The Indian Weekender, Friday 6 November 2020

06 NOVEMBER2020 • VOL 12 ISSUE 34 

www.iwk.co.nz /indianweekender /indianweekender 

PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN 

Pg3 

becomes first ever Kiwi-Indian Minister in NZ 

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The Indian Weekender Friday, November 6, 2020 

NEW ZEALAND 3 

PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN 

becomes first ever Kiwi-Indian Minister in NZ 

SANDEEP SINGH 

History created: Labour Party’s MP 

Priyanca Radhakrishnan has created 

history by becoming the firstever 

Kiwi-Indian Minister in New Zealand 

government. 

The second time MP Priyanca has been 

appointed as Minister for the Community 

and Voluntary Sector, Minister for Diversity, 

Inclusion and Ethnic Communities, Minister 

for Youth, Associate Minister for Social 

Development and Employment. 

This is an incredible elevation for 

the second term MP to be given 

the responsibility with three fullfledged 

Minister roles and one 

Associate role in the cabinet. 

In the last term (2017-2020) 

Radhakrishnan was Private 

Secretary to the then Minister 

for Ethnic Communities Jenny 

Salesa, who has been dropped 

from the executive altogether and 

moved into Assistant Speaker role in 

this second term labour government. 

Exclusive interview with the Indian 

Weekender after becoming Minister 

In an exclusive interview with the Indian 

Weekender from Wellington immediately after 

Prime Minister’s announcement on cabinet 

reshuffle on Monday, November 2, Priyanca 

expressed rejoice on the news of her elevation 

as the first-ever Minister of Indian-descent in 

any New Zealand government. 

“This is a great privilege and I am humbled 

by this opportunity to serve the community,” 

"The 

community 

& volunteer sector 

is a sector in which I 

worked primarily in my 

working life. The other role 

of ethnic communities, I have 

been parliamentary Private 

Secretary for a year and 

a half in the last 

term." 

Radhakrishnan said. 

On being asked when was the first time 

she was informed by the Prime Minister 

about getting the new role in the cabinet 

Radhakrishnan sagaciously deflected the query 

with a smile and saying, “Look there was a bit 

of process ... and I got to know before today.” 

“As you would appreciate there is a bit of 

process to follow within caucus and nothing is 

certain till the actual announcement. So finally, 

it was confirmed just before Prime Minister’s 

media stand up,” Radhakrishnan said. 

One the question of incredible responsibility 

being thrust upon her with full 

Ministerial responsibility for 

three different portfolios along 

with an additional Associate 

responsibility Radhakrishnan 

said, “This is a great 

privilege to have Ministerial 

responsibilities. These roles 

as you may know I am quite 

passionate about for a number 

of years.” 

“The community & volunteer 

sector is a sector in which I worked primarily 

in my working life. 

"The other role of ethnic communities, I have 

been parliamentary Private Secretary for a year 

and a half in the last term.” 

“These all roles I am incredibly excited about 

and it is a great privilege,” Radhakrishnan said. 

Can Kiwi-Indian community 

facing immigration challenges 

expect more support from her? 

When the Indian Weekender asked her 

on what can the Kiwi-Indian community 

experiencing a myriad of challenges in 

negotiating with immigration system 

expect Radhakrishnan responded 

reassuringly that she was aware 

of community’s plight and will 

continue to advocate for 

them with the Minister for 

Immigration. 

Notably, among 

many other 

issues facing the 

Kiwi-Indian 

community, 

immigration 

continues to be 

one of the most 

pressing ones, 

with often lives 

of thousands 

and thousands of 

migrants being held 

hostage to lack of 

policy and procedural 

clarity from the government, 

particularly from the last term. 

In this regard, Radhakrishnan’s 

elevation as the first-ever Kiwi- 

Indian Minister in any NZ 

government would raise immense 

hope and expectation from the 

members of the community. 

The Indian Weekender 

congratulates Radhakrishnan 

on this historic achievement 

and wishes her a successful 

tenure ahead. 

Diwali 

Happy 

शुभ दीपावली 

Enjoy a great Diwali celebration 

with family and friends 

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4 NEW ZEALAND 

Friday, November 6, 2020 


MICHAEL WOOD’S elevation as cabinet 

Minister brings rejoice in Kiwi-Indian community 

SANDEEP SINGH 

The news of elevation of local 

Auckland MP Michael Wood 

as a cabinet minister in the 

new government has been received 

with much delight and rejoice within 

the Kiwi-Indian community. 

Undoubtedly, Wood who is MP 

for Mt Roskill – an area that holds 

the reputation of being the most 

ethnically diverse electorate of New 

Zealand with almost 40 per cent 

voters having been born overseas 

- is one of the great friends of the 

Kiwi-Indian community, along 

with other ethnic migrant minority 

communities. 

His connection, relative easy 

accessibility, along with a passion for 

supporting the members of the Kiwi- 

Indian community has made him 

immensely popular in a short span 

of time, not only within Auckland’s 

Indian community but also in rest of 

New Zealand. 

Wood was first elected to 

Parliament at the 2016 Mt Roskill 

by-election after it was vacated by 

former Labour MP Phil Goff who 

had nurtured the electorate for more 

than two decades by maintaining a 

personal connection with residents 

and their representative associations 

within the area. 

Since then Wood has not only 

filled into Goff’s shoes but also 

continued with his style of politics 

with an emphasis on personal rapport 

and connections with people, which 

has been generously rewarded by 

the voters in successive elections by 

sending him back to Parliament in 

2017 & 2020 election. 

Many community leaders and 

representatives of major community 

organisations and associations have 

echoed similar sentiments with the 

Indian Weekender. 

Jeet Suchdev 

of Bhartiya Samaj 

Charitable Trust 

told the Indian 

Weekender that 

he had known 

Wood for a number 

of years right from his days in 

Puketapapa local board and his hard 

work in connecting with people and 

growing in politics. 

“Over the years Wood has 

remained easily accessible and a 

great friend of our Trust at all times,” 

Suchdev said. 

“We deal with a number of cases 

related to people in distress which 

often requires urgent attention from 

the government and Wood has always 

ensured to remain connected,” 

Suchdev said. 

Narendra 

Bhana, President 

of Auckland 

Indian Association 

– one of the oldest 

Indian community 

organisations in 

New Zealand, 

said, “Michel 

Wood has been closely connected 

to vibrant and growing ethnic 

communities in New Zealand. He 

has been very supportive and more 

importantly a very good friend of the 

Auckland Indian Association Inc.” 

“We are happy for him to become 

a Minister of Transport and we 

wish him all the best for his journey 

ahead,” Bhana said. 

V a i 

Ravindran of 

Auckland Tamil 

Association 

– a Tamil 

community 

organisation 

which has 

recognised its special connection 

with Wood by honouring with a 

special title of “Tamil – Selvan” 

meaning “Son of Tamil” in 2018 also 

expressed rejoice on his elevation as 

a Cabinet Minister. 

“It is a great pride and honour 

for our “Tamil -Selvan” to be 

elevated as Cabinet Minister. We are 

confident that he will do well for the 

community and the entire country,” 

Ravindran said. 

Wood was re-elected to Parliament 

in 2017 and became Parliamentary 

Under-Secretary to the Minister for 

Ethnic Communities and became 

Chair of the Finance & Expenditure 

Select Committee. 

He became Senior Whip in 

mid-2019. 

There is an anticipation that 

his new portfolio of Minister of 

Transport will soar expectations 

within wider communities for quick 

and decisive action on Auckland’s 

public transport woes. 

Wood is a self-avowed champion 

of public transport (he and his family 

are an avid public transport user) and 

as local MP for Mt Roskill, which sits 

at the heart of the much-hyped and 

hugely anticipated light rail project, 

it is expected that the project might 

get off sooner than later. 

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NEW ZEALAND 5 

Wellington Diwali 

Festival fireworks 

postponed to November 13 

RIZWAN 

MOHAMMAD 

The Wellington 

Diwali fireworks 

display will light 

up the sky on Friday, 

November 13, after 

strong winds postponed 

the finale event (and 

alternate weather day) 

during the official 

Diwali festival event last 

weekend. 

The fireworks, 

sponsored by Kapura, 

have been rescheduled 

to go off at 9 p.m. along 

the waterfront in the 

vicinity of the Queen’s 

Wharf and Shed 6 area 

in Wellington – with the postponement (rain date) date of Sunday, November 15. 

Communities Action Trust of New Zealand (CATNZ) in support from Wellington City Council 

organised its annual festival of lights event, Diwali at TSB Arena on Sunday, October 25, during 

the Labour Day long weekend. 

The event witnessed over 16,000 attendance from all over Wellington region and scores of dance 

and music performances on the stage. 

One of the most iconic and popular events in the calendar of Wellingtonians, the Wellington 

Diwali Festival was held amid Alert Level 1 Covid restrictions this year and was perhaps the only 

two massive Diwali events in New Zealand. 

The other massive Diwali festival event was held in Christchurch on Saturday, October 24. 

Diwali festivals are held annually and known as the Festival of Lights; this ancient Hindu festival 

symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and the renewal of life. 

As per the Indian calendar, Puja Muhurat, the time for family prayers, is on Saturday, 

November 14. 

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6 NEW ZEALAND 

Friday, November 6, 2020 The Indian Weekender 

CABINET MINISTERS 

Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern 

Prime Minister 

Minister for National Security 

and Intelligence, Minister for 

Child Poverty Reduction 

Minister Responsible for 

Ministerial Services , Associate 

Minister for Arts, Culture and 

Heritage 

Hon Kris Faafoi 

Minister of Justice 

Minister for Broadcasting 

and Media, Minister of 

Immigration 

Hon Dr Megan Woods 

Minister of Housing 

Minister of Energy and 

Resources, Minister of 

Research, Science and 

Innovation, Associate Minister 

of Finance 

Hon Chris Hipkins 

Minister for COVID-19 

Response 

Minister of Education 

Minister for the Public Service 

Leader of the House 

Hon Andrew Little 

Minister of Health 

Minister Responsible for the 

GCSB, Minister Responsible 

for the NZSIS, Minister 

for Treaty of Waitangi 

Negotiations 

Hon Phil Twyford 

Minister for Disarmament and 

Arms Control , Minister of State 

for Trade and Export Growth 

Associate Minister for the 

Environment, Associate Minister 

of Immigration 

Ayesha Verrall 

Minister for Food Safety 

Minister for Seniors 

Associate Minister of Health 

Associate Minister of 

Research, Science and 

Innovation 

Michael Wood 

Minister of Transport 

Minister for Workplace 

Relations and Safety 

Deputy Leader of the House 

Hon Grant Robertson 

Deputy Prime Minister 

Minister of Finance 

Minister for Infrastructure 

Minister for Racing 

Minister for Sport and 

Recreation 

Hon David Parker 

Attorney-General 

Minister for the Environment 

Minister for Oceans and 

Fisheries, Minister of Revenue 

Associate Minister of Finance 

Priyanca Radhakrishnan 

Minister for the Community 

and Voluntary Sector 

Minister for Diversity, 

Inclusion and Ethnic 

Communities, Minister for 

Youth, Associate Minister 

for Social Development and 

Employment 

Deborah Russell MP 

Parliamentary Under-Secretary 

to the Minister of Revenue 

Hon Nanaia Mahuta 

Minister of Foreign Affairs 

Minister of Local Government 

Revolution 

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8 NEW ZEALAND 



Kiwi-Indian becomes an overnight sensation 

on social media as popular Punjabi star Diljit 

Dosanjh shares dance on his song 'G.O.A.T.S.' 

RIZWAN MOHAMMAD 

An Auckland based member of 

the Kiwi-Indian community 

Kharag Singh has become 

an overnight sensation on social 

media after popular singer Diljit 

Dosanjh shared their dance video 

from his official handle of social 

media account, Instagram. 

Singh was dancing in a dinnerevent 

hosted on Saturday night 

to celebrate the recent election of 

Labour Party’s MP Dr Neru Leavasa 

for the new electorate of Takanini in 

Auckland. 

Singh was part of Dr Leavasa’s 

election-campaign team and was 

dancing on the tunes of Dosanjh’s 

hugely popular song “G.O.A.T.S.,” 

when he pulled his wife as well on 

the dance floor and then the couple 

instantly mesmerised everyone 

leaving the floor to themselves. 

This youthful and exuberant 

display of energy and passion, 

obviously on his famous song, 

caught Dosanjh’s attention, and he 

immediately shared the video from 

his official handle on Instagram. 

Dosanjh has shared quite a few 

unique dance clips on his popular 

song that has become a sensation 

from all around the world, including 

one on August 20 from Switzerland 

where a group of Swiss girls were 

seen dancing on tunes of his song at 

a popular local beach. 

However, what was so special in 

this instance, was Dosanjh’s special 

words for Kharag Singh’s passion, 

energy, youthfulness along with 

dancing skills with a sweet caption 

‘This Better Be Us in 40 Years.’ 

Dosanjh said ‘Kamaal Di 

Energy… Dil Khush Ho Geya Dekh 

Ke’ that roughly translates to ‘What 

an impressive energy… I am so 

delighted to see this’. 

Already making waves on social 

media, the video shared by Dosanjh 

received a further 1.5 million views 

along with over 2400 comments 

commending the energy of the dance 

and the performer. 

Dosanjh is an immensely talented 

Punjabi singer, 

actor, who 

performs 

in Punjabi 

movies and 

Bollywood 

and have 

10.4 million 

followers on 

social media 

platform Instagram. 

Meanwhile, acknowledging 

the overnight sensation that his 

dance video has received after 

Dosanjh’s sharing on social media 

Singh also expressed gratitude on 

his own social media post saying “I 

am humbled to have received such 

a huge response not just from our 

community members but also a great 

Punjabi and Bollywood star.” 

Speaking with The Indian 

Weekender, Mr Singh said the 

real credit goes to a community 

member from Auckland Shan Lea 

"I am 

humbled 

to have received 

such a huge 

response not just 

from our community 

members but also a 

great Punjabi and 

Bollywood star. 

who first posted the video on social 

media platform TikTok with caption 

‘Couple Goals’. 

“At the event last Saturday, I was 

celebrating Dr Leavasa’s victory in 

the elections. 

“To my friends and community 

members, I would say when there is 

a happy moment, live it, celebrate it, 

share it, and that is what you can see 

in the dance video shot and posted on 

social media,” Mr Singh added.

倀刀䔀䴀䤀唀䴀匀䄀䘀䔀吀夀䐀䔀倀伀匀䤀吀䈀伀堀䔀匀 

匀琀愀爀琀椀渀最昀爀漀洀伀一䰀夀 ␀ 㤀㤀 

⨀ 

䘀刀䔀䔀䈀伀堀匀䤀娀䔀唀倀䜀刀䄀䐀䔀伀一㔀 ⬀ 夀䔀䄀刀刀䔀一吀䄀䰀 

㠀䈀漀砀匀椀稀攀猀昀漀爀刀攀渀琀愀氀愀渀搀䰀椀昀攀琀椀洀攀倀甀爀挀栀愀猀攀猀 ⸀ 

䜀䘀 Ⰰ 吀甀氀樀愀䌀攀渀琀爀攀 Ⰰ 㤀匀琀漀搀搀愀爀搀刀漀愀搀 Ⰰ 䴀琀 ⸀ 刀漀猀欀椀氀氀 Ⰰ 䄀甀挀欀氀愀渀搀㐀 

㤀 ⴀ 㘀㈀㤀㤀㤀簀㈀ⴀ 㘀㘀㘀㠀アパート簀愀搀洀椀渀䀀椀洀瀀攀爀椀愀氀瘀愀甀氀琀猀 ⸀ 挀漀 ⸀ 渀稀 

椀洀瀀攀爀椀愀氀瘀愀甀氀琀猀 ⸀ 挀漀 ⸀ 渀稀

Happy Diwali & 

Bandi Chor Divas 

Thank you to the New Zealand Indian 

community for their love and support over 

the years. 

Authorised by G Hamilton 41 Pipitea Street, Wellington.


NEW ZEALAND 11 

Kiwi-Indian farm worker to run 

marathon in support for farming community 


A 

Kiwi Indian dairy farm 

worker and a renowned 

marathon runner has started 

a fundraiser drive on Givealittle 

intending to show support to farmers 

and thank them for their hard work. 

Harjinder Chander Singh, resident 

of Outram, Dunedin has run in over 

seven marathons, more than half a 

dozen half marathons and several 

Ultra marathons in the last few years. 

The campaign Harjinder is driving 

through participating in the three 

forms of races ‘Thanks 2 Farmers’ 

aims to raise $1000, and the proceeds 

will go through to the children of 

Outram Primary school. 

What makes this campaign unique 

and, in the direction to support 

the farmers, is that Harjinder will 

complete three racing events in 

overalls and gumboots, the uniform 

of the farmers. 

“Farmers wear overall and 

gumboots when working on fields; 

it’s a tough job and needs long hours 

of dedication to produce and deliver 

for people to consume. 

In a way to support the cause, I 

will be running in farmers’ uniform 

so that it creates awareness and 

educates the community about the 

life and works of farmers, not just in 

NZ but all over the world,” Harjinder 

told The Indian Weekender. 

As a part of the drive, Harjinder 

has already completed the Three 

Peaks Ultra-26 km Mountain Race 

in Dunedin earlier in October, 

and Balclutha half-marathon on 

November 1 and will be participating 

in the third and final event, 

Queenstown International Marathon 

on November 21. 

Harjinder ranked number in the 

Three Peaks Mountain Race and 

stood 20th overall and 3rd in senior 

men category (18-35yrs) in the 

Balclutha half-marathon completing 

the race in gumboots in 1 hour 49 

mins and 18 seconds. 

“Working on a dairy farm, I am 

aware of what challenges rural 

communities, and farmers face on 

an ongoing basis such as volatile 

weather, climate, debt & financing, 

and regulation & perception etc. 

“Rural communities and farmers 

also have the highest suicide rate in 

the country,” Harjinder added. 

Harjinder has lived and worked in 

the farming industry for eight years 

now and has always strived to give 

back to the community through 

fundraisers and participating in 

marathon events in and around the 

country. 

“Outram Primary School has 

150 students from Year 1 to 8, 

and most of the students are from 

farming background, so I don’t 

think any better way to say thanks 

to the farmers for bringing 

"Farmers 

wear overall 

and gumboots when 

working on fields; it’s a 

tough job and needs long 

hours of dedication to 

produce and deliver 

for people to 

food to our table 

especially in this 

pandemic time. 

Harjinder’s 

overall is 

sponsored 

by a local 

internet 

company, who 

|consume." 

have also paid 

for his participation 

fee for the races and gumboots 

sponsored by another local firm in 

Dunedin. 

Harjinder says he works 40-45 

hours every week and runs at least 

60 to 70 km every week depending 

on the weather. 

An advocate of fitness and 

running, Harjinder aims to inspire 

his fellow Kiwi Indians, and young 

Kiwis living in New Zealand to 

pick running as an essential part of 

their life as it’s the simplest form of 

exercise and keep both the body and 

mind fit.

Shubh Diwali 

and Happy 

Bandi Chhor Divas 

Diwali HAPPY 2020 

Priyanca Radhakrishnan 

Labour List MP 

priyanca@parliament.govt.nz 

09 622 2660 

Level 1, Crighton House, 100 Neilson 

Street (entrance on Galway Street), 

Onehunga, Auckland 

Dr Gaurav Sharma 

MP for Hamilton West 

gaurav.sharma@parliament.govt.nz 

Freepost PO Box 18 888 

Parliament Buildings, 

Wellington 6160 

Vanushi Walters 

MP for Upper Harbour 

vanushi.walters@parliament.govt.nz 

Freepost PO Box 18 888 

Parliament Buildings, 

Wellington 6160 

Authorised by Priyanca Radhakrishnan MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington



Kiwi-Indian community 

leader honoured 


Kiwi Indian community leader Paul 

Patel has been named one of three 

awardees of the Civic Award for 2020 

by Palmerston North City Council. 

Paul Patel is the president of the oldest Indian 

community organisations in the country, New 

Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA) 

and is the only Kiwi Indian amongst other two 

names, Brian Watt and Phil Pirie to receive this 

coveted title. 

A resident of Palmerston North region, Paul 

has been connected with the community in 

serving in different capacities, such as a hockey 

player, president of Central Districts Sports 

Club, skipper of Manawatu Darts Association, 

Central District Indian Association to name a 

few. 

Besides being an ardent sports enthusiast, 

Paul has led several community initiatives 

that have brought a unified voice for the Kiwi 

Indian community for over three decades now. 

As a member of an informal Whanganui/ 

Manawatu combined sports club, he wondered 

if an official sports organisation would benefit 

and encourage the sporting activities of others. 

He rallied other members of the local Indian 

community to create the Central Districts 

Indian Sports Club in 1982 and was elected its 

first president – a position he held until 1996. 

Paul was also concerned that the region’s 

widely scattered Indian communities lacked 

a voice. The Manawatu/Hawke’s Bay Indian 

Association founded by his grandfather in 1945 

had all but lapsed, and Paul decided to revive it. 

Elected association president in 1989, he 

set about rebuilding its profile, reconstituting 

the organisation as the Central Districts Indian 

Association. He remained its president until 

2016 and still serves the organisation as vicepresident. 

This led to his involvement with the New 

Zealand Indian Central Association – a national 

umbrella body for regional groups. 

Serving in different positions under NZICA, 

Paul has worked closely with officials from the 

Indian High Commission, Immigration NZ, 

the Department of Internal Affairs, NZ Police 

and the Office of Ethnic Affairs to represent 

the interests and concerns of the wider Indian 

community. 

Paul also devoted his time and energy 

in preparation of the national association’s 

submission for the Royal Commission of 

Inquiry into the Christchurch mosque attacks. 

Colours of renewal light up 

landmarks for Diwali Festival 

IWK BUREAU 

Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali 

signifies the triumph of light over 

darkness, good over evil and the 

renewal of life. 

In celebration of this time-honoured 

Indian festival, landmarks across Tamaki 

Makaurau will be bathed in light during 

Auckland Diwali Festival, including Rangoliinspired 

lighting on Te Ara I Whiti – The 

Lightpath and a special light and sound 

projection on Papatoetoe Town Hall. 

Delivered by Auckland Tourism, Events and 

Economic Development (ATEED), Auckland 

Diwali Festival will see more than 100 FREE 

activities take place at 30+ community venues 

across Auckland. 

Joining the celebrations, Auckland’s awardwinning 

cycleway and public artwork Te Ara 

I Whiti will light up every evening from 27 

October to 14 November in vibrant hues of 

orange, yellow and fuchsia. 

The lighting display created by David 

Hayes, director of iion, starts by painting in the 

background before rhythmic patterns of colour 

move along the railing of the path, reminiscent 

of the traditional art form of Rangoli. 

The shifting colour combinations finish with 

a washing away of colour across the length of 

the 850-metre path. 

Part of Auckland Council’s public art 

collection, Te Ara I Whiti is an interactive 

feature of Auckland›s inner city; a whimsical 

and popular cycleway that cuts a path through 

central Auckland. 

For more information on Te Ara I Whiti, 

please visit the Auckland Public Art / He 

Kohinga Toi website. 

The lighting of Te Ara I Whiti combines with 

other Auckland landmarks at various times 

throughout the festival in a glittering display of 

Diwali colour: 

• Tuesday 27 October – Saturday 14 

November: Te Ara I Whiti - The Lightpath 

• Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 November: Sky 

Tower & Auckland Viaduct Harbour 

• Thursday 12 to Monday 16 November: 

Auckland War Memorial Museum 

• Ellen Melville Centre (27 Oct – 14 Nov), 

Wesley Community Centre and Nathan 

Homestead (6-7 Nov) will all be lit in Diwali 

colours of fuchsia and yellow. 

A specially created light and sound 

projection called Light Temple: A celebration 

of Diwali will transform the Papatoetoe Town 

Hall to tell the story of Diwali. 

Light Temple can be viewed on Friday, 

Saturday and Sunday nights over two weekends 

(6-8 November and 13-15 November) at the 

Papatoetoe Town Hall. 

For the Auckland Diwali Festival 2020 lineup, 

visit: Aucklandnz.com/Diwali 

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14 NEW ZEALAND 



Hopes pinned on Labour’s manifesto 

leading to significant immigration changes 

RADIO NEW ZEALAND 

Migrant groups are looking ahead to what changes the 

new Labour government will make to border and visa 

rules. 

Labour’s manifesto signalled an overhaul of partnership 

visas, reducing barriers to the parent category and reviewing 

Pacific immigration. It said it would set aside one in 10 managed 

isolation places for overseas workers. 

Kris Faafoi, who took over as Immigration Minister from 

Iain Lees-Galloway before the election, retained the portfolio in 

yesterday’s Cabinet announcements. Phil Twyford takes over as 

Associate Minister of Immigration. 

Having ruled out a coalition with the Green Party, and with 

New Zealand First not returning to Parliament, the government’s 

plans on immigration - as outlined in its manifesto - set out key 

policy changes. 

“Labour will open up our settings to get more people into the 

country, while maintaining robust controls at the border,” it said. 

“Labour will review immigration criteria to enable a broader 

range of workers to enter New Zealand [and] establish a new 

Investment Attraction Strategy to encourage targeted and highvalue 

international investment into New Zealand. 

“Labour will reduce barriers to access the parent category 

visa, including reconsidering the current provisions once the 

international flow of people across the border settles, and 

reducing the income thresholds.” 

It said it would ensure partnership visa rules were “up-to-date, 

culturally appropriate, and represent international best practice”. 

Immigration settings would also be updated and the 

government would explore implementing modern slavery 

legislation to eliminate exploitation in supply chains. 

It would consider climate-related migration policies among 

its plans to ensure that immigration policies worked in the “in 

the best interests of New Zealand, Pacific migrants and Pacific 

Island nations”. 

NZ Immigrants Association volunteer community 

advocate Marie Lindaya welcomed further work on 

migrant exploitation, as she still heard of employers 

feeding on workers’ desperation to find work, 

giving them low pay and poor working hours. 

"Labour will 

reduce barriers 

to access the parent 

category visa, including 

reconsidering the current 

provisions once the 

international flow of people 

across the border settles, 

and reducing the income 

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Government plans to better match the needs of 

employers in different regions with the talents and 

aspirations of immigrants sounded good in theory, 

she added. 

“This is great but the proof is in the pudding,” 

she said. “I would like to see some community road 

show kōrero and consultations with ethnic migrants 

and former refugees on this. Talk to us about us is 

our mantra.” 

Work on refugee family reunification and 

settlement needed to happen faster, she said. 

“Three to five years’ wait is too long and some 

family members back home, especially elderly 

parents, may die waiting. But again and again this 

has been echoed to MBIE every year when they 

meet regionally with former refugees. I’ve attended 

some of these meetings. A simpler, easier process 

and English language needs to be used as well and 

less technical, legal jargon.” 

Migrant Workers Association president Anu 

Kaloti said government’s first priorities should be 

easing some border restrictions. 

“The priority would be the people who have been 

stuck offshore for the last eight months,” she said. 

“They need to be looked after straight away. And 

then the partners, families, couples who need to 

be reunited, that’s another emergency. And then, 

people who have been on a pathway to residence 

for 5+ years, they need immediate relief in some 

form or another. 

“We’re okay if they want to stop new people 

coming in, all we’re asking is the ones who are 

already here, they need to be well looked after. 

We’ve got many families who have been here 10 

years easily and they have children who were born 

here. Their children go to school here, they don’t 

know anywhere else as home.” 

Many had come as international students when 

tertiary education was being promoted as a pathway 

to residence, she said. 

She also called for work visas to be opened up 

while the borders are closed, so foreign workers 

who are already here could fill labour gaps in dairy 

farms and orchards. 

Immigrants were more likely to be willing to 

work in the regions, she added, as they often did not 

have the family networks that stopped many New 

Zealanders from moving for work.



JACINDA ARDERN reveals top 

economic priorities government 

will focus on for rest of 2020 

RADIO NEW ZEALAND 

disproportionately impacted by job losses to date. My 

hope is the expanded flexi-wage scheme will play an 

important role in helping people from these groups to 

get quickly back into work. 

“While the scheme will take some time to fully get 

up and running we want to be in a position to assist 

business to take on workers over the Christmas New 

Year period if they can, rather than waiting until after 

the holiday period,’’ she says. 

Cabinet will also consider additional projects to 

go through the Resource Management Act fast-track 

process over the next two weeks. 

Ardern told Business NZ that wider reform of the 

RMA was a priority and the minister-in-charge, David 

Parker, intended to progress work through the House 

on that in the first half of next year. 

Prior to the election last month, Labour had also 

indicated wanting to reform sick leave provisions and 

boost the number from five days to 10. 

“Making sure that workers are well supported to stay 

home when they are unwell is an important part of our 

The government will prioritise extending the 

small business loan scheme, rolling out the 

flexi-wage job support programme and fasttracking 

more infrastructure projects in the weeks 

leading up to Christmas. 

In a speech to Business New Zealand in Auckland, 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern outlined the top 

economic priorities for what’s left of 2020, with a focus 

on speeding up job creation and boosting exports. 

“Before Christmas we will extend the Small Business 

Loan Scheme out to three years and extend the interest 

free period to two years. We will also extend the purpose 

of the scheme and allow business to borrow to invest in 

new equipment and digital infrastructure,’’ Ardern said. 

Making those changes before Christmas would give 

small business owners certainty, especially ahead of a 

holiday period where income could drop off for many, 

she said. 

Ardern also pointed to yesterday’s “better than 

expected unemployment numbers’’, which she said 

highlighted the relative strength of New Zealand’s 

economy, with fewer people unemployed here than in 

Australia, the US and Canada. 

“However, we cannot rest on our laurels and we want 

to see more New Zealanders obtain work, which is why 

we are prioritising the roll out of the flexi-wage scheme 

prior to Christmas.’’ 

The government would invest an additional $311 

million into the programme “to increase the average 

subsidy paid to employers to take on a worker and 

enable an additional 40,000 unemployed people to take 

advantage of the programme”, Ardern said. 

“Māori, Pasifika and women have been 

Covid response, and in our view, the current 

provision of 5 days is not sufficient,’’ 

Ardern said. 

“That’s why cabinet will consider 

draft legislation before Christmas, 

with a plan to introduce this in the 

house before the end of the year, but 

then move to a full select committee 

process so we can try and build some 

consensus around this issue.” 

Trade relationships and boosting exports 

were also front-and-centre for Ardern and she said 

a trade mission was a top priority when the border 

settings allowed it. 

"Making 

sure that 

workers are well 

supported to stay home 

when they are unwell is an 

important part of our Covid 

response, and in our view, 

the current provision 

of 5 days is not 

sufficient" 

“I have already asked 

the Ministry of Foreign 

Affairs and Trade for 

advice around leading a 

delegation into several 

key markets, including 

Europe and the UK 

where we have already 

begun negotiations on 

critical free trade agreements 

as well as China and the US. 

“Doing all we can to improve 

market access will assist an export 

led recovery. And telling our story 

of how we have successfully 

managed Covid to date can also 

help to attract international 

investment in to productive 

aspects of the New Zealand 

economy to assist 

the recovery.” 

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Editorial 

Mainstream media’s obsession 

with Raveen Jaduram’s salary: 

Is “unconscious bias” against 

ethnic-migrants into play? 

The mainstream media’s relentless obsession with Raveen Jaduram’s salary, even after being 

cornered to resign from his leadership position at Watercare New Zealand’s largest water 

utility is an ignominious reminder of the “unconscious bias” that ethnic migrants have to 

face in this country. 

For uninitiated, Raveen Jaduram – an Indian-New Zealander – was Chief Executive Officer of 

Watercare for the last six years and was facing an enhanced media-scrutiny after Auckland plunged 

into a historic drought and water-shortage few months ago. 

The initial public scrutiny around Watercare’s overall preparedness to deal with Auckland’s 

water shortage soon deviated into a full-blown frontal attack on its CEO’s unusually high salary, 

forcing him to resign from the position last week. 

Such was the intensity of the personal attack on Jaduram’s salary that one of the latest reporting 

by NZ Herald this week emphasised that the incumbent had received a salary hike in recent months 

even after intense media-scrutiny in recent months. 

To put it subtly, this was much in poor-taste and more an expression of “war of attrition” between 

what can be broadly defined as the privileges explicitly reserved only for white-men that were so 

undeservingly enjoyed by a seemingly less deserving person of colour. 

Indeed, the level of reporting in the story was so erroneous that except for the fact that outgoing 

Watercare CEO’s salary was further increased to $800,000 mark, there was not a single value 

addition to the facts that were already in the public domain and had been already intensely reported 

and debated in mainstream media. 

In fact, more than anything else, it reflects an expression of “disbelief” that the outgoing CEO’s 

salary increased despite relentless personal scrutiny of his salary – something which he did not 

choose himself. 

It’s not clear that that “disbelief” was a reflection of the individual journalist or can be attributed 

as the worldview of the entire newsroom. 

However, it is indeed a sorry state of affair that needs to be rebutted resolutely for the simple 

reason that if this can happen so blatantly to an ethnic migrant worker who has reached to the 

higher echelons of decision making in a big public organisation - then the fate of the ordinary low 

to medium level ethnic migrant workers who face unconscious bias to casual racism on a daily 

basis in this country could only be imagined. 

To be fair, every credible media outlet has a responsibility of holding those in power to account, 

including Watercare – the largest Council Controlled Organisation and its - CEO without any fear 

or favour. In that regard, New Zealand’s mainstream media has done well in reporting and offering 

public scrutiny in every aspect of this important issue around water-shortage facing in our biggest 

city. However, the rules of engagement that it follows when reporting and scrutinising on issues 

that involve white European-New Zealanders and everyone else, particularly ethnic-migrant-New 

Zealanders, are starkly different. 

The mainstream media’s reporting for ethnic-migrant communities continue to remain 

sensational, contemptuous, voyeuristic, disrespectful and in some cases erroneous. 

Not long ago, mainstream media sought sensationalism in reporting of the number of imported 

Covid cases arriving on flights from India, while choosing to remain gloriously silent in the number 

of Covid cases arriving from traditionally white countries such as the United States, the United 

Kingdom, Australia or Canada. 

The Indian Weekender had then also called out the mainstream-media’s unconscious bias against 

New Zealand’s ethnic migrant communities by reporting actual facts that India as a source of 

imported Covid cases remained distant fifth – far below the US, UK, Dubai and Australia – a fact 

erroneously not reported in their repeated stories on the issue. 

Similarly, in this instance, the level of personal attack on an Indian-origin high paid head 

honcho’s salary, which in no way advanced or enriched the public debate around Watercare’s 

ability to pre-empt or deal with Auckland’s water shortage crisis is not only unprecedented but 

purely outrageous. 

Make no mistake; the Indian Weekender fully condones the public scrutiny of individuals who 

are in public roles and have a duty and responsibility to uphold vis a vis their respective positions. 

However, what it absolutely rejects is the voyeuristic pleasure that some mainstream media 

reporting indulges in while reporting on issues related to the ethnic migrant community. 

It has been absolutely clear in mainstream media’s own reporting that Jaduram has been at the 

helm of affairs for the last six years and has inherited a fully -functional system with an inherent 

capacity to decide on the salaries of its staff, including the CEO. 

It is also clear that everyone in Auckland Council, including Mayor Phil Goff has been 

found napping on the important issue of regulating the salaries of CEOs of Council Controlled 

Organisations. It is a paradox that while there has not been enough outrage or public scrutiny on 

why Auckland Council and its incumbent had failed to act proactively much before the issue had 

flared up in media, the interest continues to remain on the incumbent receiving that high salary. 

It is unavoidable to see a clear case of unconscious bias, where the traditional privileged white 

man’s worldview refuses to come to terms with a person of colour - an ethnic migrant New 

Zealander – who in their world view seems to be undeserving of getting that high salary – is found 

to be enjoying that privileged position. 

The media scrutiny in this instance could have easily been equally bold and ferocious as it has 

been so far now, albeit minus the unwarranted focus on the salary of the person in the position, 

which clearly does not serve any purpose except for exposing the “unconscious bias” that ethnic 

migrant minorities have to face on a daily basis in this country. 

Thought of the week 

“Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves 

to what they think they can do. You can go as far as 

your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you 

can achieve.” —Mary Kay Ash 

6 November – 12 November 2020 

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu 

On-and-off 

rain and 

drizzle 

16° 

9° 

Partly 

sunny 

15° 

8° 

17° 

9° 

Indian Weekender : Volume 12 Issue 34 

Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited 

Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz 

Chief Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz 

Chief Technical Officer: Rohan deSouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz 

Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz 

Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz 

Accounts and Admin.: 09-2173623 | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz 

Media Sales Manager.: Leena Pal: 021 952 216 | leena@indianweekender.co.nz 

Sales and Distribution: 021 952218 | sales@indianweekender.co.nz 

Editor at Large: Dev Nadkarni | dev@indianweekender.co.nz 

Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher 

is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication 

Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent 

the views of the team at the Indian Weekender 

Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland. 

Printed at Horton Media, Auckland 

Parlty 

sunny 

Clouds and 

sun 

14° 

10° 

A touch o 

dafr 

This week in New Zealand’s history 

15° 

10° 

Copyright 2020. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved. 

Sunshine 

and pactcy 

clouds 

6 November 1908 

Last spike completes North Island main trunk railway 

16° 

9° 

A few 

morning 

showers 

Prime Minister Sir Joseph Ward ceremonially opened the North Island main trunk railway line 

by driving home a final polished silver spike at Manganuioteao, between National Park and 

Ohākune. 


The Acheron arrives to survey New Zealand waters 

The paddle-wheel sloop was one of the first steamships in New Zealand waters. Under the 

command of Captain John Lort Stokes, Acheron surveyed the coastlines of Cook Strait 

and the South Island until March 1851. Its 170-horsepower engine was especially valuable on 

dangerous shores such as the West Coast of the South Island. 


Public Service Act passed into law 

The Public Service Act was passed into law, creating a framework for New Zealand’s 

bureaucracy that was to endure until 1988. The Act was the brainchild of lawyer Alexander 

Herdman, a senior minister in the new Reform Party government. 


Last unclimbed face of Aoraki/Mt Cook conquered 

Long-haired Christchurch mountaineers John Glasgow and Peter Gough became the first 

people known to have scaled the 2000-m Caroline Face of Aoraki/Mt Cook. They declared 

it a ‘triumph for the hippies’. 


New Zealanders march into besieged Madrid 

New Zealanders Griff Maclaurin and Steve Yates were part of the International Column of 

anti-fascist volunteers which marched into Madrid to bolster the city’s defences against the 

assault of General Francisco Franco’s rebel armies. 


New Zealand Centennial Exhibition opens 

More than 2.6 million people visited the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition, which ran for 

six months at Rongotai, Wellington. It was the centrepiece of the centennial of the signing 

of the Treaty of the Waitangi. 

15° 

9°

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18 FIJI 


Fiji resort offers the 

ultimate in social distancing 

Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, 

celebrities and members of the royal family 

house-bound travelers are trying to find 

ahead of their own LAX departures. 

ways to go on vacation without risking 

On the other side of the itinerary, guests 

exposure to the virus. 

The Pacific island nation of Fiji has 

announced that its borders will be closed to 

commercial aircraft until at least March 2021. 

But travelers with deep pockets may be able to 

circumvent the rules by signing up for a special, 

personal "travel bubble" at a luxury resort. 

The Laucala Private Island Resort has 

partnered with Fiji Airways, the country's 

national airline, on a special itinerary. 

Up to 20 guests can fly on a private chartered 

Fiji Airways jet from Los Angeles to Nadi, 

Fiji's primary airport and main transit hub. 

From there, they will be transferred to Laucala, 

where they will have the private island resort 

all to themselves. The few travellers allowed 

into Fiji at present are subject to a mandatory 

14-day quarantine, but because of Laucala's 

remoteness the Department of Health has 

permitted the program to go forward without 

guests having to isolate for two weeks. 

They will need three negative Covid-19 tests, 

though -- one two weeks before travelling, one 

72 hours before boarding (which will be sent to 

the tourism authority in order to confirm travel 

permits) and one upon arrival in Fiji. 

Beyond the transportation and hotel, travellers 

will get to avail themselves of the Private Suite 

at Los Angeles International Airport – a posh, 

personal airport lounge that has been used by 

will be able to use the private Fiji Airways 

lounge in Nadi. 

The cost? A cool $490,000 covers the jet, a 

minimum seven-night stay, on-island activities, 

food and drink and airport transfers for up to 20 

people. If you don't live in L.A., though, you're 

on your own for getting there. 

Laucala's pricey proposition may not work 

for most tourists. But this isn't the only way 

that Fiji, whose tourism industry generally 

comprises 40% of its gross national product 

(GNP), has tried to make up for lost revenue 

during the pandemic. 

Fiji's Prime Minister Josaia "Frank" Voreqe 

Bainimarama has made no secret of his desire 

to appeal to ultra-wealthy travelers. A "blue 

lane" was created to permit travelers to come to 

the country via private yacht, with visitors able 

to serve out their quarantine on board before 

coming ashore. 

A potential travel bubble dubbed the "bula 

bubble," which would open up quarantine-free 

travel between Fiji, New Zealand and Australia, 

has not yet come to fruition. 

Daylight in Fiji saving to commence next month 

Members of the public are being reminded that daylight 

saving will commence from Sunday, December 

20, 2020. Minister for Employment, Productivity 

and Industrial Relations, Youth and Sports Parveen Kumar is 

urging all Fijians to wind their clock one hour in advance of the 

standard time commencing at 2am on December 20. 

He said daylight saving will end on Sunday, January 17, 

2021 at 3am and members of the public are required to wind 

their clocks back by an hour. 

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Wesley Community Centre 

Activity Guide 

Auckland War Memorial Museum 


740 Sandringham Road Extn, Mt Roskill Saturday 7 November 

Auckland Domain, Parnell 

Sunday 8 November 

Time 

10am - 11am 

10am - 1pm 

Activity 

Sitdown choreography for all ages and abilities with Khottey Sikkey 

Make a diya lamp with The ReCreators 

Time 

6:30pm - 7:30pm 

Activity 

Panel Discussion: Comfortable Being Indian 

10:30am - 11:30am 

11am - 12pm 

11am - 12pm 

12pm - 1pm 

1pm - 5pm 

1pm - 5pm 

1pm - 2pm 

1:30pm - 3pm 

2pm - 3pm 

2pm - 4pm 

3pm - 5pm 

3pm - 4pm 

4pm - 5pm 

5pm - 6pm 

6pm - 10pm 

8:15pm - 8:30pm 

8:30pm - 10pm 

Introduction to classical music with Sargam School of Music 

Bollywood dance workshop by Aaja Nachle 

Kirtan music set by Part and Parcel 

Mindfulness workshop with kirtan by Meditation NZ 

Mask making workshop with Prayas Theatre 

Harcourts House of Rangoli: Kids rangoli & colouring competition 

Bollyrobix 

Garba workshop for beginners with Sonal Bhavsar-Joshi 

Deepawali story telling and performance with Nepalese Cultural Centre NZ 

Cooking demonstration by Wise Collective 

Silent story-telling by Papaya Stories 

Bollywood dance basics with Raul and Rian 

Bhangra fusion workshop with Garagewalas 

Advanced Bollywood dance class for all ages with Indiance 

Experience India 

Pre-film entertainment 

ASB Presents: Life of Pi 

Getting here: 

Check Journey Planner for public transport options. 

Getting here: 

Limited car parks available in the Lovelock Track car park. 


Mobility parking is available on Lovelock Track. 

Nathan Homestead 


70 Hill Road, Manurewa Saturday 7 November 

Papatoetoe Town Hall 


31 Saint George Street, Papatoetoe Friday 6 November 

Time 

Activity 

Time 

Activity 

11am - 2pm 

Make a diya lamp with The ReCreators 

10am - 5pm 

DIY Henna designs 

4pm - 5pm 

Meditation by Papaya Stories 

10am - 5pm 

Learn how to wear a Saree and try one on 

6:30pm - 9pm 

Classical Showcase 

10am - 5pm 

Harcourts House of Rangoli: Kids rangoli & colouring competition 

1pm - 2pm 

BollyBhangra beginners workshop for ladies with Desibeat 

Getting here: 


2pm - 3pm 

3pm - 4pm 

3pm - 4pm 

5pm - 8pm 

7pm - 8pm 

8:30pm - 10pm 

Giddha workshop for Seniors 

Bollywood dance workshop for all ages with Khottey Sikkey 

Silent story-telling by Papaya Stories 

DJ + Sweets 

Bollywood Party feat Shortland Street 

ASB Presents: Yesterday 

Getting here: 

Car parks available surrounding Papatoetoe Town 

Hall. Check Journey Planner for public transport 

options. Mobility parking is available on site.

20 

INDIA 


"Learning English gave me 

confidence to talk to my neighbours." 

Your family member might have pre-paid for English lessons 

when they applied for their visa to New Zealand. 

Learning English will help your family member with their daily life. They will be able to 

understand what happening in New Zealand and how it affects them. 

Ask the Tertiary Education Commission to check if your family member has money to 

use, and how to enrol for English lessons. 

Call 0800 601 301 or visit tec.govt.nz/pre-paid-English-lessons 

‘Facilitate return of Indian 

workers, professionals’: 

Jaishankar tells Gulf states 

India asked the members of the Gulf 

Cooperation Council (GCC) to facilitate 

the return of a large number of Indian 

workers and professionals who want to 

resume work amid the easing of Covid-19- 

related restrictions. 

External affairs minister S Jaishankar 

raised the issue during India’s annual 

political dialogue with the GCC troika, 

which was held virtually. Leaders from the 

two sides carried out a detailed review of 

ties and expressed satisfaction that India and 

the six GCC states had continued their close 

cooperation during the pandemic. 

Jaishankar “mentioned that a large 

number of Indian workers and professionals 

are now eager to return to the GCC countries 

to resume their work”, and “urged the GCC 

leadership to facilitate their return through 

sustainable travel bubble arrangements with 

India,” the external affairs ministry said. 

More than eight million Indians live 

and work in West Asia, a majority of them 

within the region covered by the GCC, 

which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, 

Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab 

Emirates (UAE). Saudi Arabia has an Indian 

expatriate population of about 2.6 million, 

while UAE is home to some 3.4 million 

Indians. 

Thousands of Indians had travelled back 

from these countries in the initial stages of 

the pandemic, some to visit their families 

and others following job losses. 

The GCC states are also among India’s 

key suppliers of energy, and annual 

remittances from Indians in these countries 

are worth an estimated $4.8 billion. 

Jaishankar also thanked the GCC states 

for taking care of the large Indian diaspora 

during the pandemic, and noted that India 

had taken “special care to ensure the return 

of Indian health professionals to GCC 

countries and for the supply of medicines 

and other essential items”. 

The GCC was represented at dialogue 

by GCC secretary-general Nayef Falah 

M Al-Hajraf, Bahrain’s foreign minister 

Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, and the 

UAE’s minister of state for foreign affairs 

Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash. Senior 

representatives from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait 

and Qatar also joined the meeting. 

Jaishankar informed the GCC leaders of 

the improving Covid-19-related situation in 

India, both in terms of healthcare and the 

economy, and hoped for the early return 

of normalcy in trade with the GCC. India 

had ensured that supply chains from New 

Delhi to the Gulf were not disrupted despite 

lockdowns during the pandemic, he said. 

He also informed the GCC leaders 

about India’s progress in Covid-19 

vaccine development and in developing 

and manufacturing diagnostic and other 

equipment related to Covid-19. “Both sides 

reaffirmed that they will continue to work 

together to tackle the Covid-19 situation,” 

the statement said. 

The leaders also exchanged views 

on regional and international issues of 

mutual concern. They agreed to strengthen 

the India-GCC partnership in political, 

economic and other domains. 

6 November to 12 November 2020 | By Manisha Koushik 

ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20) 

You will find excellent avenues opening up for you 

for owning property. Misleading someone to serve 

your ends may work only to a certain extent, so desist 

from it. Those in the promotion zone can expect the 

outcome to be positive. Success on the academic 

front is foretold. Your attempts at making all the right 

moves is likely to endear you to spouse, so expect something special! 

Finding someone suitable on the romantic front is possible. Lucky 

No.:6 / Lucky Colour: Crimson 

TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 20) 

Keep your options open at work, as a current situation 

may take an unexpected turn. It is best not to indulge 

in office politics, as it may do you more harm than 

good. Choose your investment options carefully, if 

you desire good returns. An issue may get blown out 

of proportion on the home front and make you daggers 

drawn with spouse or a family member. Things 

brighten up on the romantic front, so rejoice! Lucky No.:17 / Lucky 

Colour: Metallic Blue 

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21) 

Steer clear of superstitions, as they can colour your 

mind and serve no purpose. You may remain busy in 

sorting out certain pressing issues at work. Getting 

into the grip of things on the academic front is likely 

to give you much confidence. Your efforts to retain 

cordiality with someone opposed to you on the 

social front will be successful. Lover may want his or her own space, 

so respect that. Financial stability will be achieved. Lucky No.: 11 / 

Lucky Colour: Deep Sky Blue 

CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 20) 

If something is not to your liking, it is best to discuss 

it out rather than cribbing about it to others. Things 

may not go your way on the work front, so put in 

your best efforts. You will need to overcome tough 

competition on the academic front. Hasty investments 

may make you miss some great opportunities on the 

financial front. It is best not to indulge in excesses and 

neglect health. Marital life cruises smoothly. Lucky No.: 4 / Lucky 

Colour: Indigo 

Manisha Koushik is a practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and 

fengshui consultant based in India with a global presence through the online channels. She is 

available for consultations online as well. E-mail her at support@askmanisha.com or contact 

at +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp: +91-9716145644 • www.askmanisha.com 

LEO (JUL21-AUG 20) 

If you get the chance to help out someone, do so as 

it will benefit you in future. Something that you had 

desired at work is likely to be granted. Promotional 

prospects are set to brighten up for some. You 

will remain favourably poised on the academic 

front. Someone may do your health a lot of good 

by motivating you to shake a leg. Chances of an 

exclusive evening out with lover cannot be ruled out. Lucky No. 22 / 

Lucky Colour: Dark Blue 

VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 23) 

A work related issue may compel you to put in extra 

hours. You may get involved in something serious on 

the academic front, so try not to get distracted. You 

may not have enough to buy something expensive and 

may need to tighten your belt a bit. Family life runs 

along smoothly, only if you don’t interfere with it! 

Boredom threatens to set in on the romantic front, so 

take steps to brighten it up. Lucky No.: 8 / Lucky Colour: Lavender 

LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23) 

You are the best judge of what is going on in your 

personal life, so steer it accordingly. Excellent 

progress is foreseen at work, as you put in your bit. 

Your fondest wishes are likely to be fulfilled on the 

academic front. Chances of inheriting property look 

bright for some. A big social gathering is on the cards 

and can have you on the centre stage. Your love life remains immensely 

fulfilling. A vacation to someplace exotic is possible. Lucky No.: 9 / 

Lucky Colour: Rose 

SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22) 

You may become the decision maker of someone’s 

continuance in service at work, so deliberate well. 

Discussing future prospects with the one you love is 

possible and will prove most satisfactory. You will 

handle a man management problem cropping up at 

work with competence. Best options are likely to be 

made available to you on the academic front. Your 

financial worth is likely to rise, as money flows in. Efforts on the health 

front will keep you fit. Lucky No.: 5 / Lucky Colour: Bottle Green 

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21) 

The more you strive the better your situation becomes, 

so give it your all. You will be able to maintain 

financial stability. A colleague will prove a great 

support in helping to complete a task at work. Some 

of you are likely to make new friends and expand 

your friends’ circle. Developments taking place on the 

academic front will be to your satisfaction. Lover may accompany you 

on a journey and make the trip exciting. Lucky No.:2 / Lucky Colour: 

Lavender 

CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 21) 

At times you have to call a spade a spade, so don’t 

feel reluctant in doing so. Chances for enhancing your 

career prospects may materialise soon. Your mastery 

over academics promises to bring you much praise. A 

raise or increment can come your way and ensure a 

happy state on the financial front. An official trip may 

be turned into a fun outing by you. Search ends for 

those looking for suitable accommodation. Don’t neglect family. Lucky 

No.:1 / Lucky Colour: Peach 

AQUARIUS (JAN 22-FEB 19) 

Someone may try to influence you into doing 

something that you don’t want to, so remain alert. 

Some lucrative deals are likely to brighten up your 

financial front. Something positive can be expected 

on the health front, as you resolve to follow fitness 

tips in letter and spirit. Pressure may increase on the 

work front, but you will manage it well. You can get 

a bit confused regarding options available on the academic front, so get 

advice from others. Lucky No.:18 / Lucky Colour: Red 

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) 

Love life will prove most fulfilling at this juncture. 

Your attempts to impress those who matter on the 

professional front will succeed. Faring well in a 

competition or exam is foreseen on the academic front 

for some. Financially, you will remain in a comfortable 

position and may even add to your wealth. Trying out 

something new on the fitness front is possible and may 

benefit you immensely. An official trip may seem like a chore. 

Lucky No.:15 / Lucky Colour: Coffee

22 

FEATURES 


PUFF PASTRY’S 

Puff pastries are incredibly easy to prepare and bake. The crust has a lovely golden 

crunch that makes it irresistible. We’re using frozen puff pastry. Store-bought puff 

pastry is a lifesaver in the kitchen. Buttery, crisp, flaky, and convenient all in one. 

Pizza Puff Pastry 

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1 puff pastry sheet, thawed according to the 

package directions. 

• 2tbsp - pizza paste 

• 10 - salami slices 

• 3 - cherry tomatoes 

• 1 - red onion, small 

• 1cup - mozzarella cheese, shredded 

• Few basil leaves to spread 

METHOD: 

• Preheat oven to 180dc. 

• Cut the sheet into half and then place the 

sheet onto an oven tray lined with baking 

paper (leave a 4cm gap between the pieces 

of puff pastry sheet and make sure you let 

the puff pastry defrost before trying to cut it. 

If it is still frozen, it may crack and splinter 

when you cut it). 

• Spread the pizza paste on the sheet, leaving 

a 1cm gap at the edges. 

• Add salami slices and half sliced cherry 

tomatoes. 

• Peel, wash and thinly slice the onions then 

sprinkle them on top. 

• Lastly spread half a cup of shredded cheese 

followed by basil leaves. 

• Repeat the process with the other pizza and 

then place it in the oven and cook for 15-20 

minutes or until crisp. 

• Serve and enjoy. 

• TIP: 

• Try not to overload the pastry with too many 

ingredients as it might become soggy and 

not very enjoyable. Sometimes less is more! 

CHICKEN PATTY PUFF PASTRY 

INGREDIENTS: 

• Puff Pastry Sheets (2 sheets), thawed 

according to the package directions. 

• 300gm - chicken mince 

• 1 - onion, small 

• 3-4 - green chillies 

• 4 - garlic cloves 

• 1/2inch - ginger 

• 1/4tsp - red chilli powder 

• 1/2tsp - coriander powder 

• 1/4tsp - garam masala powder 

• 1tsp - salt or according to taste 

• 1/2cup - fresh chopped coriander 

• 1 - egg for binding 

• 8 - mozzarella cheese slices 

• 2tbsp - oil 

METHOD 

• Peel, wash and chop onion, blitz green 

chilli, ginger and garlic together into a paste 

and set aside. 

• Place the chicken mince into a large bowl. 

• Add chopped onion; ginger, garlic and green 

chilli paste and use your hands to combine 

all together. 

• Add red chilli powder, coriander powder, 

garam masala powder, salt, fresh chopped 

coriander and egg, mix well using fork or 

hand. 

• Using tablespoonfuls of mixture, shape 8 

patties into 2inch in size (tikki like shape), 

pressing slightly between your palms to 

flatten them. Keep aside. 

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium flame. 

• Fry patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, 

flipping them over when white edges appear 

and patty is brown on the bottom (second 

and third batches will take less time to cook 

as the skillet will be hotter). 

• Transfer the patties to a plate covered with 

kitchen paper towel and set aside. 

• Heat the oven to 180dc. 

• Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with 

parchment paper. 

• Sprinkle the work surface with flour and 

then unfold 1 pastry sheet (make sure you let 


PANEER PUFF PASTRY 

INGREDIENTS: 

• Puff Pastry Sheets (2 sheets), thawed 

according to the package directions. 

• 200gm - paneer 

• 1 - onion, small 

• 1 - capsicum 

• 2 - tomatoes 

• 2 - green chillies 

• 1/4tsp - red chilli powder 

• 1/4tsp - coriander powder 

• 1/4tsp - garam masala powder 

• 1/4tsp - turmeric powder 

• 1/2tsp - salt or according to taste 

• 2tbsp - oil 

• Butter to brush 

METHOD: 

• Peel, wash and chop onion; wash and thinly 

slice capsicum; wash and chop green chillies 

and set aside. 

• Heat oil in a heavy base frypan over medium 

flame. 

• Add chopped onions, sauté until translucent; 

add sliced capsicum and sauté for a minute. 

• Add chopped green chillies and stir. 

• Add red chilli powder, coriander powder, 

garam masala powder, turmeric powder and 

salt, mix well with a splash of water. 

• Add paneer cubes (small cubes or crumbled), 

mix well, until the paneer is soft. 

• Remove the pan from the flame and keep 

aside to cool. 

• Preheat oven to 180dc. 

• Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with 

parchment paper. 

• Sprinkle the work surface with flour and 

then unfold 1 pastry sheet (make sure you let 






• Cut the pastry sheet into about 3 x 5-inch 

rectangles. 

• Place 1 patty onto the centre of each pastry 

rectangle and top each patty with 1 cheese 

slice. 

• Fold the corners of the pastries up over the 

filling and twist the corners to seal. 

• Repeat the process until all done. 

• Place the pastries onto the prepared baking 

sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until the 

pastries are golden brown in colour. 

• Serve with any chutney or sauce of your 

choice. 

• TIP: The assembled bundles can be prepared 

up to 1 day in advance, covered and 

refrigerated until ready to bake. 

• Parchment paper keeps the pastry from 

sticking to the baking sheet and also makes 

for easier cleanup. 

• If you don’t have parchment paper, you can 

spray the baking sheet with cooking spray 

instead. However, cooking spray may cause 

the bottoms of the pastries to brown more 

quickly, so begin checking for doneness 5 

minutes early. 

• Egg is a binder. If you have an egg allergy or 

are out of egg, you can use bread. 

• A slice of bread soaked in water for a few 

seconds and then squeezed helps to hold the 

patties. 

• Cut puff pastry sheet into equal sized 

squares. 

• Place the paneer filling in the centre of the 

square (make sure the paneer filling is of the 

room temperature). 

• Brush the edge of each with the butter and 

fold the puff pastry over the filling, slightly 

stretching if necessary to form a triangle. 

• Press the edges together with your finger 

and then crimp the edges with a fork. 

• Prick the top of the pastry so steam can 

escape (this will stop the pastry from 

exploding). 

• Brush the melted butter on the top side of the 

stuffed puff pastry. 

• Repeat this process with the remaining 

sheets of puff pastry and filling. 

• Transfer to one of the prepared baking sheets 

and bake until puffed and golden brown in 

colour for about 15 minutes. 

• Serve with tomato ketchup 

TIP: Filling can be made 3 days ahead and 

refrigerated. 

• Unbaked patties can be made 3 months 

ahead; freeze on sheet tray, then transfer to 

freezer bags and keep frozen. 

• Any kind of filling can be added as per your 

choice.

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IN-STORE LAYBUY 

AVAILABLE 

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The Indian Weekender, Friday 6 November 2020

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