Sept 1 2018 Indian Newslink Digital Edition

Nominations now open 

The English Fortnightly (Since November 1999) 

Issue 399 | SEPTEMBR 1, 2018 | Free 

Calling for Entries to the 

Indian Newslink Sports & Community Awards 2018 

An exciting opportunity to recognise and reward our achievers. 

Special Recognition for Emerging Young Sports People. 

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09 533 6377 

Fiji’s Parliament is to hold a 

special meeting on Friday, 

August 31, 2018 to elect its next 

President. 

Parliamentary Speaker Dr Jiko 

Luveni said in an official notification 

that the meeting will commence at 

930 am to elect the next President of 

the Republic of Fiji. 

“In pursuance of Section 85 (1) of 

the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji, 

‘The President holds office for three 

years, and is eligible for re-appointment 

for one further term of 3years, 

but is not eligible for re-appointment 

after that.’ Major-General (Retired) 

Jioji Konusi Konrote was appointed by 

Parliament on 12 October 2015,” the 

notification said. 

Significance to New Zealand 

The Office of the President of the 

Republic of Fiji is largely ceremonial 

like that of Republic of India with all 

executive powers vested with the 

Prime Minister and the Council of 

Ministers. 

However, the President serves as 

the titular head, balancing power and 

holding the office without political 

lenience. 

The office of the President is significant 

in maintaining international 

relations. 

The Presidential election is of importance 

to New Zealand, which has 

to foster its diplomatic and bilateral 

ties with Fiji. 

This was emphasised during the 

meetings that the then Prime Minister 

John Key had with his Fijian counterpart 

Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama 

during his first (and last) official visit 

to Fiji on June 9and 10, 2016. This 

editor@ 

indiannewslink.co.nz 

website 

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Every Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm 

Multi-Ethnic staff from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Japan, 

Tonga, Iraq, Samoa and China 

reporter was a part of the Prime Minister’s 

media delegation. 

Improving relations 

During his discussions, at a public meeting 

and during amedia briefing, Mr Key 

said, “Let us focus on what should be done 

to improve our relations. A progressive and 

strong Fiji with a well-rooted democratic 

tradition. I look forward to constructive 

discussions during my stay in Fiji,” he said. 

After ten years of strained friendship and 

frosty diplomatic relations New Zealand 

and Fiji agreed to work together to build 

bridges of understanding between the two 

governments and peoples, setting new 

goals of partnership and progress. 

That was the gist of the visit of Mr Key 

to Fiji, the first for aNew Zealand Prime 

Minister since 2006, prior to the military 

coup on December 5, 2006 that brought Mr 

Bainimarama to power. 

Mr Bainimarama extended his hand 

of friendship saying, “Let bygones be 

bygones,’ but not before letting Mr Key 

have an earful of his anger, frustration and 

even threat over the ‘way New Zealand 

acted at a time when Fiji wanted the best 

understanding of its neighbours.’ 

facebook 

/indiannewslink 

Tough Speech 

At a no-nonsense, no-holds-barred 

speech that he delivered at the State Banquet 

that he hosted in honour of Mr Key at 

Grand Pacific Hotel on June 9, he reminded 

Mr Key of his own earlier comment that 

‘what has happened in the past is ancient 

history.’ 

“Fiji seeks a new political relationship 

with New Zealand that is more equal, 

more rooted in mutual respect, more 

understanding on New Zealand part of our 

own priorities – whether it is on the trade 

front with the Pacific Agreement on Closer 

Economic Relations (PACER) Plus negotiations 

or our desire to reform our regional 

architecture to give Pacific Islanders a 

bigger voice,” he said. 

We understand that Prime Minister Jacinda 

Ardern and her Labour-led Coalition 

government are keen to foster better relations 

with the Fijian government. A right 

step in the right direction would be to host 

a visit by Mr Bainimarama and his officials, 

since relations between the two countries 

have thawed after ademocratically elected 

government is in place in Suva after the 

September 14, 2014 general election. 

twitter 


The Lautoka 

community is in a 

state of shock after a 

59-year-old man and 

his wife were found dead at 

their home last weekend. 

It is alleged that the man, 

named Sundreshan Goundar, 

murdered his wife Lata, 

who succumbed to multiple 

wounds, and then took his 

own life. 

A neighbour said that he 

was in a state of disbelief 

when he heard the news. 

“I was confused to hear 

this because the couple 

never had any quarrels or 

disputes. I had just met the 

late Mr Goundar on the 

Saturday morning (the day 

of the incident) before going 

to work. I greeted him and 

things looked normal, just 

like any other day,” he said. 

“They were areally happy 

couple and their residence 

was in a central location, 

therefore attracting frequent 

visitors as well. This is the 

first time that such atragedy 

has occurred in our community,” 

he said. 

Depressing news 

Mr Goundar was a chef 

at a restaurant in Savusavu, 

prior to settling in Lautoka. 

Another person said 

that she was dumb struck 

because she had seen the two 

together earlier. 

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Ph: (09) 2799439 | Level-1, 31 East Tamaki Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland 2025 | PO Box 23445 Hunters Corner, Papatoetoe, Auckland 2155 

Fijian Parliament to appoint new President 

Venkat Raman 

venkat@indiannewslink.co.nz 

John Key (the then Prime Minister of New Zealand) with Jioji Konusi Konrote at the Presidential Home in Suva on 

June 10, 2016) 

Indian Newslink 

Indian Business Awards 2017 

Winner 

Best Employer of Choice 

Best Medium-Sized Business 

Lautoka murder and suicide 

shock Fijian community 

Yogesh Chandra (Suva, Fiji 

Sundreshan and Lata Goundar 

(Fiji Sun Picture) 

“The couple has been 

living happily. Both of them 

liked me and always took 

time to talk to me. I did not 

see any signs of disputes or 

disagreements. They are 

survived by three children, 

two daughters and a son. All 

of them are married,” she 

said. 

Police investigation 

Police spokesperson Ana 

Naisoro confirmed that a 

Lautoka couple died in what 

is suspected to be an alleged 

murder and suicide on 

Saturday, August 25, 2018. 

Ms Naisoro said that couple’s 

daughter-in-law found 

the bodies at their Saweni 

home and that Lata was 

found in a pool of blood. She 

found Mr Goundar’s dead 

body outside the house. 

Police are investigating. 

Under Special Arrangement 

with the Fiji Sun. 

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SEPTEMBER 1, 2018 

02 Homelink 

Keralites unite as the world helps victims of devastating floods 

Dr Michael Manjalloor 

Multiply your income 

1 

August 25 was the Harvest Festival of 

Malayalees, namely Onam. 

It is celebrated all over the world with the 

enthusiasm as once-in-a-year extravaganza. 

Unfortunately, the recent flood dampened 

the festivities. 

The Malayali community called off Onam 

celebrations all over the world but used the 

occasion to raise funds to help 1.35 million 

people who were shifted to the relief camps. 

(Editor’s Note: However, we understand 

that the Auckland Malayali Samajam organised 

a grand event at the Mahatma Gandhi 

Centre, complaints against which have 

been received by Indian Newslink. We have 

written to the Samajam’s Secretary with no 

response thus far). 

Fishermen, the real heroes 

The havoc caused by the devastating 

floods and the landslide that affected the 

State took 231 lives, and two million people 

are displaced. 

The death toll could have been higher, if 

hundreds of fishing boats had not rushed 

to rescue people. Though the military and 

Disaster Management forces were involved 

in rescue operations, they had to wait for 

boats from North India. 

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A house on the verge of collapse 

On August 16, 2018, when 

all the 31 dams in the State 

were opened, the District 

administration requested 

Father Justine Jude, aPriest at 

the Vizhinjam Church (almost 

150 kilometres away from the 

most affected town of Chengannur) 

to get the fishermen’s 

help for rescue. He sent a 

message to all the fishermen 

through their group message 

system expecting 10 boats to 

arrive. 

But within 15 minutes, 

50 boats were ready with 

fishermen and within two 

hours, they reached Chengannur. 

By night, the military 

operations had receded but 

almost two districts were fast 

drowning into the flood. Just 

like this team, hundreds of 

other fishermen rushed to 

the flood-affected areas and 

worked day and night to save 

lives and rescue people. 

Flow of information 

People from the rescue 

camps provided information 

of the trapped, using social 

media to the fishermen. 

Radio and TV stations became 

communication hubs for providing 

them vital information 

round the clock. 

Friends and relatives from 

all over the world used Google 

Map Coordinates to locate 

where their dear and near 

are trapped and sent to these 

radio and TV stations. 

The Disaster Management 

Team utilised the Malayali 

technocrats all over the world 

to attend and coordinate 

the rescue. Malayalees from 

Auckland also attended the 

SOS calls and WhatsApp 

messages to help the rescue 

operations. 

The extent of damage 

At least 70,000 houses collapsed 

and many more were 

damaged; damages to roads 

and bridges have disrupted 

public life; loss of agriculture 

and livestock are beyond 

Thousands of buildings have been destroyed by the 

deluge (Pictures Supplied) 

calculation; more than 300 

landslides are reported so 

far; rivers have altered its 

course taking away valuable 

property. 

Kerala’s Chief Minister 

Pinarayi Vijayan said that 

the loss was equal to the size 

of the state’s annual plan 

expenditure. 

People from all sections 

of the society contributed 

generously to feed the people 

sheltered in the rescue camps. 

Women gave their earrings 

and ornaments; children 

broke their piggy banks; 

adults donated their land; 

employees offered one month 

salary, wedding receptions 

were cancelled and the 

amount donated to rescue 

and rehabilitate the flood 

victims; street vendors distributed 

their priced possessions 

like blankets and food. 

Dr Michael Manjalloor is a 

social worker. He lives in 

Avondale, Auckland. 

Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi 

National ListMPbasedd in 

Manukau East 

Contact 

A 

P 

F 

E 

1/131Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland 

09 278 9302 

09 278 2143 

bakshi.mp@parliament.govt.nz 

facebook.com/bakshiks 

@bakshiks 

bakshi.co.nz 

Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi MP, 1/131 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe.


Prime Minister sacks Clare Curran from Cabinet 

Supplied Content 

Prime Minister 

Jacinda Ardern has 

removed Clare Curran 

from Cabinet and 

accepted her offer to resign 

her Government Digital 

Services portfolio and Open 

Government responsibilities, 

following a second failure to 

properly declare ameeting. 

Dr Megan Woods has 

taken over as Minister of 

Government Digital Services 

and Ms Curran’s delegated 

responsibilities in relation to 

Open Government will revert 

to Chris Hipkins, as Minister 

for State Services. 

Minister Curran will 

retain her responsibilities as 

Minister for Broadcasting, 

Communications and Digital 

Media, and as Associate 

Minister for ACC, but will now 

sit outside Cabinet. 

Fateful meeting 

In February this year. 

Minister Curran met with 

Mr Derek Handley at her 

Beehive office in her capacity 

as Minister of Government 

Digital Services to discuss 

Mr Handley’s interest in the 

vacant Chief Technology 

Officer (CTO) role. 

This meeting took place 

after the first unsuccessful 

recruitment round for the 

CTO. 

As with approaches from 

other interested parties, the 

Minister directed Mr Handley 

to register his interest with 

Picture of Clare Curran by Richard 

Tindiller for RNZ (Reproduced under 

Special Arrangement with 

www.rnz.co.nz) 

MBIE officials. 

Applications reopened for 

the CTO role in May. 

No record kept 

The meeting was not recorded 

in the Minister’s diary 

and neither the Minister’s 

staff nor officials were made 

aware of it. 

The meeting was subsequently 

mistakenly left out 

of an answer to a recent 

Parliamentary Question for 

Written Answer. The meeting 

should have been included in 

the answer and the error has 

been corrected. Ms Curran has 

advised there have been no 

other meetings between herself 

and Mr Handley outside 

the application process. 

Costly misjudgement 

“The failure to record 

the meeting in her diary; 

inform her staff and officials; 

and accurately answer 

Parliamentary questions has 

left the Minister open to the 

accusation that she deliberately 

sought to hide the meeting,” 

Ms Ardern said. 

“While this was not the 

Minister’s intention, this is 

the second misjudgement 

and is not in keeping with my 

expectations, or the Minister’s 

expectations of herself. As 

a result I have chosen to 

remove Minister Curran from 

Cabinet,” she added. 

“Transparency is 

important, even more so 

for Hon Curran given her 

Open Government responsibilities. 

I have accepted the 

Minister’s offer to resign her 

responsibilities relevant to 

this issue, which clearly she 

can no longer continue in. 

State Services Minister Chris 

Hipkins will take back the 

Open Government responsibilities 

which were delegated 

to Hon Curran, and Minister 

Woods will take over the 

Government Digital Services 

portfolio, which aligns with 

her Research, Science and 

Innovation responsibilities. 

Appointment process 

“The CTO appointment 

process is in its final stages. 

Minister Curran will have 

no further involvement in it 

and State Services Minister 

Hipkins will take over that 

process and finalise the 

details of the appointment 

and the implementation of 

the CTO role. 

“Minister Hipkins has 

asked the State Services 

Commission to take alook at 

the CTO appointment process 

to ensure it has been robust, 

and that the meeting between 

Ms Curran and Mr Handley 

had no bearing on the 

process or outcome. The SSC 

will report back next week 

before the appointment 

process is concluded. 

Clare Curran’s Statement 

Today Itendered my 

resignation from the 

Open Government and 

Government Digital 

Services portfolios and have 

apologised for failing to 

live up to expectations of 

transparency. 

The Prime Minister has 

accepted my resignation. 

I omitted to record 

a meeting with Derek 

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Ex-Banker for years 

Handley in an answer to 

a written parliamentary 

question. 

Bad memory 

It was not in my diary 

because it was set up directly 

between Mr Handley, 

subsequently acandidate 

for the Chief Technology 

Officer position, and I 

simply forgot about it when 

the parliamentary answer 

was sent out. 

I take full responsibility 

for not following proper 

process. The meeting with 

Mr Handley should have 

been in the diary and my 

staff should have been 

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03 

informed. 

I have let myself and the 

Prime Minister down and 

my resignations today are 

the consequence of my 

error. 

I am committed to making 

our government more open 

and ensuring that creatives 

and innovators in digital 

services have a voice at the 

table. I’m proud of the work 

I have undertaken. 

I will continue to work 

hard in advancing this Government’s 

broadcasting and 

communications agenda. 

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04 Homelink 

National Party launches own inquiry into expense leak 

Jo Moir 

The National Party is boxing 

ahead with its own investigation 

into who leaked Simon Bridges’ 

expenses to the media after 

Parliament’s speaker put the kibosh on 

an official inquiry last week. 

On August 24,2018, RNZ revealed that 

a person claiming to be aNational MP 

had sent a text message to Mr Bridges 

and the Speaker Trevor Mallard, 

pleading for the inquiry to be stopped 

for the sake of their mental health. 

Speaker pulls the plug 

That led to Mr Mallard pulling the 

plug on the inquiry saying it was 

unlikely the text had been sent from 

anyone outside the National Party. Mr 

Bridges remains unconvinced that the 

leaker of his travel expenses is an MP 

from his own party. 

“I am going to do my part. Iamgoing 

to have an investigation and get to the 

bottom, if Ican, if it is aNational MP 

who is unwell and who needs help,” he 

told Morning Report . 

“But the problem at the moment is 

that Idonot have asafe basis to say 

that it is. It may well be someone in the 

wider parliamentary system or indeed 

s p a c e 

further afield than that.” 

Mr Bridges said he had kept Mr 

Mallard informed of the police investigation, 

and on August 23, 2018, he was 

continuing with an inquiry, announcing 

it was to be led by aQC. 

“On Friday afternoon he stopped 

it -hecanned it. The only thing that 

has changed that I can see is the Prime 

Minister saying it’s internal matter of 

the National Party.” 

Identity not known 

Mr Bridges said neither Mr Mallard 

nor Jacinda Ardern know the identity 

of the leaker. 

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Simon Bridges (Centre) speaking to media about the leak of a text from the person 

behind an earlier leak on his expense spending. 

(Photo for RNZ by Rebekah Parsons-King) 

“The Speaker had an investigation 

ongoing. He stopped in for 

no basis that I can see other than 

that the Prime Minister had said 

it was an internal matter for the 

National Party.” 

He said that the Police told him 

they would ensure the person had 

all the wraparound support they 

needed. 

Shadow leader of the House 

Gerry Brownlee said that the 

National Party needed to know 

who the leaker was and will 

push ahead with uncovering the 

person’s identity, after Mr Mallard 

had washed his hands of an 

inquiry. 

“Well of course, we think he’s 

obfuscated his role as Speaker, but 

he did so after the Prime Minister 

had declared it was a problem for 

the National Party. 

“We will now obviously 

conduct an inquiry, because we 

need to know who that person is, 

to either stamp out a problem, or 

to in fact wrap around someone 

who has some serious issues,’’ Mr 

Brownlee said. 

Anonymous Text 

On August 16, 2018, Mr Bridges 

and Mr Mallard received an anonymous 

text from the person who 

leaked the Opposition Leader’s 

expenses, saying if the inquiry 

exposed them publicly it would 

push them over the edge and put 

their life at risk. 

The leaker provided information 

and details from caucus 

meetings over a period of weeks 

in order to prove their identity as 

a National Party MP. 

Mr Bridges met with Police 

about the matter the next day and 

on Sunday, August 19, 2018, they 

contacted him to say they knew 

who the person was but would 

not be revealing their identity. 

Jo Moir is a Political Reporter 

at Radio New Zealand. Indian 

Newslink has published the 

above Report and Picture under 

a Special Agreement with www. 

rnz.co.nz 

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NZICA seeks funds for Kerala Disaster Relief 

Bhikhu Bhana 

The South Indian State 

of Kerala has been 

battling torrential rains 

since August 8, 2018, 

causing massive flooding. To 

date, 350 lives have been lost 

and 800,000 people have been 

displaced from their homes, 

packed into relief camps. 

Kerala, known for its tourist 

beaches and hill resorts is 

now suffering one of its worst 

natural disasters and the 

authorities also fear outbreaks 

of disease. 

Devastated State 

Kerala has been always 

known for its beautiful nature, 

the warmth of people and 

mind opening Coffee. Today, 

the whole State is devastated 

and in need of help. 

Being far from the home 

country, we cannot physically 

be there to help people in need. 

We are always connected 

with lots of love, and this love 

can bring us together to help 

the people in need. 

Nationwide Collection 

A continuous ongoing help is 

a need for the people of Kerala. 

The New Zealand Indian 

Central Association (NZICA) is 

focused on helping in collecting 

funds from throughout the 

country. 

We have established a Give- 

The Indian Army has deployed 10 floods relief 

columns, 8 Engineer Task Force and a Total 

of 110 BsAUT/BsAp/Gemini boats for Rescue 

& Relief round the clock, surmounting all 

challenges. Kerala Flood Relief @PIB_India 

a-Little page for the Kerala 

Flood Relief by NZICA. 

https://givealittle.co.nz/org/ 

nzica 

We seek your help to raise 

funds; we will make sure that 

you get valid acknowledgement 

for your contribution 

and continuous update. 

We encourage you to help 

us raise funds in the social 

media such as Facebook. 

We assure that 100% of the 

donations collected will go to 

Kerala State. 

About NZICA 

New Zealand Indian Central 

Association Inc is the only 

national Indian organisation 

in New Zealand set up as an 

umbrella body for regional 

Indian community groups 

operating since 1926. 

NZICA provides acentral 

channel for Indian communities 

to voice concerns 

and together with other 

member communities join 

as a collective force. Through 

this unity, we can make a 

difference for our families 

and communities. 

We provide a link between 

Indian communities around 

New Zealand to exchange 

information on matters of 

common interest that may 

conserve, promote and advance 

generally the interests, 

welfare and status of Indians 

in New Zealand. 

Bhikhu Bhana is the 

President of the New Zealand 

Indian Central Association. 

The following report appeared 

on NDTV on Sunday, 

August 19, 2018: 

Rescue efforts continue 

Rain eased this morning 

and the flood water started 

receding from some areas of 

Kerala. 

The Red Alert that was 

in place for days, was 

withdrawn and the Met 

Office said that rainfall will 

decrease further over the 

next five days. Rescue efforts 

continued round-the-clock 

as thousands remained marooned 

on rooftops. At least 

164 people died since August 

8 in the worst floods in the 

state in acentury. Authorities 

are now preparing to prevent 

any outbreak of disease 

among the more than 600,000 

people living in 3000-plus 

relief camps across the state. 

Rainfall will reduce further 

over the next five days, the 

Met Office said. 

Read related reports in this 

Section. 

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06 Educationlink 

Vedic Mathematics comes to New Zealand 

Launch in Albany, Auckland on September 29 at 3 pm 

Venkat Raman 

One of the ancient 

treasures 

of learning 

and practicing 

Mathematics and solving 

high equations through 

a simple method will 

soon be available in New 

Zealand. 

‘Vedic Mathematics’ 

will be launched by Vedic 

Maths New Zealand at 

3 pm at North Harbour 

Resene 

Cardholder 

Special! 

Come in and see us today at 

your local Resene ColorShop! 

(Picture of Kalpana Gaikwad Supplied) 

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Sports, located at Ports 

House, Stadium Drive 

in Albany, North Shore, 

Auckland on September 

29, 2018. 

Director Kalpana 

Gaikwad said that Vedic 

Maths New Zealand will 

be a boon to the student 

community throughout 

the country, according 

them a unique opportunity 

to learn Vedic 

Mathematics and revolutionise 

the way they perform 

calculations. 

Watch a full lesson of 

Vedic Mathematics conducted 

by Vedic Maths 

Forum India President 

Gaurav Tekriwal 

at https://youtu.be/ 

grkWGeqW99c 

Quoting aMathematics 

and Science Study (2015), 

she said that students in 

New Zealand are performing 

below the international 

average in Mathematics. 

Vedic System 

rediscovered 

She said that Vedic 

Mathematics is the name 

given to the ancient system 

of Indian Mathematics 

rediscovered by Bharati 

Krsna Tirthaji between 

1911 and 1918 from the 

Vedas. 

“Students can learn this 

system online via Skype 

through a simple registration 

process by visiting 

our website www.vedicmathsnz.org. 

They will be 

connected live to teachers 

from India who will then 

conduct classes at their 

choice of timings,” she said. 

Aligned to NZ Curriculum 

Vedic Mathematics 

Course has been aligned 

to the New Zealand 

Curriculum, she added. 

A professional cosmetologist 

and hospitality specialist, 

Ms Gaikwad said that 

she was drawn towards 

Vedic Mathematics through 

her niece. 

“I was struck by its simplicity 

and speed. Imade it 

a mission to bring this science 

to New Zealanders 

and transform their lives. 

I am confident that Vedic 

Maths New Zealand will be 

useful and effective,” she 

said. 

An Ancient Formula 

According to Tirthaji, 

Mathematics is based on 16 

Sutras or word-formulae. 

‘Vertically and 

Crosswise,’ one of these 

Sutras, describes the way 

the mind naturally works 

and is therefore a great 

help in directing the student 

to the appropriate 

method of solution. 

Solving Huge sums 

In the Vedic system, ‘difficult’ 

problems or huge 

sums can often be solved 

immediately by the Vedic 

method. These striking and 

beautiful methods are just 

a part of acomplete system 

of Mathematics, which 

is far more systematic than 

the modern ‘system.’ 

Vedic Mathematics manifests 

the coherent and 

unified structure of mathematics 

and the methods 

are complementary, direct 

and easy. 

Ms Gaikwad said, “Take 

for example the problem: 

98 X97. This can be solved 

in less than five seconds 

by an eight-year-old using 

the Vedic Mathematics 

technique, rather than using 

the traditional method, 

which would take about a 

minute.” 

The most striking feature 

of the Vedic system 

is its coherence. Instead 

of a hotchpotch of unrelated 

techniques, the system 

is interrelated and 

unified: the general multiplication 

method, for example, 

is easily reversed 

to allow one-line divisions 

and the simple squaring 

method can be reversed 

to give one-line square 

roots. These are all easily 

understood. 

This unifying quality is 

very satisfying, it makes 

Mathematics easy and enjoyable 

and encourages 

innovation. 

Kalpana Gaikwad can be 

reached by email: Email: 

sgaikwad15@yahoo.co.nz 

Website: www.vedicmathsnz.org 

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08 Fijilink 

Jone Usamate with members of the Tikina Wainikeli community and Hotel owners of Qamea (Supplied) 

Fiji To Enforce New Labour Law Next Year 

Staff Reporter 

info@indiannewslink.co.nz 

The Fijian government 

is to bring into force 

several new provisions 

to the existing 

Labour Law to make it more 

equitable and beneficial to 

the workforce, Employment, 

Productivity and Industrial 

Relations Minister Jone 

Usamate has said. 

Speaking at a public 

consultation meeting held at 

the Naviivi Village on Friday, 

August 24, 2018, he said that 

several provisions of the 

Law will become effective 

on January 1, 2019. 

Extended benefits 

“These would include sick 

leave, bereavement leave 

(three days), paternity and 

family care leave (five days) 

and other benefits,” he said. 

Mr Usamate said that the 

Law does not cover people 

on trial or probationary 

period. 

He said that people should 

be in employment for more 

than three months to quality 

for other entitlements stipulated 

under the Labour Law. 

“The first three months of 

employment is a qualifier 

for a worker to receive other 

employment entitlements. 

This qualifying period will 

be inclusive in any employment 

contract period and 

should not be distinctive,” 

he said. 

The Act will cover 

only casual and permanent 

employment and would not 

include temporary or parttime 

employees, he added. 

Public awareness 

imperative 

“People in general and 

workers in particular must 

understand clearly the 

provisions of the new Law 

and employee entitlements. 

Anyone can seek clarifications 

from the Ministry if 

they are unsure about any 

employment terms and 

conditions,” Mr Usamate 

said. 

He said that the first 

public consultation process 

was successful and that the 

ministry had received many 

queries on the terms and 

conditions of employment 

for the Hotel and Catering 

industries and other 

Government Ministries and 

Departments. 

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Fijilink 

09 

IF YOU ARE AN OVERSEAS REGISTERED 

VOTER FOR THE 2018 GENERAL ELECTION: 

For More Details & 

Application Form 

www.feo.org.fj/postal-voting/ 

When to Apply How toApply Who tosend it to 

Application Deadline 

Registered Voters can Download and fill the 

Registered Voters 

The FEO must receive 

apply once the Election 

Postal Voting 

can email their 

all PostalVoting 

Date is announced. 

Application form. 

application form to: Applications 21 days 

postalvote@feo.org.fj before Election Day. 

59 /63HighStreet, Toorak, Suva 

P. O. Box2528, Government Buildings, Suva 

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10 Fijilink 

Safehouse for victims of family violence in Lautoka 


The Fijian government 

is to construct 

a safehouse to 

accommodate 

victims of family violence 

including women and children 

in Natabua, Lautoka. 

Women, Children 

and Poverty Alleviation 

Minister Mereseini 

Vuniwaqa participated in 

a foundation ceremony on 

August 24, 2018. 

“This is a major 

National List MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar invites you to come 

and share your views at a morning tea with Leader of the 

Opposition Simon Bridges 

Thursday 13 September 10am, Royal Oak Bowls, 146 Selwyn St, Onehunga 

Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by Parmjeet Parmar, Parliament Buildings, Wellington. 

milestone in our efforts 

to tackle the social evil of 

family violence. The house 

will shelter women and 

children and will provide 

them asafe environment,” 

she said. 

Ms Vuniwaqa said that 

the trauma, wounds and 

psychological harm that 

persist due to family 

violence and abuse should 

be addressed effectively. 

However, the government 

alone cannot address 

the issue and we cannot 

look away and be silent 

spectators, she said. 

Three-way partnership 

The safehouse project is 

a three-way partnership 

involving the Ministry of 

Women, Golden Age Home 

Trustees (who are the lessees 

of the state land) and 

Soroptimist International 

South West Pacific (SISWP), 

which will meet the cost of 

construction. 

The safehouse will be 

run by the Ministry with 

external expertise. 

For further information phone 09 620 6707 or email parmjeet.parmar@parliament.govt.nz 

Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Minister Mereseini Vuniwaqa at 

the Foundation ceremony in Lautoka (Picture Supplied) 

SISWP President 

Anusha Santhirasthipam 

thanked the Fijian government, 

service groups, 

companies and people. 

“Their continuous 

support will help in the 

expansion of such projects 

in Fiji. An increasing 

number of women and 

children in crisis will have 

a safe place with emergency 

services rendered 

to them. This facility will 

offer a welcoming space 

where clients can feel safe 

and comfortable, and access 

support programmes and 

services including counselling, 

educational programming, and 

a children’s shelter,” she said. 

Measure to quell violence 

Ms Vuniwaqa said that the 

construction of these shelters 

will provide women and their 

children with access to safe 

housing and the support they 

need to help them start a new 

page in their lives. 

“We should alert the right 

authorities on the cases of family 

violence and speak about 

it so that we can minimise the 

alarming statistics on violence 

and sexual offences against 

women and children,” she 

said. 

She thanked the Tappoo 

Foundation for donating F$ 

5000 to SISWP. 

Minister urges equal treatment to all 



Fiji’s Minister for 

Youth and Sports 

Laisenia Tuitubou 

has appealed to all 

Fijians to treat and respect 

individuals with disability 

and special needs. 

He was speaking at 

a meeting to provide 

assistance to Bimlesh Deo 

Sharma, a disabled man 

from Volivoli Indo Settlement 

in Rakiraki. 

Mr Tuitubou provided 

over F$ 1500 worth of yagona 

to Mr Sharma to assist 

in the running of his small 

business as a grog seller. 

“Everyone want to have 

friends, fun and experience 

life to the maximum. 

People with disability are no 

exception. Never be afraid, 

sceptical, or embarrassed 

to approach someone with 

a disability. People with disabilities 

have just as much 

fun and should be treated 

equally and fairly by all of 

us,” Mr Tuitubou said. 

He stressed the 

importance of assisting and 

encouraging people living 

with adisability so that they 

feel loved and are able to be 

independent. 

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Businesslink 

Maori visit to explore ancient cultural ancestry with Taiwan 



Last fortnight, Indian 

Newslink Editor visited 

Taiwan as a guest of the 

Republic of China. Several 

articles on this visit, carrying gist 

of discussion, forecast for growth 

and potential for greater economic 

cooperation with photographs, 

charts and other information 

appear in this issue under our 

‘Taiwan Special.’ 

The ‘Taiwan Special’ will continue 

in our September 15, 2018. 

The relations between Taiwan 

and New Zealand go back to thousands 

of years connecting to the 

Maori tribes. Over the years, the 

cultural and literary connections 

have been enhanced through 

exchange visits, discussions and 

exhibitions. 

The Ngati Manu Tribe 

As a part of that constructive 

and continuous engagement, a 

group of Maoris from the Ngati 

Manu tribe in New Zealand’s 

Karetu region is currently on a 

visit to Taiwan to explore their 

cultural roots. 

The Cabinet-Level Council of 

Indigenous Peoples, (CIP) in Taiwan 

sponsored the visit under the 

‘Hawaiki Project,’ an initiative of 

the Maori tribe aimed at fostering 

awareness of indigenous identity 

among their young generations. 

The visit will bolster ties with 

CIP Minister Icyang Parod (front, second left) exchanges gifts with Arapeta Hamilton (front, left), 

hereditary leader of the Ngati Manu tribe, alongside participants in the Hawaiki Project Aug. 23 

in New Taipei City. (Courtesy of CIP) 

culturally connected overseas 

communities along the Polynesian 

migration pathway from 

Taiwan to New Zealand. 

Cultural Exchange 

Ten Maori teenagers are participating 

in the 11-day cultural 

exchange programme. 

CIP is also arranging for 10 

young members of Taiwan’s 

indigenous tribes to travel to New 

Zealand to attend ‘Waitangi Day’ 

on February 6, 2019. 

CIP Minister Icyang Parod said 

that numerous studies have indicated 

that Taiwan’s indigenous 

tribes and the Maori people share 

a cultural, genetic and linguistic 

heritage. 

“The Hawaiki Project is an 

excellent platform for uncovering 

connections between the Austronesian-speaking 

groups,” he said. 

Arapeta Hamilton, Hereditary 

Leader of the Ngati Manu tribe, 

thanked the Minister and CIP 

officials for their support of the 

programme. 

Warmth and Hospitality 

While the journey from New 

Zealand to the Maori’s ancestral 

land in Taiwan was long, the 

participants enjoyed the warmth 

and hospitality of the Taiwanese 

people, he said. 

Major activities on the group’s 

itinerary included attending the 

annual Harvest Festival of the 

Amis tribe held on August 24 

and 25, 2018 in Eastern Taiwan’s 

Hualien County. 

The participants also visited 

Southern Taiwan to learn about 

the customs of the Paiwan 

tribe, and attended classes on 

traditional music and dance and 

hunting and weaving practices at 

the Indigenous Peoples Cultural 

Development Center in Pingtung 

County. 

Indigenous Population 

Indigenous Malayo-Polynesian 

peoples have lived in Taiwan 

for millenniums. The latest 

CIP statistics reveal that the 

population of the Taiwan’s 16 

officially recognised tribes stands 

at 530,000, or 2.3% of the nation’s 

total of 23.5 million. 

Taiwanese aborigines can be 

traced to many parts of the world. 

They moved through the 

Philippines, Indonesia and other 

Melanesian Islands such as Papua 

New Guinea. As they went, there 

was intermarriage and they 

reached remote parts of Polynesia 

more than 2500 years ago. They 

reached New Zealand about 700 

years ago. 

Austronesian Groups 

According to Wikipedia, 

‘Taiwanese Aborigines’ is a term 

commonly applied in reference to 

the indigenous peoples of Taiwan, 

estimated to constitute 2% of the 

population of Republic of China. 

11 

Although Taiwanese indigenous 

groups hold avariety of creation 

myths, recent research suggests 

their ancestors may have been 

living on the islands for approximately 

8000 years before major 

Han Chinese immigration began 

in the 17th century, Taiwanese 

aborigines are Austronesian peoples, 

with linguistic and genetic 

ties to other Austronesian ethnic 

groups, such as peoples of the 

Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, 

Madagascar, Polynesia, and 

Oceania. 

Another Group visit 

Another group of Maoris from 

Karetu in North Island, arrived in 

Taiwan on August 22, 2018 on a 

cultural roots-searching tour. 

The 18 Karetu people, 

including 10 teenagers, received 

a warm welcome from Cabinet 

spokeswoman Kolas Yotaka at the 

Executive Yuan. 

Kolas, who is amember of Taiwan’s 

indigenous Amis tribe, told 

the press that the visiting Māori 

tribe believes their forefathers 

were from the island. 

The NSP initiative 

The ‘New Southbound Policy’ 

(NSP), akey plank in the national 

development strategy of Taiwan, 

seeks to strengthen Taiwan’s 

agricultural, business, cultural, 

education, tourism and trade 

ties with the 10 Association of 

Southeast Asian Nations member 

states, six South Asian countries, 

Australia and New Zealand. 

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12 Viewlink/Businesslink 

Taiwan Special 

Special Mantra resonates in Republic of China 

The English Fortnightly (Since November 1999) 

ISSUE 399 | SEPTEMBER 1, 2018 

Imran Khan set to 

change Pakistan 

No justification to rise 

lawmakers’ pay 

Prime Minister Jacinda 

Ardern has done well to 

call for a freeze in the 

salaries and allowances 

of Members of Parliament for 

a year. 

She has also announced that 

the government will develop a 

formula for future increases, 

which would not only be in line 

with the increase in salaries of 

others but also be justifiable. 

Workplace Relations and 

Safety Minister Iain Lees-Galloway 

said that the Government 

needed to take action before 

the Remuneration Authority 

initiated new pay rates. 

No Equity 

It is untenable that the Remuneration 

Authority incessantly 

rises the salaries and allowance 

of MPs year after year, and it is 

equally untenable that elected 

representatives of the people and 

the so-called mainstream media, 

while criticising the small rises 

in minimum wages, criticise the 

government for its action. Free 

speech sometimes is the enemy 

of democracy! 

Some say that Politics should 

not be seen as a money-spinning 

career, it is a civic calling they 

intone. Yet the same is true of 

many well-paid jobs, including 

When we met Imran 

Khan for the first 

time in 1986, we 

never imagined 

that the swashbuckling Cricketer 

(who bowled ‘maidens’ 

over) would turn to politics 

and would one day become the 

Prime Minister of one of the 

most important countries of 

the world. 

Fiscal Discipline 

Now as Pakistan’s leader, 

Imran is set to change the face 

and fate of his country, starting 

with a peace process to end 

the dispute with India, counter 

terrorism and take a series of 

measures that would see Pakistan 

come out of its shackles of 

corruption and extravagance. 

An opulent man himself, 

Imran has announced that he 

would begin his reforms process 

by asking the rich to pay 

taxes, go on an austerity drive 

to contain debt and engage 

with the people as their ‘true 

and honest representative.’ 

‘New Pakistan’ 

His decision to create a ‘New 

Pakistan,’ not only hopes to reduce 

poverty, improve welfare 

and removing ostentation but 

also seek fresh friendship with 

India. 

The 65-year-old leader of the 

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Party 

won the popular vote of the 

people at the General Election 

held on July 25, 2018, with an 

impressive 149 seats in the 

270 seat-National Assembly, 

thirteen seats more than the 

combined win of the Pakistan 

Muslim League (Nawaz) and 

the Pakistan People’s Party. 

A firebrand populist, Khan’s 

appeal has soared in recent 

years on the back of his anti-corruption 

drive, which has 

resonated with young voters 

and the expanding middle class 

in the mainly-Muslim nation of 

208 million people. 

But Khan has inherited a 

host of problems at home and 

abroad, including a brewing 

currency crisis and fraying relations 

with Pakistan’s historic 

ally, the United States. 

We wish him well and look 

forward to reporting on his 

governance. 

voters’ preferred comparators. 

Most accept that although 

these careers involve a civic 

duty, they demand degrees of 

professionalism, skill and dedication 

that entitle practitioners 

to professional-level salaries. 

New Zealanders have high 

expectations of their Parliamentarians. 

They expect their 

MPs to give up their weekends, 

families and friends and attend 

events. They expect them to 

solve their immigration, education 

and financial matters. 

Lip Service 

During his eight years in 

office as Prime Minister, John 

Key used to say every year that 

MPs do not need a huge pay 

rise and that he would change 

the law. But he never did, 

except, as the National Business 

Review wrote, ‘except to hide 

the setting of MPs perks behind 

the Remuneration Authority 

blame-sink.’ 

The publication also said, “It 

is amazing how powerless the 

Prime Minister is on this, when 

he can ram new spying powers 

through in less than a month 

and pass a law to pillage the 

conservation state overnight.” 

There is hope that Jacinda 

Ardern will be more decisive. 

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; Marketing & Sales Manager: Ronny Kumaran; 

Production Manager: Mahes Perera; Financial Controller: Uma Venkatram CA; 

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

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

Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kelly W Hsieh (seventh from left), with Ambassador James (extreme left) and Deputy Spokesperson Joanne Ou 

(extreme right) with the visiting Indo-Pacific region journalists at his office in Taipei on August 13, 2018 

Venkat Raman 

Three words echo these 

days in every corridor of 

the government in the 

Republic of China: New 

Southbound Policy (NSP). From 

the Taipei City in the North to 

Kaohsiung in the South, one could 

sense the excitement in the new 

approach to diplomacy of a nation 

that has been struggling for world 

recognition over several decades. 

There is recognition for the 

Republic of China, or Taiwan, 

on the economic front, although 

almost all countries of the world, 

including India, Australia, and 

New Zealand, follow the ‘One 

China Policy’ proclaimed more 

than 25 years ago. 

Almost every country has 

trade ties with Taiwan – its total 

exports last year were valued at 

US$ 317.25 billion, an impressive 

performance for a country of less 

than 24 million people. 

Eluding world recognition 

Much of the world proclaims 

this small country as its Trading 

Partner – New Zealand has a 

Full-fledged Free Trade Agreement 

without a diplomatic presence (see 

separate story in this Section) and 

yet, the status as a Member of the 

UN and much of the global political 

partnership has eluded Taiwan 

over the years. 

During an informal briefing 

to visiting journalists from the 

Indo-Pacific region at his office in 

Taipei on August 13, 2018, Taiwan’s 

Deputy Minister of Foreign 

Affairs Kelly W Hsieh said that his 

country’s NSP was an integral part 

of a Comprehensive Plan. 

Growing economic ties 

“Our economic relations with 

the United States of America 

and other countries of the free 

world are warmer than political 

ties. While security is a constant 

concern, Taiwan believes in 

people-to-people dialogue and 

exchange of thoughts and ideas,” 

he said. 

He said that Foreign Direct Investment 

(FDI) is a strong indicator 

of robust economic relationship 

and that FDI accounts for more 

than US$ 200 billion in his country. 

“Republic of China recognises 

the rising power of India in the 

Asian Continent and we hope to be 

a major player in its economic and 

social development. Indonesia is 

also a very important friend with 

in the Association of Southeast 

Nations (ASEAN). Indeed, the 

Asia-Pacific region is of great 

significance to us,” he said. 

Mr Hsieh added that Taiwan 

hoped to further strengthen its 

trade ties with New Zealand. 

Impressive trade figures 

The Ministry’s Deputy Spokesperson 

Joanne Ou said that Cross- 

Strait relations (between Taiwan 

and Mainland China, or People’s 

Republic of China) continues to 

remain the most significant part of 

total trade volume of Taiwan. 

Two-way trade between the two 

countries was US$ 181.7 billion, 

of which Taiwan’s exports were 

valued at US$ 130.2 billion, while 

imports were valued at US$ 51.5 

billion. 

Mainland China accounts for 

62% of Taiwan’s outbound investment, 

placed at US$ 97.7 billion, 

accounting for 977% growth 

during the nine years from 2009 

and 2017. 

Embracing Asia-Pacific 

In his Report to the Foreign 

Affairs and National Defence 

Committee in October last year, 

the then Foreign Minister David 

Tawei Lee said that the NSP will 

strengthen Taiwan’s role in the 

Asia-Pacific region. 

“This will bring Taiwan closer 

to the region and to the world, 

and the world closer to Taiwan,” 

he said and quoted a recent 

private polling company survey 

(commissioned by his Ministry), 

as saying that more than 70% 

of Taiwanese people supported 

the government’s promotion of 

steadfast diplomacy and the NSP. 

“About 75.6% of the Survey respondents 

endorsed continuation 

of overseas visits by high-ranking 

officials, 84.8% supported new 

thinking that would see the 

provision of one-way aid replaced 

by a two-way approach based 

on mutual assistance for mutual 

benefit. 

“We will work to ensure that our 

people really feel the results of our 

efforts, and thereby identify all the 

more with our policies,” he said. 

Leveraging factors 

Taiwan’s NSP is largely attributed 

to President Tsai Ing-wen, who 

has been its strongest advocate 

since she announced its implementation 

on September 5, 2016. 

As well as reducing dependence 

on Mainland China, the NSP seeks 

to strengthen relationship with 18 

countries in the Asia Pacific region, 

comprising Australia, Bangladesh, 

Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, 

India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, 

Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, 

Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, 

Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. 

Arguably, Taiwan has closer ties 

with ASEAN (Association of South 

East Nations) countries to promote 

ties with its immediate neighbours. 

“The policy is designed to leverage 

Taiwan’s cultural, educational, 

technological, agricultural, and 

economic assets to deepen its 

regional integration,” Bonnie S 

Glaser, Senior Adviser for Asia at 

Washington DC based Centre for 

Strategic and International Studies, 

said. 

NSP Guidelines 

“The Guidelines for the New 

Southbound Policy issued by the 

Tsai administration detail that the 

policy is designed to (1) forge a 

“sense of economy community” 

by fostering links between Taiwan 

and the 18 NSP target countries; 

and (2) establish mechanisms for 

wide-ranging negotiations and dialogues, 

and to “form a consensus 

for cooperation” with NSP target 

countries. 

“In the short and medium term, 

the Guidelines identify four goals: 

(1) use national will, policy incentives, 

and business opportunities 

to spur and expand “two-way” exchanges 

with NSP target countries; 

(2) encourage industry to adopt “a 

New Southbound strategy” in their 

planning; (3) cultivate more people 

with the skills needed to support 

the NSP; and (4) expand multilateral 

and bilateral negotiations and 

dialogues to enhance economic 

cooperation and resolve disputes 

and disagreements,” she said. 

Regional Peace and Stability 

Taiwan is dedicated to actively 

promoting a diplomacy for peace, 

creating sustainable partnerships 

with diplomatic allies, deepening 

and broadening substantive ties in 

various fields with countries that 

have similar values, and maintaining 

regional peace and stability. 

It continues to seek expanded 

international participation, while 

making concrete contributions 

to the global community, and 

enhancing its international profile 

through economic and humanitarian 

aid policies. 

In addition, Taiwan strives 

to take part in international 

economic and trade cooperation 

mechanisms, strengthen links with 

the region and the world, create 

more business opportunities overseas, 

and promote its economic 

transformation and upgrading. 

It also aims to take advantage 

of resources of the private sector, 

local governments, the younger 

generation and industries to 

advance the nation’s multifaceted 

diplomacy. 

Taiwan’s goal is to transform 

itself into a model of new Asian 

values, endeavouring to deepen 

democracy, ensure free choices, 

promote sustainable innovation, 

and resolve conflicts peacefully.


While the Republic of China 

(Taiwan) continues 

to register impressive 

strides in economic 

growth and social development, its 

anxiety to promote its cherished 

ambition of obtaining ‘Free Taiwan’ 

status through diplomatic recognition 

with the rest of the world 

remains strong. 

From a political standpoint, the 

country of 23.57 million people 

boasts of arobust democracy, apopulist 

government and a flourishing 

private sector. 

Impressive progress 

The country’s overseas trade 

value was placed at US$ 576.51 billion 

as at the end of 2017, of which 

exports constituted US$ 259.26 

billion. With foreign exchange 

reserves remaining healthy at US$ 

457.12 billion and Per Capita GNP 

(GNI) at US$ 24.984, the economy 

grew by 2.89% in 2017, although 

forecast for the current year is at a 

lower rate of 2.48%. 

Journalists visiting Taiwan are 

always amused by the resilience 

of the government and people, for, 

since the past almost 70 years, fight 

for recognition as an ‘Independent 

Nation’ has remained strong. 

Taiwan rejects the so-called, ‘One 

China Policy,’ which most countries 

across the Continents endorse, and 

has over the years engaged in trade, 

cultural and social ties to promote 

itself as alegal entity. 

Promoting Asia Pacific 

Diplomacy has been paying dividends 

for this small but important 


Businesslink 

New Southbound Policy brings Taiwan closer to Asia Pacific 

Venkat Raman 

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen 

The Taipei Skyline with the imposing ‘Taipei 101,’ a great tourist 

attraction 

13 

becoming amajor market place,” Dr 

Jiann said. 

Business Sector transformation 

Taiwan’s National Development 

Council has said that the NSP will 

help with the transformation of 

Taiwan’s business sector. 

“Since the current government 

came to power in May 2016, it 

has been promoting the New 

Southbound Policy which pushes 

closer ties with the nations of South 

and Southeast Asia, as well as with 

Australia and New Zealand.” 

According to the Office of Trade 

Negotiations (Executive Yuan), the 

Taiwanese government proposes to 

enhance its efforts and resources to 

foster its NSP. 

Five Flagship Programmes 

“Taking partner countries’ needs 

and Taiwan’s interests into account, 

the Policy is now focusing on the 

planning and implementation of five 

flagship programmes, and three prospective 

areas. The aim is to bring 

positive benefits to New Southbound 

Policy partner countries and Taiwan 

in the shortest possible time. 

The Executive Yuan aims to 

allocate US$ 235 billion to the implementation 

of the New Southbound 

Policy in 2018, demonstrating the 

government’s resolve. 

“To maximise the policy’s 

effectiveness going forward, the 

government will consolidate its 

resources and put them to optimal 

use,” it said. 

country in East Asia. Over the years, The two-way, Cross-Strait trade in overreliance on asingle market.” 

Taiwan has undertaken several initiatives 

2017 was US$ 181.7 billion, account- 

The Taipei based Chung-Hua 

to promote bilateral relations. ing for an increase of 30.8% over Institution of Economic Research, 

The latest among them is the ‘New the previous year, showed heavy (CIER) an independent thinktank, 

Southbound Policy,’ which aims to reliance on that country for exports. has identified areas of cooperation 

work closely with 18 countries in Taiwanese exports to Mainland to foster Taiwan’s ties with NSP 

the Asia Pacific region comprising China were valued at US$ 130.2 countries. 

Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, billion, accounting for 41% of total These include Bilateral (Trade, Investment, 

Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, trade between the countries, while 

Talent Exchange, Tourism 

Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, imports were at US$ 51.5 billion and Culture), engagement with large 

New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, (19.9%). 

enterprises, government assistance, 

Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Taiwan’s investment has also been mitigating the ‘risk of concentration 

Vietnam. Arguably, Taiwan has heavily placed in Mainland China, on China,’ manufacturing and 

closer ties with ASEAN (Association amounting to US$ 97.7 billion over services and afriendly immigration 

of South East Nations) countries to the nine-year period from 2009 policy. 

promote ties with its immediate to 2017, constituting 62% of total CIER Research Fellow and 

neighbours. 

outbound investment from this Vice-President Dr Jiann-Chyuan 

Known as the ‘Signature Foreign country. 

Wang said that the goal is to “Access 

Policy’ of President Tsai Ing-wen Reaching out to others 

and actively cultivate the ASEAN 

since she formed her government The New Southbound Policy (NSP) market and build and external 

two years ago, the strategy is to make is the cornerstone of President Tsai’s economy to support the economy of 

Taiwan less dependent on Mainland foreign policy, which aims to maintain 

Taiwan.” 

China and to improve cooperation 

the status quo of Cross-Strait He said that the top 10 countries of 

with other countries. 

relations and strengthen relations ASEAN, accounting for 600 million 

China’s Trade dominance 

with the United States and Japan. But people, is the largest market after 

Trade figures provided to Indian in a departure from the policies of China and India. 

Newslink by the Ministry of Foreign her predecessor Ma Ying-jeou, Tsai “ASEAN’s growing economy and 

Affairs in Taipei showed the dominance asserted that the primary goal of the expanding middle class, with about 

of Mainland China in bilateral trade. NSP is to “bid farewell to our past 300 million people in 2015, is fast 

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14 Businesslink 


Taiwan welcomes migrants with Special Programmes 

Venkat Raman 

Contrary to popular 

belief that the Republic of 

China (Taiwan) is a‘closed 

country,’ it welcomes new 

migrants from all over the world, 

although its demographic profile 

comprises largely of people from 

Mainland China, Hong Kong, 

Macau and South East Asia. 

Interesting Figures 

As at the end of July 2018, there 

were 733,361 ‘New Migrants,’ 

settled throughout Taiwan, with 

Taoyuan City accounting for 

the largest number (116,949), 

followed by New Taipei City, the 

Capital (102,323). The Japanese 

‘occupation’ began several decades 

ago and today accounts for 

about 535,000 people. The main 

business district and downtown 

of the New Taipei City boasts of 

significant Japanese inhabitants 

speaking fluent Mandarin. 

The population of Taiwan is 

about 23.7 million, spread across 

a total land area of 36,000 Sq 

kms. It is the 17th most densely 

populated country in the world 

with apopulation density of 

about 650 people per square 

metre. 

The Origins 

The original population 

of the island of Taiwan and 

its associated islands, (not 

including Kinmen and the Matsu 

Islands) consisted of Taiwanese 

Aborigines, speaking Austronesian 

languages and sharing 

Lin Hsing-Chun and Ned Chou, First Secretary on Home Assignment at the Foreign Affairs 

Ministry (11th and 12th from left) with officials and the visiting press delegation from Indo-Pacific 

countries at his office in Taipei on Monday, August 12, 2018. 

(Images Supplied) 

mitochondrial DNA contribution 

with island peoples of Southeast 

Asia and the Pacific. 

Promoting Special Programmes 

National Immigration Agency 

(NIA) of the Interior Ministry 

is in charge of the country’s 

immigration policy and border 

control, implementation of 

programmes to support proper 

settlement of migrants and other 

related issues. 

NIA Chief Secretary Lin 

Hsing-Chun told avisiting delegation 

of Indo-Pacific journalists 

(including this Reporter) in 

Taipei on August 12, 2018 that 

Taiwan welcomes new migrants 

and supports them through a 

sustained strategy of settlement, 

education and naturalisation. 

“As apart of our ‘New 

Southbound Policy’ (NSP), our 

government is keen to promote 

the welfare of foreigners and 

new migrants. We have introduced 

our ‘New Immigrant Care 

and Assistance Programme’ and 

established our ‘New Immigrant 

Development Fund.’ Our 

activities range from providing 

orientation courses, medical 

assistance, health insurance, 

language training education for 

parents and imparting knowledge 

for expectant mothers and 

raising children and hotlines for 

counselling,” he said. 

Fund for Immigrants 

In Taiwan, government policies 

are implemented through 

the ‘Executive Yuan,’ according 

to which, the ‘New Immigration 

Development Fund’ helps to 

build afriendly society. 

Mr Hsing-Chun said that the 

Executive Yuan established the 

‘New Immigrant Affairs Coordination 

Board’ on June 16, 2015 to 

protect the rights and interests of 

new immigrants. 

“The scale of ‘The New 

Immigrant Development Fund’ 

is NT$ 1billion (about US$ 32.52 

million) per year. This is to 

enhance the assistance to the 

immigrants and their children,” 

he said. 

Combating Human Trafficking 

Mr Hsing-Chun said that illegal 

immigrants posed a challenge 

and that the government was 

keen on eliminating the menace 

of human trafficking. 

“Illegal immigrants impact on 

social stability, economy, public 

order and sanitation. Therefore, 

we carry out management of 

illegal immigrants through prevention, 

crackdown, detention, 

and repatriation,” he said. 

Citizenship and Voting Rights 

Mr Hsing-Chun said that 

foreigners who are white-collar 

workers, can apply for Taiwanese 

citizenship after five years 

of Permanent Residence and 

that they would be allowed to 

vote after five years of obtaining 

citizenship. 

“However, they can contest in 

local and national elections only 

after ten years of citizenship. 

Taiwan offers afriendly 

environment for foreigners and 

helps them feel at home. We 

propose to allow dual citizenship 

from next year to people from 

Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, 

the Philippines, Thailand 

and Vietnam. We also have a 

comprehensive plan in place to 

welcome people from the ten 

NSP countries including Australia 

and New Zealand,” he said. 

Venkat Raman was in Taiwan 

last fortnight as aGuest of the 

Government of the Republic of 

China (Taiwan). For full text of 

the above article, please visit 

www.indiannewslink.co.nz. 

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Republic of China gets closer with Tariff-Free Trade 

Venkat Raman 

New Zealand shares a 

unique status with 

the Republic of China 

(Taiwan), with historic 

connections, although geo-politics 

and the ‘One China Policy’ has 

restrained recognition of the 

latter as a political entity. 

However, trade ties between 

the two countries have been 

growing and reached a significant 

milestone when a Free-Trade 

Agreement was signed in Wellington 

on December 1, 2013. 

Although Taiwan is not mentioned 

as the ‘Republic of China,’ 

the Agreement titled it ‘ANZTEC,’ 

a shortened version of ‘Agreement 

between New Zealand and 

the Separate Customs Territory 

of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and 

Matsu on Economic Cooperation.’ 

Facilitating exports and 

imports 

Guann-Jyh Lee, Deputy Director 

General of the Bureau of Foreign 

Trade at the Economic Affairs 

Ministry of Taiwan in Taipei, said 

that all duties have been removed 

on all Taiwan exports entering 

New Zealand since January 1, 

2017. 

“As at the end of 2017, almost 

99% of exports from New Zealand 

entering Taiwan are tariff-free. 

The value of exports from New 

Zealand to Taiwan was US$ 841 

million in 2017, an increase of 

18% since ANZTEC took effect. 

Taiwan’s exports to New Zealand 

totalled US$ 562 million in 2017, 

an increase of 12%,” he said, 

during a meeting that he hosted 

for visiting journalists from the 

Indo-Pacific region at his office on 


Other areas of cooperation 

Mr Lee said that in addition to 

trade in goods, Taiwan and New 

Zealand also cooperate on such 

issues as indigenous peoples, 

sanitary and phytosanitary measures, 

technical barriers to trade, 

film and television co-production, 

and trade and labour. 

“Implementation of these 

chapters under ANZTEC have 

facilitated industrial cooperation 

and economic development 

between both sides,” he said. 

Taiwan also exports high-quality 

bicycles, computers and many 

other products that could be of 

interest to New Zealand importers 

and consumers. However, 

these have not been promoted 

appropriately through trade 

shows and expos. 

Indian Newslink will publish 

a separate article on the activities 

of the ‘Taiwan Trade Development 

Council (TAITRA) in its next 

issue. 

Incentives for growth 

Mr Lee said that the Taiwanese 

government, through its 

Economic Affairs Ministry 

actively promotes the growth 

and development of startups and 

encourage them to become active 

partners in international trade. 

“Among the facilities provided 

are buildings mechanisms such 

as incubators, managerial guidelines 

and solving specific issues. 

In September 2018, we will have 

in place ‘Start-Up Terraces’ for 

new companies,” he said. 

Mr Lee said that an Industrial 

Park has been established in 

Taiwan’s Export Zone in which 

new companies qualified to 

export goods participate. Our 

commercial banks also provide 

credit to boost exports, while the 

government has credit guarantee 

schemes,” he said. 

He said that as an open and 

friendly community, the Republic 

of China welcomes foreign 

investors and Foreign Direct 

Investment and provides appropriate 

facilities and support for 

their active participation in the 

economic progress of the country. 

Businesslink 

15 

Foreign Trade impetus 

As an insular, export-oriented 

economy, Taiwan views foreign 

trade as the backbone of its 

economic growth. 

In 2017, the value of Taiwan’s 

exports totalled US$ 317.25 

billion, the second highest total 

in its trade history, as well as the 

largest rate of increase, at 13.2%, 

in the past seven years. 

According to the information 

provided to Indian Newslink, 

Such growth resulted mainly 

from the continuing recovery of 

the global economy, the strong demand 

for electronic products and 

machinery in overseas markets, 

and the stabilisation of crude oil 

and raw material prices. 

“In 2018, the global economy 

and trade are expected to continue 

expanding steadily, while 

Taiwan’s trade pattern should 

continue to be stable. Therefore, 

in order to enhance our international 

and regional links, diversify 

our foreign trade patterns, and 

reinforce the momentum of our 

export growth, our Bureau will 

continue its trade promotion work 

and actively help our industries 

explore overseas markets,” Mr 

Lee said. 

“Through bilateral economic 

and trade dialogues, we are teaming 

up with industries to eliminate 

trade barriers and seeking new 

trade opportunities. For example, 

we intend to strengthen linkages 

in bilateral industry chains 

between Taiwan and the US, and 

Taiwan and the EU, as well as with 

New Southbound countries, including 

ASEAN member states, six 

countries in South Asia, Australia, 

and New Zealand,” he added. 

Australia and New Zealand 

Taiwan continues to hold 

bilateral consultation meetings 

with New Zealand and Australia 

in 2018 to enhance economic and 

trade relations. 

“We will commission TAITRA 

to organise manufacturing and 

food industry trade missions to 

visit New Zealand and Australia, 

while strengthening the utilisation 

of ANZTEC for zero tariff 

opportunities. In 2018, we will 

organise two events in Taipei, the 

‘Joint Energy and Minerals, Trade 

and Investment Cooperation 

Consultations’ and the ‘Joint 

Conference of the ROC-Australia 

and Australia-Taiwan Business 

Councils,” a communication said.


16 Businesslink 

Rumbles for Stuff-MediaWorks tie-up growing 

Tim Murphy 

When the High Court 

turned down the 

StuffMe merger 

of Stuff Ltd and 

NZME last year, the prospect of 

MediaWorks stepping into the 

ring to link with Stuff became a 

real possibility. 

Now, with Stuff’s Australian 

parent, Fairfax Media, being 

swallowed by Nine Entertainment, 

the rumbles for a Stuff-MediaWorks 

tie-up are growing 

again. 

For corporate engineers, there 

would be a few initial hurdles to 

negotiate. 

Awaiting approvals 

First, the StuffMe partners have 

taken their proposed merger to 

the Court of Appeal, had their day 

in court and are awaiting their 

Honours’ considered judgment 

- expected toward the end of the 

year. 

Second, the Nine merger with 

Fairfax also awaits approval - 

from the Australian competition 

regulator, the ACCC, which has 

set down three months for its 

initial consideration, and from 

the companies’ shareholders. 

Third, the merged Nine entity 

would be left with either its Stuff 

subsidiary (if the Court of 

Appeal denies the New Zealand 

merger) or alarge shareholding 

Stuff Limited Stable of Newspapers (Picture Courtesy: RNZ) 

in an approved StuffMe merged 

company. If the latter, it would 

be impossible for that big media 

beast to be allowed to merge 

again with MediaWorks with its 

TV reach, Newshubdigital site and 

the other half of the commercial 

radio market that NZME does not 

already own. 

The fate of Stuff Limited 

But if Fairfax Media was to direct 

Stuff to withdraw in advance 

of aCourt of Appeal decision 

(possible but preposterous) or that 

court was to block the StuffMe 

merger, then aNine-Fairfax combo 

would be left seeking an option 

for what to do with Stuff Ltd. 

This column raised the question 

over Stuff’s fate in the big Australian 

corporate power play. Since 

then, media business theorists 

have offered the view the new 

Nine would be open to selling or 

merging Stuff with MediaWorks, 

which is owned by the US debt giant, 

Oaktree Capital, which owns 

shares in Nine until last year and 

thus knows both Trans-Tasman 

broadcasters well. 

Managers’ advantage 

MediaWorks’ board is chaired 

by Jack Matthews, aformer Senior 

Executive of Fairfax Media and 

the MediaWorks Chief Executive 

Michael Anderson was a Former 

Fairfax Director. They have the 

advantage of knowing the Fairfax 

and Stuff businesses well. 

Both New Zealand media 

businesses need a partner. 

Stuff has made that clear in its 

dogged pursuit of the NZME deal. 

Stuff has the country’s biggest 

news website and audience but 

a collection of newspapers and 

small new ventures with no 

broadcasting arm. 

MediaWorks has spoken of 

the existential risks it faces in a 

broadcasting policy environment 

in which the Labour-led 

government is bulking up RNZ 

and funding for NZ on Air, 

while leaving TVNZ to prowl the 

commercial markets. 

A StuffWorks combo would 

have scale - with the Stuff 

website, the second-tier Newshub 

site, TV Three, MediaWorks’ 

music radio revenue machine 

and the Stuff newspaper chain. 

Integrated sales and journalism 

arms could aspire to achieve the 

same gains as Nine and Fairfax 

hope to see in Australia. 

Plurality of sources 

StuffWorks would also face the 

concerns over plurality of news 

sources and diversity of voices 

that have bedevilled the StuffMe 

bid - but it would not have 

anywhere the same dominance 

online, would not double-up in 

newspaper markets and might 

arguably bolster the chances 

of competition in the talk radio 

market. 

The drums that have been 

beating for Newshub’s Lisa Owen 

to be the next host of Checkpoint 

on RNZ when John Campbell 

exits peaked recently with Stuff. 

co.nz reporting that she is likely 

to win the appointment. 

Owen, host of Newshub Nation 

on Three on weekend mornings 

and co-host with Ryan Bridge of 

RadioLive’s drivetime show, was 

an obvious contender for the 

Checkpoint job from the start. 

Her profile, standing as apolitical 

interviewer and reporting 

pedigree went before her. 

The Radio Stuff 

RNZ would not comment to 

Stuff on the selection process. 

MediaWorks would be keen to 

retain Owen as it strives to shake 

up the low-rating RadioLive in 

a talk radio market in which 

the lion’s share of advertising 

revenues fall almost by default to 

market leader Newstalk ZB. The 

pairing with Bridge is still in its 

infancy and the network would 

likely regret what-might-havebeen 

should she depart. 

RNZ has indicated that Checkpoint 

would remain hosted from 

Auckland and as a televised show 

on digital and free-view channels. 

Owen could be a seamless 

choice into such a dual-hosting 

role. Her hard-pressing and 

matter-of-fact questioning style 

could take Checkpoint back to 

the take-no-prisoners tone set by 

former host Mary Wilson. 

Campbell is set to leave RNZ 

next month for a presenting and 

reporting role at TVNZ. 

His Executive Producer on 

both Campbell Live at TV Three 

and Checkpoint, Pip Keane is 

remaining and her relationship 

with Owen would be critical if 

the appointment goes ahead. 

Tim Murphy is Co-Editor and 

Co-Founder of Newsroom. He 

writes about politics, foreign 

affairs, Auckland, and Media. The 

above article, which appeared 

under the new column Media 

Room appeared on August 13, 

2018, has been reproduced by 

Indian Newslink under aSpecial 

Arrangement


Businesslink 

Freeze on MPs salaries 

and allowances 


17 

NZITA Chairman Giri Gupta (Sixth from left) with guests and Association officials at the Independence Day Dinner held on 

August 15, 2018 (Picture Supplied) 

Meeting highlights India’s growing potential 

Michael Henstock 

New Zealand 

Indian businesses 

celebrated Indian 

Independence Day 

by hosting a gala dinner at 

Naumi Hotel in Auckland on 


‘India@72,’ organised by 

the New Zealand India Trade 

Alliance (NZITA), was attended 

by Diplomats, Ministers, 

Members of Parliament, top 

business associations and 

leaders of various Indian 

groups. 

NZITA Secretary General 

Sunil Kaushal said, “This is a 

historic first for New Zealand 

as we wanted to commemorate 

Independence Day with 

the business community 

and reach out and engage 

with the wider importers 

and exporters. Many 

local events are held by the 

various Indian associations 

but this is the first time we 

engaged with the diplomatic 

corps, Politicians and Kiwi 

businesses.” 

Indian government 

initiatives 

NZITA Chairman 

Giri Gupta encouraged New 

Zealand companies to take 

advantage of the various 

initiatives of the Narendra 

Modi government like ‘Make 

in India,’ ‘Swatch Bharat’ and 

others. He said that New 

Zealand companies have a 

particular opportunity to 

contribute through their 

IP, and sought-after kiwi 

technology. 

National Party Deputy 

Leader and former Deputy 

Prime Minister Paula 

Bennett said that the rich 

Indian culture and business 

connections are enriching 

the Kiwi way of life in trade, 

education, culture, tourism 

and blended families. 

Internal Affairs, Children 

and Seniors Minister Tracey 

Martin said that she is keen to 

see Hindi being added to the 

school curriculum since India 

was an enormous market and 

Kiwis needed to understand 

the country better. 

Economic indicators 

NZITA Co-Deputy Chairman 

and former Reserve 

Bank of New Zealand 

Governor Dr Don Brash 

said that India has made 

extraordinary progress and 

will soon become the third 

largest economy in the world. 

Its economy is growing at 

7% per annum; it has a low 

rate of inflation at 4% and 

a fiscal deficit of 3%. That is 

extraordinary,” he said. 

Dr Brash also indicated 

that Mr Modi will soon 

announce the largest Health 

Care Insurance Scheme in the 

world that will benefit 500 

million people. 

Wide Representation 

The event was attended 

by the Honorary Consuls 

from 11 different countries 

and was supported by 

Presidents of various Indian 

Associations. 

Michael Henstock is a 

Member of the Executive 

Committee of the New Zealand 

India Trade Alliance. 

The Government 

is freezing MP 

salaries and 

allowances for a 

year while developing 

a fairer formula for 

future pay increases. 

The Remuneration 

Authority is due to 

make a decision on MP 

pay shortly. 

Cabinet approves 

move 

Prime Minister Jacinda 

Ardern said that the 

Cabinet agreed today 

to freeze the salary 

and allowances of MPs 

until July 2019 and to 

reassess the funding 

formula used by the 

Authority to ensure it is 

fair and in keeping with 

this Government’s expectations 

and values. 

“I have notified all 

party leaders of this 

decision,” she said. 

Workplace Relations 

and Safety Minister Iain 

Lees-Galloway said that 

the Government needed 

to take action before 

the Remuneration 

Authority initiated new 

pay rates. 

(Picture of Jacinda Ardern Supplied) 

Remuneration Authority 

informed 

“Because of the timing 

of the annual increase 

process set in the Act, we 

need to use an urgent 

legislative process, aiming 

for introduction in 

September. This means 

we need to amend the 


Act 1977 to suspend new 

Determinations by the 


and restore the 2017 

Parliamentary Salaries 

and Allowances Determination 

until 30 June 

2019,” he said. 

State Services Minister 

Chris Hipkins has 

advised the Remuneration 

Authority that the 

Government wants to 

change the law in time 

to avoid their latest 

recommended pay rise. 

Some exclusions 

The freeze will apply 

to MPs’ salaries, superannuation 

subsidies and 

expense allowances. 

It will not affect 

certain services such as 

accommodation, travel 

and international travel, 

because these services 

relate to the differing 

requirements of roles 

that MPs and Ministers 

may perform. 

If the personal benefits 

of some MPs increase 

between now and June 

2019, they could see a 

reduction in salary, because 

personal benefits 

are offset against salary 

under the Act. 

Please read our 

Leader, ‘No justification 

to rise lawmakers’ pay’ 

under Viewlink on Page 

12 

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18 


Communitylink 

ACC commits $1. 7 million to Gandhi Nivas 

ACC Minister Iain Lees-Galloway with (fifth from right) with (from left) Rakesh Naidoo, Dr Jackie Blue, Sucharita Verma, Ranjna Patel, 

Superintendents Tusha Penny and Jill Rogers, Assistant Commissioner of Police John Tims and Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi 

(Picture Supplied) 



ACC will invest 

a further $1.7 

million over the 

next three years 

to support the expansion 

of Gandhi Nivas, an early 

intervention service that 

provides emergency 

accommodation and counselling 

for perpetrators of 

family violence, ACC Minister 

Iain Lees-Galloway 

has said. 

Families come first 

Speaking at the opening 

of the second home 

of Gandhi Nivas in Te 

Atatu Peninsula in West 

Auckland on August 

16, 2018, he said that 

Gandhi Nivas puts families 

first, providing a safe 

environment for men to 

cool down in combination 

with counselling services 

it supports them as they 

work through their issues. 

Gandhi Nivas also 

provides services and 

referrals that help keep 

women and children safe. 

ACC invested $1.32 

million in the Gandhi 

Nivas service in December 

2016 to enable a full wraparound 

service around the 

perpetrator, victim and 

family. 

Gandhi Nivas provides 

counselling to help people 

examine the consequences 

of their actions. It 

challenges people to 

accept responsibility and 

helps them to change their 

behaviour. 

ACC’s further investment 

Mr Lees-Galloway said 

that Gandhi Nivas’ early 

intervention approach to 

family violence aligns to 

ACC’s violence prevention 

strategy to reduce harm 

caused by violence at 

home. 

“The service deserves 

further investment and 

hence I am pleased that 

ACC is providing further 

investment to enable 

expansion of services. This 

reflects on and rewards 

the success of the programme 

so far. 

The funding will support 

the launch of a second 

service in Waitemata to provide 

wrap-around services 

to help people who commit 

family violence. 

This early intervention 

approach places the victim 

first. Most importantly, it 

allows the victim to remain 

in the family home,” he said. 

About Gandhi Nivas 

In 2018, Gandhi Nivas 

received 190 referrals in the 

first half of the year. 

It received 414 clients in 

2017, an annual increase of 

75.4%. 

Gandhi Nivas was 

originally set up to address 

the problem of family harm 

in the Indian community, 

but it now helps people of 

all ethnicities. 

The first house opened 

in 2014 in Otahuhu and a 

second house in Te Atatu in 

March 2018. A third house 

is due to be officially opened 

in Papakura in September 

2018. 

One year after the 

opening of Gandhi Nivas in 

Otahuhu, a study by Massey 

University’s School of Psychology 

has found a 43.75% 

drop in the number of men 

offending after intervention, 

and a 57.6% decrease in the 

frequency of re-offending, 

after intervention 

Shanti Niwas engages elders with love and care (File Photo) 

Charitable Trust calls 

for volunteers 


Auckland based Shanti 

Niwas Charitable 

Trust has called for 

volunteers to work 

under its 

‘Dosti’ Programme. 

The following Statement 

was issued by Programme 

Coordinator Verona Sequeira. 

‘Dosti’ is a culturally 

appropriate and confidential 

volunteer visiting service for 

senior citizens of Indian and 

South Asian origin who are 

house bound or socially isolated 

either due to ill-health, age, 

mobility or other issues. 

This service is for clients 

aged 60 years above who 

would benefit having a friend 

visit them once a week. 

Growing isolation 

Social isolation is a growing 

issue in the Indian and South 

Asian senior population. 

Socially isolated people do not 

always have the support from 

friends, family and the wider 

community. Due to neglect, 

lack of cultural awareness of 

NZ, and language difficulties 

the seniors are unable to integrate 

into the community and 

become lonely, housebound 

and isolated. 

This results in physical, 

mental health problems, 

increased residential care and 

places them at higher risk of 

abuse and neglect. 

Friendly Service 

Through ‘Dosti,’ we aim to 

decrease the level of isolation 

and loneliness for older people 

living in the community. 

For more information, 

please call Verona Sequeira, 

on (09) 6221010 or 021- 

2592114. 

Email: shantiniwas@xtra. 

co.nz; Website: www.shantiniwas.org.nz 

Contact us for all your private bookings like birthday parties, Company staff parties, 

Corporate functions, and other Group parties. 

Zam Zam Restaurant will provide you with an authentic Indian Cuisine. 

54 Stoddard Rd, Mount Roskill, Phone: 096201122


India 

Model of the Fortnight 

remains champion of tolerance 

Communitylink 

19 


When we talk about 

India, the first thing 

we notice distinctly is 

the diversity in terms 

of languages, religions, food and 

everyday life and yet the harmony 

that makes us call it one country. 

As Indians, we have always admired 

the varied flavours of the 

land, and appreciated our differences 

as a positive, and never as a 

roadblock. 

As history stands as a witness, 

every conquest or invasion of any 

country has resulted in diluting the 

religious and cultural identity of the 

conquered nation. 

A lack of identity and connect to 

their roots then makes it easier for 

the race to be ruled by the outside 

forces. 

This however, did not hold true 

in case of India. The diverse cultures 

and religious identities of the 

land remained intact if not undiluted 

after many invasions from many 

conquerors. 

Today, when the world and even 

our own country is struggling with 

intolerance and extremist views, 

maybe a deeper understanding 

of our own history can be the 

pathfinding light that can help us 

achieve greater peace and freedom 

as a society. 

No place for intolerance 

Firstly, there is no room for intolerance 

in India and any such 

motion would be nothing short of 

absurdity, as unlike the west, our re- 

ligion is not about finding 

the greatest power of 

the universe, or god, but 

the eastern spirituality is 

more about self-enlightenment, 

achieving moksha, 

nirvana or heaven 

for oneself. 

So, there is no comparison 

with the other’s belief. 

My only aim is to improve 

myself and be the 

best version of my enlightened 

self; in doing so, 

where is the question of 

my quest being better or 

more accurate than the 

other? 

Love of God 

And secondly, on a personal 

level, religion in 

our everyday lives is not 

about protocols, rules or 

consequences thereof. 

It is more about the traditions, 

the festivities, 

the food, the feasts and 

the celebrations. Simply 

put, God is not feared but 

loved and revered in all 

the religions. 

We all distinctly remember 

the ambience 

of festivals from our 

childhood. 

Whether it was the 

special prasadam or 

the sweets that were 

prepared for the day, or 

the way our house was 

decorated for the welcome 

of the goddesses. 

Our grandmothers and 

mothers told stories of 

the victory of good over 

evil, about many godly 

virtues, which were life 

lessons they imparted 

for our journey into the 

outside world and their 

way of ensuring righteousness 

of thoughts 

for the young minds. 

Religion is happiness 

For us, religion is 

more a part of our happiness 

and memories 

with our loved ones, 

than an escape or answer 

for all our problems 

and desires. And 

it is this feeling of belonging, 

love and happiness 

that we want to 

pass on to our children 

with every pooja, ritual, 

festival or prayer, 

that makes it an inseparable 

part of our lives. 

We identify with the 

memories more than 

the faith. 

We believe in the stories 

and fables our elders 

shared with such 

love and tenderness, 

that we never looked 

for any alternative 

truths or scientific or 

historic facts. 

Curiosity builds faith 

And if this is how 

everyone looks at their 

own religion, and that 

of the other, there is 

no room for dispute. 

All that is left then, is a 

curiosity. 

Curiosity to know 

about their celebrations, 

about their feasts, 

their elders and the 

stories told to them in 

childhood and most of 

all, a curiosity to be a 

part of their journey. 

All conflicts would 

then disappear and 

Santa would be welcomed 

with same love 

as goddess Lakshmi. 

Praneeta Kochhar 

is a graduate (BA) in 

Philosophy. She defines 

herself as a ‘Student of 

life’ and tries to find 

a fresh perspective in 

everyday life experiences. 

Creative Writing 

is among her best 

attributes. 

Pictures appearing 

here were taken by 

Abir Mahajan, son of 

Praneeta and Arjun 

living in Hamilton. 

Abir is five years of 

age. 

Ramaswamy Sathyanarayana 

(Picture Supplied) 

Community elder 

Sathyanarayana passes on 

Venkat Raman 

It is with deep regret that we announce 

the death of Ramaswamy Sathyanarayana 

in Auckland on August 22, 2018. 

He was 84 and is survived by his wife 

Rama Sathyan, a son, three daughters 

(including Kokila Vaidyanathan Shanker), 

their spouses and ten grandchildren, all of 

who live in Auckland. 

The family was beside Mr Sathyanarayana 

when he breathed his last. 

Religious activities 

Since his arrival in New Zealand in 1995 

following retirement from his five decades 

of service as a medical representative in 

Bengaluru, Mr Sathyanarayana was active 

in social and religious circles in Auckland 

and Hamilton. 

He was a participant in the weekly 

‘Vishnu Sahasranamam Reciting Group’, 

temple programmes, religious ceremonies 

held at homes and other events. 

Known for his warmth and genuine 

care, he was affectionately addressed as 

‘Mama’ (Uncle) by hundreds of people who 

knew him. 

Funeral Service 

Hundreds of people attended the funeral 

of Mr Sathyanarayana on Thursday, August 

23, 2018 at Anne’s Funeral Home in Wiri, 

Manukau, Auckland


20 Communitylink 

Get ready for ‘Top Secret’ with Master Thespian Y G Mahendran 

Venkat Raman 

One of the most respected 

comedians and film celebrities 

of Tamil-speaking 

people will present a 

vibrant drama for the first time 

in New Zealand next month. 

Y G Mahendran, known as 

‘YGee’ to millions of people 

across the world, will present his 

highly successful play, ‘Ragasiyam, 

Parama Ragasiyam’ (‘Secret, 

Top Secret’) with his full cast of 

thirteen artistes in Auckland. 

His wife Sudha Mahendran is a 

part of the visiting troupe. 

The Auckland Tamil Association 

is presenting the play at the 

Mount Albert War Memorial Hall 

on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at 

530 pm. 

President Vai Ravindran said 

this would also be the first fulllength 

Tamil Drama to be staged 

by a film personality in New 

Zealand. 

“Y G Mahendran will also 

be acting in the Drama with 

his impeccable and inimitable 

comedy dialogues. We invite 

all Tamil-speaking peoples of 

New Zealand to purchase tickets 

and make this unique event 

successful. Auckland Tamil 

Association, which is just four 

years old, has taken the bold 

initiative of organising such a 

huge programme, confident of 

the support and patronage of our 

people,” he said. 

Tickets priced at $100 (with 

reserved seating and post-buffet 

A scene from the Play (taken from Facebook). Editor’s Note: The actors may not be present in Auckland. 

On 

September 23 

at 530 pm 

at 

Mt Albert 

War Memorial 

Hall 

dinner at the venue and an 

opportunity to meet YGee and his 

crew) and $40 (Unreserved, first 

comers-occupation basis) are 

now on sale. Please contact Vai 

Ravindran on 027-2758266; Vel 

Murugan on 022-4291730; Murali 

Kumar on 021-685804 or Arvind 

Kumar 027-4791340. 

View a Special Promo here: 

https://www.facebook. 

com/AucklandTamil/videos/2144337482508679/?t=1 

Illustrious Family 

Y G Mahendran belongs to 

the illustrious and famous ‘YGP’ 

family. His parents, Yecha Gunja 

Parthasarathy and Yecha Gunja 

Rajalakshmi are well-known not 

only in theatre and film circles 

but also in community and social 

spheres. 

His mother established the 

‘Padma Seshadri Group of 

Schools,’ which, from modest 

beginnings in a thatched shed in 

the terrace of the YGP home in 

1959 with a batch of eleven students 

as an act of social service 

for the members of the Nungambakkam 

Recreation Club, the 

school has since emerged as one 

of the best schools in India. 

About Y G Mahendran 

Hailing from a family of 

stage-lovers, YGee evinced keen 

interest in drama and played 

the part of a comedian in school 

plays and earned acclaim. On 

completion of his schooling from 

Don Bosco Egmore, he studied 

Chemical Engineering at A C 

College of Technology and MBA 

at the Madras University. 

The YGP family has good 

connections with the Tamil film 

industry. YGee’s sister Latha is 

married to Rajnikanth and his 

daughter Madhuvanthi is married 

to Arunkumar, the grandson 

of the late Gemini Ganeshan and 

Savithri, both great actors of 

their time. 

In 1971, YGee was cast by 

veteran director K Balachander 

in ‘Navagraham.’ The film was 

an average grosser. YGee acted 

in a variety of roles in several 

movies the 1960s and 1970s. 

Over four decades, he acted in 

more than 200 films, including 

in supporting roles with Sivaji 

Ganesan, Jaishankar, Kamal 

Haasan and Rajinikanth. 

He acted with Rajnikanth in 

‘Pokkiri Raja,’ ‘Paayum Puli,’ 

‘Shri Raghavendra’ and ‘Veera’ 

and with Kamal Hassan in 

‘Apoorva Raagangal,’ ‘Neeya,’ 

and ‘Guru.’ 

He also entered the world of 

business, establishing an industrial 

ceramics company in 1982. 

He sold the flourishing 

business in 2001 to return to 

production and acting. 

His most recent role being in 

‘Yatchan,’ released in 2015. 

The Theatre World 

He established his ‘United 

Amateur Artists’ (UAA) one of the 

first drama companies in Chennai 

in 1952. He has been one of 

the foremost dramatists of his 

era. His first few plays were huge 

successes attracting audiences by 

thousands. 

YGee fostered his film and 

stage career simultaneously 

and his plays have been staged 

throughout India, South Asia, Europe, 

USA and now in Australia 

and New Zealand. 

‘Ragasiyam, Parama Ragasiyam’ 

was first staged in 1975 

and over the past 43 years, it has 

been performed at many cities 

around the world. 

Plastic bag ban raises debate 

Greg Roughan 

When the government 

announced on Friday 

(August 10) that it was 

banning single-use plastic 

bags, it was its use of the ‘c-word’ that 

shocked the most. 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and 

children from Petone College picking 

up rubbish after the announcement of 

the single-use plastic bag ban. Photo: 

RNZ / Richard Tindiller 

Government with guts 

‘Compulsory’. When was the last 

time you recall a New Zealand government 

having the guts, or inclination, 

to do anything compulsory about the 

environment? 

Remember, how a few years ago 

we fiddled in the margins with a soft 

plastics recycling scheme? 

Here you had the option of collecting 

your bags for recycling, which you then 

had to drop off at one of a handful of 

collection points. It was almost like 

someone set out to design a system that 

would have the least possible effect 

while still sounding like good news. 

Mind you, you could hardly blame 

National for learning from history - 

their nine-year stint in government 

was virtually handed to them by a 

Compulsory Green Scheme. 

The government of the-then Prime 

Minister Helen Clark wanted to ban 

incandescent light bulbs, and a fed-up 

country decided it was a matter of 

straws and camels’ back and voted her 

out. 

Greg Roughan is the former editor of 

Green Ideas magazine. The above article 

and pictures appeared under the 

‘Opinion’ column of Radio New Zealand, 

reproduced by Indian Newslink 

under a Special Arrangement with 

www.rnz.co.nz; The above is a highly 

edited version. For full text, please 

visit www.indiannewslink.co.nz


Entertainmentlink 

Versatile artiste Sajjad Ali to perform in New Zealand 

Concerts in Auckland (October 12) and Wellington (October 13) 

Venkat Raman 

Versatile Pakistani artiste 

Sajjad Ali will perform 

in Auckland and 

Wellington next month. 

Organised by ‘Flair N Fun,’ 

a New Zealand based event 

management and entertainment 

company, the Sajjad Ali 

show will be held at the Victory 

Convention Centre (98 Beaumont 

Street, Freemans Bay), Auckland 

on Friday, October 12, 2018 and 

at the Lower Hutt Event Centre 

(30 Laings Road) Lower Hutt, 

Wellington region on Saturday, 

October 13, 2018. 

Tickets for the two performances, 

priced between $38.88 

and $229 (which includes a 

meal with the visiting artiste in 

Auckland) are now on sale. 

For details, please contact Ali 

Surhio, Director of ‘Flair N Fun,’ 

on (09) 2143272 or 021-1804146. 

Email: info@flairnfun.co.nz; 

Tickets can be booked at www. 

eventfinda.co.nz 

Multitalented Star 

Sajjad Ali is a Pakistani Semi- 

Classical, Pop and Rock Singer, 

Poet, Actor, Film Director and 

Film Producer from Karachi, 

Pakistan. His father, Shafqat 

Hussain (Sajan), was a Pakistani 

Picture of Sajjad Ali from brecorder.com 

film actor (he debuted in ‘Badal 

Aur Bijli,’ a box-office hit released 

in 1973) and a Cricketer. 

Following his graduation, 

Sajjad came under the tutelage 

of his uncle Tassaduq Hussain 

who taught him classical music. 

He was inspired by famous artistes 

(and granduncles) including 

Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, 

Ustad Barkat Ali Khan and Ustad 

Mubarak Ali Khan. 

He was also briefly trained by 

his uncle Ustad Munawar Ali 

Khan, son of Ghulam Ali Khan. 

Sajjad belongs to the Patiala 

Gharana of classical musicians. 

Classical Album 

Sajjad’s Ali first classical hit 

album, ‘Master Sajjad Sings 

Memorable Classics,’ released in 

1979, featured Bade Ghulam Ali 

Khan, Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali 

and Amanat Ali Khan, with most 

of the songs written by Hasrat 

Mohani and Momin. 

He has to his credit three 

Music Albums, namely, ‘Babia 

93,’ ‘Chief Saab’ and ‘Sohni Lag 

Di.’ 

21 

He collaborates with his brother 

Waqar in writing lyrics for 

most of the songs in his albums, 

while Sabir Zafar, Mohammad 

Nasir, Nadeem Asad, and Ali 

Moin have also written some 

songs. 

Sajjad Ali has performed at 

the launch of a US sponsored 

music video to promote health 

awareness about mothers and 

new-borns. 

Telefilms over the years 

He made his television debut 

with ‘Aap Janab’ by Athar 

Shah Khan, followed by in ‘Rung 

Barangi Duniya’ by musician 

Sohail Rana. He also performed 

in ‘Rag Rung’ in 1980 when he 

was 14 years old. He reached 

the height of fame with ‘Shoaib 

Mansoor,’ to mark the Silver 

Jubilee of Pakistan TV at which 

he rendered, ‘Banwari Chakori,’ 

originally sung by Noor Jehan. 

He directed ‘Love Letter,’ his 

first telefilm in 1989 and then his 

first full-length motion picture 

‘Aik Aur Love Story’ in 1998. 

Earlier, he performed as an actor 

and singer in ‘Munda Tera 

Deewana,’ directed by Zahoor 

Husain Gillani. Sajjad has also 

sung songs for drama serials on 

Pakistan Television. 

Rahman extols Sajjad 

India’s Oscar-winning musician 

A R Rahman has described 

Sajjad as ‘the original crossover.’ 

“From the realm of the classical, 

he metamorphosed into 

one of the brightest lights of 

Pakistani Pop. Always striking 

the right note and never missing 

a beat, even the most hardened 

purist has to give Sajjad his 

due. This man can breathe life 

into a Ghazal even as he puts the 

V back into verve. He is one of 

the very few ‘complete’ singers 

in Pakistan.” 

Married to Noreen, the couple 

have four children (two sons and 

two daughters). 

He lives in Dubai with his 

family. 

About Flair N Fun’ 

An event management established 

in Pakistan by the 

late Mukhtiar Surhio, Fair N 

Fun boasts of more than 30 

years of experience in organising 

International Concerts, 

Rock, Sufi Programmes, Classic 

Music and Ghazals, Fashion 

Shows, Road shows, Private and 

Birthday Parties and Corporate 

Events. 

The late Mr Mukhtiar appeared 

in several television 

shows including ‘50/50,’ ‘Mithi 

Jia Marhoun,’ ‘Bayghar,’ and ‘Dil 

Jee Duniya,’ and organised many 

events in Pakistan 

2018 

Celebrate your success with us 

1. Business Excellence in Retail Trade 

2. Business Excellence in Innovation 

3. Business Excellence in Marketing 

4. Business Excellence in Customer Service 

5. Best Employer of Choice 

6. Best Small Business 

7. Best Medium Sized Business 

8. Best Large Business 

9. Business Excellence in Health &Safety (NEW) 

10. Business Excellence in International Trade with India* 

11. Best Accountant of the Year 

12. Best Young Entrepreneur of the Year 

13. Best Businesswoman of the Year 

14. Best Financial Advisor (Mortgage) of the Year 

15. Best Financial Advisor (Insurance) of the Year 

Supreme Business of the Year Award 

(All entries will be entered for this category) 

Gala Black Tie Awards Night with Cocktails and Dinner on 

Monday, November 26, 2018, Sky City Convention Centre, 

Corner Victoria &Federal Streets, Auckland City 

Cocktails and Networking from 5pmto 6.10 pm 

For tickets, priced at $150 plus GST (including cocktails and dinner) 

Contact us on Phone (09) 533 6377 or email: editor@indiannewslink.co.nz


22 Communitylink 

Experience the power of Carnatic Music with Sumithra Vasudev 

Concert on September 8 at Auckland Grammar Boys School 

Venkat Raman 

If you have not had an opportunity 

to dwell in the world 

of melody created by one of 

the most prolific singers of 

Carnatic Music, you would have 

a chance to do so in Auckland 

early next month. 

Rasikas New Zealand and 

Sangeetha Bharathi School of 

Music are organising an evening 

of Carnatic Music by Sumithra 

Vasudev as a part of their quest 

to invite artistes of varied talent 

to perform in New Zealand. 

Sumithra will be accompanied 

by Ganapathyraman on the Mridangam 

and H M Smitha on the 

Violin on Saturday, September 8, 

2018 at 530 pm at the Centennial 

Theatre of Auckland Grammar 

Boys School, located at 55 Mount 

Road, Epsom. 

Tickets to the Concert, priced 

at $30 (Reserved), $20 (General) 

and $15 (Seniors and Children) 

are now on sale. Please contact 

Priya Srinivasan on 021-613155; 

Padma Govardhan on 021- 

265008; Sankaran Pattabhiraman 

on (09) 5791556. 

About Sumithra Vasudev 

A prime disciple of the 

legendary Sangita Kalanidhi R 

Vedavalli, Sumithra Vasudev 

is a Carnatic Music veteran 

with more than 25 years of 

performances. Her grandmother 

and parents recognised her 

passion for Carnatic music when 

she was at a tender age of five 

and encouraged her to sing with 

beginners’ notes and care. 

Three years later, when she 

was eight years old, Sumithra 

came under the tutelage of 

Vedavalli, who remains her sole 

Guru to date. She presented her 

first full public concert when she 

was eleven years of age. 

Critics and admirers consider 

Sumithra as a singer of classicism 

and depth. 

Doctoral Studies 

Apart from being a performing 

artiste, she is an active researcher 

pursuing her doctoral studies 

in Music. She has a deep interest 

in languages and literature, 

particularly in Sanskrit and 

Tamil. She has set to music many 

slokas and verses from Sanskrit 

literature and has popularised 

them through presentations 

and demonstrations in various 

musical and Sanskrit gatherings. 

Sumithra has presented exclusive 

Divya Prabandha concerts 

and has accompanied her Guru 

in CD renderings of these verses 

of the Vaishnava saints known 

as Alvars. As a logical extension 

to music, she has also learnt the 

art of Harikatha from Kalyanapuram 

Aravamudachariar. 

Sumithra teaches at the Advanced 

School of Carnatic Music, 

the Music Academy as a guest 

faculty, at which students receive 

intense training for performance 

of the genre of Carnatic vocal 

music. She was involved in the 

Sangita Sampradaya Pradarshini 

Translation project undertaken 

by the Music Academy. 

About H M Smitha 

H M Smitha started learning 

Violin and Vocal Music when 

she was five years old, under 

the tutelage of respectively H 

K Narasimha Murthy and H N 

Rajalakshmi. With such masters 

as her mentors, Smitha has been 

able to achieve a unique blend in 

both forms of the fine arts. 

She is a popular Violinist, 

currently accompanying leading 

vocalists and instrumentalists 

along with her sister H M 

Sindhu. 

About B Ganapathyraman 

B Ganapathyraman is a wellknown 

name in the Carnatic 

Music circles. He hails from a 

prestigious lineage of musicians 

and has inherited music from his 

father Sedhalapathi R Balasubramanian, 

fondly adored as ‘Balu 

Mama’ among the musicians and 

connoisseurs. 

A child prodigy in laya, he 

took to Mridangam when he was 

seven years old and was trained 

by Nagai Soundararajan. 

Later, he was trained by the 

renowned Kumbakonam Rajappa 

Iyer and Srirangarajapuram 

Jayaraman. 

Master Class by Sumithra 

Vasudev 

Sumithra Vasudev 

will conduct a 

Special Master Class on 

‘Sumithra Guruguha 

Vibhakthi Krithis’ 

(compositions of Muthusamy 

Dikshitar) 

for senior singers 

and Intermediate and 

Advance Level vocal 

students on September 

4, 2018 at 645 pm at 

the Three Kings Tennis 

Pavilion, located at 

the Corner of Mt Eden 

and Mt Albert Roads in 

Three Kings. 

Prior to visiting New 

Zealand, she will be in 

Australia on a teaching 

assignment for The 

Madras Music Academy, 

conducting Master 

Classes in Melbourne 

for two weeks. 

SHANKAR, Sapt Rishi. Ex-Member 

of Fijian Parliament and Lawyer, 

passed away peacefully on September 

3, 2015. Much loved husband of 

JaimatiShankar, caring father of Sheela, 

Avinand Doreen; Loving grandfather 

of Kris,Hamish, Shalini; and Ashwini 

Father-in-Law of Yvonne. Loved and 

missed by all family and friends. Not a 

day goes bythat you are not loved and 

missed. 

You will be in our hearts forever.


Time to celebrate Indian 

elegance with dignity 

Venkat Raman 

Miss Indianz event is more 

of acelebration of Kiwi-Indian 

elegance than a competition, 

says Dharmesh 

Parikh of Reshab D Productions and 

Rhythm Events, organisers of the 

16-year-old annual cultural bonanza. 

No clutter 

“We believe that Miss Indianz 

is by far the most clutter-free and 

transparent event. The clean and 

simple format allows participants to 

fully express their passion and love 

for what they believe. Full training 

and equal footing is given to all 

participants and they are not required 

to fundraise, look for sponsors or 

sell tickets to the event. They simply 

enjoy participating in ashowcase of 

elegance, beauty, fashion, music and 

dance,” Dharmesh said. 

Here we continue with the profiles 

of the contestants 

MISS 

INDIANZ 

16th ANNuAl eveNt 

Saturday, 

September 15, 2018 

At 730 pm 

Mahatma Gandhi Centre, 

Auckland 

For Tickets & Information 

www.missindianz.co.nz 

Sheron Kumar 

Entertainmentlink 

23 

Community service is divine and the ability to provide 

care and solace is what nursing is all about, says 

Sheron Kumar, aregistered, practicing nurse in South 

Auckland. 

“I consider the opportunity to serve our communities as 

the most important attribute of our profession. Even while 

growing up in my native Fiji, Ienvisioned being aNurse. 

I believe that meeting people from different walks of life 

is educative and helps me understand them,” Sheron said. 

Photographs of Sheron Kumar by Peter Jennings 

Harnoor Kaur Deol 

Born in Kapurthala, known as the ‘City of Palaces’ 

in the State of Punjab, India, Harnoor Kaur Deol is 

a student of Clinical Engineering at the Manukau 

Institute of Technology (MIT). 

“Living in New Zealand has agreat advantage of experiencing 

two different and amazing cultures. Miss Indianz 

2018 is the platform where ican showcase my skills of 

dancing and public speaking,” she said. 

Harnoor has won in several number of declamation 

and debate competitions. 

Pictures of Harnoor Kaur Deol are by Andrew Bignall 

She represented her school at regional level declamation 

contest and got third position. 

Surabhi Shukla-Raval 

This 27-year-old woman has along list of achievements, 

which does everyone around her proud. 

Surabhi Shukla-Raval Social media influencer, 

certified personal trainer, blackbelt in taekwondo, 

makeup artiste, lifestyle blogger and model. 

Married to Blackcaps Test Opener Jeet Raval, she is 

the Founder of ‘Dazzled Fitness and Beauty,’ acompany 

that promotes positive lifestyle changes in women. 

“I have my own line of organic candles and lip 

balms, which are handmade from natural soy-based 

ingredients. These are better for the health, and for the 

environment. These can be purchased from my website 

and Instagram,” she said. 

Shilpa Bidhan 

Shilpa Bidhan is employed in an international food 

chain, having completed her study in Business 

Management. Based in Dunedin, this young woman 

from Kaithal, Haryana says that she learnt about Miss 

Indianz through Facebook. 

Pictures of Shilpa Bidhan by Mathew Hayde 

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24 Sportslink 

Gary should take the Cricket challenge in his stead 

Apurv Shukla 

Forty-Six-year-old Gary Stead 

has been appointed Coach of 

New Zealand Cricket. 

He succeeds Mike Hesson 

who resigned in June, one year 

before his contract ended. Stead, a 

former Black Cap, played five test 

matches for New Zealand in 1999, 

was a top order batsman and a 

highly regarded player at Canterbury 

Cricket. 

He comes from afamily of Cricketers. 

His father David and brother 

Wayne played for Canterbury, and 

aunt Janice was in the New Zealand 

Women’s International team. 

Analytical Approach 

Stead beings with him more than 

ten years of coaching experience. 

He started off at New Zealand 

Cricket’s high performance centre 

at Lincoln and graduated to taking 

charge of the White Ferns. 

The team reached the finals of the 

World Cup in 2009. Stead then took 

over the Canterbury team and guided 

them to four national titles over a 

six-year period. 

Stead is highly regarded for his 

analytical approach to the game and 

a sharp cricketing mind. He inherits 

a side that under Hesson and Captain 

Kane Williamson has established 

itself as a formidable force on the 

world circuit. 

New Black Caps Coach Gary Stead 

Picture Courtesy: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport 

The squad is in an enviable position 

of being ayoung but experienced 

team. 

It is a disciplined unit that has a 

settled core group of players. 

The raging debate 

Debate has long raged over the 

impact coaches can or do have on international 

cricket teams. Critics say 

that coaches cannot make a tangible 

difference to the playing style of a 

player, when they have broken into 

the national team. 

According to them, that technique 

and style is well embedded in aplayer 

by that stage. “Coaches are merely 

props, who basically have more of 

an administration than technical 

role. Also it has been seen that being 

a successful player does not mean a 

successful transition into coaching,” 

they say. 

Successful Coaches 

Some of the better coaches of the 

modern era in John Buchannan, 

Mickey Arthur or even Hesson were 

not the biggest names on team sheets, 

but highly regarded as coaches. 

A legend like Anil Kumble, though 

dubbed a‘Headmaster,’ remained as 

a coach of the Indian team for just a 

year. 

Incumbent Ravi Shastri agritty 

cricketer, but better known to the 

present group of players as arespected 

commentator. 

He was handed the job without 

having any prior coaching experience 

but has shown that the Coach has to 

be a good man manager to succeed. 

In adressing room full of big players 

and bigger egos, it is essential that 

a voice of unbiased sanity is heard, 

that carries the group together. 

The Coach has to remain in the 

background, since at the end of the 

day, the team’s performance on the 

field has to be led by the Captain. 

When a coach becomes over-bearing 

like Greg Chappell in his tenure 

with the Indian team, it leads to 

disharmony and poor results follow. 

Beginning in the Middle East 

Stead starts his tenure with a tour 

of the Middle East for a series against 

Pakistan in October. The Black Caps 

then return for a summer of cricket 

with teams from the sub continent. 

Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh tour 

the country. 

These tours will build up to the 

biggest trophy of the game, the World 

Cup, to be played in England in May 

2019. 

New Zealand and Stead know that 

the World Cup is achallenge that has 

not been surmounted yet. 

‘Angel in the Pocket’ helps 

problem gamblers 


Many people in 

New Zealand 

experience the 

harms caused by 

problem gambling, whether 

it be from their own spending 

and time lost to the pokies or 

through that of their loved 

ones. Overcoming this 

compulsion is a hard road, 

but there now exists an ‘Angel 

in your pocket,’ which may 

just help to remove some of 

the obstacles. 

The National Institute 

for Health Innovation at 

the University of Auckland 

has collaborated with the 

Ministry of Health to design 

an app for Android users who 

no longer find gambling fun 

and are keen to either reduce 

the time and money they 

spend at the pokies, or stop 

altogether. 

Daily Messages 

The App supports 

positive behaviour change by 

providing users with short 

daily messages to build their 

confidence and skill set, as 

well as using GPS to send 

users messages to aid them in 

putting their new skills into 

action when they’re in real 

world risky situations. 

The idea is to provide a 

discrete form of help when 

people are feeling their most 

vulnerable and prevent the 

return to previous patterns of 

behaviour. 

The content and design are 

built on the input of focus 

group members who have all 

been there, alongside experts 

at the Problem Gambling 

Foundation. 

The App can be downloaded 

from 

https://play.google.com/store/ 

apps/details?id=nz.co.uniservices.spgetti 

Website https://spgetti. 

auckland.ac.nz 

Facebook: https://www. 

facebook.com/SPGeTTI 

Email: spgetti@auckland. 

ac.nz 

Supported by 

An exciting opportunity to recognise and reward our achievers. 

Special Recognition for Emerging Young Sports People. 

Entries can be nominated by Sports Clubs, Sports Associations, Coaches, Umpires, Referees, 

Parents,Teachers, community and social organisations and others well known to the nominated candidates. 

Download entry forms from www.inlisa.com or write to editor@indiannewslink.co.nz 

Completed nominations must be sent on or before Saturday, September 15, 2018 to 

isca@peaceconsulting.co.nz 

Winners will be presented with Awards at a Gala Dinner on Monday, October 8, 2018 at Alexandra Park, 

Greenlane, Auckland, details of which will be announced later. 

Sports Awards Categories: 

• Best Senior Division Cricket Player of the Year 

• Best Under 19 Cricket Player of the Year 

• Best Vetran Soccer Player of the Year 

• Best Under 19 Soccer Player of the Year 

• Best Rugby Union Player of the Year 

• Best Rugby League Player of the Year 

• Best Netball Player of the Year 

• Best Hockey Player of the Year 

• Best Golfer of the Year 

• Best Under 19 Player of the Year-Other Sports 

• Best Over19 Player of the Year-Other Sports 

Best Sportsman of the Year 

Best Sportswoman of theYear 

(Winners of individual categories will be automatically entered) 

Youth Participation 

Nominate any young member of the community 

under 20 years who has excelled in any sport 

Community Awards: 

For services to any Community, Organisation 

Philanthropy, Fine Arts, Culture and other Causes 

Our Sponsors 

Rachana Dave 

Reliance Ventilation Systems Ltd. 

Conditions of Entry: 

Entries must be in the precribed form sent only by email.Those sent by post, fax or other means will not be accepted. The decision of the judges will be 

final and no correspondence will be entertained in this connection.The management and staff of Indian Newslink and the supporting and sponsoring 

organisations are not eligible to enter the Awards.

Sept 1 2018 Indian Newslink Digital Edition

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