ago, the year I was born. Mani had no children. Bhana Fakir died in 1981 and his sons took over the shop. His wife, Kuver Bhana Fakir is now in her 90s. But after World War II, Bhana Fakir’s brothers returned to Gujarat to support the independence movement. Ghandi spearheaded a non-violent campaign against the British Raj that finally saw India gain its freedom from colonial rule in 1947. Bhana Fakir’s brothers fought alongside Gandhi, and returned to New Zealand after independence. Bhana Fakir too, returned to India for a time after independence, married, produced Harry in India, and returned to New Zealand where the other three sons were born. At one time Bhanas had a second shop, at 101 Ponsonby Rd where Shoe Clinic is now located. Mother Kuver ran that shop but eventually the two were amalgamated at 129, and the rest is history. For the last several years Bhana Brothers have sponsored the Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day. They bring in thousands of daffodils from the South Island, supply them free of charge, and volunteers sell them on Ponsonby Road. It is an extraordinarily generous gesture, and I have had the privilege of helping to sell the daffodils in front of their shop. Harry is the outgoing one of the boys, joining me in watching the passing parade of beautiful Ponsonby people. Arvind is the back room boy, probably does the books, and is friendly but more serious. Pravin is the baby, chubby still, and ever cheerful. Nan is the new boy, not so well known as the other three because he worked for Gilmours for years, and has only recently returned to 129. He is charming and friendly too, and lent me a couple of books on the history of the Indian migration to New Zealand. New Zealand was probably not a main destination for Indians like Fiji and Africa were. It was “on the way” and many Indians decided to chance their arm and stay here. Most have done well. A good number went market gardening in Pukekohe. In fact, Bhana Fakir used to travel every week from Auckland to Pukekohe to coach the Indian hockey team. One old photo shows a handsome young Harry as Club Captain! Bhanas stocks certified organic fruit and vegetables, a lovely array of fresh flowers, and some artisan food goodies, including free range eggs, dried fruits, nuts, seeds and spices.
L to R: The Bhana brothers; Harry, Pravin, Arvin and Nan
ALL GOOD BANANA FARMER VISITS CERES IN PONSONBY CENTRAL TO TELL THE REAL FAIRTRADE STORY From the rainforests of Ecuador to Ponsonby, Wilson Sanchez, a Fairtrade producer, and his daughter Kelly were here to tell the story first hand of how Kiwis buying Fairtrade bananas has changed their lives. Wilson Sanchez and his family live on a small agricultural forest farm high in the Ecuadorean Andes, producing delicious, healthy 100 percent organic bananas and other fruits destined for New Zealand fruit bowls. Being a Fairtrade producer means Wilson has a direct and fair relationship with the people buying his bananas, a relationship built on trust and respect which benefits not only his family but the entire local Andean community. Wilson has made it his mission to bring the land back from mono-culture, (the first owner of his farm destroyed the mountain growing only cocoa for 40 years), to create a sustainable farm and regenerate the environment. He has introduced organic intercropping methods and grows a range of produce - citrus fruits, avocados, trees for wood, flowers and of course, bananas. In the past, Wilson packed his products for big export companies. They would take the fruit and pay Wilson every 15 days yet there was never any guarantee nor stability in payments. It was a struggle to live from week to week - to pay for food, to pay staff, to support their children’s studies and plan for the future. Many producers had to leave their farms to search for work in other areas - other banana farms, shrimp farms, gold mines or even out of the country. Fairtrade has changed that. It has helped Wilson to gain his independence, to take control of his farm, his future and the future of his children. Before this trip Wilson and his daughter had never left Ecuador, let alone fly over 12,500 kms away to a tiny country in the South Pacific. Simon Coley of All Good Organics says, “buying Fairtrade makes a big difference to the lives of people all over the world. This is how we can change the world,” Simon added, PN “one bunch of bananas at a time.” F
Over the years Bhanas have won many ‘best of’ awards, including Metro Magazine ones, and are remembered for their place in the iconic Robin Morrison calendar of the 1970s. The four brother stalwarts are still the same cheerful souls who have been serving Ponsonby and surrounds for so long, and show no signs of easing off. When Ponsonby News called in on Friday morning their huge truck was unloading produce from the morning market, and Arvind was directing operations, carrying huge boxes himself. Long may this historic Ponsonby family, the Bhanas, keep looking to our produce needs, PN with dedication and a strong commitment to excellence and to community. F (JOHN ELLIOTT)
70 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)