Indian Newslink Dec 1, 2016 Digital Edition

HOMELINK 

Awards 

recognise 

challenges and 

successes 

BUSINESS AWARDS 2016 

Indian Newslink Indian 

Business Awards Special 2016 

PAGE 02 PAGES 09 - 26 

COMMUNITYLINK 

Salil Bhatt to get 

talented company 

in Auckland 

PAGE 27 

The English Fortnightly (Since November 1999) 

Issue 359 | December 1, 2016 | Free 

HOMELINK 

PAGE 

The human spirit 

challenges time 

and distance 

04 

phone 

09 533 6377 

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Our Anniversary 

Special 

Jacob Mannothra, John Key, Andrew Little; Andrew Little, Phil Goff, Sanjiv Kohli, Gautam Lewis, Doug McKay; Ratna Venkat becomes ‘Kuchipudi Princess’; ‘No debate on this food!’ 

Logistics Company sweeps Business Awards 

Indra Sirigiri is all smiles as John Key has a word with the winner of the Supreme Business of the Year Award, watched 

on either side by Manasa Sirigiri and Doug McKay (Pictures by Narendra and Sai Bedekar) 

Venkat Raman 

venkat@indiannewslink.co.nz 

Auckland based 

Logistics 

Company Link 2 

Group took major 

honours at the Ninth 

Annual Indian Newslink 

Indian Business Awards 

Ceremony held at Sky 

City Convention Centre in 

Auckland City on Monday, 

November 28, 2016. 

More than 1100 people 

attended the Black-Tie 

dinner which included 

speeches and live 

entertainment that included 

dances by Ratna 

Venkat, singing by Ashish 

Ramakrishnan and the 

SAME DAY CREDIT 

TOANY INDIAN BANKACCOUNT 

*Conditions Apply 

HEAD OFFICE AND BRANCH: 

632 Dominion Road 

MANUREWA: 

19/185 Great South Road 

‘Gurus of Groove’ band (A 

separate Report appears 

on Page 4). 

Among the Guests 

of Honour were New 

Zealand Prime Minister 

John Key, Leader of the 

Opposition Andrew Little, 

Ministers Judith Collins 

(Police & Corrections), 

Peseta Sam Lotu-liga 

(Ethnic Communities), 

Paul Goldsmith 

(Commerce and Consumer 

Affairs), Auckland Mayor 

Phil Goff, India’s High 

Commissioner to New 

Zealand Sanjiv Kohli and 

Gautam Lewis, Chief 

Executive, Freedom in 

the Air, London, (United 

Kingdom). Mr Key spoke 

AUCKLAND CBD: 

32, Queen Street 

PAPATOETOE: 

302, Great South Road 

of the growing relationship 

between New 

Zealand and India and 

the contributions of the 

Indian community, while 

Mr Lewis recalled the 

love and care that Mother 

Saint Teresa bestowed 

on him as an abandoned 

child and how she influenced 

his life and career. 

Mr Lewis was the Guest 

Speaker at the Sixth 

Annual Mother Teresa 

Interfaith Meeting held 

on Sunday, November 

27 at the St Paul’s College 

Chapel in Ponsonby, 

Auckland. 

Kuchipudi Princess 

RAMS Foundation 

Trustees Ragavan 

AVONDALE : 

195, New Windsor Road 

WELLINGTON: 

233-237 Lambton Quay 

Rengachariar and his wife 

Alamelu conferred the Title 

of ‘Kuchipudi Princess’ on 

Ratna Venkat for her contributions, 

innovative interpretations 

and presentation 

of the great South Indian 

traditional dance form of 

Kuchipudi. 

Prime Minister John Key 

presented the Title and 

Citation to the artiste. 

Awards Galore 

The Link 2 Group won the 

Supreme Business, Business 

Excellence in Customer 

Service and Best Employer 

of Choice Awards, while 

its Chief Executive Rahul 

Sirigiri won the Best Young 

Entrepreneur of the Year 

Award. 

Mr Key and BNZ Chairman 

Doug McKay presented the 

Supreme Business of the Year 

Award to Link 2 Group Indra 

Sirigiri. The Judges had noted 

that the company, which 

began with two employees 

in Year 2000 today employs 

more than 200 people, serving 

a growing number of 

multinational and national 

companies in New Zealand. 

Police and Corrections 

Minister Judith Collins presented 

the Best Employer of 

Choice Award, a new category 

introduced this year to 

Mr Indra, along with Sneha 

Qualityadviceisassured through 

ateam of Licensed Immigration Adviser /Ex-Immigration Officer. 

We provide tailor-made solutions to individual 

migrant and their families seeking to study,work, 

invest,dobusiness and livein 

NewZealand permanently 

Antony and Wenceslaus 

Anthony, representing sponsors 

SRF Limited of New 

Delhi and WAML Limited 

based in Auckland. 

Apart from receiving the 

Best Young Entrepreneur of 

the Year Award from Mr Key 

and Relianz Travel Managing 

Director (Sponsor of the 

Category) V Giridharan, 

Rahul Sirigiri also received 

the Business Excellence in 

Customer Service Award presented 

by Mercury Printz 

Managing Director Ilango 

Krishnamoorthy, Leader of 

the Opposition and Auckland 

Mayor Phil Goff 

Following is the full list of winners: 

Business Excellence in Retail Trade: Hunua General Stores 

Business Excellence in Customer Service: Link 2 Group 

Business Excellence in Innovation: The Rainbow Corner Early Learning Centre 

Business Excellence in Marketing: Global Imports & Exports Limited 

Best Small Business: Starlight Fabrics 

Best Medium-Sized Business: The Rainbow Corner Early Learning Centre 

Best Large Business: Discoveries Educare 

Best Employer of Choice: Link 2 Group 

Business Excellence in International Trade with India: Global Imports & Exports Limited 

Best Financial Advisor (Mortgage) of the Year: Ajay Kumar (Global Finance) 

Best Financial Advisor (Insurance) of the Year: Ajay Kumar (Global Finance) 

Best Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Rahul Sirigiri (Link 2 Group) 

Best Businesswoman of the Year: Ashima Singh (Legal Associates Limited) 

Supreme Business of the Year: Link 2 Group 

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02 

Homelink 

DECEMBER 1, 2016 

Awards recognise challenges and successes 

Apurva Shukla 

The Ninth Annual 


Business Awards 

(INLIBA) Ceremony was 

held on November 28, 2016 at 

Sky City Convention Centre in 

Auckland. 

More than 1100 people attended 

the event held to acknowledge 

the best and brightest of 

businesses and businesspersons 

of Indian origin in New Zealand. 

INLIBA 2016 was the continuation 

of a journey that began 

in 2008, striving to be a credible 

and transparent endeavour in 

honouring excellence. 

The methodical exercise gives 

entrants and sponsors confidence 

of association. 

Commencing at 5 pm with 

cocktails and an exhibition of 

sponsors, the event provided in 

the first instance an opportunity 

for the guests to meet and 

mingle. 

Many renewed and made new 

contacts, found synergies and 

benefits of association. 

The main programme started 

at 610 pm with Celebrity 

Speaker and Entertainer 

Jackie Clarke as the Master of 

KANWALJIT 

SINGH BAKSHI, 

NATIONAL LIST 

MP BASED IN 

MANUKAU EAST 

Jackie Clarke, our Master of Ceremonies 

Ceremonies, who returned to 

our Awards Programme on popular 

demand. 

Envious growth 

INLIBA 2016 awarded winners 

across 13 business categories, 

the winners of which 

automatically entered the 

Supreme Business Award 

category. 

The Award Programme covers 

a wide range of business 

sectors allowing almost all businesses 

of Indian origin to file 

their entries. 

One in three New Zealand 

workers are employed in a 

small business, and together 

they contribute a third of 

New Zealand’s Gross Domestic 

Product. 

This is where the world famous 

Kiwi attribute of ingenuity 

and hard work take shape. 

Many of today’s medium and 

large scale companies began 

small and through passion and 

Jackie Clarke with ‘Entertainer’ John Key 

Andrew Little performs a dance number with Jackie Clarke 

dedication towards their work 

have made it big in the commercial 

world. Starlight Fabrics 

won the ‘Best Small Business’ of 

the year award. 

Customer Service 

Hunua General Stores won 

for the second year in succession 

the ‘Business Excellence in 

Retail Award’ category. 

New Zealand businesses rely 

heavily on good customer service 

for growth and expansion. 

Link 2 Group won the Business 

Excellence in Customer Service 

Award. 

The adage, ‘A happy customer 

is a repeat customer’ continues 

to be the norm. A good marketing 

campaign is imperative for 

a business to get its message out 

to the market. There should be 

awareness, curiosity and excitement 

generated to make 

any product successful. The 

past few years have seen digital 

marketing through social media 

evolve as an important tool in a 

company’s efforts to be visible. 

Global Imports & Exports 

Limited won the ‘Business 

Excellence in Marketing’ 

Category and were praised 

by the panel of judges for 

their innovative and engaging 

campaigns. 

Judith Collins, Irvinder Kaur Bakshi, Maneet Kaur Bakshi and 

Desre Simpson 

Guests of Lawrence and Erica Pereira of Oporto New Zealand 

Young Entrepreneur 

INLIBA 2016 also recognised 

talented and successful youngsters 

in the business community. 

Rahul Sirigiri from Link 2 Group 

was declared the winner. This 

was his second such Award after 

INLIBA 2013. 

New Zealand was the first 

country in the world to accord 

Woman suffrage in 1893. It is 

only befitting that our Awards 

Programme recognised the outstanding 

contribution that women 

make in running successful 

businesses. 

Ashima Singh from Legal 

Associates Barristers and 

Solicitors was the winner. 

Supreme Business 

The biggest honour of the 

evening was Supreme Business 

of the Year Award, which was 

won by Link 2 Group. 

Their success typified the migrant 

success story in New 

Zealand. 

Company Chairman Indra 

Sirigiri said, “I arrived in New 

Zealand in Year 2000 with 

just US$1600. I was one of the 

two-member staff but never imagined 

that it would grow to engage 

more than 200 people,” he 

said. 

Sponsors’ patronage 

Our sponsors formed the 

heart of the project, fostering a 

mutually rewarding relationship. 

We believe that association 

with INLIBA has accrued a twoway 

benefit, helping all of us to 

reach out to the community. 

The cordiality and goodwill 

promoted over the past nine 

years will extend to a new era of 

partnership with growing mutual 

respect, which in itself is an 

‘Award for Best Partnership for 

Business Progress.’ 

As we congratulate the finalists 

and winners in each category 

and the winner of the 

Supreme Business Award, 

we wish to reiterate our commitment 

for excellence in 

everything that we do. 

We look forward to another 

Gala Black Tie Dinner and 

Awards Presentation ceremony 

at Sky City Convention Centre 

on November 27, 2017, to celebrate 

the success of the participants 

in INLIBA 2017 and 

another Special Awards Issue to 

inform you with special reports 

and pictures. 

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Homelink 

Divinity adds sparkle to our Business Awards Ceremony 

Venkat Raman 


The Ninth Annual Indian Newslink 

Indian Business Awards Ceremony 

held on Monday, November 28, 

2016 at Sky City Convention Centre 

in Auckland City was unique in many respects, 

among the foremost of which was 

the presence of a number of important 

people from overseas. 

Foremost among them was Acharya 

Guru Karma Tanpai Gyaltshen Rinpoche, 

a Tibetan Monk, who had travelled specially 

for the event, upon the suggestion 

of international photographer and Indian 

Newslink Columnist Ashok Kochhar (who 

lives in Hamilton) and his Delhi based son 

Praveer. 

Himalayan Monk 

Soon after his arrival, the Acharya took 

the role of a host, meeting and greeting 

people. He was the first to welcome Prime 

Minister John Key at the Convention 

Centre and honour him with a silk shawl 

with distinct hallmarks of Buddhism. 

“I congratulate you on your achievement 

of peace, prosperity and equality of 

extraordinary New Zealand. I am pleased 

to be here and attend this glittering ceremony 

to recognise and reward Indian 

businesses,” he told Mr Key. 

Born at the Holy Mountain Kailash, 

Guru Tanpai completed his education in 

India, he joined the traditional three-year, 

three-month retreat for intensive meditation 

practice of enlightenment and an 

additional one-year retreat practising 

Hevajra and Kalachakra. This was under 

the supreme guidance of His Holiness the 

16th Gyalwa Karmapa and His Eminence 

Bokar Rinpoche as retreat Master with 16 

outstanding students in the retreat center 

situated above Rumtek monastery, in 

Sikkim, India. 

Then he became an authentic Master of 

Meditation and Enlightenment. 

We will carry another report on Guru 

Tanpai in our next issue. 

Guests of Honour 

Rennu Paatil, a business and education 

consultant based in Mumbai, Craig Tozler, 

Chief Executive and Main Franchisee of 

Oporto Limited based in Australia and 

a few other businesspersons from other 

parts of India were present at the event. 

Among the Guests of Honour were 

Prime Minister John Key, Leader of 

the Opposition Andrew Little, Police & 

Corrections Minister Judith Collins, Ethnic 

Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotuliga, 

Commerce and Communications 

Minister Paul Goldsmith Auckland Mayor 

Phil Goff, India’s High Commissioner to 

New Delhi Sanjiv Kohli, Freedom in Air, 

London (UK) Chief Executive Gautam 

Lewis, Green Party Co-Leader James 

Shaw, ACT Party Leader David Seymour, 

BNZ Chairman Dough McKay, BNZ 

Managing Director & Chief Executive 

Anthony Healy, 2degrees Mobile Limited 

Chief Executive Stewart Sherriff and former 

Reserve Bank of New Zealand Dr Don 

Brash. 

Several Members of Parliament representing 

various political parties were also 

present along with about 1100 corporate 

leaders, professionals and others. 

They were seen networking, exchanging 

information and ideas and looking forward 

to business deals, which was one 

of the primary objectives of the ceremony, 

apart from recognising and rewarding 

success. 

John Key with Acharya Guru Karma Tanpai Gyaltshen Rinpoche (Picture by Narendra Bedekar) 

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04 

Homelink 


The human spirit challenges 

time and distance 

Venkat Raman 


Gautam Lewis speaking at the Awards Night 

It is often said that the finest 

moments in one’s life comes 

not from richness of material 

wealth but from a true sense of 

achievement that accrues following 

the recognition by people. 

On that step, there were several 

significant moments at the Ninth 

Annual Indian Newslink Indian 

Business Awards held on Monday, 

November 28, 2016 at Sky City 

Convention Centre. 

Business Achievers 

The most significant of these belonged 

to the winners of the 13 categories 

and the Supreme Business 

of the Year Awards. To them, it was 

a moment of commandment of 

their hard work and sincerity with 

the support and cooperation of 

staff, suppliers and others. And to 

the finalists in each of the categories, 

to reinforce their determination 

to strive harder at next year’s 

Awards. 

Spreading Wings 

The highlight of the evening was 

the speech by Gautam Lewis, Chief 

Executive, Freedom in the Air, a 

London (United Kingdom) based 

company that trains physically disabled 

people to become commanders 

of aircraft. 

Mr Lewis, a polio survivor 

was abandoned on the streets of 

Kolkata (then Calcutta) by his parents, 

to be sheltered by Mother 

Teresa and her charities. The little 

boy received care, love and 

affection. 

He was adopted by Samaritan 

Patricia Lewis, who brought the 

child to New Zealand and took him 

back home a few years later. 

That little boy is today a source 

of inspiration, allowing people to 

reach heights of fame and achievement, 

overcoming their own physical 

challenges. 

His speech at the Awards Night 

was one of the best heard. 

We reproduce his speech in our 

Awards Special in this issue. 

A Step-in Time 

Surprise was the expression that 

Ratna Venkat, Indian Newslink 

‘Artlink’ Editor and popular dancer, 

displayed when Master of Ceremonies 

Jackie Clarke said, “Stay right there, Ratna, 

there is something special for you.” Then invited 

Ragavan and Alamelu Rengachariar, 

Trustees of the RAMS Foundation to confer 

the Title of ‘Kuchipudi Princess.’ 

A moment later, Mr Key was invited to the 

stage to bestow the honour on Ratna and 

present her a Citation. 

Ms Rengachariar presented a silk shawl to 

Ratna as a part of traditional honour. 

That moment of pride and honour came 

after Ratna performed two dance numbers, 

both unique in their respect, content and 

form. 

Infusion of Māori 

The first dance, an auspicious number, 

began with a traditional Māori prayer, 

followed by an invocation to the Hindu 

Elephant-headed Lord Ganesha. This included 

an infusion of Māori elements in her choreography, 

which drew wide appreciation 

and applause. For an appreciative onlooker, 

the dance item, with the powerful and melodious 

voice of Ashish Ramakrishnan and 

vivacious instrumental support by the live 

band ‘Gurus of Groove,’ was a fitting tribute 

to Māori culture and traditions. 

The second dance, known as ‘Tarana’ 

demonstrated the synergy and coordination 

between the dancer, singer and the live 

band. A unique feature in this performance 

was the dancer’s ability to ‘scat’ (reciting 

rhythmic syllables) and dance at the same 

time. 

Ratna Venkat presents the ‘Tarana’ in Kathak style 

Ratna Venkat and Ashish Ramakrishnan- Māori elements in Hindu Prayer


SMEs get a shot-in-the arm 

Staff Reporter 

info@indiannewslink.co.nz 

05 

Small Business 

Minister Craig Foss 

earned the attention 

and interest of 

the business community in 

Manukau City last fortnight 

but the longevity of that status 

would depend on how 

well the government lives 

up to its promise. 

Attending a meeting organised 

by National MP 

Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi at 

the Vodafone Events Centre 

on November 24, 2016, he 

outlined the measures taken 

by his government to 

address the problems and 

challenges faced by Small 

and Medium Enterprises 

(SMEs) in New Zealand. 

Speaking under the 

theme, ‘Taking Care of 

Business,’ he said that SMEs 

should engage with government 

organisations 

such as ACC, IRD, Statistics 

New Zealand, WorkSafe, 

Employment New Zealand, 

ATEED and MBIE to derive 

the benefit of their experience, 

expertise and advise. 

“These agencies will provide 

support and information 

that can help you run 

your businesses successfully,” 

he said. 

Officials from the aforementioned 

agencies explained 

their role. 

Craig Foss and Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi with some of the attendees 

Important Sectors 

SMEs are the backbone of 

New Zealand’s economy but 

cash flow and marketing are 

their greatest challenges. 

Experts say that small enterprises 

grossly under-leverage 

their assets. They 

often have excess capacity 

in both plant and labour 

and cannot consistently 

meet their customers’ delivery 

expectations. They accept 

orders or assignments 

which they are not capable 

of fulfilling. 

Revisiting policies 

Such anomalies can be removed 

if the government 

reviews its policies and programmes 

affecting the small 

businesses and provide additional 

incentives, tax 

holidays and/or lower levels 

of taxation and export 

assistance. 

There is also a need to 

obtain a regular feedback 

from such enterprises on 

their performance, constraints 

and problems, to 

realign polices and strategies 

for their continued 

progress. 

As mentioned, the incentives 

proposed for the small 

business sector are good but 

does not address all its concerns. 

Entrepreneurs today 

must confront a series 

of challenges- rising competition, 

fear of domination 

by multinationals, adverse 

impact of globalisation, increasing 

overheads, tariffs 

on exports and higher incidence 

of taxation and in 

some cases, double taxation. 

Currency fluctuations are 

yet another factor that could 

swing their fortunes and the 

impact of the firming dollar 

on our exporters can be addressed 

only through timely 

lowering of interest rates. 

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06 

Electionlink-Mt Roskill By Election 

Goff’s baton ready for the largest poll-gatherer 

Michael Wood 

As Mt Roskill voters head 

to the polls this coming 

weekend, I want to 

thank all residents who 

have taken the time to engage in 

the by-election campaign. 

We are fortunate to live in a 

democratic country in which 

people can freely choose their 

political leaders, and during the 

campaign I have enjoyed meeting 

thousands of Mt Roskill voters 

who have told me about 

their concerns, their hopes, 

and their love for our local 

community. 

Since 1981, we have been ably 

served by Phil Goff. 

There are few MPs in New 

Zealand who have been as 

loved and respected by their local 

community and I’m proud to 

have his personal support. 

While I am a different person, 

I commit to being accessible and 

approachable in the community 

in the same way as Phil has been 

for so many years. 

Phil was also an effective MP 

because he consistently spoke 

on the issues that matter to people 

in the community. In this 

by-election, residents have been 

extremely clear about the issues 

that they expect action on the 

following. 

Spiralling house prices 

The housing crisis is a snowballing 

social and economic 

disaster. 

Michael Wood speaks loud for Mt Roskill 

Michael Wood at a retail shop in Mt Roskill 

I am one of the lucky ones who 

bought a first home back in 2002 

when a young couple could buy 

a basic home in Roskill South for 

under $300,000. Now the average 

house price in Mt Roskill is $1 

million! This is locking a whole 

generation of young people out 

of the dream of home ownership. 

Rising rents affect many others, 

and the downstream effect are 

families living in garages, cars, 

and the floors of relatives. 

I see it every day while 

door-knocking around the 

electorate. 

Michael Wood with Priyanca Radhakrishnan at Highland Games 

It is wrong and Labour will 

act by rolling up our sleeves and 

building 10,000 affordable houses 

per year, and cracking down 

on speculation. 

Rising crime 

It’s no surprise that the Indian 

community has highlighted rising 

crime as a major issue. New 

police data hot off the press 

shows that in the 12 months to 

October 2016, 36% of robbery 

victims in Auckland with an 

identified ethnicity were Indian, 

an increase of 16% on 2015. 

This increase in crime is unacceptable 

and we must take urgent 

action to ensure that people 

feel safe in their homes, on the 

streets, and in their businesses. 

Police resources have been 

run down under the National 

government. 

With police numbers not 

keeping up with Auckland’s 

population growth, it is not surprising 

that 95% of burglaries go 

unsolved. 

I am campaigning in support 

of Labour’s policy of 1000 new 

frontline police officers to deter 

and solve crime. 

Locally, I will also push to reopen 

the Mt Roskill police station 

to the public, so that we can restore 

the link between the community 

and our hard-working 

local police. 

Transport network 

Everyone in Auckland knows 

that we need major action and 

investment to fix our transport 

problems. Today’s transport 

mess is a result of past governments 

lacking the vision and 

leadership to invest in high quality 

public transport infrastructure. 

Here in Roskill our major 

arterial roads are constantly 

choked, and while many of us 

use the bus system (I am a regular 

on the 267 and 277 routes), 

these services are bursting at the 

seams. 

That is why I am championing 

a plan for modern light rail 


down Dominion Road. 

We can make small improvements 

in the short term, but we 

need long term vision and investment 

if we truly want to create a 

community that is easy to move 

around. Modern light rail will 

transform our town centres into 

thriving hubs, and move thousands 

of people quickly, reliably, 

and cleanly. It will take time to 

implement, but I intend to see it 

through. 

Good campaign 

I have enjoyed the Mt Roskill 

campaign and the opportunity to 

meet so many people in our wonderful 

community. We have run 

an old-fashioned campaign focussed 

on meeting as many people 

‘face to face’ as possible, and 

just like Phil Goff I will be campaigning 

until the last possible 

moment. Despite frequent personal 

attacks made by my opponent, 

we have continued to run 

a positive campaign focussed on 

the issues and forward looking 

policies. 

Over the past six years, I have 

served on the Puketapapa Local 

Board, upgrading many local 

parks and reserves, and really 

getting to know our Mt Roskill 

community. 

Now I am ready to pick up the 

baton from Phil Goff and serve as 

your new Member of Parliament 

for Mt Roskill. 

If you do me the honour 

of electing me on Saturday 

December 3, I will work every 

single day to repay that trust. 

Michael 

Wood 

for Mt Roskill 

Your only major local 

candidate 

Take action on crime and 

re-open Mt Roskill police 

station to the public 

Take action on housing, 

transport and revitalising 

our town centres 

Vote for a strong voice for 

Roskill on December 3. 

022 659 6360 

michael.wood@labour.org.nz 

/MWoodNZ 

@michaelwoodnz 

Authorised by Andrew Kirton, 160 Willis St, Wellington. 

Michael Wood (centre) with Phil Goff (left) 

and Priyanca Radhakrishnan (right) 

NWSLNK_advert_190x260.indd 1 

10/11/16 5:00 PM


VOTE 

ROSHAN NAUHRIA 

Electionlink-Mt Roskill By Election 

Winds of change can blow prosperity in Mt Roskill 

Roshan Nauhria 

As the first New Zealand 

political party dedicated 

to immigrants, our 

mandate is equality for 

all New Zealanders. 

But this cannot be achieved 

when our current justice system 

is failing us. 

Our community and many 

people around our country do 

not feel safe. 

With minimal sentencing and 

increasing numbers of repeat 

offenders crime rates continue 

to climb. 

The most pressing issue facing 

our people is law and order 

and as such our Party’s constitution 

is strongly focused on 

crime. 

New Guidelines 

Our Law and Order Policy is 

the top priority leading with 

our Three-to-Five Year plan 

which includes creating a system 

where criminals are scared 

to commit a crime. 

The approach to criminality 

needs to be viewed on a 

long-term basis with a strong 

emphasis on rehabilitation culminating 

with assistance back 

into the workforce. 

The current Parole Board 

process is not working. 

Criminals are being sentenced 

for six months, getting out after 

two months, then reoffending. 

This must change - we need 

new guidelines. With 11,000 

more burglaries occurring under 

this government, we need to 

get tougher. 

New Zealanders need to feel 

safe in their own homes. 

We are working towards safer 

communities, job growth and 

decreased crime rates. 

Salary pledged 

If I win, my salary would be 

$171,137 and I will use all of this 

to provide food for school children 

in the Mt Roskill electorate. 

So far, campaigning in this 

by-election has focused on the 

big issues like transport and 

law and order - changes in 

these areas take time, but this 

is one change I can bring about 

immediately. 

Pledging my salary does not 

require any political power. 

It is a simple thing to do and 

it will make sure no child in Mt 

Roskill goes without lunch. 

While many schools are providing 

food already, there are 

gaps and I plan to work with local 

bakeries to provide healthy 

sandwiches and fresh fruit. 

Feeding the hungry 

I have also found that schools 

struggle to find people who can 

run the food programmes. 

Fonterra and Sanitarium provide 

food to the schools but 

someone has to organise for it 

to be distributed to the students. 

Money from my salary can be 

used to pay for staff. 

The way I look at this is that 

as an MP, my salary would be 

paid by the people of Mt Roskill. 

It is only fair they should directly 

benefit from it. 

My vowed is to end hunger in 

Mt Roskill schools. I will personally 

support any financial shortfall 

as well as enlist the help of 

others to achieve this end. 

Housing matters 

The most important aspect of 

housing in Mt Roskill is to ensure 

that the people who live in 

their houses are safe. 

Moving on to housing affordability 

I believe that this issue 

needs immediate action. 

The only way to insure affordability 

is to concentrate on 

supply. 

Affordable housing needs to 

be built to a high level of quality 

and in large numbers. 

They should be built in available 

pockets of land near key infrastructure 

such as highways 

and rail. 

07 

There are several options 

to make this happen in South 

Auckland and this needs to 

be fast tracked by Auckland 

Council and supported by 

Central Government. 

Only once we can meet the 

demand will we see a slow in 

house prices in Mt Roskill and 

other areas. 

Moving Transport 

There needs to be comprehensive 

work between the 

Auckland Council and central 

government on this issue. Any 

proactive work to find solutions 

is something I will support. 

More buses to link to the 

Onehunga train station and to 

the central city to move the people 

of Mt Roskill to where they 

need to be is a short-term solution 

but long term, I would like 

the public to be aware of all 

options. 

Roshan Nauhria is the Leader 

of the newly formed New 

Zealand People’s Party and 

its candidate in the Mt Roskill 

by-election due to be held on 

Saturday, December 3, 2016. 

He has lived in Mt Roskill 

for more than 33 years and 

understands its people and 

their needs. He has also been 

involved in a number of community 

welfare and philanthropic 

activities for more 

than 25 years. 

P Vote for better law & order 

P Vote for the end of hunger 

in Mt Roskill schools 

P Vote for action, not words 

DECEMBER 3RD

08 

Educationlink 


Affordable Ethnic clothing 

getting stitched 

Olivia Chitty 

Young fashion designer 

Olivia Chitty has developed 

a garment design 

system that could 

offer people affordable ethical 

clothing options by creating 

new looks from existing 

clothes. 

She developed her Design 

for Disassembly system for 

her fourth-year project for 

Massey University’s Bachelor 

of Design (fashion) degree. 

The following is her account: 

It is a design process that provides 

flexibility while deconstructing, 

up-cycling, or making 

alterations to garments. 

Major pollutant 

The fashion industry is the 

second most polluting industry 

worldwide, billions of tonnes 

of textile waste are sent to the 

landfill each year but almost 

100% of this could have been reused 

or recycled. 

However, most garments 

are not designed to be remade. 

The way they are constructed 

makes it very difficult and time 

consuming to take apart and 

recycle. 

My business concept involves 

designing a primary garment 

in such a way that it can be returned 

to the manufacturer and 

professionally recreated into another 

look. 

It can then be sold back to the 

original customer, or as a secondary 

piece to another buyer. 

I would like the garments to be 

made from quality sustainable 

fabrics such as hemp, wool, silk 

and lotus flower fabric. 

I had to make sure my original 

garments had bigger surface 

areas with less panel lines 

and seams. All my design details 

and fastenings are carefully applied 

to the garment so that they 

can easily be separated from the 

fabric during deconstruction. 

Chain Stitch Machine 

I diverted from the traditional 

methods of clothing construction 

and developed my own 

system using the chain stitch 

machine, which creates a durable 

stitch, yet can be unravelled 

Olivia Chitty (extreme right) with (from left) Hannah Mora, Sophia Balfoort, Jaguar Ewart and Konan Snow 

Picture Courtesy: Massey News 

very easily, saving a lot of deconstruction 

time. 

I surveyed people about their 

views on ethical fashion before 

developing my design concept. 

Most people said that they 

would like to know where their 

clothes come from and would 

like them to come via ethical 

production. 

My idea is that the swing tags 

on the garments would say 

whether the clothes are primary 

or secondary pieces and people 

could track the history of the 

garment. 

I hope this allows like-minded 

people to connect and create 

a bit of an online community, 

while adding value to the garments 

and experience. 

This is a concept for people 

who care about the environment 

and the impacts of fast 

fashion. I would like to buy ethical 

clothing but cannot afford it. 

By maximising material use 

and reducing waste, Design for 

Disassembly should make it 

more affordable and accessible 

for people who want to shop 

ethically. 

Editor’s Note: Olivia Chitty 

graduated recently from 

Massey University College of 

Creative Arts. She plans to 

return to Auckland to look for 

work. She would like to develop 

her idea into a sustainable 

business aimed at reducing 

the amount of fast fashion 

thrown away for the next new 

look 

Wishing youand 

your families aMerry 

Christmas and a 

HappyNew Year. 

JennySALESA 

MP for Manukau East 

jenny.salesa@parliament.govt.nz 

ElectorateOffice 

7Fulton Cres, Otara 

09 274 9231 

Authorised byJenny Salesa 

Parliament Buildings, Wellington 

space 

designers ltd 

architectural designer. 

64 edgewater drive, pakuranga, auckland 2010. 

Contact: 09 5772171 /021 687162 

Email: info@sdlimited.co.nz 

Website: www.spacedesignersltd.co.nz 

our strengths 

member of ADNZ -recognised professional body 

well equipped &established with good reputation 

overall personal service 

technical competency &professional experience. 

Getyour Puja/s conducted 

(in your name and birth star) by the 

priest at thetemples of your choicein 

India and have thePrasadfromthe 

temple/s addressed to you, 

delivered to your door. 

e-puja.co.nz 

Please visit e-puja.co.nz to bookand 

choose from over 3600 temples in India 

(1000 +yearsold)and varietyofPujas 

that appeals to youand your family. 

1043 -Salesa Xmas ad 80x100.indd 1 07/12/15 16:41 

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MKT120_09_03_INL


Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards Special 2016 

09 

In gratitude, we bow 

Sponsors and Judges of the Indian 

Newslink Indian Business Awards 2016 

have hailed the Awards Night held at the 

Sky City Convention Centre on Monday, 

November 28, 2016 as one of the most successful 

events that they have attended in recent 

years. 

We were overwhelmed by similar accolades 

received from guests and entrants who attended 

the Awards Night. 

The Management and Staff of Indian 

Newslink would like to express their gratitude 

to Sponsors, Judges, entrants and all the 

John Key speaking at the Awards Ceremony 

well-wishers for their patronage and encouragement 

extended throughout the 

year. 

We were honoured by the involvement 

and support extended by our Sponsors, 

who represent a broad spectrum of businesses 

in the country. As we express a special 

word of gratitude to them, we look 

forward to their continued support in making 

our Awards more meaningful and 

useful. 

Phil Goff, Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Michael Wood, Jacinda Arden and Andrew Little at the Awards Ceremony 

FAMILY VISITING SOON? 

Please tell family from India 

who are visiting New Zealand 

to declare any gifts of food 

or ingredients – or they’ll 

face a $400 fine. That 

includes spices, tonics, 

pickles and preserves. 

Items they should definitely 

not bring at all include 

seeds, fruit, honey products, 

meat, vegetables and fresh 

flowers, or temple offerings. 

For more information 

visit mpi.govt.nz/declare

10 



Business Excellence in Retail Trade 

Judges’ Comments: 

Raj and Ronita Charan have 

brought third generation grocery 

skills to the small South 

Auckland settlement of Hunua 

and have developed a charming 

community focused general 

store. They provide everything 

from flowers and espresso to 

fuel, and feature local produce. 

They have become an important 

gathering point in a community 

that prides itself on country values. 

The successful retail offering 

has resulted in doubling of 

revenue in three years and further 

expansion is on the cards 

Finalists 

1. Hunua General Stores 

2. Kess Hair & Beauty 

Sponsored By: 

Winner : 

Hunua General Stores 

Lawrence & Eric Pereira, Directors of Oporto New Zealand, Sponsor of Business Excellence in Retail Trade 

Category with winner Raj Charan of Hunua General Stores and Prime Minister John Key. 

Business Excellence in Customer Service 


Link 2 Group provides resources 

to logistics companies and 

large retailers. The business 

model is to contract casual and 

temporary staff to businesses 

at the right time, at competitive 

prices and to complete 

jobs with high levels of accuracy. 

Trained teams are led by 

customer specific team leaders 

and weekly customer feedback 

is acted on immediately. 

Finalists 

1. Link 2 Group 


3. Discoveries Educare 

4. Global Finance 

Winner : 

Link 2 Group 

Sponsored Sponsored By: by 

Opposition Leader Andrew Little presents the Business Excellence in Customer Service Award to Rahul 

Sirigiri watched by Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and Ilango Krishnamoorthy, Director, Mercury Printz, 

Sponsor of the Category 

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11 

Business Excellence in Innovation 


The Rainbow Corner is an exceptionally 

well run childcare 

business with huge passion and 

energy shown by staff and management. 

It has a strong focus 

on the needs of the community 

and its clients, and has a very 

high evidence of sustainability 

and eco-friendly practices. 

Ongoing feedback from staff, 

community and parents shows 

the investment this business has 

in serving its community. The 

growth plans and Innovation 

associated with these plans 

are outstanding; The Rainbow 

Corner is a strong benchmark 

for the childcare industry. 

Finalists 

1. Rainbow Corner Early Learning Centre Mangere 

2. Legal Associates (Barristers & solicitors) 

Winner : Rainbow Corner 

Early Learning Centre Mangere 

Sponsored By: 

Bhavini Doshii, Director, The Rainbow Corner Early Learning Centre and her husband Rrahul, winners of 

the Business Excellence in Innovation Award (Sponsored by Indian Newslink) with Ethnic Communities 

Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-liga and Police and Corrections Minister Judith Collins 

Business Excellence in Marketing 

Judges’ Comments 


Limited is a successful family 

business with a large warehouse 

containing over a 

thousand product lines. Global 

Imports & Exports’ target markets 

are the South Pacific Island 

market whilst gradually expanding 

into the South East 

Asian markets. As a customer 

focused organisation, Global 

Imports & Exports Limited listens 

to customer needs and requirements, 

and conducts 

market research and gathers 

feedback from customers from 

product samples and hosting 

trade shows, exhibitions, seminars 

and promotions throughout 

the Pacific and Asia. 

Finalists 

1. Global Imports & Exports Limited 


3. Kess Hair & Beauty 

Winner : Global Imports & 

Exports Limited 

Sponsored By: 

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Goldsmith, Police and Corrections Minister Judith Collins 

and Radio Tarana Managing Director, Robert Khan (Sponsor of the Business Excellence in Marketing 

Category) with Peter Datt, Director, Global Imports & Exports Limited, winner of the Award 

“Western Union Online”

12 



Best Small Business 


Starlight Enterprises is an 

importer and nationwide distributor 

of high quality upholstery 

fabrics and upholstery 

components. With Rumy’s 

Finalists 

1. Starlight Fabrics 

2. Forever Shine Beauty Therapy 

background as a textile engineer, 

Starlight Enterprises understands 

the requirements 

and trends in the marketplace. 

Sales are steadily increasing 

including exports to Fiji and 

Australia. A new initiative into 

a related manufacturing activity 

is seen as a path for future 

growth. 

Sponsored By: 

Winner : 

Starlight Fabrics 

Rumy and Khushnuma Balsara, Directors, Starlight Fabrics pose with Commerce & Consumer Affairs 

Minister Paul Goldsmith and Pullman Hotel Auckland General Manager Rob McIntyre, Sponsor of the 

Best Small Business Category 

Best Medium-Sized Business 

Judges’ Winner 

Bhavini Doshii and The 

Rainbow Corner Early Learning 

Centre provides a quality formal 

childcare education service 

which is affordable, along 

Finalists 

1. The Rainbow Corner ELC Mangere 

2. Legal Associates Barristers & Solicitors 

with home based care and out 

of school care and recreation in 

the East and South Auckland areas. 

The successful formula is to 

work in partnership with families 

and the community to develop 

each child’s skills through a 

healthy mix of educational and 

recreational activities. Their 

motto is that it takes a whole 

team to raise a child. 

Sponsored By: 

Winner : The Rainbow Corner Early 

Learning Centre Mangere 

2degrees Mobile Limited 

2degrees Mobile Limited Chief Executive Stewart Sherriff (Sponsor of the Best Medium-Sized Business 

Category) and Prime Minister John Key with Bhavini and Rrahul Doshii, winners of the Award



13 

We thank our Children, Parents, Staff and Well-Wishers for enabling us to earn 

The Business Excellence in Innovation Award and 

The Best Medium-Sized Business Award 

at the Ninth Annual Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards 2016 

“Hello, Kia Ora and Namaste 

Iamtruly honoured and thrilled to receive these Awards. It was adream come true. 

Thank you my team at Rainbow Corner, organisers of the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards and most 

importantly, myhusband andmy two boys who have supported me in pursuits. 

These Awards are for all the wonderful women managing and juggling between career, home and children. 

Together we can empower, encourage and educate our next generation.” 

-Bhavini Doshii, Centre Director 

Bhavini Doshii with Rrahul Doshii and (from left) StewartSherriff and John Key at the Awards Ceremony 

We belive that all children are very 

unique and special in their own way 

Earn up to $100/week/child over and aboveparentfees(Conditions apply) 

Circle Time -Read Aloud -Art and Craft -Gross Motor Skills Fine Motor Skills -Cooperative Learning -Dramatic Play 

Our Sevice: Childcare Centre |Home Based Service |OSCAR Programme

14 



Best Large Business 


Discoveries Educare and 

Sunrise Home-based Childcare 

operate 13 childcare centres 

across Auckland with two more 

opening in 2016. Owned by 

husband and wife Ajit Singh 

and Rippan Sandhu, they commenced 

in May 2011. They advocate 

that cost should not be 

a barrier to quality early childhood 

education and offer 30 

hours free childcare, 10 hours 

more than is funded by government. 

Discoveries Educare and 

Sunrise Home-based Childcare 

are profitable growing businesses, 

caring for almost 1000 

children and employing nearly 

200 staff 

Finalists 



Winner : 

Discoveries Educare 

Sponsored By: 

Rippan Sindhu, Director, Discoveries Educare, winner of the Best Large Business Award with Ethnic 

Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-liga, ACT Party Leader David Seymour and BNZ Managing 

Director & Chief Executive Anthony Healy, Sponsor of this Category. 

Best Employer of Choice 


Link 2 Group has more than 

200 staff with 60% Indian ethnicity 

working with 35-40 

different customers across 

Auckland and operating form 

East Tamaki Office. New employees 

undergo an induction 

programme with a significant 

focus on health and safety systems 

as well as the required 

skills for customer deployment. 

Staff with leadership 

abilities are identified by Site 

Supervisors and Customer 

Service Managers from performance 

reviews and client 

feedback. 

Finalists 



Sponsored By: 

Winner : 

Link 2 Group 

Police & Corrections Minister Judith Collins, ACT Party Leader David Seymour and WAML Group Chairman 

& Managing Director Wenceslaus Anthony (extreme right) watch as Sneha Anthony presents the 

Best Employer of Choice Award to Indra Sirigiri, Chairman, Link 2 Group. 

BUILDING NETWORKS FORBUSINESS 

Kia 

ora! 

Established in 1999,WAMLbegan with avision to buildlong termrelationships with clients and 

keysuppliers. We takeprideininspiringpeople to enjoy and experience an affordable solution 

to discoverNew Zealand through education. 

Study and Professional/ 

Technical Tours 

Since people learn better by observing 

and interacting, it’s important for our 

clients to visit New Zealand and gain 

first-hand knowledge of their field of 

interest. 

We organise study tours whereby 

groups of international students can be 

brought into New Zealand to study in 

well-established educational institutes 

and interact with people living in New 

Zealand. 

ExecutiveWorkshops/ 

Corporate Conferences 

WAML group seeks to match NZ 

capabilityinprofessional development 

with the needs of its international 

clients. 

We have professionals with New 

Zealand expertise at training and 

organising workshops for related 

fields. Site visits and on thejob training 

areorganised at theworkshops by our 

partners within the public and private 

sector. We do needs analysis and 

then tailor apackage according to the 

client’srequirement. 

Products 

Whilst our product range is diverse, 

we have followed the philosophy that 

in any product we deal in, we are 

specialists, who can provide technical 

support tofind best practice solution, 

not just source and supply product. 

We deal in: 

Plastic 

Paper 

Aluminium Foil 

Steel Wire 

Solvents 

Flexible Packaging 

Rawmaterial and Food Products from 

New Zealand, Australia, India, 

Vietnam,Sri Lanka, Ghana and Fiji. 

Our Network 

Our network of offices enables us to 

have astrong presence in Asia and 

Oceania, with the ability tofind new 

and exciting products for the growing 

and specialty needs of our clients. 

It also gives us the opportunity to 

find channels of supply for locally 

manufactured goods and services. 

We have our ownoffices in: 

AUCKLAND [Head Office] 

AUSTRALIA 

INDIA 

SRI LANKA 

SINGAPORE 

Level 2,Symmetry, 725 Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland, New Zealand. |T:+64 9 8349904 IM:+64 274 833 676 IF:+64 9 834 0172 

WWW.WAMLGROUP.COM



15 

FromHunua, another round 

of Excellence and Applause! 

Raj Charan with Prime Minister John Key and Lawrence and Erica Pereira, Directors of Oporto New Zealand, Sponsor of the ‘Business Excellence in 

Retail Trade’ Category. 

Three generations of the Charan Family 

Hunua General StoreEspresso Fuel 

The Ram Dulare Family of the Island of Vanua 

Levu, Fiji are today spread across the North 

Island pursuing its heritage and profession. 

That heritage goes back to the ‘Dukandaar 

Storekeeper’ of the 1960s to the ‘Ram Dulare 

&Sons’ Merchants at the Waiqele Village. 

Raj Charan’s father Shiv Charan imbibed 

work ethics and integrity from his father 

which he follows till this day in his family 

business. 

That tradition is today spread across from 

Gisborne to Hunua. 

Raj Charan grew up in the Waiqele Village 

Store Fiji. This will always hold avery special 

place in his heart. 

“There was plenty of ice-cream and chocolates 

to eat!” he said. 

Raj’s memories also include Diesel bowsers 

filling Massey Ferguson Tractors carting sugarcane 

and dry kava hanging from the ceiling 

cans of fish and bulk flour to serve the needs 

of the villages. 

Raj Charan says: 

“Today I feel proud ofhaving lived the tradition 

of my family bywinning the Business Excellence 

in Retail Trade Award for the second 

successive year at the Indian Newslink Indian 

Business Awards. 

“I endeavour to inspire the fourth generation 

of general store merchants within my family 

and reiterate that it is no lesser profession 

than accountants and lawyers,” 

Hunua General Stores has become the hub 

of the community of the Hunua District, selling 

locally produced and artisan goods. 

I will like to thank my mother for the best 

moong dhal and my wife Ronita, daughter 

Priyanka and son Prashant for making this 

Award possible. 

I also thank my support team- Cherie, Aysha, 

Indra, Ritik and Pauline. 

I am also grateful to Kanu Patel of Patel Pike 

and Associates for his time and guidance 

over the years. 

My special thanks are to Dr Nasser Sheik and 

Deepak Ratti in enjoying wine and solving the 

problems of the world. 

Hunua General Store Espesso Fuel 

2320 Hunua Rd 3Papakura 2583 |Phone: 09 292 6100

1. Supreme Business 

2. Business Excellenc 

3. Best Employer of C 

4. Best Young Entrep 

16 



We thank our customers 

for enabling 

at the Indian Newslink Indi 

John Key with V Giridharan and Rahul Sirigiri 

Phil Goff, Andrew Little, Ilango Krishnamoorthy and Rahul Sirigiri 

Manasa Sirigiri, John Key, Indra Sirigiri (Winner of the Supreme Business of the Year Award), Doug McKay, Anth 

email: office@link2services.com 

www.link2services.com 

Link 2Services Limited is involved in providing 

warehousing, assembly and packaging services 

LINK 2G 

47 Allen 

East Tamaki, A 

P.O. Box 217206 Botany J 

Phone (09) 272 4700 

WAREHOUSING /LOGISTICS •STORAGE /DISTRIBUTION •REWORKS (OFFSITE /ONSITE) •LABELLING



17 

, staff and well-wishers 

us to earn 

of the Year Award 

e in Customer Service Award 

hoice Award 

reneur of the Year Award (Rahul Sirigiri) 

an Business Awards 2016 

Judith Collins, David Seymour, Sneha Anthony, Indra Sirigiri and 

Wenceslaus Anthony 

ony Healy, Rahul Sirigiri and Jaya Sirigiri 

John Key with Indira Sirigiri 

ROUP 

s Road 

uckland 2013 

unction, Auckland 2164 

•Fax (09) 272 4699 

email: office@apparelsolutions.co.nz 

www.apparelsolutions.co.nz 

Apparel Solutions is no ordinary logistics operation. 

We have become asingle point of contact for 

many companies to co-ordinate critical aspects of major projects 

/STICKER APPLICATION •RECYCLING /PRODUCT SORTING •IMPORTS /EXPORTS •RECRUITMENT

18 



Business Excellence in 

International Trade with India 



Limited was founded in 1993 by 

current CEO Peter Datt and focuses 

on distributing building 

hardware, electrical and automotive 

products to the South 

Pacific & French Polynesian 

markets. Products are sourced 

from all around the world, including 

India. Trading with a 

key supplier in India for the last 

eight years has enabled the introduction 

and marketing of 

Global Imports & Exports’ own 

OEM brands, including Farm 

Masta and File Masta. 

Finalist and Winner : 

Global Imports & Exports Limited 

Sponsored By: 

Leader of the Opposition Andrew Little poses with Peter Datt, Managing Director, Global Imports & 

Exports Limited (Sponsored by Indian Newslink), winner of the Business Excellence in Trade with India 

Award 

Financial Advisor (Mortgage) of the Year 


Global Financial Services is New 

Zealand’s leading mortgage 

and insurance broker based in 

Auckland. They have commercial 

relationships with most of 

New Zealand’s leading banks, 

non-bank lenders and insurance 

companies. Founder Ajay 

Kumar and his team understand 

each customer’s needs 

and goals and is very proud of 

their record in providing specialist 

financial planning which 

has saved millions in interest 

payments by their clients. 

Sponsored By: 

Finalist and Winner : 

Global Finance 

Natalie Cameron, Chief Executive, AIA New Zealand (Sponsor of the Best Financial Advisor Mortgage 

category) with Commerce & Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Goldsmith and Global Finance Managing 

Director Ajay Kumar, winner of the Award. 

We,Rumy Balsara and Navaz Karbhari are truly grateful to our Staff, Suppliers 

and everyone who inspired us to work hard and win the Best Small Business 

Award atthe Ninth Annual 

Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards 

held on Monday, November 28, 2016 at 

Sky City Convention Centre, Auckland City. 

Rumy Balsara, and Khushnuma Balsara with the Best Small Business Award pose for photographs with Commerce &Consumer 

Affairs Minister Paul Goldsmith and Pullman Hotel General Manager Rob McIntyre, Sponsor of the Award. 

Starlight Enterprises Limited 

20B, Grayson Avenue, Papatoetoe 

Auckland 2014, New Zealand 

Phone: 027-2573341 

Email: rumy@starlightfabrics.co.nz



19 

IMPORTS 

&EXPORTS LTD 

Peter Datt receiving the award for Excellence in Marketing 

from Rt. Hon John Key 

Global Imports &Exports 

would like totake this 

opportunity to thank all 

its valuable customers, 

suppliers &the community 

for their continued support 

throughout the years. 

NewArrivals for Summer! 

Check in-store for special pricing! 

Peter Datt with Amitesh Singh &Prateek Datt receiving 

the award for Excellence in International Trade from 

Mr.Andrew Little (leader ofopposition) 

For all our products and services head to www.gie.co.nz 

Global Imports &Exports Ltd 

23 Aerovista Place, Wiri, Manukau 

Ph: (09) 278 0188 

Email: sales@globalimportexport.co.nz 

Opening Hours: 

8.30am to 5.00pm (Monday to Friday) 

8.30am to1.00pm (Saturday) 

Closed on Sunday &Public Holidays 

FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING, RENOVATION, FURNITURE OR FREIGHT NEEDS COME SEE US TODAY! 

Keep an eye out for our Christmas specials as well as our Summer Sale –COMING SOON!

20 



Financial Advisor (Insurance) of the Year 


Global Financial Services 

Limited (recently renamed 

Global Finance) was founded 

in 1999 by Ajay Kumar who is 

actively involved as Managing 

Finalists 

1. Global Finance 

2. Brisk Insurance 

Winner : 

Global Finance 

Director and Specialist 

Insurance Adviser. Global 

Financial Services has arranged 

over $4 billion of loans and $2.5 

billion of insurance cover for 

more than 3,500 families. Ajay 

Kumar leads a team of 24 full 

time salaried advisers who are 

focused on providing exceptional 

service to existing customers 

unlike the industry norm of 

commission based and brokers. 

Sponsored By: 

Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-liga and AIA New Zealand Chief Executive Natalie Cameron 

(Sponsor of the Best Financial Advisor Insurance Category) with Ajay Kumar, Managing Director, 

Global Finance, winner of the Award. Seated in the background are Prime Minister John Key and Police 

and Corrections Minister Judith Collins. 

Best Young Entrepreneur of the Year 

Judges’ Dinner: 

Rahul Sirigiri is the Chief 

Executive Officer at Link 2 

Group and solely responsible 

for creating strategy and execution 

for the growth of Link 2 

Group and achieving quarterly 

and yearly targets. Previously 

as General Manager he acquired 

Apparel Solutions as part of an 

expansion strategy and since 

then the Group has grown by an 

average of 25% pa in gross revenue. 

Rahul identified that online 

technology affects the way consumers 

buy products and their 

expectations. Link 2 Group have 

adopted new technologies and 

assisted their customers to increase 

capability in the online 

marketplace. 

Finalists 

1. Rahul Sirigiri (Link 2 Group) 

2. Jaspreet Dhillon (Starlight Fabrics) 

Winner : 

Rahul Sirigiri (Link 2 Group) 

Sponsored By: 

Prime Minister John Key with V Giridharan, Managing Director, Relianz Travel (Sponsor of the Best 

Young Entrepreneur of the Year Category) with winner Rahul Sirigiri (Link 2 Group). 

There is nothing more precious than a good word. 

It appreciates. In value. In Joy. And of course, Pride. 

Hearty 

felicitations to 

Ratna Venkat 

On the Award of the Title ‘Kuchipudi Princess’ by R.A.M.S. Foundation, Auckland in the presence of 

Rt Hon John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand 

At the Ninth Annual Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards Ceremony 

Monday, November 28, 2016 at Sky City Convention Centre, Auckland City 

Spreading the word to communities 

Since November 1999



21 

7735_MMT323 

Proud to support 

Link 2 Group, 

winner of the 

Supreme Business 

of the Year 2016. 

Proudly supporting the Indian Business Awards. 0800 273 916 bnzpartners.co.nz

22 



Best Businesswoman of the Year 


Ashima Singh is a founder 

and was recently approved as a 

Full Partner in Legal Associates, 

a young Papatoetoe based law 

firm. Ashima heads the Property 

and Commercial Law side of the 

business and has been responsible 

for exceptional practice 

growth, developing quality systems 

within the practice, and 

building a team of legal experts 

who cater to the many ethnic 

groups in South Auckland 

Finalists 

1. Rippan Sandhu (Discoveries Educare) 

2. Ashima Singh (Legal Associates Barristers & Solicitors) 

3. Jaya Sirigiri (Link 2 Group) 

4. Bhavini Doshii (The Rainbow Corner Early Learning Centre) 

Winner : Ashima Singh 

(Legal Associates Barristers & Solicitors) 

Sponsored By: 

Ashima Singh, Winner of the Best Businessman of the Year Award (Sponsored by Indian Newslink) 

flanked by Auckland Mayor Phil Goff (left) and Opposition Leader Andrew Little. 

Supreme Business of the Year 


Link 2 Group is the parent organisation 

managing two complementary 

businesses – Link 2 

Services and Apparel Solutions. 

Link 2 Services was established 

in year 2000 by Indra and 

Manasa Sirigiri with a vision to 

provide outsourced labour solutions 

to logistics customers and 

large retailers. 

Winner : 

Link 2 Group 

Apparel Solutions was acquired 

in 2013 to provide warehousing 

capacity. 

Their business model is to 

contract casual and temporary 

staff to businesses at the right 

time, at competitive prices and 

to complete jobs with high levels 

of accuracy. Under the leadership 

of CEO Rahul Sirigiri there 

are more than 200 staff working 

with 35-40 different customers 

across Auckland and revenue is 

growing at 25% per annum. 

The Indian Business Award 

Judges have been impressed 

with the progress of Link 2 

Group over recent years as category 

winners, and are delighted 

to recommend the Supreme 

Business Award to Link 2 Group 

for 2016. 

Sponsored By: 

Indra Sirigiri, Chairman, Link 2 Group (Winner of the Supreme Business of the Year Award) with (from 

left) Mansa Sirigiri, Prime Minister John Key, BNZ Chairman Doug McKay, BNZ Managing Director 

Anthony Healy, Rahul and Jaya Sirigiri. 

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Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards Special2016 

23 

Dreams and Determination spell Success! 

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff presents the ‘Best Businesswoman of the Year Award’ to Ashima Singh, watched by Leader of the Opposition Andrew Little 

Ashima Singh with her associates and family at the Awards Ceremony 

Ashima Singh with Legal Associates Principal and husband Raj Pardeep Singh 

Ihad adream to be asuccessful 

lawyer; Iwas determined to do so, 

and with all the support that Ihave, I 

have been blessed to have my success 

acknowledged. 

With ahumble heart, Iaccepted the 

‘Best Businesswoman of the Year 

2016 Award’ at the Ninth Annual Indian 

Newslink Indian Business Awards 

Ceremony on held on November 28, 

2016. 

As aco-founder and newly appointed 

Partner of Legal Associates in 

Papatoetoe, Iamproud to have been 

recognised for my efforts and the hard 

work of the Legal Associates Team in 

the past year. 

Appointment as aPartner on November 

25, 2016, and the Honour of receiving 

the Award three days later marked an 

important phase in my life and career. 

It also demonstrated the privilege of 

support that Ienjoy. 

Iwould like to firstly thank Legal 

Associates Principal and my husband 

Raj Pardeep Singh. He envisioned that 

Iwould be adeserving recipient of this 

Award and his love and encouragement 

have been endless. Ithank my Fatherin-law, 

Mother-in-law, Mother, and 

whole family for being the pillars in my 

career. 

Ialso thank the staff at Legal 

Associates. Their hard work has not 

gone un-noticed and Iappreciate all 

they do in our organisation. 

Lastly, tomyassociates, clients and 

business partners, Ithank you for your 

well wishes. 

Iamcertain that this achievement 

will allow me to continue to help and 

educate the community in agreater 

scope. 

Ashima Singh 

Partner 

Legal Associates 

Level 1, 31 East Tamaki Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland 

Ph: 09-2799439 |Mob: 02102417161| Fax: 09-2799419 

Email: ashima@legalassociates.co.nz

24 



Awards Night a humble tribute to our entrepreneurs 

Staff Reporter 

info@indiannewslink.co.nz 

The annual Indian 

Newslink Indian 

Business Awards 

Presentation Ceremony 

has been growing from strength 

to strength, attracting increasing 

number of guests year after 

year. This sparkling event attracts 

the country’s leadership 

and top executives of national 

and multinational companies, 

entrepreneurs and a host 

of others. 

The Awards Presentation 

Ceremony, held at the Sky 

City Convention Centre in 

November, is an evening of success 

stories of scores of large, 

medium and small businesses 

and individual achievers. Since 

its launch in 2008, the Awards 

Night spotlights the variety 

of businesses owned, operated, 

managed and franchised by 

people of Indian origin in New 

Zealand. 

Exhibition & Networking 

The evening commences with 

an exhibition of Sponsors showcasing 

their products and services, 

accompanied by cocktails 

and canapés. This 65-minute 

segment also provides a unique 

opportunity for guests to network, 

renew contacts and establish 

new ones. 

These Awards are a testament 

to the entrepreneurial spirit of 

Networking during the cocktail hour is a hallmark of our Awards (Picture by Johanna Blenemann) 

our business community and 

derives their stature and respect 

by recognising the spectacular 

growth story of Indian entrepreneurs 

over the years. 

Dinner & Entertainment 

Although constituted and 

promoted as a primary business 

event, the Awards Night 

Ceremony is also an occasion to 

enjoy quality entertainment and 

sumptuous dinner, served to the 

taste of guests at their tables. 

The entertainment programme 

comprises cultural performances 

with a live band that has 

been a part of the ceremonies 

since they began in 2008. 

Masters of Ceremonies 

Television programme presenters 

and celebrity speakers 

host our Awards Nights programmes. 

TV3 ‘Campbell Live’ 

Host John Campbell (2009), 

TV 3 News Presenter Caroline 

Robinson (2010), Former 

Auckland Mayor Christine 

Fletcher (2012), Singer & 

Entertainer Jackie Clarke (2013 

and 2016) and Celebrity Speaker 

Michelle A’Court (2014) have 

been among our Masters of 

Ceremonies. 

Special Guests 


Business Awards Presentation 

Ceremonies have the honour 

and privilege of the presence 

of several international 

and national dignitaries. Over 

the years, they have included 

the then Governor General 

Tibetan Monk Guru Karma Tanpai Gyaltshen Rinpoche honours India’s High Commissioner 

Sanjiv Kohli at our Awards Night 2016 (Picture by Narendra Bedekar). 

Sir Anand Satyanand, Prime 

Minister John Key, Deputy 

Prime Minister and Finance 

Minister Bill English, Economic 

Development Minister Steven 

Joyce, Leader of the Opposition 

(now Andrew Little), Auckland 

Mayor (now Phil Goff), 

Members of Parliament, India’s 

High Commissioner to New 

Zealand (now Sanjiv Kohli) 

former Waitakere Mayor Sir 

Bob Harvey, Former Auckland 

Mayor Len Brown and many 

others. 

Former West Bengal Governor 

Gopal Krishna Gandhi, Prince of 

Arcot Nawab Mohammed Abdul 

Ali, former UNIDO Advisor Dr 

Jebamalai Vinanchiarachi and 

Gautam Lewis, Chief Executive, 

Freedom in the Air, London 

(UK) were our Special Guests 

from overseas from 2012 to 

2016. 

As well as enhancing the value 

of our Awards Programme, 

our Guests of Honour have also 

been a source of inspiration 

and admiration to the business 

community. 

Perfect amalgamation 

Businesses run by people of 

Indian origin in New Zealand 

are successful as they are a perfect 

amalgamation of the best 

business practices of the east 

and the west. 

They are built on a platform 

of hard work, dedication and 

determination.


Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards Special2016 

25 

Congratulations to 

RatnaVenkat 

Your dancesare always inspiring! 

Rahul and Jaya Sirigiri 

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key presents the ‘Kuchipudi Princess’ Title to Ratna Venkat after her performance at the Ninth Annual Indian 

Newslink Indian Business Awards Ceremony held on Monday, November 28, 2016 at Sky City Convention Centre inAuckland. The Title was 

conferred on her by Ragavan and Alamelu Rengachariar, Trustees of R.A.M.S. Foundation in recognition of Ratna Venkat’s contributions to the 

promotion of the ancient South Indian dance form of ‘Kuchipudi.’ 

Ratna 

We are Proud of you 

Rahul Sirigiri &Jaya Sirigiri

26 

Viewlink \ Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards Special 2016 


The English Fortnightly (Since November 1999) 

Issue 359 | December 1, 2016 

Let a million 

businesses blossom 

The Ninth Annual Indian Newslink Indian Business 

Awards Presentation Ceremony held on Monday, 

November 28, 2016 at the Sky City Convention Centre in 

Auckland was in many ways a trend-setter. 

The event, which had the good fortune of the presence of political, 

corporate, business and community leaders, brought to 

the fore one indisputable factor – that the Indian business community 

has matured to participate in every sector of the New 

Zealand economy and that Indian investors and entrepreneurs 

are wealth creators. 

The list of winners may not be entrants in the country’s Who 

is Who directory. 

Emerging champions 

That itself is a great thing, for our Business Awards are about 

exploring new organisations that are partners in economic progress; 

those making a hitherto quiet statement of their propensity 

to invest; propensity to employ and propensity to foster 

economic wellbeing. 

Unique in its extent and format, the Awards Scheme has encouraged 

small, medium and large companies owned, managed, 

and franchised by people of Indian origin to compete in various 

categories. 

While the annual Awards Ceremony is celebrated as one of 

the most important events in the social and business calendar 

of New Zealand, this newspaper continues to consider innovative 

initiatives and progressive programmes. 

Companies of Indian origin are coming of age in New Zealand. 

It is time they put in place robust business plans, smart strategies 

and corporate governance that conform to international 

standards. It is also time they competed globally and reap the 

rewards of success. 

The Lecture 

While these Awards projects exist as a part of our duty towards 

the country and the resident communities, we felt the 

need to encourage New Zealanders in general and those in public 

and corporate entities in particular to appreciate and practice 

tenets of Accountability, Transparency and Integrity as an integral 

part of Good Governance. These are in fact enshrined in the 

life and works of Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand. 

Thus was born the Indian Newslink Sir Anand Satyanand 

Lecture in July 2011 as a non-political and non-commercial 

Project intended to bring the best of the intellect available to 

speak at the annual event. We are hopeful that it would grow 

and progress as an Institution that befits the name with which it 

is associated. 

Publications have since long come out of the confines of the 

media industry, reaching out to the larger section of the community. 

It is therefore not uncommon for newspapers to be involved 

in social and community welfare programmes, promote 

cultural shows and participate in activities that touch the core 

of the society. 

Growing brands 

Your favourite newspaper achieved a significant milestone in 

2003 when it launched the annual Indian Newslink Fast Find 

Business Directory. Known for its compact, user-friendly and indexed 

format, the publication is considered to be a useful and 

valuable companion at both home and office. 

The Indian Newslink Indian Sports Awards were launched in 

2012 to recognise and reward achievers of Indian origin in New 

Zealand in various sports categories. The Awards Programme 

has expanded to include many other categories. 

Our Salutations 

As these products flourish as Indian Newslink brands, we 

would like to raise a toast to all those who have been a part of 

these during their formative years, those who came and went 

in later years, those who form the current team and those who 

continue to support these in one form or the other. 

From editors, reporters and stringers and thumbnail artists, 

layout personnel and production experts to marketing executives, 

distributors, sponsors, advertisers, readers and well-wishers, 

we say, “These brands have become successful because of 

your encouragement and patronage. We salute you!” 

Indian Newslink is published by Indian Newslink Limited from its offices located at Level 

1, Number 166, Harris Road, East Tamaki, Auckland 2013 and printed at Horton Media 

Limited, Auckland. All material appearing here and on our web editions are the copyright 

of Indian Newslink and reproduction in full or part in any medium is prohibited. Indian 

Newslink and its management and staff do not accept any responsibility for the claims 

made in advertisements. 

Managing Director & Publisher: Jacob Mannothra 

Editor & General Manager: Venkat Raman 

Production Manager: Mahes Perera 

Phone: (09) 5336377 Email: info@indiannewslink.co.nz 

Websites: www.indiannewslink.co.nz; www.inliba.com; www.inlisa.com 

Our Guest of Honour reading the Seventeenth Anniversary of Indian Newslink at the Awards Ceremony 

The right to succeed is no prerogative of the abled 

Gautam Lewis at the Ninth Annual Indian 

Newslink Indian Business Awards 

Gautam Lewis 

It makes me very proud 

to attend this important 

Business Awards Ceremony 

and witness the best 

businesses and business 

professionals of Indian 

origin in New Zealand being 

honoured for their success 

and contribution to the New 

Zealand economy. 

Being back here in the 

beautiful City of Sails has made 

me realise just how special my 

first real home in Mission Bay 

(Auckland) was after leaving 

Mother Teresa’s care. 

My life with polio started 

when I was a toddler in the 

Howrah district of Kolkata, 

India aged about 18 months. 

Nightmare phase 

I survived polio – at a time 

and place when one in five 

children were dying of the 

virus – but unfortunately 

because I had caught polio and 

was paralysed in my lower 

limbs, and because there was 

no money, I was rescued by 

Mother Teresa and lived with 

her in her orphanage, where 

I stayed for years until I was 

adopted. 

Many of the memories I have 

of Kolkata and living as an 

orphan are a nightmare. It was 

a dark, sad, and lonely period. 

It is impossible for me to 

forget Mother Teresa – Now 

Saint Teresa of Kolkata. She 

gave me a chance to escape 

poverty and live out a different 

destiny outside India. 

I have had the love of three 

mothers. My Birth Mother, 

Mother Teresa and my adopted 

mother, Patricia. 

New beginning 

Because of Polio, destiny lead 

me to meet Patricia and to a 

new life here in Auckland. This 

was the first time that I had a 

sense of belonging. I started to 

learn about families, how to 

live in a family, how to make 

new friends from completely 

different backgrounds. 

I left New Zealand after 18 

months and moved to London, 

where I went to the same school 

A section of the audience at the Awards Ceremony 

attended by Prince Charles. A 

stark contrast for the boy who 

was one of India’s poorest. 

I went from speaking Bengali 

to speaking English with a 

strong Kiwi accent. I was 

determined to lose my Bengali to 

show people that I was a pukka 

Kiwi Briton– these are ways to 

survive in a new world. 

I became a filmmaker, a 

photographer and managed 

some of the biggest bands in 

the world, which included 

Auckland’s ‘The D4.’ I also 

worked with International NGOs 

such as Rotary International, 

The World Health Organisation 

and UNICEF on global health 

security – focusing on Polio 

eradication in India. 

Crushing poverty 

India has shown the world 

that there is no such thing as 

impossible. Viewed against the 

challenges, India’s achievement 

is an epic success story, proof 

that any country that really 

wants to, can eradicate polio. 

The World Report on 

Disability, produced jointly by 

the WHO and the World Bank 

suggests that more than a billion 

people experience disability. 

People with disabilities have 

generally poorer health, lower 

education achievements, fewer 

economic opportunities and 

higher rates of poverty. 

Those who live in a developing 

country are often among the 

poorest of the poor. As poverty 

leads to disability, disability also 

worsens poverty. 

I have not allowed my 

disability to define who I am or 

what I can achieve. 

The urge to fly 

One of my strongest memories 

from the roof of Mother Teresa 

orphanage is kite flying and in 

looking up at the sky, I also saw 

the contrails left by jet planes. 

I longed to be on one, to feel 

the freedom of flying in the air, 

with no post-polio paralysis to 

hold me back. 

I have always wanted to be a 

pilot and I qualified in 2007. 

This dream was made real. 

During my pilot training days, 

I felt alive and felt a sense of 

freedom, of being liberated. 

I started to have new dreams 

and visualise my future where I 

wanted to help change people’s 

lives, if not try and change the 

world. 

I therefore set up Freedom 

in the Air, a flight-training 

academy teaching disabled 

people to become commanders 

of aeroplanes. 

As business leaders, as 

humans, we create. And yet, the 

greatest inequality in the world 

is that between creation and 

destruction. 

Think of the millions in the 

world who do not have basic 

health, education, sanitation, 

and peace and suffer from 

hunger and disease. We are 

so, so lucky here. I wonder 

how many of us will ever truly 

understand and appreciate that. 

Service above self 

I have a deep understanding 

of how important voluntary 

organisations, government, 

and businesses with corporate 

social responsibilities are in the 

world today. I have had great 

opportunities in my life, and I 

believe that my calling in life 

is to help others who are less 

fortunate and celebrate in the 

spirit that the sky is the limit. 

I leave you with a quote from 

my fellow Bengali and winner 

of the Nobel Prize for literature, 

Rabindranath Tagore: 

“I slept and dreamt that life 

was joy. I awoke and saw that 

life was service. I acted and 

behold, service was joy.” 

Gautam Lewis was a guest of 

Indian Newslink, flown from 

London, United Kingdom to 

be the Guest Speaker at the 

Sixth Annual Mother Teresa 

Interfaith Meeting at St Paul’s 

College on Sunday, November 

27, 2016 and at the Ninth Annual 


Business Awards at Sky City 

Convention Centre on Monday, 

November 28, 2016. The above 

speech was at our Business 

Awards. Please read related 

report in this issue.


Communitylink 

Salil Bhatt to get talented company in Auckland 

Ratna Venkat 

ratna@indiannewslink.co.nz 

Indian music lovers and enthusiasts 

will be looking 

forward to booking their 

next weekend as Aucklandbased 

‘Sargam School of Music’ 

presents its annual two-day 

programme devoted to the 

beauty and intricacies of North 

Indian Hindustani music. 

The programme is being held 

in collaboration with Pandit 

Salil Bhatt, a world-renowned 

‘Satvik Veena’ player from 

India. 

Titled ‘Music Extravaganza 

2016,’ the event is scheduled to 

be held on Saturday, December 

10 and Sunday, December 11 

at Blockhouse Bay Community 

Centre, 524 Blockhouse Bay 

Road in Blockhouse Bay. 

Tickets, priced at $20 per person, 

would be valid for both 

concerts. 

Showcasing crafts 

‘Sargam School of Music’ 

Director and Principal Basant 

Madhur, and his students are 

preparing to showcase the best 

of their crafts through their 

hard work for this year. Their 

performances will include expositions 

of Tabla, Hindustani 

Vocal, Sitar and Violin recitals. 

“We are committed to presenting 

quality Indian classi- 

Salil Bhatt- innovation at finger tips 

cal music programmes for our 

audiences. Through such programmes, 

our students will not 

only develop confidence on 

stage but will also benefit learning 

from visiting artistes of international 

repute,” Basant told 

Indian Newslink. 

That opportunity to learn 

would also be offered to 

members of the public at a 

Workshop on ‘Indian Music’ 

that will be conducted by Salil 

on Sunday at the same venue 

(Blockhouse Bay Community 

Centre) from 12 noon to 2 pm. 

Admission to the Workshop is 

free but due to limited space, 

bookings must be made to 

avoid disappointments. 

Tenth generation genius 

Disciple and son of Grammy 

Basant Madhur- talent at hand 

Award winner Pandit Vishwa 

Mohan Bhatt (creator of the 

‘Mohan Veena’), Pandit Salil 

Bhatt initially followed his father’s 

innovation before creating 

the ‘Satvik Veena,’ which 

brought him global fame. 

Being a tenth generation of 

the ‘Bhatt musical lineage’ that 

spans more than 500 years, Salil 

has only continued the family 

tradition of spreading his music 

and marvelling audiences 

around the world, presenting 

not only solo concerts but also 

international collaborations 

that include exotic Jugalbandi 

and global fusions. 

Just like his father’s revolutionary 

creation of the Mohana 

Veena, a modified Hawaiian 

guitar which was hailed as 

a ‘discovery’ in the realms of 

Indian Classical Music, Salil’s 

style of rendering classical nuances 

is also reflected in his creation 

of the ‘Satvik Veena.’ His 

dynamic style therefore incorporates 

authentic exposition of 

Indian Classical ‘Ragas’ (musical 

notes) as well as embellishments 

of World Music. 

What: ‘Music Extravaganza 2016’ 

Who: Sargam School of Indian Music and Pt Salil Bhatt 

When: Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11, 2016 from 530 to 830 pm 

Free Music Workshop on Sunday, December 11 from 12 to 2 pm 

Where: Blockhouse Bay Community Centre, 

524 Blockhouse Bay Road, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 

Tickets: $20 for both concerts 

Contact: Basant Madhur on 09-6262646 

Email: basant_madhur@ihug.co.nz 

Deepak Madhur on 09-8274175 

27 

Inspiring variations 

Salil’s baaz or style integrates 

‘gayaki’ (vocal) and ‘tantrakari’ 

(instrumental) representations, 

allowing him to play innumerable 

variations on his beloved 

instrument. 

Specialising in high-speed 

‘taans,’ a unique feature in 

Hindustani Classical music, Salil 

has over the years, demonstrated 

great skill and artistry of the 

Satvik Veena. 

Salil’s musical achievements 

in his résumé also include him 

being a forerunner of many 

honours for India. He was the 

first musician to perform inside 

the Parliament of Germany, 

the first Indian musician to perform 

in Iceland and the first 

Indian musician invited by the 

Taiwanese Government for artist 

residency. 

The forthcoming weekend 

programme ‘Music 

Extravaganza 2016,’ will also 

feature Deepak Madhur on 

Harmonium and Professor 

Shukdev Madhur on Violin. 

igniting minds 

Hei Whakahihiko Hinengaro 

Right on your doorstep is a special place where teachers, 

parents and children build amazing communities together... 

• Children learn language and confidence through play 

• Excellent teachers educate them – ready for school 

• You get to meet other local families 

• School hours are available too 

• And it costs less than you’d think! 

It’s called kindergarten –and Auckland Kindergartens 

have been helping children learn since 1908. 

Find your local kindergarten at www.aka.org.nz 

or call 0800 4 KINDY today. 

Wishing you a happy Diwali and a prosperous new year!

28 

Communitylink 


Tourism Ambassador attracts globetrotters 

Pam Cummings 

Guests at the Ninth 

Annual Indian 

Newslink Indian 

Business Awards held 

last week in Auckland would 

have been pleasantly surprised 

to see the winners of ‘Five 

Crowns New Zealand’ in their 

presence. 

Among them were Lauren 

Watkins (Regional Winner 

from Christchurch), Brooke 

Teura (Regional Winner from 

Auckland South), Johannah 

Prasad (Miss Five Crowns New 

Zealand 2016 Supreme Winner 

from Masterton), Jade Norman 

(Regional Winner from 

Auckland West) and Vandhana 

Vikash (Regional Winner from 

Auckland Central). 

Indian Newslink proposes 

to feature them individually 

again in our Model of the 

Fortnight column in ensuing 

issues. 

We have pleasure in featuring 

Jade Norman, who was recently 

crowed ‘Miss Tourism 

New Zealand 2016.’ 

Following is a report from 

Pam Cummings, Director of 

Miss Five Crowns New Zealand 

and a member of the Panel of 

Judges of the Indian Newslink 

Pictures of Jade Norman are by Shaun Noick. 

Indian Sports Awards. 

The main aim of the Miss 

Tourism beauty pageant is to 

promote the tourism and culture 

of the country it is held in each 

year. 

Each year, there is a new host 

country, and this year is yet to 

be confirmed. 

Miss Tourism helps these nations 

to attract domestic and 

international visitors and 

investors. 

Jade will be an amazing 

Tourism Ambassador for New 

Zealand and will showcase her 

country through videos and 

appearances. She will promote 

what New Zealand offers as an 

exciting travel destination. 

Aspiring actress 

Jade is 24 years old, an aspiring 

actress and an experienced 

dressage rider with her 

own horses. She is an only child 

who is thankful to her supportive 

family who always encourage 

her. 

Not only is she now a beauty 

queen with her own crown and 

sash, but also holds many other 

titles. Jade has won Top 5 at 

Arab Showing Nationals, is the 

Regional Auckland Young Rider 

Dressage Champion and the 

Senior West Auckland Rider at 

Pony Club. 

Always working harder to better 

herself and reach her goals, 

nothing can stop Jade! 

Sponsoring children 

She now sponsors two children 

through Variety - 'The 

Children's Charity' and has 

worked hard to organise amazing 

fundraisers to collect money 

for charity. Her efforts will 

help these two young Kiwi children 

through Variety New 

Zealand's - Kiwi Kid Sponsorship 

Programme, and these funds 

will provide for their school 

books, clothing, bedding and 

more. 

“I would like to inspire and 

encourage others to embrace 

who they are for their uniqueness 

and individuality. Because 

I know that once I did that so 

many doors and opportunities 

opened for me. I believe that 

when someone is true to themselves 

and has confidence in 

who they are, then they have the 

power to achieve anything they 

want in life. I would also like to 

continue to do charity work as 

I find it very rewarding,” Jade 

said. 

When Jade is not riding a 

horse or practicing her catwalk 

with choreographer Georgette 

Jackson, she is on the set as 

an extra, and features in New 

Zealand Television shows. 

We know big things are to 

come for this beautiful blonde 

with a passion for helping 

others. 

Choreographer and Contestant 

Manager Georgette Jackson 

joins me in wishing Jade well. 

We know that she will do New 

Zealand proud.


Communitylink 

29 

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30 

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31 

WHAT’S DIFFERENT 

Use the photos to find the answer: uninhibited expression 

ATTEMPTATION 

No. 015 

SNAP DECISION No. 005 

No. 005 

Travelling overseas this afternoon, and don’t know 

any foreign words? Don’t fret, there's still time to 

grasp the basics. Skip the tricky foreign greetings 

and benedictions and learn the translations of 

one vital word, Wine.Ifyou are going to Germany, 

memorise Wein. If your destination is France, Vin 

will save your life. Ifyou are heading further south, 

to either Italy or Spain, just askfor Vino.And when 

you finally stagger into Portugal, don’t waste time 

gesticulating wildly, insist on akeg of local Vinho. 

Spot the 10 Differences 

WINE 

WEIN 

VIN 

+ VINO 

= VINHO 

In the addition sum different letters 

represent different digits. Rewrite the 

additionsum using thefollowing digits: 

E 

W 

0 1 2 3 5 6 7 

Solution to Attemptation No. 004 

D P R H E T I 

0 1 2 3 5 7 8 9 

albert.haddad@attemptation.com 

JUMBLE No. 1738 SUDOKU No. 1059 HI 

THE RULES 

How many words of 4letters ormore can you make from 

these 9letters? In making aword each letter may be 

used only once, and the centre letter must be included. 

There must be at least one 9-letter word. No slang,foreign 

words, plurals, hyphens or apostrophes. 

TODAY’S TARGET 

31 Words Good 

37 Words Very Good 

43 Words Excellent 

49 Words Genius 

SOLUTION TO 1737 

allow alow anew 

lawn news newt 

owlet sallow sawn 

sewn slew slow 

snow sown stew 

STONEWALL stow 

swale swan swat 

sweat swell swollen 

swot tallow towel 

town wale wall 

wallet wane want 

waste weal wean 

well welt went west 

weta wont 

CROSSWORD No. 11907 

ACROSS 

2 Helps 

5 Month 

8 Kingdom 

9 Trim by cutting 

10 Assistant 

11 Significant historical 

period 

12 Cheerful 

14 Number 

16 Lively 

17 Biblical prophet 

20 Wound 

22 Type of triangle 

25 Middle part 

27 Wise man 

28 Nonsense 

32 Appraise 

34 Entertains guests 

35 Commence 

36 First man 

37 Failure to win 

38 Country 

39 German city 

40 Small children 

DOWN 

1 Girl’s name 

2 Apprehension 

3 One who copies 

4 Division of an act 

(drama) 

PREVIOUS ANSWERS 

5 Person’s bearing 

6 Pacify 

7 Bird 

12 Has sudden feeling of 

anxiety 

13 Ventilating 

15 Lazy 

18 Uneasy avaricious 

people 

19 Pries (coll) 

21 Animal 

23 Barren 

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 

ACROSS 

7 They don’t intend to get 

engaged (3-10) 

8 Didn’t leave mother in 

controlled surroundings 

(8) 

9 See 21Dn 

10 Be there when the 

finale takes place, we 

hear (6) 

12 It’s done so badly,being 

full of knots (6) 

14 Becoming asupporter 

with some hesitation 

(6) 

16 Atrite arrangement of 

dress (6) 

18 Sticks the first pieces 

of roughcast on damp 

surface (4) 

20 Kind of bank that’s 

making aprofit (8) 

22 Minimum requirement 

for anudist camp! (4,9) 

DOWN 

1 He’s employed because 

assorted trees are 

required (8) 

2 A predicament caused 

by disorderly capers (6) 

3 Sign me on outside (4) 

4 Beyond the cultivated 

patch, Iwill get a 

beautiful flower (8) 

No. 17558 

5 Being held up by traffic 

adversely affected the 

radio (6) 

6 Use aspoon back in 

the bunker,itseems (4) 

11 Addressed 

correspondence, as a 

member of the board 

(8) 

13 Arena set for orchestral 

work (8) 

15 One-time press boss is 

stuck (6) 

24 Nonmainstream 

religious group 

26 Supporters ofart 

29 Smallest amount 

30 Large heavy volumes 

31 Book of maps 

33 Soon 

17 Half of them 

headstrong–hand out 

punishment (6) 

19 Stone work the French 

put up (4) 

21 &9Ac It’s the end of 

the furniture remover, 

ruined for all time (8) 

Crossword No. 11906 

Sudoku No. 1058 Cryptic No. 17557 

S D N E I G H S G 

Across: 1Arch; 8Inthe - 

M E R M A I D S C U R 

queue; 9Night-owl; 

A O G L I M P S E E 

10 Nods; 12 Waddle; 

S P O O N T L A P S E 

14 Hovels; 15 Silver; 

H A P P E N B O L T T 

17 Scribe; 18 Star; 

P T S A R T E R S E 

19 Swimmers; 

S A R I B A T S E E D 

21 Celebrated; 22 Ewes. 

E L E C T P O E M N 

Down: 2Revivalist; 

E D I E T P R A I S E 

3High; 4Strode; 5Wealth; 

S U D A N M A N N E X 

6Turnover; 7Seas; 

A E N D L E S S G C 

11 Deliberate; 

W I N A N T E L O P E 

13 Diverted; 16 Resort; 

S S H O D D Y T L 

17 Shifts; 18 Sack; 

20 Made. 

Snap Decision No. 004 What’s Different No. 014 Attemptation No. 004 

Sons and Lovers 

8 

12 

16 

25 

27 

35 

39 

1 

26 

13 

22 

2 

10 

23 

32 

37 

1. Extra cloud 

2. Cloud line extended 

3. Angels leg missing 

4. Extra birds 

5. Cloud different colour 

6. Angels wing missing 

7. Angel moved 

8. Angels wing different colour 

9. Angels smock different colour 

10. Sun moved 

3 

33 

24 

28 

4 

9 

14 

29 

36 

40 

15 

20 

5 

11 

21 

34 

38 

6 

17 

30 

18 

D P R H E T I 

0 1 2 3 5 7 8 9 

7 

31 

19

32 

Sportslink 


BALAJI 

SWEETS &SNACKS NZ LTD

Indian Newslink Dec 1, 2016 Digital Edition

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