Indian Weekender 11 March 2016

The pulse of Kiwi-Indians

11 March, 2016 • Vol. 7 Issue 49 • www.iwk.co.nz

NZ’s first Kiwi-Indian weekly newspaper

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IndiaGlobal investors’ summit in Haryana

GlitteratiAll that glitters and more

SouthlineThe city joins forces

Tech mate3D printing the future

FeaturesMeet the young chess whiz

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www.iwk.co.nz | 11 March 2016

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A walk down the spice routeKumar SureSh

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well” —Virginia Woolf

The next best thing to eating food is talking about it and that is exactly what we are doing in this special food issue.

It is a great part of our culture and all things Indian begin and end with food, be it the incessant cups of tea with samosas or glasses of lassi or even nimbu paani. We love our food and never seem to have enough of it.

As we move away from our own country and settle in faraway lands, we slowly begin to experiment with other cuisines.

The relationship between Indians and spices is well-known but what’s impossible to document is the vast number of spicy cuisines from the subcontinent.

The Indian palate has changed and evolved with inclusions of other flavours from different cultures that we are exposed to in a multicultural melting pot such as New Zealand.

So why not try it the other way round? Off late, there is a growing trend in the Indian circles to experiment different cuisines. At

last, it seems like we are opening ourselves to new ideas on the dining table.

We explore some cross-cultural adoptions of cuisines by the Kiwi Indians. We feature here some of the popular hangouts for Kiwi Indians for a great evening of fun, food and friends.

The Old FOrT

Life can surely feel heavenly when there is music in the air, wonderful food served

and a glass of wine taking you beyond the worldly pleasures. This is how it feels when you step in Old Fort.

This weekend, when we walked towards the restaurant, we were welcomed by the voice of Coke Studio artist, Jashan Singh, who had especially flown in from India. Somehow, the live performance seemed to have added something extra to the atmosphere.

In an unknown manner, it just increased our craving for the food that we had ordered. The concept of live music is not just different but also charismatic.

The artwork around also creates ambience, which creates a whole new world. There is music everywhere and the theme is nature.

There is also an empty wall, which is waiting in the restaurant to be glorified by a Gond artist who is flying to Auckland in March. The artist from Madhya Pradesh will reveal his magic for two days in the presence of the audience enjoying the food.

Food served was probably as good as it gets. The taste though is slightly for the Kiwis, but if you order your food right, your taste buds won’t complain. The

Continued on page 4

The relationship between Indians and spices is well-known and documented but what’s impossible to document is the vast number of spicy cuisines from the subcontinent


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4 SPECIAL FEATUREmenu consists of a good variety from different parts of India and there is plenty for vegetarians too. Cocktails and wine collections are also good.

Overall, you must visit this place if you are looking for a nice outing with family or friends and want to enjoy evenings to foot-tapping music.

Sid Sharma, manager of the restaurant says, “We want to make this place as pleasurable as we can. We have designed our menu in such a way that it suits everyone’s taste. We place special importance on the ambience and music. We have also had live jugalbandi, ghazals, etc. here.”

Food: 4/5Ambience: 4.5/5Customer service: 4.5/5—the staff are extremely pleasant but service is slow, which is not necessarily a bad thing for a leisurely eveningCost: Approx. $90 for twoAddress: 7 Bacons Lane, Chancery Square, Auckland CBD, AucklandOpening hours: 11:30 a.m. to midnight

Cassia

One look at Cassia and you will be awed by the grace and the elegance with

which its interior stands out. There is a stamp of sophistication on every prop in the restaurant and the place just embraces you in a style that makes you feel come back to the place more than once.

We had heard that food in this place was special and our sources were not wrong. We also had an opportunity to meet Head Chef Sid Sahrawat. He is one of New Zealand’s most exciting chefs, famed for his fine dining restaurant in Ponsonby and revered within the industry and amongs the locals and international diners for his innovative and inspirational cooking.

Cassia is a concept close to the heart of both Sid and his wife Chand, who have always wanted to showcase their heritage through contemporary cuisine, resulting in Auckland’s first restaurant to offer Modern Indian dining. Sid marries his creative culinary skills with the traditional dishes he has grown up watching around him in India—classic spice and flavour combinations reworked with contemporary and local New Zealand ingredients.

The service is excellent and gives a person personal space. Tailor-made options are available on the menu. It is an ideal place for someone who wants to enjoy true international flavours.

Food: 5/5 Ambience: 4.5/5Customer service: 5/5Cost: Approx $70 for twoAddress: 5 Fort Lane, Auckland, CBDOpening hours: Open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday and offers an a la a carte and five-course tasting menu. Open for lunches from Wednesday to Friday.

PePPerJaCks

If you can take a regular banquet night with a black and white movie in the

open courtyard along with jambalaya and blackened fish, Pepperjacks is the place for you. Add to the menu, crawfish pie, onion mumm and fillet gumbo, the place becomes a must go for every foodie in the town.

Located at the Pine harbour Marina, the restaurant sits in the middle of a picturesque location. The view of Pine harbour during the sunset is enough to freshen up the mood and to treat your taste buds to exotic food. The place has a relaxed and a friendly atmosphere thanks to the

fresh lease of life added to it by Yash and Sunita Narula who took over the restaurant a couple of years ago. “I wanted to bring

Cajun/New Orleans flavours that have been missing from the local food scene for some time. While there were new additions to the menu, we kept the favourites of the regulars intact,” says Yash Narula.

Everything about the restaurant is precise and perfect. The service, as expected, is outstanding and the presentation too should get a special mention. The place is easy on the eyes and is adult, kid and dog-friendly. There is also an outdoor fireplace, which makes post-dusk time special.

Food: 4.5/5 Ambience: 5/5 or more given the backdrop of the harbourCustomer service: 4.5/5Cost: Approx. $70 for twoAddress: 190 Jack Lachlan Drive, Pine Harbour MarinaOpening hours: Open on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. till late night. Happy hours from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday.

The south island is no different and indulging in good food features way up on the list of favourite things amongst the kiwi indians. a quick look at the favourite food joints by our south island correspondent, Gaurav sharma.

MaharaJa

Started in 2000 by Head Chef and owner Vijay Biala, Maharaja Indian restaurant

on Christchurch’s Papanui Road is known for its North Indian or Punjabi cuisine. Although day-to-day affairs are managed by his son Rajiv now, Biala—a chef with more than 45 years experience—still has the final say in what goes inside Maharaja’s kitchen. Catering to patrons looking for an Indian fine dining experience within a decent budget, the restaurant is most famous for its speciality—butter chicken tikka masala.

A favourite of Kiwi-Indians and the wider community, the dish was an innovation by Biala, who combined the spicy masala-rich flavour of chicken tikka masala with the sweet tangy aroma of butter chicken. “Hence came the butter chicken tikka masala,” says Rajiv. “Now that Maharaja is a known brand, we have expanded our culinary expertise to serving Delhi’s street foods such as dahi bhalle and Indian-style chowmein, which was

being sorely missed by the ever-increasing Indian population in the Garden City, in our new venture Delhi Belly Restaurant at the Victoria Street,” he informed.

Food: 5/5Ambience: 4.5/5Customer service: 4.5/5Cost: Approx. $60 for twoAddress: 452 Papanui Road, Christchurch Opening hours: Open every day from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

arJee BhaJee

A joint venture by Snehil Bhatnagar and Bhupender Bijalwan, Arjee Bhajee’s—

an intelligent take on the British slang argy-bargy meaning a lively and disputatious discussion—culinary experience is exactly what the owners like to call it, “Indian with attitude”.

While Snehil manages the administrative operations, Bhupender is the Head Chef in Arjee Bhajee’s kitchen, which over time has come to be known for serving out the best fusion dishes in Christchurch including Euro-fusion curries such as Venison and Portobello Mushroom (Denver leg pieces), Goat Supreme, and Lamb Bhutuwa. Inspired by the Nepali cuisine—a testimony of Bhupender’s Himalayan roots in India—the restaurant’s Nepali variations such as the Gurkhali Chicken is also a signature dish. “Our focus is to serve the food in its natural form without any food colouring or preservatives. For the health conscious, we also serve the ‘stripped’ options where we remove all dairy products from our curries reducing the fat content,” informed Bhatnagar.

Food: 4.5/5Ambience: 4/5Customer service: 4.5/5Cost: Approx. $50 for twoAddress: 13 c Riccarton RoadOpening hours: Open every day from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Continued on page 4


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$1.5mn project adds 220 new car parks at Takanini Gurdwara

IWK Bureau

sri Kalgidhar Gurdwara in Takanini, South Auckland, is the largest religious place in New Zealand

connected to the Indian diaspora. This magnificent building is built on 10 acres of prime flat land and home to the revered Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

This nodal Sikh place of worship has more than 8,000 devotees visiting over any given weekend, thus making it the most-visited religious place in the country.

The building houses a modern stainless steel 220 m2 kitchen and a langar hall on the ground floor and the main assembly hall on the first floor where a congregation in excess of 5,000 can assemble and listen to kirtan in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib. There is also a three bedroom accommodation for the religious minister apart from cricket, soccer, volleyball and kabaddi ground.

The official opening ceremony was held on the March 13, 2005. The Supreme Sikh Society NZ manages the day-to-day operations.

With the growing popularity of this place, devotees come from all over New Zealand thus causing a severe strain on the available car parking facilities. Keeping this in mind, 220 more car parks have recently been constructed at a cost of $1.5mn. The entire car park project was funded by Akarana Community Trust—a non-profit company based in Auckland, which provides grants, primarily for the benefit of local community centres, amateur sport in general and the young members of the wider community.

The Supreme Sikh Society has also been at the forefront of wider community service and it is pertinent to mention that it has recently raised $9,000 for Fijian cyclone victims.


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6 NEW ZEALAND

ITA cements Indo-Kiwi relations at Happening HaryanaIWK Bureau

G lobal CEOs, who’s who of India Inc. assembled in Gurgaon, Haryana

to support the state’s maiden initiative. Amongst them were India Trade Alliance’s Chairman Giri Gupta and General Secretary Sunil Kaushal and Member of Parliament Mr Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, who were invited by the Chief Minister of Haryana. ITA was instrumental in New Zealand securing the country partnership status with the Happening Haryana Summit on March 7 and 8, thus cementing the Indo-Kiwi business relations even further.

The Haryana government’s first-ever concerted effort to attract global investors into the state took off in great style with industrialists pledging more than 4.5 times the targeted amount of new investments.

The importance of Haryana in the country’s economy was evident by the presence of key decision makers such as Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu, Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu, and Minister of State for Petroleum Shri Dharmendra Pradhan on the dais. Corporate dignitaries who spoke included Godrej

Group chairman Adi Godrej, DLF executive vice chairman Rajiv Singh, Dalian Wanda Group chairman Wang Jianlin, Bharti Enterprises chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, ITC chairman Y C Deveshwar, Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani, HeroMotoCorp chairman Pawan Munjal, Juniper Networks vice chairman Pradeep Sindhu, Maruti Suzuki chairman R C Bhargava, Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra, Fortis Healthcare executive chairman Malvinder Monhan Singh, Medanta chairman Naresh Trehan, Tractors India chairman Sumit Mazumder, CII director general Chandrajit Banerjee, Punjab National Bank CEO Usha Ananthasubramanian,

Sun Pharmaceuticals managing director Dilip Shanghvi,.

Almost all the corporate chiefs complimented the Haryana government and its chief minister for creating a conducive environment for doing business. The focus areas of the summit include: Agro based and Food Processing, Automotive Industry, Aerospace and Defence, IT/ITeS & ESDM, Footwear & Accessories, Pharmaceuticals & Chemicals, Renewable Energy and Textiles.

Speaking at the Partner Country session, the New Zealand High Commissioner Grahame Morton emphasised on New Zealand’s expertise in agriculture and skills development. “New

Zealand businesses are ready to help Haryana farmers to increase productivity in agriculture and dairy. Haryana needs to look from the investors’ point of view too. They seek ease of doing business and road blocks at every step deter

investors and business partners from making the necessary steps to invest.”

There were further exciting developments at this visit by the ITA delegation that seem all geared up to deliver on what they promise.

Union Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting Arun Jaitley, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Industries Minister, Capt. Abhimanyu and Dalian Wanda Group Chairman Wang Jianlin at the Happening Haryana Global Investors Summit-2016 in Gurgaon, on March 7

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and other dignitaries with ITA delegation members

Haryana Finance Minister Captain Abhimanyu addresses a press conference regarding Happening Haryana Global Investors Summit in Gurgaon, on March 2

Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting Arun Jaitley being welcomed by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar

There is a warrant for your arrest!maya ShIvam

i f you are a migrant, you would know that any phone call from Immigration can trigger

a stress reaction in our brains. Even though we may realise that it is a casual query and an indicator of a positive outcome, we can still feel stressed from it

So imagine when you receive a call from Immigration (supposedly) and the person on the other side of the line tells you that they have a “warrant for your arrest”! Isn’t that enough to make your heart stop?

This has been the nature of the scary phone calls that some people have received. Needless to say, this is a scam and the police and Immigration NZ have been warning people of this from last year. We have previously written about this, but the reason we bring it up again is because we have now been able to talk to someone who was a victim of one of these phone calls recently.

Fortunately for her, she is a highly educated professional in a career where she deals with a lot of people and therefore, she was articulate and did not lose her cool. Should you wish to hear a recording of this conversation, we have a sound file on our website. It does however make one wonder about the fear it would invoke in those not very educated or still new to the country and its culture

and are vulnerable. The phone call begins with the victim being told that there is a warrant out for them for failing to provide Immigration NZ with a mandatory form. As the conversation progresses, the scammer on the other side of the phone becomes more and more intimidating. The purpose of course is to make the victims pay amounts of money.

We encourage everyone to listen to the recording of this conversation on our website or Facebook page. The best way to equip yourself to handle such risks is to remain aware and vigilant.

The government’s consumer protection website has the following information on specifically this kind of scams. It says that Indian nationals living in New Zealand are being targeted by a new wave of scam phone calls claiming to be from Immigration New Zealand. The callers threaten deportation and demand payment to a Western Union account in India.

The callers fraudulently claim to be calling from Immigration New Zealand and tell the person that there has been a problem with the processing of their visa and/or arrival card information.

Often the caller has some details of the person they are speaking to such as name, date of birth, and/or address. The caller may also quote reference

numbers, although these do not appear to match Immigration New Zealand client or application numbers. The callers are quite persistent, aggressive, and sound authoritative. As the callers have personal details of the person they are speaking to, the recipient of the call often believes it is genuine.

The callers demand that the victims pay money into a Western Union account or face serious consequences, such as deportation.

Calls have been made using numbers showing as the Immigration Contact Centre (09 914 4100) and Crime Stoppers (0800 555 111), but with an extra zero at the beginning.

The scammers are using a technology known as caller ID spoofing that allows a legitimate phone number to appear when the call is actually being made from another number, quite

possibly from outside of New Zealand. This particular scam has been going on since around mid-2013 and appears to target only Indian nationals.

Immigration New Zealand first posted a warning about the scam on its website on October 20, 2013 and Consumer Affairs last posted a warning in August 2014.

To date, almost 300 Indian nationals have reported being called by the scammers with the dollar values involved typically ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

advice

Immigration New Zealand never requests money over the phone. No matter how important the caller may sound, do not pay.Contact the New Zealand Police or report the call to Scamwatch.Further advice can be found on the Immigration New Zealand and Consumer Affairs websites.

how to stay safe

You can protect yourself by following these simple rules:

�Get to know about the common types of scams and typical red flags you should be looking out for. � If something doesn’t seem right, be cautious, double-check the details first. �Do not pay money to anyone you have never met. �Look after your personal details in the same way you would your wallet and other possessions. �Be aware of common scams. For example, banks, Immigration New Zealand, or Inland Revenue never e-mail, call, or SMS customers to ask for money to be sent using money transfer services. If you receive a request like that, it’s a scam. � If you have been targeted by a scam, report it straight away to Scamwatch, and help prevent others from becoming the next victim of a scam.

The above information has been taken from www.

consumerprotection.govt.nzSee Scam alerts and stay

up-to-date with scam alerts. Follow Consumer Protection

on Facebook and Twitter.


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Experience. Advice. Results.

Asha Bhosle set to perform in New Zealand in MarchIWK Bureau

iconic Indian singer Asha Bhosle is coming to New Zealand this month to play a one-off concert at the World of

Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) festival in New Plymouth. The festival, which brings together artists from across the globe, will be held at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands and will deliver 30 hours of entertainment from March 18 to 20. Accompanied by a full band, Asha Bhosle will perform on Sunday, March 20 at 8:45 p.m.

The younger sister of the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, there is no doubt that Asha Bhosle, aged 82, is one of the most recognised female Indian voices all more than the world, with a career spanning over six decades. Best known as a female playback singer in Hindi films, her versatility differentiates her from other famous singers. Her repertoire of songs extends much beyond the Hindi film music. She is most popular for ghazals, bhajans, pops, classical, and folk songs—there is no genre of music untouched by Asha Bhosle.

Asha, who has evergreen numbers such as Dum Maro Dum, Mehbooba Mehbooba, Piya Tu Ab To Aaja and Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko to her credit, entered the Guinness Book of World Records in 2011 as the most recorded artist in the music industry, an honour, which once belonged to sister Lata.

In the early 50s, Asha started to earn considerable recognition in the industry, when she sang in the film Sangdil. The duet

Nanhe Munne Bachche with Mohammad Rafi in Raj Kapoor’s 1954 movie Boot Polish earned her a lot of recognition. With more duets with Rafi and her own songs, she was on her way to becoming a super star.

At WOMAD, Asha will be accompanied by a 10-piece band led by music director Nitin Ramesh Shankar.

For more information about the festival and tickets check out

WOMAD’s website.


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8 NEW ZEALANDNEW ZEALAND

Freephone 0800 36 76 56

Visit elections.org.nz/flag

REFERENDUM

TWO2016

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You should have received your voting pack in the mail by now. It includes all the information you need to complete your voting paper.

Voting is open now.1

You can also get a replacement paper if you make a mistake, lose or destroy your voting paper.

Need a new voting paper?3

Post your voting paper back once you’ve made your choice. Get it into a New Zealand Post postbox by Monday 21 March to make sure it gets back before voting closes on 24 March.

Return your voting paper in time.4 Learn more.5

It’s time to vote in the second referendum on the New Zealand Flag.

If you are enrolled and didn’t get your voting paper in the mail, you need to call 0800 36 76 56 or visit www.elections.org.nz/replacement urgently to get a replacement paper.

Didn’t get your voting paper?2

Coming full circle at WaitemataIWK Bureau

Constable Mandeep kaur is the new ethnic Communities Relations Officer for the

Waitemata district, covering rodney

and North shore. Popularly known

for being the first Indian female

police officer to join New Zealand

Police in 2004, she started her career

in henderson in 2004. she eventually

moved to Counties Manukau. she

comes full circle as she returns

to henderson.

Tell us about your role and its scope

My role as Ethnic People’s Relations Officer mainly focusses on ethnic issues internally (within the department) and externally (within the community). Often times we find that people relate better and more easily to an ethnic person and thus the need for such a role.

What experience and skills do you

bring to the position?

I have been in the police for 12 years and have held various roles such as being in the front line, traffic policing, Family Violence, NPT, Community Policing, which is an awesome opportunity to get to know and work together with the communities we live in. I have also worked as an Intelligence officer and Ethnic Co-ordinator.

Besides my experience in the police, I also bring life experience to the role, being a

mother of two grown-up children who have attended universities and are pretty much on their own.

I am an immigrant who has experienced firsthand the struggles of a new settler.

This, I believe, in conjunction with the above policing experience gives me the experience and skills as a police officer and more importantly as a human being to understand and relate to the issues, which sometimes are unique to ethnic people.

How does it benefit the

indian community?

Although each NZP officer respects diversity and will do anything to understand the cultural aspects and underlying issues to certain problems, I feel my unique skill of being able to read and write two other languages—Hindi and Punjabi—in addition to English, puts me at an advantage. It also becomes fairly simple for members of the community to have their issues and concerns dealt with. In my role, I would also like to educate my peers about certain cultural protocols, which again will help the wider ethnic communities.

What can people expect?

A gold class tireless friendly service (laughs). On a serious note, I would like to be accessible to members of the community so that they feel safe and find it easy to bring their concerns and issues to me and it will be my endeavour to resolve these to the best of my ability.

Often, Indians and other ethnic communities are quite fearful and hesitant to bring any matters to the police, and I would like to encourage them to overcome this and bring any issues to us.

What are the circumstances under

which people can contact you?

People can contact me for anything and everything they wish to seek advice on. I will point them in the right direction if I cannot directly help. However, I do want to reiterate, please remember to call 111 if it is a matter of emergency.

What is the best way to contact you?

I can be contacted directly on 09-8390783 or 0211921525 or you could write to me at [email protected]

What is your message to the people?

You and I together can make a difference. We can make this planet a better place to live for us and our future generations. Don’t hesitate to ring me or say hi if you see me walking on the street.

Although each NZP officer respects diversity and will do anything to understand the cultural aspects and underlying issues to certain problems, I feel my unique skill of being able to read and write two other languages—Hindi and Punjabi—in addition to English, puts me at an advantage. It also becomes fairly simple for members of the community to have their issues and concerns dealt with.


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Shirdi Sai Devotees Summit held in AucklandIWK Bureau

shri Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan of New Zealand Inc. in association with Shirdi Sai Global Foundation,

Gurgaon, India organised a two-day Shirdi Sai Devotees Summit on February 27 and 28.

The summit was attendedby 29 delegates from countries such as the US, the UK, Germany, Malaysia, Australia and India.

Besides, a good numbers of devotees and others from within New Zealand participated in the event.

Chief Guest Revered Dr C B Satpathy inaugurated the summit.

Prominent personalities who attended the summit included Shri Sadashiv Lokhande, Member of Parliament, Shirdi, India; Mr Phil Goff, MP—Mount Roskill, MP Kanwaljit Bakshi, MP Mahesh Bindra, MP Dr Paramjit Parmar former MP Mr Richard Worth, Mr Giri Gupta, Chairman India Trade Alliance, Mr Venkat Raman of Indian News Link and Mr Jeet Suchdeva, Bharatiya Samaj Trust.

The summit focussed on various community service initiatives taken up by different trusts and temples in their respective countries.

In his key note address, Dr C B Satpathy, also known as guruji, stressed on the fact that Shri Shirdi Sai Baba’s main focus was on community service.

He cited various instances drawn from the holy book Sai Satcharita.

He said all Sai temples should become effective community service centres. In

recognition of the yeoman service rendered by Dr Satpathy, Phil Goff presented him with a plaque recognising him as an ‘Outstanding Global Humanitarian’.

Mr Goff appreciated NZ Sai Sansthan’s decision to regularly support the Starship Foundation.

The CEO of Starship Foundation Mr

Brad Clark was presented with a NZ$12,000

cheque. Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan has donated $5,000 to Mr Robert Khan of Radio Tarana towards the cost of 250 food packets containing essential commodities, to be shipped to Fiji for distribution to the victims of recent tropical cyclone Winston

The sansthan along with Bharatiya Samaj Trust has also donated $7,500 to victims of Chennai floods and $2,500 to the victims of cyclone Winston in Fiji.

The local MPs and community leaders shared their thoughts about the projects the sansthan could take up in future such as helping the victims of domestic violence, establishing trauma centres, setting up of educational institutions and hospitals.

Mr Phil Goff, Hon. Member of Parliament, Mt Roskill, Auckland felicitating Dr C B Satpathy with the ‘Outstanding Global Humanitarian’ plaque

From left to right: Mr Sadashiv Lokhande, MP, Shirdi, Maharashtra, India; Chief Guest Dr C B Satpathy; Mr Kanwaljit Bakshi, MP, Auckland and Mr Mahesh Bindra, MP, Auckland


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The city joins forcesGaurav Sharma

The Christchurch Fiji Association organised Ramayana recital and Mahashivratri celebrations to

collect donations and items to help the victims of Cyclone Winston back home.

Vinesh Prakash, secretary of the association informed, “More than 100 to 150 people attended both the events with all proceeds going towards helping the victims.”

Ameer Ali, a Fijian who immigrated to Christchurch in 2008 and owns a retail shop Krazy Price Mart said, “My father-in-law Mohamed Haque, who is also the secretary of Al-Noor Mosque of Christchurch, is coordinating the container-sending efforts. One container has already been dispatched and another one is scheduled to sail on March 14.”

Ali’s Mart also played host to local rugby stars Nadolo, Ben and Macalai—all players of Fiji-origin representing Christchurch’s rugby club Crusaders as part of the fundraising exercise.

Some Indian retailers have pitched in too. Amrit Singh, who has been in Christchurch for the past 15 years and owns the newly-opened Value Mart in East Christchurch said, “When Sunny (a local Fiji-Indian who appealed for help for victims last week) made that appeal, we felt it was our duty

to extend all our support to him. While we ourselves donated lots of items for the Fiji-bound container, we also helped

him in collection for other sources. Credit must go to Western Union money transfer as well, which has waived all charges for

money transfer to Fiji in solidarity with the victims.” City-based Fijian youths are doing their bit too. Especially girls led by a 19-year-old student Alvina Lal, who is originally from Suva and in Christchurch for the past nine years. She said, “We are running sausage sizzle events throughout March at different locations to raise some money. We have created a Facebook page Fiji Cyclone Winston Appeal 2016 to coordinate the efforts.

“A blue bow ribbon project is also being run in which people donate to support children affected by the cyclone. And finally, with help from the Ashburton Borough School, we have managed to collect 54 boxes full of food and clothing to be shipped to Fiji soon.”

indian Cultural Group extends a hand too

The city-based Indian Cultural Group (ICG) also organised a car wash afternoon and barbeque supported by retailer Harvey Norman, to raise funds for the cyclone victims.

Sandeep Sachdeva, president of ICG, informed, “Our group’s event coordinator Rajwinder Singh had put up the events in no time so that we are able to do our bit. We hope to extend even more help towards our Fijian brothers and sisters from the proceeds of ICG’s upcoming Easter Mela on March 27 in Christchurch.”

NEW ZEALAND

Holi hai!Gaurav Sharma

i t took some doing. But with more than 2,000 people—Indians and non-Indians alike—taking part in

Christchurch’s third holi celebrations the past weekend, there are already calls to make the next year’s event even bigger and better.

Overwhelmed by the support received, Hitesh Sharma, who along with Sandeep Khanna, co-partner in Revel Events—a Christchurch-based event management company, which has been organising the holi celebrations in the Garden City since 2014—said, “I can’t be happier. It started with a simple idea to create an afternoon full of colours for the Indian community living in Christchurch. Showcasing our culture to the wider community in general was also the aim but as a side note. Now when I see that almost 70 per cent of those who attended the celebration on Saturday were non-Indians, I am speechless. Very pleasantly surprised, I should say. It shows that Kiwis are ready to embrace other cultures and experience the diversity of the human race.”

“Apart for a slew of colours, we had three cultural performances including by the S2C, Hip Hop Group and Tahuko Group. There was also a colour countdown, followed by the matki phod competition, which saw participation from three teams. Various holi-themed delicacies including dabeli and colourful ice-creams were sold by multi-cuisine food trucks too,” added Khanna. Christchurch’s Mayor

Lianne Dalziel who attended the festival noted that it is multi-cultural festivals such as holi that truly represent the changing face of a multi-cultural New Zealand in general, and Christchurch in particular.

The excitement was so huge that Michelle Kramer, a doctorate student in the chemical engineering department of the University of Canterbury, who had her first brush with holi, can’t wait for the second experience. “When I saw the advert of the event few days back, I had no idea what to expect. So I came with no expectation. But now! So much colour, such energy, and such good music. Holi, the festival of colours, is a strong contender to become one of my favourite festivals,” she quipped.

And colours, the hallmark of holi, were indeed aplenty. Raju Sampat, owner of one of the biggest Indian supermarkets in Christchurch and principal sponsor of the event informed that more than 1,500 kgs of colours were specially imported from India for the event. “We feel very proud to be a part of such a joyous festival, which brings everybody together with a spirit of bonhomie and brotherhood. Next year, we will try to even bigger and

better.” Jeet Gadhavi, team leader of a group of volunteers from a Christchurch-based Gujarati youth group Youngistan, experienced similar emotions. “We all miss the festive atmosphere of holi which we have back home so much, that we had to be a part of this celebration. At least for an afternoon, we were able to create a mini-India in the heart of Christchurch city, for all its residents to enjoy and celebrate with us,” he concluded.


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On the road to recoverySWatI Sharma

The Kiwi-Indian man stabbed in Manurewa recently is now recovering

from his injuries but says that he is in constant fear of getting hurt again.

Three young men attacked Sarabjit Singh, 46, with double-bladed knives on the night of February 28, which is being seen as an attempt of robbery.

Singh sounds frightened as he describes the horror night, “I was attacked from behind. They didn’t ask for anything—liquor, money- nothing. They just attacked.

“One of them stabbed me with a knife on my back. I ran away and they attacked me again but I fell down and escaped the attack. I pushed the man with my legs and the other man ran inside the store where my wife was.”

Singh’s wife, Maninderpreet Kaur who was scared by the whole incident turned on the alarm. A group of people who were “partying across the road”, came running to help after hearing the alarm. One of the robbers who was grabbed by people threw bottles at them and ran away.

According to Singh, the same group of “robbers” had attempted robbery at a liquor store in Takanini just before heading to

his store in Manurewa. “The store owner in Takanini showed me the pictures of the group of men who had come to his store earlier, at around 8:30 p.m. and stole some liquor.

“I could recognise them, they were the same boys. He said that he was following the robbers’ car and saw them heading inside their house on Great South Road, Auckland.”

While the police have already arrested three men involved in

the robbery, Singh says there was a woman who was also involved. She was driving the car and parked it outside the store on the wrong side. Singh believes that she is equally responsible for the crime, as she was helping the men carry out the robberies.

The police have been in constant touch with Singh since the incident. They have visited his store and taken fingerprints and have informed him that the offenders will next

be produced in the court on March 18.

Singh says that he appreciates the police’s help in solving the matter but is not satisfied with the way laws work in such cases. “There should be some hard rules to stop such crimes. The crimes against liquor store owners keep on growing. I am afraid in my own store now. I feel frightened by every other customer. I keep asking myself, ‘Is he going to attack me?’. There is a constant fear now. I have been living in New Zealand for 20 years but never felt like this

before.” Police suggest that people should have proper insurance covers to ensure that they get back the things they have lost. However, Singh argues that although he has everything insured in his store, “if somebody steals a few bottles of liquor I am not going to claim money for it. It is not a big loss. But if this keeps happening then I am losing a lot. What do we do then?”

Every few weeks or so, we hear such stories that create a situation of constant fear among small business owners, especially in the Indian community. Reforming the law to provide safety to people is the need of the hour.

Sarabjit adds, “I was lucky that when I was attacked I was outside the store. Had the attack been inside the store, there hardly would have been space for me to run and save myself. Also there were people across the road who could come for our help and we were saved.”

Many of our community members have lost their lives in such crimes and in many cases, people have been attacked for things that value less than $10.

We stand with Sarabjit in his situation and as the police advice, if any such situation arises, focus on saving lives more than saving things or money.

There should be some hard rules to stop such crimes. The crimes against liquor store owners keep on growing. I am afraid in my own store now. I feel frightened by every other customer. I keep asking myself, ‘Is he going to attack me?’. There is a constant fear now. I have been living in New Zealand for 20 years but never felt like this before.


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Winston PetersNZ First leader

NEW ZEALAND

Kanwaljit BakshiNational List MP

NZ must be ready for possible trade deal

New Zealand should be ready to cease a trading opportunity if

Britain decides to pull out of the European Union.

On June 23 the British public will vote in the British Withdrawal From the European Referendum, sometimes referred to as British exit or Brexit, and the chances

of Britain opting out are strong. There are growing signs also other voters across the continent are keen to have the opportunity to depart the EU.

In a Netherlands poll, a majority of voters said they backed the country having its own in/out referendum on EU membership, similar to the UK vote. In the Czech Republic Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka has warned if Britons leave the EU, a ‘Czexit’ could follow. With all of this happening, New Zealand must be poised and prepared to act. We do not have to look far to find the

model of a trade agreement which has been successful and which could be implemented quickly.

This model is CER, which is our oldest and most successful trade agreement. It would

provide the ideal template for Closer Commonwealth Economic Relations, or CCER.

New Zealand has not had a strong trading relationship with the UK ever since 1973 when the UK, then New Zealand’s main export market, decided to join the EU This decision created immense challenges for New Zealand, which although helped by quotas for a period of time, was cast adrift economically and had to diversify and find new trading partners.

Things have changed since those days. If Britain leaves the EU in the coming months we have

a wonderful chance to advance our trade to a country and countries with which we have a lot in common.

If a new British trade deal was established, CCER could also become the model for future agreements with Canada, South Africa and even India. It would also present the chance to strengthen ties with all 53 countries that were previously part of the British Empire. The possibilities are exciting. Come June 23, therefore, it is important New Zealand is ready to snap up the opportunity should it arise.

Don’t fear high-density living, fear bad design

There’s an old saying that Auckland is great at planning, for

yesterday’s needs. Yes, Auckland is particularly

good at looking backwards. Take our rail loop. This government a few weeks ago finally, though reluctantly, supported the city rail link, despite telling us for years it wasn’t needed and that more motorways were the way forward.

So here we are, still waiting for the construction to start on the City Rail Link, when it could have been in operation today had we been bold and forward-thinking.

Then, last week, the Auckland Council voted against the much-needed housing density changes. This will leave our city about 200,000 homes short of what we will need by 2040.

Where do they expect people to live?

Some very impressive young people submitted to Council in favour of higher density. Their thinking was long-term and clear.

Sadly, a group of well-heeled, older residents from Kohimarama and the eastern suburbs heckled and cat-called them as they gave their evidence to the Auckland Council.

Those residents argued that Auckland doesn’t need more intensification or at least not in their leafy suburbs.

Their answer to an expanding city was to build more houses around the edges of Auckland, at the end of our over-clogged motorways.

Sadly they didn’t listen to what younger Aucklanders were saying. They want nothing of the sort. They’re young professionals who want to live in the city, close to their jobs, entertainment and public transport routes, not a two-hour daily commute.

They don’t aspire to a quarter-acre in the suburbs. They’re

realistic. They’ve travelled the world and they know how great high-density cities work. They’re the ones who are looking forward. And they, unlike many others who presented, can imagine how Auckland could be in the future, rather than clinging to a vision of the past.

Everybody else seemed to be protecting their own patch and their own interests, unable to see that Aucklanders’ priorities have changed. Living in more affordable terraced housing and apartments is not a second choice, but what many more people aspire to, especially with the average Auckland house price topping $900,000.

They don’t want to have to live in Papakura with an hour-long commute every morning, and why should they? And they want housing to be affordable.

There have been other times in Auckland’s history we really got things right.

The government apartments being built at the bottom of Beresford St in Freeman’s Bay

were ahead of their time. Yet when they were built they were written off as slums. But they were affordable, built with good design principles, great shared spaces and solid materials.

Half a century later they have stood the test of time and are more popular than ever. Actually they’re almost too popular.

The young families they were designed for have mostly been priced out now.

When I lived in Grey Lynn, the Tattersfield factory at the top of my street was converted into two- and three-storey town houses. Again, people like living in them and living near them, and they command high prices.

High density is nothing to fear. It’s bad design we need to guard against.

And on that score there are some atrocious examples. Apartment buildings in our inner city have sprung up constructed of cheap materials. Look at the Scene One, Scene Two and Scene Three apartments at the bottom of Auckland—examples of where

we’ve really got it wrong. Perhaps low-quality developments are behind some Aucklanders’ fear of high-density living. But we can’t have a city where those lucky enough to buy property years ago shut out young Aucklanders who want a chance. Many are burdened with student debt.

They then face a galloping housing market where the average price is more than $900,000—well beyond what they can afford.

They have hopes and expectations that are in line with the reality of international cities everywhere.

So the need for higher density housing is clear. It’s obvious. Let’s get on with it.

And instead of fighting what Auckland so desperately needs based on models of the past, we should insist on good planning, thoughtful rules about building envelopes and heights, robust restrictions that protect privacy and light, and always quality materials that will stand the test of time.

David ShearerLabour MP

Supporting hardworking Kiwis

as an MP, I know one of the most important things I can do is work

towards a stronger economy and more jobs to support our families and households.

That’s why National’s economic plan is focused squarely on building a stronger economy that delivers higher incomes and provides more security for all New Zealanders.

As part of that focus, and because National believes in supporting hardworking Kiwis, we’re increasing the minimum wage by 3.4 per cent.

From April 1, the adult minimum wage will rise to $15.25 and the starting-out and training hourly minimum wage will increase to $12.20. National has increased minimum wages every year since coming into office.

It is expected to directly benefit more than 150,000 workers and lift wages throughout the economy by $75 million a year.

This is well above annual inflation of 0.1 per cent and

gives our lowest paid workers more money in their pocket, without imposing undue pressure on businesses or hindering job growth.

We’re also seeing wage and job grow across the economy as our businesses grow in confidence.

When our businesses have confidence that our economy is in good shape and in strong hands, they invest for growth and create new jobs. This also contributes to building a more competitive and productive economy.

Through our Business Growth Agenda we’re delivering initiatives across infrastructure, capital

markets, skills, innovation, export markets and natural resources. With our support, businesses are increasingly confident and backing themselves on the world stage.

We also know that quality infrastructure such as transport, telecommunications, energy, and water helps give businesses confidence to invest another dollar and employ another person. Infrastructure projects also deliver thousands of real jobs for New Zealanders.

Since coming into office we’ve committed billions of dollars in infrastructure such as the Roads

of National Significance involving around 35,000 construction jobs.

Regional State Highway improvements are expected to result in a further 2,100 jobs. The Ultra-Fast Broadband and Rural Broadband Initiatives are supporting more than 4,000 jobs between them. And around $17 billion has been committed to the Canterbury rebuild, which is employing thousands of people.

National believes people in employment can gain more skills, higher wages, and a better lifestyle, which is why we’re continuing to work hard on building a stronger Kiwi economy.


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South Auckland stories launchedTaku Tāmaki—Auckland Stories

South is the first exhibition in an exciting new partnership between

MIT Manukau and Auckland Museum.Taking place at MIT's Manukau campus

from March 1 to December 31, Auckland Museum is going 'beyond the walls' in this celebration of all things South Auckland.

Continuing on from the success of 2015's Taku Tāmaki—Auckland Stories at Auckland Museum, this new exhibition celebrates stories of the people and places of South Auckland.

Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair Fa'anānā Efeso Collins spoke at the launch said it's a fantastic way to connect people through South Auckland's unique character, culture and talent.

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Feedback sought on inner west cycle networkauckland Transport has announced

the proposed network of cycle improvements in the inner west

suburbs and is asking for feedback from the public.

The proposed network in Pt Chevalier, Westmere, Grey Lynn, Ponsonby and Herne Bay is planned for the next 10 years with some routes expected to be started later this year.

Kathryn King, AT’s Cycling and Walking manager, says the objective is to find out from people who live in the area where they would like cycle improvements.

“We have worked with the Waitemata Local Board on these improvements to the transport network and we want to hear from the people who will benefit from them,” she says.

“We are sending everyone in the area a brochure with a map of the network. People can draw what routes they would like to see on the map and send it back to us.

“We are also asking what routes are a priority for them and their family as well as what specific locations need to be improved for people on bikes.

“Already lots of people are out on bikes going to parks, the beach, local shops and into the city for work or study.

“Making these cycle improvements in these suburbs will make it so much easier

and safer to do that.” Some improvements for people walking and cycling have already begun with a widened shared path on the Greenway route through Cox’s Bay Reserve now open.

Funding for these projects in part comes from the government’s partnership with local authorities through the Urban Cycleways Programme.

The objective is to improve the transport network by making cycle improvements in areas where there is likely to be the biggest increase in cycle journeys.

Once the consultation has closed, the feedback will be compiled into a report which will be made available to the public. That report will be used to help prioritise routes in the area and improve the network. The proposed inner west cycle network


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Recollecting the horrors of TC WinstonFirst-hand accounts of the survivors of the big cyclone who are now struggling with getting their lives back to normalcyrIzWan mohammad

in the wake of the catastrophic Tropical Cyclone Winston, Fiji is facing one of the toughest times in its history.

The calamity hit the nation on the night of February 20 and uprooted houses and trees, flooded farms, and brought the nation to a complete stand-still.

According to reports from Fiji earlier this week, 43 people had died in the monstrous cyclone. The aftermath has been more disconcerting with the damages amounting to Fijian $1bn and the nation trying to get to back to normalcy.

Aid has poured from across the world to help Fiji back on its feet, yet most of the areas have received little to no help so far. Indian Weekender spoke to some the victims from various remote regions of Fiji and received upsetting and shocking revelations.

Gurnam Singh, a 65-year-old from Nanromai, Tuvu, lived in a joint family with 26 members. The members of the house are as old as him and as young as six years old. The family also has a five-month-old infant. Gurnam works as a carpenter and does occasional labour jobs in the nearby town of Sigatoka, which is five km from his village.

Gurnam recounts that since he lives in a remote village and had no radio communication, he did not get intimation about the bad weather. Little did he know that in a few hours he will not even have a house to take shelter in. Around 10 pm in the night when he realised it was not safe to stay in the house, the 26 member family started to shift to a relative’s house, which was down the hill. He and his family had barely moved when the cyclone hit the village at around 230 kmph bringing down the trees and his tin-covered wooden house to the ground. The family, however, took shelter in the cane field, which by then was flooded with rain water up to one and a half feet off the ground.

The family survived the brunt of the night with no one hurt yet they lost their leased house. Gurnam and his family came out from the cane field at 3 a.m. only to see the village devastated and most of the houses partially or fully ruined. Aid has been received by

the government, but barely anything has been distributed evenly. Gurnam exclaims that the government officials take a tour of the place once in two or three days but only carry out surveys. “We have no food. There is no power, no money, no work, and no house to live in, and we are sleeping in the kitchen area. Even basic arrangements such as tents, bamboo and food items haven’t been distributed here. We are asking people here to help us with food, as most of us are starving and struggling to have even the basic needs fulfilled,” stated Mani Ratnam Reddy, one of the members of Gurnam Singh’s family.

Similar stories were heard from Chandar Naidu from Vatukoula, near the town of Tavua. Chandar, 49, works as a carpenter in a goldmine and lives with his mother, wife and two kids. Chandar escaped into a small passage between his house and the corridor and stayed there for five hours until the storm passed. He also claims that he felt mild tremors, which went unnoticed by many under the shadow of the cyclone. The tremor shook the wall and the tin roof dropped to the floor, however, no one was hurt.

Most of the houses in his village have suffered up to 80% damages and mattresses and house items were found floating in the water.

“We have nothing left here. We are helping our neighbours reconstruct their houses. The government officials are coming for inspections but the real help is nowhere to be seen,” added Chandar.

Forty-year-old Rakesh

Kumar has four members in his family and lives in Varadoli, Ba. A sandalwood exporter by profession, he says that his house was wrecked, too, like many others in his village. He hid with his family in a passage between the corridor of his house and the bathroom. Some of his friends in the village, he said, had been injured after being hit by flying tin roofs, furniture and crumbling walls.

“We are doing voluntary work, helping villagers repair their houses and looking after the sick and hurt,” said Rakesh.

He too complained of aid not being distributed evenly.

Looking at the current situation in Fiji, it can be said that although the country is suffering from the aftermath of the calamity, the government’s negligence is causing more damage to the people. Unbalanced allocation of resources is increasing the troubles of the victims. Most of the remote areas have not been receiving food, water, and shelter, thus delaying the recovery and reconstruction of the country.

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“ I with my family crept into the 7 feet tall cane field which was flooded with water up to the knees, stranded for 5 hours, shivering and surviving

“ I could feel the wrath of God with storm, rain and thunder echoing all night

Photo courtesy:Rakesh Kumar- Varadoli- Ba and Chandar Naidu- Vatukoula near Tuvua


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Koro devastation worse than war zone: Australian CommanderThe devastation on a

small Fijian island that accounted for nearly a

quarter of the death toll from Cyclone Winston is worse than any war zone, the commanding officer of Australian soldiers in one village has declared.

In what’s seen as a major sign in the normalisation between Fiji and Canberra, hundreds of troops have landed in places hit by the

cyclone on February 20, and the navy’s largest purpose-built ship, HMAS Canberra, arrived off Koro Island on its first operation.

The huge Australian presence— the Canberra is holding 850 personnel—is the first of its type since Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama seized power nearly a decade ago. Landing craft were making dozens of trips to transport heavy equipment off the ship and

onto Koro, which recorded 10 of the 43 cyclone-related deaths, with villages and crops wiped out.

About 150 Australian troops arrived in Nasau, a village on the east coast of the island.

Village elders, sitting under a temporary shelter next to a school said five people were killed when three tidal surges wiped out all of the low-lying homes while winds knocked down

all but a few structures higher up. Lieutenant-Colonel James Dugdell, the commanding officer for two platoons deployed to clean up and help build temporary

housing in the village, said the devastation exceeded anything he had seen in his 21 years in the army.

– Source: Fiji Times

Australian soldiers from 2CR working in the devastated village of Nasau on Koro Island

FNPF pays out $4m in assistance

about $4 million was paid out by the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) to its members

under its Cyclone Winston Natural Disaster assistance.

FNPF chief operating officer Jaoji Koroi said more than 51,000 applications had been received by the Fund as of March 6.

He said most of the payments were for those members applying for the $1,000 assistance.

“Additional resources have been sought to meet the operation challenge given the high number of applications received,” Mr Koroi said in a statement.

To put into perspective, the Fund stated it received a total of 65,000 applications (average of 2500 a week) for the 12 months to June 2015. For the Cyclone Evan assistance provided in 2014, the fund received 8,164 applications and paid out $7.4m.

“In one week, we have received about 51,000 applications and expect a similar number to be lodged at our offices within the next two weeks. We have diverted all of our resources to Cyclone Winston natural assistance given the enormity of the exercise,” Mr Koroi said.

UNICEF attends to children at high risk

The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is working closely with the

government to ensure children remained healthy in areas affected by Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston.

It is also working with development partners to ensure affected children and their families accessed clean, safe drinking water, sanitation, health and protection.

UNICEF Pacific representative Dr Karen Allen said seven emergency health kits—each serving a population of 1,000 people for three months—were distributed to health facilities in affected areas.

And as part of efforts to prevent the outbreak of the disease, UNICEF provided 30,000 doses of typhoid-tetanus vaccine to the Ministry of Health.

“It is now clear that a staggering 40 per cent (12,000) of Fiji’s children are very much at risk. The immediate and long-term implications for their health, safety, education and development are colossal,” Dr Allen said.

She said they met far too many children who had lost literally everything and many do not have safe drinking water, power or a roof over their heads thus the need for urgent and comprehensive assistance.

UNICEF is also working closely with government to send children back to school. – Source: Fiji Times

NEW ZEALANDINDIA

Editorial — Mark Twain

Thought of the week

Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.

From the desk of the Managing Editor

“Just like small fires create small amounts of heat, weak desires generate weak results. But when a powerful Desire Statement transforms that small fire into a raging inferno, it can put you on the fast track towards accomplishing your

athletic [and life!] goals. It will produce an ‘I want to’ attitude that is so intense that it dramatically increases the likelihood of dreams becoming real.”

~Kenneth Baum from The Mental Edge

I often find myself encouraging people to aim even higher than the stars and saying don’t let even the sky be your limit. The truth is if you only start off with a small aim, the likelihood of you actually making it anywhere becomes low. On the other hand, if you aim even beyond your imagination, it is highly likely that you will end up going a decent distance. I realise sometimes having too high an aim may seem rather daunting or even outside one’s comfort zone, but it is important to take that step and push yourself along.

We have a rather full issue again this time. We really enjoy it when we have more content than we have space for. It is also an indication of all that goes on in our vibrant community. We have several stories that make for interesting reads including the on the immigration scam that is rampant and many people are falling victims to it. I will encourage you to listen to the phone call on our website. I hope people read the story and heed to the advice therein.

We feature several interviews in this issue—an interview with the victim of the recent liquor store stabbing, an interview with Constable Mandeep Kaur who has just moved to Waitamata from Counties and also interviews that we conducted with a few victims of cyclone Winston.

Needless to say the most exciting is our cover story on the food trail. I am sure food is everyone’s favourite way to celebrate, so hope you enjoy reading our cover story as much as we have enjoyed putting it together for you.

The nominations for the Kiwi-Indian Hall of Fame are open, and we have started receiving nominations. So if you think there is someone you know that is deserving of this honour, then it is important that you fill in the nomination form and get it to us. If you would like to be considered for it, you may want to speak to your friends who can nominate you for it. Next week we will be opening up the nominations for the other two awards as well—the Kiwi-Indian Young Achiever and the Kiwi-Indian Unsung Hero. Watch this space.

We would love to hear from our readers, so if there is anything you wish to address, or contribute, or have a story that you wish us to look into, please feel free to write to us at [email protected]

Until next time.

Giri Gupta

Pick of the week

Indian Weekender : Volume 7 Issue 49

Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited Managing Editor: Giri Gupta | [email protected] Editor: Annu Sharma | [email protected] Chief Reporter: Swati Sharma | [email protected] Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | [email protected]: Esha Chanda | [email protected]: Kumar Suresh | [email protected] Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | [email protected] Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | [email protected] Designer: Yashmin Chand | [email protected] Accounts and Admin.: Farah Khan | [email protected] Sales and Marketing: 022 3251630 / 021 1507950 | [email protected]

Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication

Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent the views of the team at the Indian Weekender

Indian Weekender is published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great South Road, AucklandPrinted at Horton Media, Auckland

Copyright 2015. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

Tip from the trenches

Phrase: Bust a gut

Meaning: To make an intense effort

Usage: Bust a gut if you want to reach the top

Clever cooking hacks1. Get creative with your breakfast! Pour

pancake batter into cookies clutters for differently-shaped pancakes.

2. Find shell pieces in the bowl after cracking an egg? Simply put your fingers under running water before trying to remove those pieces.

3. Place ice cream in a plastic zip lock bag before keeping it in the freezer. The ice cream won't turn rock hard.

4. Wrap beer bottles in a wet paper towel before placing it in the freezer to cool down your drink faster.

An aeroplane flies past the sun as it goes into a partial solar eclipse in Singapore on Wednesday, March 9. It is the year’s first solar eclipse. Credit: Reuters


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17HALL OF FAME

ENTRy FORM: Form for nominating candidates for induction to Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2016

Established 2013

KIWI INDIAN

The Indian Weekender calls upon nominations for those who have built a road to glory for themselves and left a path for the coming generations to tread on. Touching the lives of thousands and enriching society with their being. Bringing fame and respect to New Zealand and the Kiwi-Indian community. The Indian Weekender invites

nominations for such personalities from the community for getting inducted into the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2016.

Nominator Details About the Nominee

What to do next?

Declaration by Nominator

Nominee DetailsName of the Nominator

Address and contact number of the Nominator *

Sex M F

Address and contact number of the Nominee *

Professional details of the Nominator

I have received confirmation from the Nominee for this application.

Yes No

I hereby declare that the above information is true to the best of my knowledge. I also allow Indian Weekender and the jury to use the information provided for background checks and to contact either me or the Nominee for the purpose of getting any more information.

Nominee has accepted to appear in person for the ceremony if he/she gets accepted for the induction to Hall of Fame 2016.

Yes No

For how long have you known the Nominee?

Why do you think the nominee should be inducted to the Hall of Fame 2016?Please state your reasons for nominating the above person. You may mention the achievements of the Nominee in his/her profession.

How according to you has the Nominee brought fame and respect to the Kiwi-Indian community?

Please take a print out of this form, sign and send to us at: Jury Panel, Hall of Fame 201698, Great South Road, Epsom, Auckland

(Add extra pages to this form if required.)For details contact Indian Weekender on 09-2137335 or go to:www.indianweekender.co.nz

Name of the Nominee

Age of Nominee

Signed:

The guidelines, which need to be adhered to, for nominations, are as follows:

1. He/she needs to have an undisputable recognition in his or her field of work.

2. Nominated by a nominator of repute. Further, the nominator has to be in confirmation with the nominee.

3. The nominator has to provide their full contact details. No anonymous applications will be accepted.

4. All fields of work are welcome. For the purposes of this award, ‘field of work’ can be politics, business, sports, art, culture, or any profession.

5. The definition of Kiwi Indian, for the purposes of this award, hereby, is defined as follows: any person of Indian origin, from any part of the world, who has settled here in New Zealand. To be of Indian origin, at least one of the parents of the nominee have to be Indian, by blood. Thereby making the nominee of Indian lineage.

6. The nominee must have either a Permanent Residency (PR), or Citizenship of New Zealand to be eligible for consideration.

7. The nominee should have no prior convictions. 8. Age is no bar; for minors, achievers under the age

of 18, parental consent will be required. 9. The successful candidate will be required to attend

the ceremony in person. In case a person is not able to attend, due to any unforeseen circumstances, the jury will use its discretion.

10. The jury’s decision will be final and binding; and cannot be challenged.

Inviting nominations forKiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2016


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18 INDIA

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Unprecedented improvement in Haryana’s business climate: Investorsharyana, which was

rocked by violent protests till less

than a fortnight ago during the Jat agitation for jobs and educational quotas, causing loss of lives and massive damage to property, drew a series of reassuring messages on Monday, March 7, from both foreign and domestic investors gathered at the ‘Happening Haryana Global Investors’ Summit.

Here are some of the comments:Keita Muramatsu, president

and CEO, Honda Scooters and Motorcycles India: “We have witnessed unprecedented improvement in the ease of doing business in Haryana due to the state’s new industrial policy. The progress made in Manesar bears testimony to it.”

Chandrajit Banerjee director general, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII): “The fact that 12 countries are taking part in the Summit is testimony to the global confidence that Haryana enjoys as favourite investment destination for the global business community as well. CII would like to partner with Haryana

government and pledge to work in the social development sector for projects such as Beti Padhao-Beti Bachao and to empower citizens of Haryana.”

Naresh Trehan, chairman and managing director, Medanta: “We have had the best experience of setting up the healthcare facility in Haryana during the last 10 years, especially the support from the people, political leadership and the civil administration. Medanta looks to invest in a medical school and another 1,000 beds over the next five years.”

Malvinder Mohan Singh, executive Chairman, Fortis Healthcare: “The Fortis hospitals in Gurgaon cater to 35 per cent of the international medical tourism

demand. We thank the Haryana government for its support.”

Adi Godrej, chairman, Godrej Group: “We have seven real estate projects in the state. We are looking forward to setting up more in the near future.”

Pawan Munjal, chairman and managing director, Hero Motocorp: “We have been deepening our roots in Haryana through diversification into renewable energy, healthcare, realty, etc. We’re very excited about his next phase of growth.”

Y.C.Deveshwar, chairman ITC: “We will invest Rs.550 crore in Haryana in the field of food processing.”

Le Yucheng, China’s Ambassador to India: “Among

Indian states, Haryana is undoubtedly the top choice for Chinese companies. Our investments in railways, infrastructure, power, etc. are fast progressing. Haryana has many advantages, including infrastructure. We will strive to bring dozens of Chinese companies to Haryana.”

Indra Nooyi, chairperson PepsiCo: “Haryana provides excellent infra and skilled workforce.”

11 MoUs for more than rs.18,000 crore investment in haryana signed

The Haryana government signed 11 MOUs involving a total investment of Rs.18,159 crore with different companies on the first day of the two-day Happening Haryana Global Investors’ Summit-2016.

Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) managing director Sudhir Rajpal signed these MoUs with representatives of the companies in presence of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

These agreements included an MoU of Rs.15,000 crore for financial services signed with ICICI, and a Rs.2,000 crore MoU for electronics, IT and IT enabled services (ITeS) with Bharti Airtel.

Similarly, an MoU involving an investment of Rs.283 crore was signed with Star Wire (India) Limited for manufacturing special and critical steel by adopting high-tech technologies. An MoU of Rs.200 crore was signed with Minda Kosei Aluminium Wheel Private Limited for automobile parts, and alloy wheels, one of Rs.190 crore with Honda for worker housing, and another MoU of Rs.150 crore with Plasser India Private Limited for manufacturing unit for track maintenance machines.

Apart from this, MoUs of Rs.100 crores each were signed with Minda Industries Limited and Mindarika Private Limited for automobile parts switches. Another MoU of Rs.80 crore was signed with T.G. Minda Private Limited for automobile parts rubber hoses and an MoU was also signed with Snapdeal for e-commerce.

Union Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting Arun Jaitley, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Industries Minister, Capt. Abhimanyu and Dalian Wanda Group Chairman Wang Jianlin at the Happening Haryana Global Investors Summit-2016


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westernunion.co.nz

Airbus plans $2bn cumulative procurement from India in five yearsG lobal aerospace major Airbus

Group plans to procure components and sub-systems

worth $2 billion cumulatively for a period of five years till 2020 for its civil and defence projects—up from $500 million in 2015, the European consortium said on Monday, March 7.

"We have set our sight to exceed $2 billion in cumulative procurement annually by 2020 from over $500 million worth aerospace goods in 2015 for civil and defence projects," the Indian arm of Airbus said in a statement.

Procurement value increased 15 per cent in 2015 over that of 2014.

About 6,000 skilled people at 45 state-run and private suppliers side across the country provide engineering and IT services, aero-structures, detail parts and systems, materials and cabins to the group for many of its leading platforms, including A380, A350 XWB, A320 family, A330, C295W, A400M, Eurofighter, Tiger and NH90. Claiming that every Airbus commercial aircraft was partly 'made in India'. Airbus chief procurement officer Klaus Richter said Indian suppliers were a cornerstone of its globalisation strategy. "As many projects with our Indian partners have been

successful, we aim to strengthen these relationships in the future," Richter said on the occasion.

According to Airbus Group India president and managing director Pierre de Bausset, the company is ready to set up system integration and final assembly lines if its proposal of producing C295W military transporters in India with Tata and military helicopters with Mahindra fructify.

Further elaborating on its Indian procurement collaborations, Airbus said Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) manufactures half of A320 family forward passenger doors while Dynamite Technologies makes flap track beams.

Mahindra Aerospace has a contract with Airbus Group Company Premium Aerotec to supply more than one million aero-components per annum while Wipro received technology transfer to produce 8,000 aerospace actuators per year.

"Infosys provides SAP development and maintenance services while Geometric supports on product life-cycle management (PLM) applications and CAD services. Tech Mahindra provides consulting services on Quality and Business Support," said the statement.

INDIA


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20 INDIA ABROAD

M A H E S HB I N D R A

NEW ZEALAND FIRST LIST MP

BASED IN AUCKLAND

Auckland Office Level 1, 21 East Tamaki Rd, Papatoetoe, Manukau 2025Ph: 0800 BINDRA (246372)[email protected]

Authorised by Mahesh Bindra, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

Contact

Sikh hockey legend Balbir Singh honouredan Indian-origin Sikh

hockey player was honoured in the

Canadian province of British Columbia (BC), a media report said.

Assistant deputy speaker of the B.C. Legislature, MLA Raj Chouhan, honoured 92-year-old Indian field hockey legend Balbir Singh in the House, The Voice reported.

"Madam Speaker it gives me a great pleasure and honour to speak about an unsung hero and a forgotten legend. Balbir Singh has won three Olympic Gold medals in field hockey; the first in 1948 in London, winning India's first gold medal as a sovereign nation. He won the second gold in Helsinki.

“He led his team in scoring, including setting an Olympic/Guinness Record in the final when he scored five goals. That record stands to this day," Chouhan said.

"Then again in 1956 in Melbourne he won his third gold medal when he led his team. He scored 22 goals over three Olympic Games. Singh was the only chief coach and manager to lead India to a World Cup victory in 1975 in Kuala Lumpur, he added.

Singh was named one of the 16 Iconic Olympians by the International Olympic

Committee along with Jesse Owens and Australian track and field star Cathy Freeman in 2012. He was the only South Asian and field hockey player on the list.

"Today he is joined by a great author Patrick Blennerhassett. Patrick has written a very invigorating book about him called A Forgotten Legend. This book will be launched on March 5," Chouhan noted.

Indian-American candidates win in Lexington electionsseven out of eight Indian-

American candidates, who ran for local elections in

Lexington city in the US state of Kentucky, have won.

With this, now there are a total of 12 Indian-Americans elected members of the Lexington Town Meeting, India New England News reported.

"This movement is historic. Great result despite heavy turnout because of presidential elections, which tends to favour known contestants and incumbents," Narain Bhatia, a long-time Lexington resident and community activist, said.

The winners of Lexington elections include Sharmila Mudgal from Precinct-3 for a one-year term, Anoop Garg from Precinct-4 gets a three-year term, Pam Joshi and Rita Pandey get a three-year

term each from Precinct-9 and Precinct-5 respectively.

Anil Ahuja from Precinct-5, Vikas Kinger from Precinct-7 and Nirmala Garimella from Precinct-8 got a one-year term each.

The only Indian-American candidate to lose in the election was Hema Bhatt in Precinct-9.

"Hema Bhatt lost but got 375 votes and lost by just 36 votes while beating Scott Burson, a long time town meeting member and former School Committee member by 76 votes," Bhatia said.

In addition to the winners in the elections, Indian-Americans have five current Town Meeting members whose terms are not over, making a total of 12.

These sitting members are Narain Bhatia, Ravish Kumar, Sanjay Padaki, Dinesh Patel and Syed Rizvi.

Indian diaspora contributes significantly to Britain’s GDP: Sarna

indian origin people in Britain are “important” because the 1.8 per cent of

Indian population contributes six per cent toward GDP, India’s new High Commissioner Navtej Sarna

said. Addressing members of the House of Commons and House of Lords at a welcome extended to him, he also went on to highlight it was more expensive to study at Britain’s Oxford and Cambridge

universities than institutions in other countries, but Indians were willing to pay extra for the quality of education offered by Oxbridge. What was preventing more students from India to come

to such centres of excellence, said Sarna, was “visa difficulties are making the other destinations more attractive”. Among these other destinations, he specifically mentioned Australia and New

Zealand. The event at the Westminster Palace, which houses the British parliament, was jointly hosted by the Indo-British and Commonwealth All Party Parliamentary Groups.

Ami Bera backs two Indian-American women running for office

ami Bera, the only Indian origin member of the US House of Representatives announced his support for two progressive Indian-

American women running for office in Vermont and Washington states. Bera is supporting Kesha Ram, who is running for Lieutenant Governor in Vermont, and Pramila Jayapal, who is running for Congress in Washington State’s seventh Congressional District. Stressing the historic nature of the 2016 election for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, Bera said, “We need more women and more members of the AAPI community running for office. Kesha and Pramila represent the next generation of leaders. Their focus on serving their communities and fighting for progressive values sets a powerful example to younger women,” he said.

“I’m thrilled to have the support of Rep. Bera as I continue to work on solutions that help our community get ahead,” Ram said. “Having the support of another member of the AAPI community will be crucial as I continue to fight for solutions and make investments that grow our economy and create opportunity for Vermonters.”


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21SPORTS

Wenger praises Arsenal playersarsenal manager Arsene

Wenger has praised his team for displaying

"outstanding spirit" after they held arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur to a 2–2 draw despite being reduced to 10 men.

Arsenal had taken the lead through Aaron Ramsey. But a red card to Francis Coquelin and goals from Toby Alderweireld and Harry Kane put them on the back foot. Alexis Sanchez eventually scored for Arsenal in the 76th minute to earn them a point.

"We've shown an outstanding performance, attitude and resolute spirit. Our spirit was questioned, our attitude was questioned and I think we gave the right response, which was not easy. We have been questioned to the extreme because from being 1–0 up and feeling comfortable in the game, we were suddenly 2–1 down and down to 10 men," Wenger was quoted as saying by the official Arsenal website.

"Personally I never questioned the character of this team, but when you don't win the games and you lose you have to accept that and respond on the pitch. That's all you can do and I think we did that," he added. Wenger however, also had some regrets. "We came back to 2–2 and in

the end, I think we could have won 3–2. That's the regret of the day but overall I'm very proud of the players and of their performance.

Wenger also said that he warned Coquelin to be careful: "We told him at half-time, because he had a yellow already. It was a mistake and he knows that but he wanted to do well," he said. "But I think (Eric) Dier deserves a second yellow as well. That could have changed the game."

Indian paddlers bag gold at World Championshipindian paddlers made history

twice in less than 24 hours with both women's and men's

teams emerging triumphant in the second division of their respective sections at the 2016 World Table Tennis Championships on March 5.

The Indian women's team beat Luxemburg 3–1 in the second division final before their male counterparts overcame a stiff competition from Brazil 3–2.

Their top-podium finish followed the exceptional achievements on Friday night of qualifying for the next edition's champions division.

Incidentally, this was the first time ever that the women's team have kept a clean slate at the World Championships. They won all their eight matches in the first and the second stages.

The men however, started with a loss to Nigeria in their opening group match, but won all their games thereafter to achieve top honours. Approaching the final confidently, the experienced Mouma Das gave the Indian women a winning start when she defeated Danielle Konsbruck 3–0, though Danielle managed to stretch Mouma somewhat in the third game. After a couple of deuces, the Indian shut her opponent out. Manika then won

3–1 against Tessy Gonderinger and then beat Danielle 3–0 to wrap up a memorable win for India. Manika had performed poorly on Friday, but she managed to find her form at the right time. She began with a bang against Tessy and opened up a 2–0 lead. Tessy managed to win the third game to reduce the deficit.

However, Manika was all concentration in the fourth game to complete a 3–1 win and provide India with a 2–0 lead. Despite the cushion, K. Shamini was unable to take advantage and lost her singles contest to Sarah De Nutte in straight games. But Manika beat Danielle 3-0 in the reverse singles to ensure an Indian victory.

"It was a great experience for all of us. We will remember this feat at KL for a long time to come," said Manika Batra after completing the win.

"I am happy I started well and our combined efforts and consistency throughout have paid us dividends," Mouma said.

With the Indian men achieving two hard-fought wins on their way to the final, the team management decided to rest veteran Achanta Sharath Kamal for the title decider against Brazil.

But it seemed to be a wrong decision with India trailing 1–2 despite Harmeet Desai pulling one back after Soumyajit Ghosh lost the opening rubber.

INDIA THRASHES BANglADESH TO WIN ASIA Cupindia won the Asia Cup,

outclassing Bangladesh by eight wickets in the

final at the Sher-e-Bangladesh National Stadium.

Delhi lads Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli led the charge with a 94-run partnership as India overhauled the 121-run target in 13.5 overs.

Dhawan, who has been a flop throughout the tournament, finally found his touch when it mattered most, with 60 runs scored off 44 balls with nine boundaries and a six.

Kohli remained unbeaten on 41 runs off 28 balls with five boundaries. Al-Amin Hossain gave Bangladesh some early hope by dismissing Rohit Sharma. But that was one of the few moments of joy that the Bangladesh players and the capacity home crowd could find as India emerged as the champions of Asia with seven balls and eight wickets to spare. Earlier, Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 120/5 thanks to some lower order fireworks by Mohammad Mahmudullah. Walking in with Bangladesh in trouble at 75/5, the right-hander proceeded to hit two

boundaries and an equal number of sixes in his 13-ball innings to remain unbeaten on 33. Sabbir Rahman gave him crucial support from the other end with 32 runs from 29 balls. The duo produced a 45-run partnership to help the hosts to a competitive total.

BCCi congratulates the indian team

BCCI president Shashank Manohar congratulated the memebers of the Indian team following their win. “With the Asia Cup triumph, Team India have proved their dominance in the shortest format of the

game and emerged as the best

T20 side in Asia. I extend my

hearty congratulations to the

team on their convincing win over Bangladesh in the final,” Board of Control for Cricket

in India chief Manohar said in a statement.

“With India set to host the ICC World T20, this win is a step in the right direction,” he added.

BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur also praised the team.

“I congratulate Team India on winning the

Asia Cup title for the sixth time. India have performed

brilliantly in the tournament that saw a change in the format

for the first time. India’s remarkable run in the

T20Is that started from the 3–0 series win on A u s t r a l i a n soil, followed by the 2–1 win

over Sri Lanka at home puts

India in just the right space ahead of the ICC World T20,” he said.

Manika Batra—India’s most loved paddler


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22

Live onDon’t cry I got youYou can lean on meI won’t mindI know you’re hurtBut so am IYou never realize what I do for youAnd people don’t realize what you do for themI know its not fear But life is like that So live on

KIDS ZONE

The Peacock and The Crane

One day a peacock met a crane and said, “So sorry

for you. You have so dull feathers. Look at the fine

colours of my feathers."

“Well!’ replied the crane, “Your looks are brighter

than mine. But I can fly high up into the sky. All you can do is strut on the ground."

Moral: Never Find Fault With Others

www.kidspuzzlesandgames.co.uk

Cinderella Mini Sudoku

Word Search

To Colour

Find 5 Princess names in the word search opposite ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

How many words can you make from the letters in CINDERELLA? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...............................................................................................................................................................................

Fill in the grid with the numbers 1 2 3 and 4 making sure no number is repeated in each row, each column and within each mini grid.


Cinderella Mini Sudoku

Word Search

To Colour

Find 5 Princess names in the word search opposite ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

How many words can you make from the letters in CINDERELLA? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...............................................................................................................................................................................

Fill in the grid with the numbers 1 2 3 and 4 making sure no number is repeated in each row, each column and within each mini grid.

Dance Maze


Lucy the ballerina has lost her ballet shoes and can’t do her dance exam. Can you help Lucy through the maze to find her ballet shoes so she can do her exam?

Camels have 3 eyelids to protect them from the sand?

Did you know ...


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23

3D printing the futuremaheSh K

Until recently, I used to be sceptical whenever I heard or read about 3D printing.

It took a live demo to change my perception and convert me into a 3D printing enthusiast. Yes, we are still not there in terms of affordability and a slice-of-life technology but we are not far either.

It all started 30 years ago when Charles ‘Chuck’ Hull invented what he called ‘solid imaging’ process known as stereolithography. Since then, 3D printing has grown leaps and bounds and sits on the fence between novelty and utility.

In the demo that I saw, the printer was painfully slow. It was expensive and the entire process from scanning to printing was definitely not for a layperson. But then, that is exactly how every technology—from computers to traditional printers and mobile devices—has reached where it stands today.Why 3d printing

3D printing is definitely not for everyone. But there are some brilliant uses of the technology and more and more industries seem to be benefitting from it. 3D printing is currently employed mostly for rapid prototyping during product development. Architects use the technology to create detailed, scale models of the buildings for the clients. Medical professionals are benefitting from the technology by creating full-size copies of body parts, bones from 3D scanned data for educational and other uses. Other uses include producing and prototyping automobile parts, jewellery

design, plastic toys, and all sorts of plastic bottles, packaging and containers. The process

3D printing also called additive manufacturing, starts with a 3D digital model. This digital file is generally created using a special 3D software such as CAD or using special devices known as 3D scanner. Just like a paper scanner scans a document and creates a copy image, 3D scanner analyses and creates a three-dimensional copy of the object. The 3D printing

software slices the model into layers. Many tech companies including Microsoft and Google have made it easy for their hardware to do 3D scanning. Gradually, it might become as easy to 3D scan an object as taking a picture due to advances in technology and them getting inexpensive.

The printing technology from a digital file actually varies with different printers using

different processing technologies to print. Also, the technology differs depending upon different materials (plastic, nylon, metal, sand, etc.) The material is then layered according to the digital model.

Talking about materials, as of now, plastic is the only widely-used material, but there are other materials being added and processed as technology improves. These include foodstuffs such as chocolate, sugar, flour and even biomaterials to create human body organs.

In essence, objects are built up in numerous very thin layers. Slices are created and then hardened and this process continues until the complete object has been printed.

Desktop 3D printers for home are becoming a reality with costs coming down rapidly. Today, in New Zealand, you can buy a basic 3D printer for less than $1,000.

From Hollywood to HalalywoodrIzWan mohammad

last month, Sounds of Light, a charity musical event, was held in

Auckland. The tour continued in Australia to raise funds for the less-fortunate and orphans across the world. Celebrated artistes from the Islamic music genre performed at the shows and one of them was American actor, director, and comedian Omar Regan. Starting off as a musician, Omar later moved into acting and stand-up comedy. He began performing at Detroit Comedy Clubs and has been moving forward since then. At the age of 19, he left for Hollywood.

Omar hosted the shows in six cities across two countries and has been promoting his directorial debut American Sharia under the banner Halalywood Entertainment. His fans have increased in number and his popularity has grown in both countries during the Oceania tour.

In a conversation with Indian Weekender, the comedian shared his life experiences, his journey so far and the whimsically-named

production house Halalywood.

Tell us about halalywood Productions.

There is an African proverb, “Until the lion tells his own story, the hunter will always be the hero”. It’s time for Muslims to tell our own stories because the media for long has associated the religion with terrorism. This is what I realised being in Hollywood that we can make our own films and we

don’t have to put any profanity in the film. We tell our own stories

in a fun way and keep it clean, and people will watch it.

What’s your first film under halalywood?

W e have made o u r first film American Sharia and we are still doing the promo screening tour. We have screened it in Canada, Atlanta and other places in the United States, the UK and Australia, and I hope to get a chance to screen it in New Zealand too. I believe there is quite a Muslim population in New Zealand and apart from that the

Kiwis over here will love it too.

What is American Sharia about?

American Sharia is a comedy film about two Muslim police officers trying to break the stereotypes of the religion and fighting Islamophobia.

When is the film releasing?

It’s hard to put the film out without a distribution deal. That’s why I am doing the promo screening, making a fan base and showing that Muslims will watch and

support such films. That is the goal—to build our numbers

and then get a distribution deal eventually. I have five scripts, the first one is complete and I will work on the rest.

Tell us a little about your Rush Hour episode.

Rush Hour was a blessing in disguise and kind of a turning point too. I was offered to be the body double for Chris Tucker in 2001 in Rush Hour 2 but somehow that went down at the last moment, which actually made

me refocus on stand-up comedy.

how many shows have you done so far?

Ohh, it’s like uncountable. I have performed in almost every city in the United States and in Canada, Australia and many other countries around the globe.

What’s your genre of comedy?

I have been doing Halal comedy for a while, just keeping everything pure—no swearing or obscenity, and using humour to spread religious tolerance, peace, and diversity.

how was your New Zealand tour?

The New Zealand tour has been fantastic. It is so beautiful and so green. I went to the Sky Tower, met fans, went to the bay area and did some fun activities too. Also, it is very multicultural. I met so many people from different countries and ethnicities.

The best part of New Zealand is that the police do not carry guns. I was fascinated and it shows the place is so peaceful and so magnificent to live in.

3d printing is being tested to ‘bio print’ body parts

3d printing inventor Charles Hull

FEATURES


Red Black Orange

24 ASTROLOGy

CAPRICORN(Dec 22-January 21)Things remain in order on the professional front, as you go about your task efficiently. Your attempts to curry favour with those who matter on the academic front will succeed. You may resolve to save money for paying an outstanding amount. Not breaking your daily routine will help you in retaining good health. Some development at home may not be to your liking and can pit you against others. An official trip may need to be postponed.

Lucky No.: 17Lucky Colour: Green

ARIES(March 21-April 20)Repayment for something you have purchased may assume importance at this juncture and prompt you to cut corners. You will be able to get your ideas implemented at work and make your mark. Your strong showing on the academic front is likely to mark you as an achiever. Adopting an active lifestyle is indicated for some and will help achieving good health. Differences with someone who dislikes you can be expected on the social front.

Lucky No.: 22Lucky Colour: Dark Blue

LEO(July 23-August 23)A pleasant period greets you and promises to climax towards an exciting finish. Change of scene, just to resurrect your love life is possible. Property owned by you will start giving good returns and will add to your wealth. You will be able to maintain the balance between food intake and workouts to benefit on the health front. A treat, coupled with an enjoyable outing, is likely to make it a best time for you. Travel plans will go without a hitch.

Lucky No.: 15Lucky Colour: Rosy Brown

TAURUS(April 21-May 20)You are likely to participate in a social event and enjoy your heart out. An old flame is slated to enter our life once again and brighten the romantic front. A decision on the spur of the moment to go on a trip will prove most exciting and adventurous. Good price can be expected for a property, if you are interested in it. Task delegated to someone may not be completed in a satisfactory manner and may need supervision.

Lucky No.: 3Lucky Colour: Yellow

GEMINI(May 21-June 21)You may visit a family member living out of town or overseas, so expect the family reunion to prove most memorable. You may be compelled to go on an official trip, but will end up enjoying it! Lagging behind in a project on the professional front may translate into getting a mouthful from the boss! Taking an instant liking for someone is possible, so expect romance to knock on your door soon! You may become financially tight.

Lucky No.: 11Lucky Colour: Orange

CANCER(June 22-July 20)You are likely to remain in high spirits as your wish comes true. Someone may convey his or her indebtedness to you for your help, in a most touching manner. You may be singled out for a special honour on the professional front. Academic excellence is likely to help you achieve your dream. Financial worries become a thing of the past, as money comes from unexpected sources. You will feel fit and energetic, like never before!


VIRGO(August 24-Sep 23)This is a good time to clear the backlog on the professional front. You will be able to raise your performance level on the academic front through outside help. Financial stability will be maintained by concerted efforts. Someone may induce you to a new exercise regimen to make you fit. Spouse’s habit that you dislike may get on your nerves. Be a realist enough to take no for an answer from a potential lover on the romantic front.

Lucky No.: 11Lucky Colour: Lemon

LIBRA(Sep 24-October 23)Luck favours you on the financial front, so expect money to flow in. Joining a group of health-conscious people will prove immensely beneficial for your health. Someone may persuade you to accompany him or her on an interesting excursion. Those searching for accommodation near place of work or study may get lucky. Keeping seniors informed of the developments on the work front will be in your interest. Don’t let personal differences spoil the fun on the social front.


SCORPIO(Oct 24-November 22)Your initiative on the health front is likely to give good returns. Investing all your money in one venture or scheme is not recommended, howsoever attractive be the prospects. On professional front, you will do well to refurbish your professional image to attract better clientele. A family youngster may join the family business soon. You may need to search out a mutual friend who can introduce you to the one you admire on the romantic front!

Lucky No.: 4Lucky Colour: Sea Green

SAGITTARIUS(Nov 23-December 11)A piece of good news on the social front may get you into a celebratory mood. Your romantic endeavours prove fruitful, as you go around spreading your charm! An exciting trip may materialise and take you on a tour of beautiful sites. Your current exercise regimen will make you feel stronger and fitter. Financial worries will be overcome through some deft manoeuvring. Your burden of work on the professional front is set to increase, so tighten your belt.

Lucky No.: 2Lucky Colour: Violet

AQUARIUS(Jan 22-February 19)You are likely to organise a gathering, just to remain in touch with your near and dear ones. A business trip will prove fruitful in bagging a lucrative deal. On the professional front, chances of getting selected for something prestigious cannot be ruled out. Those going steady may think on the lines of solemnising their relationship. You may spend more than you had budgeted for in setting up a new house, but it will be worth it.

Lucky No.: 1Lucky Colour: Baby Pink

PISCES(Feb 20-March 20)

The week promises much fun and gaiety, as you get the time to mingle in your social circle. Increased earning and perks are likely to give a boost to those in the private sector. An old ailment disappears, as you step on the path to perfect health. Initiative taken on the professional front will get due recognition from those who matter. Misunderstandings doing the rounds on the family front will be sorted out, so expect the domestic harmony to prevail.

Lucky No.: 17Lucky Colour: Violet

By Manisha Koushik

Manisha Koushik is the talented daughter and associate of world renowned celebrity astrologer Dr Prem Kumar Sharma. She is gifted with strong intuitions and clairvoyance right from the childhood. A practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and fengshui consultant is based in India but maintains a global presence through the online channels. She is available for consultations online as well. Reach out to her to explore what the future holds for you. Let her tarot cards do the magic and numbers make you understand which choices in life will be best for you!

E-mail: [email protected] | Website: www.askmanisha.com

Contact: +91-11-26449898, 26489899 | Mobile/Whatsapp: +919015607139

Weekly forecast: March 11 to March 17


Red Black Orange

25SPECIAL FEATURE

Alliance invited for NZ (Auckland) settled 34yrs/ 5’6” Punjabi divorced female ECE teacher from a suitable, NZ or Australia settled teetotaller match with good family background. Contact with photo if interested.

Email: [email protected]

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email: [email protected]

www.angithi.co.nzYour local

caterer for all occasions

What is on your plate? mallIKa JanaKIraman

as Indians living in New Zealand, are you making the right choices for a healthy immigrant lifestyle?

Looking at a few research data results published, the news buzz in recent times and the annual update of the key results 2014–2015—New Zealand Health Survey is an indicator of what the healthy immigrant effect (HIE) is and its impact on the health outcome for Indians making New Zealand, the land of milk and honey, their home away from home.

� Indians were the second-largest Asian ethnic group in 2013, with 155,178 people (32.9 per cent of the Asian ethnic group, up from 29.5 per cent in 2006) �Compared to the general population, Indians living in New Zealand have

• Higher self-reported diabetes• Higher CVD hospitalisation and

mortality rates• Higher ischemic heart disease

hospitalisation rates• Higher stroke hospitalisation rates• Indian females have higher ischemic

heart disease mortality than Chinese females

• Indian adults have a higher prevalence of obesity than New Zealand Europeans �A study into Asian nutrition in New Zealand suggests that the longer some Asians live in New Zealand, the more likely they are to adopt some features of a European diet. This is the point in focus for better or worse? Evidence indicates that the HIE—where

immigrants are on average healthier than the native-born—fades with additional years in the new country. Current statistics indicate that South Asian people, who are predominantly Indians, have double the risk of being on treatment for high cholesterol and a four-fold increased risk for diabetes compared to European New

Zealanders. Evidence also indicates that Asians born or resident in New Zealand for more than 10 years are more likely to be alcohol drinkers, be overweight or obese, and less likely to be non-smokers than r e c e n t immigrants.

Migrating to a new country and transit-ing from a staple diet to a new-found indul-gence rich in meat and dairy is sure to tilt the balance of healthy eating and increas-ing the risk for developing chronic disease due to ex-posure to a new e n v i -r o n m e n t , change in life-style and social factors.

The migrant effect is all about change to a new place and a new lifestyle and few probable patterns emerge. What lies in your hands is all a matter of in-formed decisions and healthy choices.

I will list some eating choices, just a few to begin with and tick and un-tick as we go to help make healthier and informed d e c i s i o n s every day.

From the land of Punjab to greener pastures in New Zealand, does wheat and dairy still dominate your taste buds? Well, it might rightfully be as that’s what makes you what you are.• Why not switch from parathas to wheat

cereals with low-fat milk with added calcium instead of parathas with

New Zealand butter—luxury in the making, however,

a disaster to your mid waist ratio• Why not a great lassi made with probiotic curd and blend with oats and

blueberries to give it that superfruit nutrition?• Why not a multigrain

toast with egg and a slight detox effect with a glass Kiwi fruit juice?

• Why not a salmon Amritsar to give you packed nutrition with omega 3 that is good for your heart?

• Why not add vegetables to your plate by including broccoli—the other avatar of cauliflower—or Asparagus to give you, at least, three servings of vegetables every day?Moving to the other spectrum of origin,

the South Indians. What can tick their choices?• Why not add a dash of oatmeal to the idli or dosa batter and bring on the goodness of oat fibre?• Add probiotic yoghurt to your

curd rice garnished with blueberries to make it an exotic super food for healthy inside out

• Why not bake new vegetables rather than the usual curries with oil floating on the sides?

• Why not switch over to fresh juice with a blend of orange and kiwi fruit to make every morning a good morning?

• Why not toss a few nuts and seeds such as flaxseeds, sunflower seeds and a dash of raisin to nibble during your hunger pangs?

Welcome to the God zone country and migrate to healthy choices. These are the few of my favourite things packed with more vitamin C than an equivalent amount of orange providing 100% of the necessary daily amount of Vitamin C and helps to support a healthy immune system. Migrate to the goodness of Kiwi fruit or the equivalent of the Indian gooseberry goodness.

Fish is vegetarian for Bengalis and New Zealand Indians. If you are looking for options to explore a healthy choice then perhaps New Zealand king Salmon is good for your heart, which contains omega 3 fats that can reduce the risk of heart disease.

Eating the right kind of yoghurt is an easy way to support your digestive balance, but not all yoghurts are created equal. Not all yoghurt cultures are probiotic cultures, and not all probiotics have the same physiological benefit. Desi yoghurt is not equal to probiotic yoghurt and, therefore, switch, if you care, to probiotics yoghurt.

If you are considering to try a non-vegetarian option, try the lean New Zealand lamb, at least, three to four times per week. It is an excellent source of iron. As a guide, a portion of meat should be about the size of the palm of your hand (not including fingers!).

North, south, east or west, it is cereals every day! Look at options such as Weet-Bix to give you the required nutrition. It is a convenient option for days you just do not have the time to take the pin and roll.

Always remember the basics. There is no food that is good or bad, there is only such thing as right eating or wrong eating. “There is no love sincerer than the love of food” George Bernard Shaw


Red Black Orange

26 ENTERTAINMENT

Karan Johar confirms Student of the Year sequel

F ilm-maker Karan Johar has confirmed that he will be making a sequel of the 2012 film Student of

the Year. A fan asked Karan in a question and answer session on Twitter if he would be making a sequel of the film.

“Yes! Will be announced in two months!” an elated Karan responded to the fan’s query. Student of the Year is a coming-of-age romantic comedy, which was produced by Hiroo Yash Johar under the banner of Dharma Productions and in collaboration with superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s production banner Red Chillies Entertainment.

The film, which released in 2012, marked the debut of actors Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan. It stars veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, Sana Saeed, Ronit Roy, Ram Kapoor and Farida Jalal.

Hrithik’s Kaabil to go on floors March end

actors Hrithik Roshan and Yami Gautam will start shooting for Kaabil by the end of March, and

will devote their time to the project till July, says the film’s director Sanjay Gupta.

Gupta shared the development on Twitter, while saying that he is making the most of his time before he begins rolling the camera for Kaabil.

“My last long weekend with my family because Kaabil shoot starts in three weeks and then it is non-stop work till July. So making the most of it. Thanks to my assistant director Nadeem Shah, there

are no free w e e k e n d s once we roll Kaabil at the end of this month,” Gupta posted. The film, which will be produced by Hrithik’s father, film-maker Rakesh Roshan, brings forward a new onscreen couple. The plot of the story is kept well under wraps.

Even today you learn from Manoj Kumar’s films: David Dhawan

There is a lot to learn from veteran actor-film-maker Manoj Kumar’s films even today, film-maker David

Dhawan has said.On Manoj Kumar receiving a Dadasaheb

Phake Award, David said, “He is a wonderful person, a wonderful director, actor, filmmaker... just watch his films, even today you get to learn a lot from him, from the kind of emotions, songs and other factors.”

Manoj Kumar will be conferred with the 47th Dadasaheb Phakle award for the year 2015 for his outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema.

Manoj Kumar is known for his films such as Kranti, Woh Kaun Thi, Purab Aur Paschim and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan.

David was present at Shashi Ranjan’s ITA School Of Performing Arts, for their Annual Day functions.

Bajirao Mastani wins big at Zee Cine Awards 2016

i t was a double whammy for Deepika Padukone as both her movies Piku and Bajirao Mastani dominated the night

of Zee Cine Awards 2016.Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani

clinched top honours, including for Best Director and Best Actor for Ranveer Singh, while Deepika Padukone as well as Amitabh Bachchan grabbed the Best Actor trophy for Piku. Bajirao Mastani, which narrates a story about Maratha warrior Peshwa Bajirao I (Ranveer), Mastani (Deepika) and Kashibai (Priyanka Chopra), took home 11 trophies. And Deepika grabbed the Best Actress award for the film in the Viewers Choice’s section, taking the tally to 12.

The period drama won Best Film, Best Playback Singer—Female for Shreya Ghoshal (Mohe Rang Do Laal), Best Choreography for Ganesh Acharya (Malhari), Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Action, and Best Visual Effects among other honours. Ranveer shared the Best Actor trophy with Amitabh, who got the award for his performance in Piku. Shoojit Sircar’s heart-warming tale

of a relationship between a father and daughter through Piku swept technical awards. Ranveer accepted the Best

Actor—Female trophy on behalf of Deepika, who could not attend the award ceremony due to foreign shooting schedule of her Hollywood debut film xXx: The Return of Xander Cage. Piku also earned Best Story, Best Dialogues, and Best Screenplay awards, and they all went to Juhi Chaturvedi.

Neeraj Ghaywan’s Masaan also emerged as a top winner. The film bagged five trophies, including Best Debutant—Male for Vicky Kaushal, Best Debutant Director for Ghaywan, Best Supporting Actor—Female for Shweta Tripathi and Best Supporting Actor—Male for Sanjay Mishra.

A special award called the Stunt Person of the Year Award was introduced by Bollywood’s Khiladi Akshay Kumar, and it went to Amit Grover for his bike stunt in the movie Shamitabh. Superstar Salman Khan’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan won the Best Movie, Best Actor trophy in the Viewers Choice’s section.

Alia keen to work with Mani Ratnam

actress Alia Bhatt says she is keen to work with veteran director Mani Ratnam.

“My dad (Mahesh Bhatt) keeps pushing me to watch regional films. He had said that I should definitely do Bengali films. I’ve always wanted to work with Mani Ratnam, so maybe I’ll go down south and work with

Mani sir,” Alia said here when asked if she intended to try her hand at regional cinema.

Earlier media reports mentioned that Mani Ratnam’s O Kadhal Kanmani, a Tamil film was to have Alia in the lead opposite Dulquer Salman. Another report claimed that Ratnam wanted Alia and Varun Dhawan for the same film in Hindi, but when things didn’t work out, he made it in Tamil with Dulquer and Nithya Menen.

The Hindi remake of the film titled Ok Jaanu will now be produced by Karan Johar and will star Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur.

Noted art director worked free for 1982—A Love Marriage

Noted art director Chetan Pathak, who has worked with some of the best film-makers in the

country, worked free of cost for family comedy 1982—A Love Marriage, as he was impressed with its script, said lead actor Amitkumar Sharma.

“Pathak worked with immense perfection. Five years back, when we were working on a project, he had promised me

that he wouldn’t charge me any fees if I made my film. He really liked the script of 1982—A Love Marriage and even brought his entire creative team in a bus for my film.

“He was engrossed with the legendary Shyam Benegal’s project at that time, but still he somehow took out the time and raised the art direction on my film to a different level. And like he promised, he didn’t charge me a penny,” Amitkumar said.

The art director-production designer has also worked with film-makers such as Mani Ratnam, David Dhawan, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, and Mansoor Khan.

1982—A Love Marriage, directed by Prashant M. Gorey and produced by ShivKumar Sharma, also stars Omna Harjani. It releases on March 11.

Irrfan, Priyanka, Om Puri join The Jungle Book gang

indian stars Irrfan Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Nana Patekar, Shefali Shah and Om Puri will lend voice to

characters of Hollywood film The Jungle Book for its Hindi dubbed version.

Disney India has roped in the actors for the film, which stars Indian-American actor Neel Sethi as Mowgli, and will be releasing in India on April 8—a week ahead of its release in the US.

Priyanka, who has become popular abroad with American TV show Quantico and has landed a role in the Baywatch movie, will be infusing life to the soft and hypnotic voice of the python Kaa, voiced by Scarlett Johansson in the English version, read a statement from the studio. Irrfan, known for his versatile roles in Piku as well as on the foreign shores with films such as Life of Pi and The Amazing Spider-Man, will lend his voice to the friendly bear Baloo, which is dubbed by Bill Murray in the international version. Shefali, who is still riding high on the appreciation for the modern portrayal of a mother in Dil Dhadakne Do, will dub for Mowgli’s adoptive mother Raksha, the wolf for whom Lupita Nyong’o has lent her voice in the international version.

And veteran star Om Puri will lend his voice to Bagheera, the black panther, which is originally dubbed by legendary actor Ben

Kingsley. The studio has also approached Nana Patekar to once again lend his voice to Shere Khan, a character he had dubbed for back in the early 1990s in Doordarshan’s animated TV series the Jungle Book: The Adventures of Mowgli.

“The Jungle Book is so very special to India, and we want our audience to enjoy Disney’s all-new live-action adaptation.

“We wanted nothing but the best for the Hindi version of the film,” said Amrita Pandey, vice-president, Studios, Disney India.


Red Black Orange

27ENTERTAINMENT


Red Black Orange

28

Having a party? We would like to hear from you.

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Red Black Orange

29FEATURES

Auckland to New Delhifrom $1160 return*

* Selling Period from February 29th to March 31 2016


Red Black Orange

30 FEATURES

Meet the young chess whizEleven-year-old, energetic and competitive Kiwi-Indian Gurmehar Singh was awarded the Certificate of Merit in National Junior Chess Finals last year, after securing the 12th position among 63 participants from across the country. The remarkable achievement at such a young age makes him stand out of the crowd. Born in New Zealand, Gurmehar says that he is lucky to have supportive parents who dote on him but have not spoilt him in any way. Indian Weekender caught up with the little genius to find out more about him.SWatI Sharma

iWk: how and when did you develop an interest in chess?

Gurmehar singh: My dad used to play chess with his uncle when he was a teenager.

He introduced the game to me when I was seven years old. He taught me all of the basic moves and some good techniques.

I also enjoyed the game and from then on, we started playing frequently.

iWk: Who is your idol?

Gs: My idol is Magnus Carlsen. He is a world-renowned chess grandmaster.

When he was 12 years old, he challenged a master, dominated him and won the game.

Since then, he became famous and lots of people were impressed by his rare talent. I aspire to be like him.

iWk: Tell us about your achievements so far.

Gs: On October 4, 2015, I was chosen to represent my school, Point View, in the National Junior Chess Finals. Our team was ranked fourth overall out of 12 teams, and I received a merit certificate. We were also placed third in two of the inter-school competitions. I have received many awards for my academic achievements too.

iWk: how do you manage your time between studies and your passion?

Gs: I have set a timetable for all of the days of the week, which I religiously follow. I devote most of my time to studies and then I do my daily fitness exercises.

Then I devote about three hours a week practising chess moves. I also do gaming for half an hour every

a l t e r n a t e day. The time management method I use is quite efficient and helpful.

iWk: What are your hobbies other than playing chess?

Gs: I have an interest in soccer, cricket and basketball. When I was

seven years old, our team stood first in Fencibles for soccer. I was also chosen the most improved player in Fencibles when I was eight years old. Two years ago, our cricket team, Firebirds, stood third in our division in Howick Pakuranga Cricket Club.

Recently, I have developed an interest in basketball and intend to pursue it. I will probably join a club. I am also a green belt, blue stripe in Tae-Kwon-Do.

I enjoy playing video games and reading books. Books help me to extend my knowledge about the various subjects.

iWk: What is your ambition?

Gs: When I grow up, I want to become a doctor. I am engrossed in Biology and Science.

I have always had a passion for Biology and I love helping people. I think these are the essential qualities of being a doctor.

Apart from being a doctor, I want to be a chess master and encourage other young children to take this genius game as a passion.

“Recently, I have developed an interest in basketball and intend to pursue it. I will probably join a club. I am also a green belt, blue stripe in Tae-Kwon-Do.

Auckland Arts FestivalDate: Wednesday March 2 to Sunday March 20, 2016 Venue: Various Locations within Auckland CityFor the first time since the ‘70s our city is hosting an annual international arts festival! Bringing theatre, music, cabaret, dance, circus and visual arts from all over the world and right here in NZ, next year’s Auckland Arts Festival creates 19-days of moments to make life in Auckland even sweeter for us all.

‘Purusha and Prakriti’-Odissi Dance RecitalDate: Saturday March 19, 2016Time: 7.30 p.m. onwardsVenue: Raye Freedman Arts Center, on Silver Road, Newmarket, AucklandAn evening set to transport you to another world – ‘Purusha and Prakriti’ is an Odissi Dance Recital by Sam Goraya. Sam Goraya is an established Australia based performing artist who works closely with his partner Zlatko Varenina to help and support under privileged children of the world. The purpose of

this performance is to raise funds for the under privileged Odissi dancers in Odisha, India. The net profit generated through this performance will be used to purchase food for these Odissi dancers and to bring out one of these Odissi dancers to perform in New Zealand and Australia in 2017. Ticket costs $22 and can be bought from www.samgoraya.com

CAB Workshops :

CAB New Lynn on Starting a Business in New ZealandDate: Saturday, 12 March 2016Time: 10 am to 1 pmVenue: Level1, 3091 Great North Road, New LynnAre you a newcomer to New Zealand? Do you have business idea that you would like to develop? Do you want to learn more about what is required to start a business in New Zealand and where to go for support? CAB New Lynn will hold a free information session for newcomers on Starting a Business in New Zealand.

Experts from WEST Means will help those who are interested in developing business ideas. To register please drop in, call or email at Citizens Advice Bureau New Lynn, Library Building, 3 Memorial Drive, New Lynn. Phone 827 7830 or 827 4731, Email [email protected]

CAB Manurewa on Safer CommunitiesDate: Saturday, March 12, 2016Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Venue: Manurewa Library Conference Room, 7 Hill Road, ManurewaCAB Manurewa will hold a free information session for newcomers on Safer Communities. Please come and join to find about: living in a safe community, neighbourhood policing team, neighbourhood support and “not sure” ask us! Presentations by the experts from Neighbourhood Policing Team, Neighbourhood Support Coordinator and Citizens Advice Bureau Manurewa. For more information please call at Patricia Pera at 0211222014 or Armmajit Kaur at 0211421855 or Email at [email protected]

Pasifika Festival 2016Date: Saturday and Sunday, March 12-13, 2016.Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Venue: Western SpringsPack a picnic rug, slide on your jandals and step into the relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere that can only be Pasifika! The 11 authentic Pacific Island villages have their own performance stage and market setting, each with a distinctly unique vibe.

Gurmehar Singh


Red Black Orange

31FEATURES

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Indian Weekender 11 March 2016