INL DIGITAL EDITION March 15, 2020

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08 MARCH 15, 2020 Fijilink Fiji gets closer to New Zealand after Ardern’s visit Balaji Chandramohan New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden’s recent State visit to Fiji will reset the country’s complicated relationship with Fiji. She scored high as a compassionate leader, understanding the sentiments of Fijians and embracing the Pacific Island country with charisma. Editor’s Note: Please read related stories on our website and social media filed by the Editor of Indian Newslink who was a member of the media delegation that accompanied Ms Ardern to Fiji and Australia from February 24 to February 28, 2020. Accord on Climate Change Ms Ardern and Fiji’s Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama were on the same page on issues related to Climate Change. It is now expected that New Zealand will stand with Fiji on many outstanding issues as Fijians observe the 50th Anniversary of their Independence. One of the highlights of the visit was the way in which New Zealand could differentiate its approach towards Fiji from the way in which Australia has dealt with Suva. Bainimarama and Ardern at the State Dinner in Suva on Feb 25 (Facebook) Ms Ardern has made a point that New Zealand has much firmer roots in the Pacific Islands than Australia and New Zealand’s marked departure towards the Pacific Islands in general and Fiji in particular was reflected during last year’s Pacific Islands Summit held in Tuvalu. Inspiring leadership The Island countries were attracted to the leadership of Ms Ardern over that of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. She continues to advocate and understand the importance of the South Pacific in New Zealand’s geopolitical thinking. To a larger extent, this stance also reflects the position held by her Labour Party towards Fiji from Brahmarishi Guruvanand creates a spell on devotees Venkat Raman Fijians seeking self-realisation and ‘true happiness’ received esteemed enlightenment in the presence of Brahmarishi (also Brahmrishi) Vishvasant Guruvanand, the Spiritual Leader, who simplified Vedanta and philosophy of life for easy assimilation. The Schedule The Master of Vedas addressed two public meetings, the first of which was held on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Girmit Centre in Lautoka (located at Kings Road). The second meeting was held on March 5, 2020 at the FMF Foods Limited (formerly Flour Mills of Fiji Limited) Gymnasium, located at Laucala Bay Road in Suva. A cross-section of Fiji’s population attended the discourses, during which the Brahmarishi explained how to lead a meaningful life and more important, sans depression. Guruvanand had earlier concluded a four-day visit to Auckland which saw more than 1500 people listening to his speeches at Ram Mandir in West Auckland and Bhartiya Mandir in Central Auckland. Teachings par excellence To the world that is often misguided with increasing tensions and tendencies towards suicide and homicide, Gurudev’s teachings are palliatives. Here is a sample: “In the tapestry of life, weave a story that is so inspiring and so meaningful that posterity can say with pride that you were indeed the heir of the ‘Santana Dharma,’ the eternal Dharma of the great Masters of the past. Your thoughts and actions today are indelible links that connect the great shining past and the glorious future unfolding of the Divine Life, of which you are an integral part.” According to scores of disciples, reciting his name with the Man- Brahmarishi Vishvasant Guruvanand (Picture from Facebook) tra ‘Om Guruvanand Namah,’ provides ‘divine relaxation to the mind.’ “The name of this beautiful mantra itself gives the mission that Guruji wants to fulfil from his inspiring and influential presence, which is Awareness and Peace. I owe my major improvements, success, frame of mind, vision and level of thinking to Guruji,” an Auckland based devotee said. The Brahmarishi advises people to live a beautiful life- so beautiful that its fragrance eternally permeates and pervades the memory of fellow sojourners in the journey of life. “You have to shake to take out dirt from a cloth. Similarly, dance and rejoice in front of Mata Rani and take out all your karmas and be happy. Leave all your tensions there and go home fresh with happiness,” he said. About Brahmarishis Brahmarishis are revered as sons of God, selfless protectors, persons of the greatest ability, and propagators of the highest human values. They are Divine Flames dedicating their lives to the cause and welfare of humankind. They teach in a language understood by common people and consider service to humanity as the greatest religion. The teachings of Brahmarishi Jacinda Ardern with children at Rise Informal Settlement at Tamavua, Suva on February 26, 2020 (Facebook) the days of former Prime Ministers Peter Fraser, Walt Nash and Helen Clark. After Fiji was expelled from the Pacific Islands Forum following the coup by Mr Bainimarama on December 5, 2006, China encouraged it to be an active participant in the Melanesian Spearhead Group and even provided funds for the establishment of its Secretariat in Suva. Signalling a paradigm shift, New Zealand will approach Fiji with a focus on developing its fragile infrastructure, thereby developing the base for providing jobs for its young people who now seek jobs overseas. It must be said that such a shift Guruvanand are well founded on tenets of innate goodness of every person, transcending barriers of race, religion, language and other man-made barriers. He believes that everyone has something to contribute to the progress and prosperity of the human race as a whole. “Live in the now, do not seek faults in others and improve yourself. Your faith will make heaven come to you. Follow your religion or your God or your own Guru. Believe in him with full devotion. Live with happiness and not for happiness. Happiness is in small things. Love your family and always spread smile,” he says. Gurudev, the Pacifist If you were to listen to the speeches of Gurudev, you would instantly like him and his belief that religion is not based on rituals and rites but on love, peace, harmony and understanding among people. He radiates grace and kindness. At each private meetings, many have found answers to questions that have daunted them since long. The Brahmarishi holds several degrees including M Tech from IIT Kharagpur (equivalent to MIT and Harvard in USA); PhD in Astrology; and Masters in Sanskrit, Vedas, and Jyotish. He was Honorary Principal and Professor at various academic institutions including Banaras Hindu University. With a background in Science, it is natural that he looks for ways to bring the scientific mentality and the spiritualism in creative dialogue. With his life transformative spiritual message, he inspires, empowers, keeps people informed and engages them to move forward in their spiritual quest. was largely facilitated by New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters with his ‘Pacific Reset Programme,’ and visits to Fiji. New Zealand is likely to support Fiji’s entry to the Polynesian Spearhead Group, a regional multilateral Forum for Polynesians. Biketawa Declaration New Zealand will also push for the Biketawa Declaration 2.0. Pacific Island Forum Leaders agreed to the original Security Statement in 2000, after a coup in Fiji that year and ethnic tensions in the Solomon Islands. The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands was enabled under the Biketawa Declaration, under which, the Forum countries could form such a mission and send it into a member country upon the request of the affected nation. New Zealand’s then Prime Minister Helen Clark had a major role to play in this initiative. Ms Ardern may follow suit and involve New Zealand to be a part of Biketawa Declaration 2.0, which will work in tandem with the regional security force Legion, comprising the Melanesian countries. Election prospects She will be aware that carrying Fiji along will go domestically well for the Labour Party, especially in the election year. Mount Albert, her constituency in Auckland, has significant Indo-Fijian and Native Fijian population. If re-elected, the new Labour government will work actively in the South-West Pacific, South Pacific and South-East Pacific. After years of neglect, New Zealand has understood Fiji’s position and has approached the relationship with compassion and pragmatism, punching above the weight in the complex South Pacific geo-politics. Balaji Chandramohan is Indian Newslink Correspondent based in New Delhi, India. Subscribe to Indian Newslink Please call (09) 5336377 Email: info@indiannewslink.co.nz Joint action to manage Climate Change imperative Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama A few years back, we entered a new era of the Fiji-New Zealand friendship; an era defined by mutual respect and equality. Today, our partnership sits at unparalleled strength, as Prime Minister Ardern’s personal commitment to the Pacific has built new bridges of cooperation upon the foundation of trust and openness our governments know today. Through her inclusive and compassionate brand of leadership, she has earned a profile that extends far beyond New Zealand, winning the hearts and minds of people in Fiji and all around the world. I am glad to see it, because I believe our world badly needs more leaders like Jacinda. This is a leader who truly cares, who not only leads well but listens, and who shares the principles of togetherness and progress that I hold most dear. But what I have admired most is how, when tested by great adversity, she has summoned the spirit Fiji’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama with his wife Mary and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her Parter Clarke Gayford in Suva on February 25, 2020 (Facebook) of unity in a way that not only lifts up the people of New Zealand, but inspires the wider world. Trade prospects Prime Minister Ardern and I also see the potential of a unity across the Pacific. New Zealand is Fiji’s second largest regional trading partner. Every year, tens of thousands of Kiwis visit our shores, and Fijian and New Zealand businesses send flows of goods, services and investments across our borders that sustain and create jobs within our economies. What makes this partnership truly special is that Prime Minister Arden and I know the possibilities for our partnership extend far beyond our patch of ocean. From Tuvalu to the halls of the UN General Assembly, our elevated voice on the world stage has transformed the Pacific from a region left off maps to one which loudly and boldly defends humanity’s greatest interests. New pact on Climate Change Both recently joined Iceland, Norway and Costa Rica in a new Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability, which we expect will generate global momentum to spur sustainable, climate-conscious flows of trade. It is one of many ways Fiji and New Zealand are leading the global race to net-zero. I want to congratulate New Zealand on passing its climate change response Zero Carbon Bill. Fiji is proud to join you on the right side of history by passing our own Climate Change Bill this year, which lays out our pathway to net-zero emissions. Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama is Prime Minister of Fiji. The above is an edited version of the Statement that he issued to the media following a bilateral meeting between Fiji and New Zealand in Suva on February 25, 2020. He praised Ms Ardern for her leadership on Climate Change, the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Christchurch on March 15, 2019 and said that he and his government looked forward a closer relationship. Ms Ardern and her delegation were on a four-day official visit to Fiji from February 24 to February 27, 2020.
MARCH 15, 2020 Businesslink Action Plan ensures sustainable housing for the homeless Michael Wood Our government is stepping up to prevent and reduce homelessness in New Zealand. The Aotearoa New Zealand Homelessness Action Plan, which was released last week, establishes a framework and funding to help the homeless into sustainable housing. This follows a decade of denial and neglect under National, which sold off state houses as the numbers of homeless grew dramatically. For a start, we will move more vulnerable New Zealanders from emergency motel accommodation to transitional housing. New transitional homes A thousand new transitional housing places will be delivered by end of 2020 to reduce demand for emergency motel accommodation. This is in addition to about 1300 places already created. We have campaigned on addressing housing and homelessness and we are delivering during the short time we have held office. We will introduce a 25% of income payment, after seven days for those in emergency motel accommodation to bring in line with other similar accommodation support payments. We have allocated over $70 million for programmes that will help people who are at the risk of losing their rentals and becoming homeless and also to support people out of RNZ Picture by Luke McPake Infographics from Action Plan website motels and into permanent accommodation. Long-term solutions Alongside these immediate actions, we are looking at longterm plans of action to reduce homelessness. We have initiated a public housing building programme that hasn’t been seen in New Zealand for 40 years. On assuming office, our immediate priority was to get people out of sleeping in cars and garages or on the streets into safe and warm accommodation. A major investment in ‘Housing First’ which moves the homeless into housing and then works to deal with underlying issues such as mental health and addiction, is already seeing promising results in keeping people off the streets. Additional funding will also enable preventing homelessness among Maori and expand housing supply that is delivered by Maori. More funds will enable supporting of young people who are leaving Oranga Tamariki care into suitable accommodation with wrap around support services for them. Mental Health services Acute mental health services as well as addiction inpatients transiting into community with housing and other support services will also be funded. Ministry of Social Development will also launch a new housing broker service which will connect with local landlords and support MSD clients to secure private rental homes. The Social Development Minister Hon Carmel Sepuloni is very sure of making housing costs as consistent and fair as possible to all. Every New Zealander should have a decent, safe place to sleep at night. The legacy of homelessness we inherited was serious and it will take some time to completely resolve the issue. Under this government however, real progress is being made. Michael Wood is Member of Parliament elected from Mount Roskill in Auckland. He is the Chief Government Whip. 09 Commerce Commission warns HSBC over disclosures Supplied Content The Commerce Commission has issued a warning to The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) over its failure to comply with the information disclosure requirements of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 (CCCFA). HSBC self-reported the matter to the Commission following a routine audit of its business in New Zealand. HSBC identified six occasions between 2014 and 2018 when it failed to disclose an interest rate increase to borrowers. Borrowers affected The failures affected 225 loans and 180 borrowers. In the Commission’s view, HSBC likely breached the requirements of the CCCFA for lenders to disclose changes following the exercise of a contractual right or power. Commission Chair said that HSBC advised that these failures were due to inadequate internal manual processes and failure to identify errors in a timely way. “The disclosure requirements are there to protect consumers. They ensure that lenders provide essential information about a loan when it is first taken out or, as in this case, when the lender makes a change to the loan, as allowed in the contract. Lenders must fully and accurately inform borrowers about such changes and within the required time limit. HSBC failed to do so in relation to these cases,” she said. Borrowers contacted HSBC has written to borrowers providing full particulars of the change following the interest rate increase in 2018 and made changes to its processes including moving to automated disclosure processes where possible. It has also provided compensation to affected borrowers totalling about $7000. “In light of the actions already taken by HSBC and the relatively small number of affected borrowers, the Commission decided that a warning was appropriate in this case. We note HSBC’s pro-active conduct in self-reporting the matter and its subsequent co-operation with our investigation,” Ms Rawlings said. About CCCFA The CCCFA protects consumers when they borrow money or buy goods on credit. It sets out the rules that must be followed by lenders when they provide loans. Disclosure is important information about a loan that lenders must give borrower at different times during the loan, including when it is first set-up, on an ongoing basis, and if a loan is varied. It helps borrowers understand what the loan will cost them and what their and the lender’s obligations are under the loan. Where a lender exercises a right under the contract to increase the loan interest rate or loan payments, the lender must disclose full details of the change to the borrower within 5 working days of the change. Warning letters A warning explains the Commerce Commission’s opinion that the conduct at issue is likely to have breached the law. Only the Courts can decide whether a breach of the law has in fact occurred. The purpose of a warning letter is to inform the recipient of the Commission’s view that there has been a likely breach of the law, to suggest a change in the recipient’s behaviour, and to encourage future compliance with the law. Source: The Commerce Commission, Wellington Priyanca Radhakrishnan Labour List MP based in Maungakiekie Maungakiekie Office 09 622 2660 priyanca@parliament.govt.nz Level 1 Crighton House, 100 Neilson St, Onehunga (entrance via Galway St) | | priyancanzlp Authorised by Priyanca Radhakrishnan Labour List MP, 100 Neilson St, Onehunga
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INL DIGITAL EDITION March 15, 2020

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