The Indian Weekender - 15 October 2021

15OCTOBER2021 • VOL 13 ISSUE 32
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The Indian Weekender Friday, October 15, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 3
Left out in the cold for no fault of theirs
‘How are we offshore stranded migrants, for no fault of ours, different from the team of 5 million
and different from those onshore migrants who have been given a pathway to a one-off residency
programme?’ is the question that hundreds of stranded migrants are asking this government.
IWK Exclusive
NAVDEEP KAUR MARWAH
While the 165,000 onshore migrants
in New Zealand who will benefit
from the recently announced Oneoff
2021 Resident Visa are rejoicing, there are
thousands of migrants stranded overseas who
are feeling abandoned, forgotten, frustrated and
disappointed.
It may be noted that according to the
announcement to be eligible for the One-off
2021 Resident Visa, the applicant must be
onshore as of 29 September 2021.
However, due to the current border closure
which began in March 2020, many migrants are
stuck overseas.
According to them, that’s no fault of theirs,
but given the near-impossible situation, the
government should show some sympathy
toward them. In this second part of our series,
Indian Weekender looks at stories of those
migrants who got unfortunately stuck overseas
when the news came about making them
ineligible for this residency programme.
These hapless individuals and families want
the New Zealand government to treat them the
same as the 165,000 migrants in NZ and make
fair arrangements for them.
Some of these migrants have started petitions
requesting the government to include offshore
migrants such as ‘Grant residency to offshore
stranded NZ migrants, the way it’s been done
for Onshore!’, ‘Include all Offshore stuck
migrants in One-off residency pathway 2021’
and ‘Petition for off-shore work visa holder
exception’.
One such migrant is Rahul Jakhu, who is
currently in India. Sharing his story on social
media, he wrote, “I still hold Essential Work
Visa valid till December 2023. I even worked
during alert level 4 in March 2020 and alert
level 3 in August 2020 as an essential worker.
This year July 2021 I have to go back to India
for some emergency. Now I can not go back to
New Zealand. Please think about us, I would be
eligible for a one-off residence visa if I hadn’t
come to India (sic)”
Another such story is that of Linus Kurian
Stansilaus, who is currently stuck in Kerala,
India. Urging the government to reconsider the
eligibility criteria for this one-off residency,
he says, “I came to New Zealand on 13th
July 2017 for my higher studies at UCOL
"
We sacrificed our future
for the safety of the people
in New Zealand. We are the
victims of Covid 19. We can
understand the decision was
taken for the safety of the
people but they started the
discrimination and injustice
by letting in the millionaires,
film crews and The Wiggle
Palmerston North. After completing the same, I
got my Post-study work visa which was valid till
4th August 2021. In 2019 I decided to fly back
to India to get my Academic transcript from
the universities in India for acquiring teaching
registration in New Zealand. I departed on the
20th of January 2020 and my return flight was
on March 25th 2020.
The government shut the border without
any warning on the 19th of March so I got
stranded here. I had more than 16 months of
a valid visa. I had spent more than 821 days
between July 2017 to January 2020. So, if the
government had let me in, I would have been
eligible for this One Off residence visa.
“I did not choose to stay away from New
Zealand during the pandemic and I did not optout
from serving the country the government
kept me away from doing it even when we
were having the right to fly back in and now
the government saying only the people onshore
have contributed to the country during the
pandemic.
"We sacrificed our future for the safety of
the people in New Zealand. We are the victims
of Covid 19. We can understand the decision
was taken for the safety of the people but they
started the discrimination and injustice by
letting in the millionaires, film crews and The
Wiggles.
So I have a humble request to the kind and
compassionate government, please reconsider
the eligibility criteria for this one-off residency
and give every deserving person an opportunity
to call Aotearoa, home.”
Another migrant Wenjuan Zhang, who
travelled back to Shanghai, China in July 2021
due to her dad’s illness (cerebral haemorrhage)
is upset with this new announcement. She says,
“I am holding a post-study work visa which is
valid until 30/01/2023.
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4 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, October 15, 2021
The Indian Weekender
• Continued from Page 3
I have worked for New Zealand companies with no
disruption from February 2020, even working right
now remotely for Systemethix Limited, earning more
than $27 per hour (therefore eligible for the new 2021
resident visa if I am onshore) and paying taxes in New Zealand.
On 14/07/21, I was informed that my dad’s life was at risk and
I made the decision to travel to China to support his recovery.
“This decision was not taken lightly under the given
circumstances but also in hope of the compassionate
support of the New Zealand Immigration Office to
support my return.
"Thankfully my father has recovered from
his life-threatening condition and I just want to
continue my life and work in New Zealand. For
the 2021 Resident Visa, I am still employed,
paying taxes and contributing to New Zealand
economy like everyone who supports the country
during the pandemic. Yet I am ineligible to apply
for it as I am physically offshore.”
Shweta Raj, another post-study work visa holder
currently stuck in India, also has a similar story.
“I am a post-study work visa holder and have been stuck in
India. I am still paying for all my utilities in NZ in the hope to
return to the country, in which we trusted and decided to make
our home.
"I am working for an NZ employer from off-shore and earning
more than the median wage and my profile falls under the scarce
list. The only thing is that I am not onshore but that does not stop
me from doing my part towards NZ (like paying taxes).
"Then why does this One-Off residency visa stop us from
RADIO NEW ZEALAND
For Devdeep Singh, the government’s announcement of a
new fast-track residency visa came just in time.
“I was almost gone to Canada” said the 27-year-old,
who has been in New Zealand since 2016 on a temporary basis.
But others - even some with skills New Zealand desperately needs
- have been excluded from the policy reset and for them, it is
another bitter blow.
“There was no opportunity, no hope for us. And all of a sudden
we got hope overnight” said Singh, who has been working in
New Zealand after studying IT in Christchurch on a scholarship.
“I work with a company in Christchurch and we support people
with intellectual physical disabilities, Huntington’s disease, and
even kids.”
He is one of the beneficiaries of a new one-off ‘2021 residency
visa’ that allows migrants on most temporary work-related visas
to win New Zealand residency. It is estimated as many as 165,000
migrants can now be fast-tracked, becoming residents by the end
of 2022.That’s about 68 percent of temporary migrants currently
applying?” she wrote on social media while signing a petition.
When Indian Weekender contacted Immigration New Zealand,
a spokesperson said, “The purpose of the 2021 Residence Visa
is to provide certainty for migrant workers and businesses who
have been playing a critical role in supporting our economy
while the border remains closed.
Policy work in the future will consider the aspirations of those
people offshore who are wanting to make New Zealand home
when we can begin safely reducing our border restrictions.”
"This
decision
was not taken
lightly under the given
circumstances but also in
hope of the compassionate
support of the New
Zealand Immigration
Office to support my
return."
Immigration experts, too feel that this
announcement is unfair for those currently
stuck offshore. Calling the situation
unfortunate, immigration advisor
Karishma Malek says, “I am aware of
several people stuck overseas who are
disadvantaged and will be left out from
the new one-off residence visa.
"It is extremely unfortunate for those
who are stuck overseas for months due to
no fault of their own, had they been allowed
to enter the country even with stricter and
extended quarantine conditions they would have
been in New Zealand.
"My heart goes out to them, while it is extremely important to
keep New Zealand safe from Covid, the Government could be a
bit more generous to those stuck offshore.
“I sincerely feel for those who have spent prime years of
their lives in the bid of building their careers in New Zealand,
contributing to NZ’s labour force and paying taxes.
"The ones who chose to upskill themselves or changed their
visa category to be a better fit to complement NZ’s labour market
in the country. For them, the announcement by Immigration
New Zealand on 30 September came as a welcome release from
uncertainty. Yet while migrants like Singh can now finally drop
roots in New Zealand, thousands of others feel left out, despite
meeting several of the criteria. In many cases, they have been
caught in study, on the wrong kind of visa.
“The biggest problem at the moment is that those people
who’ve been here five to ten years through no fault of their
own, are trying to comply with the system, the immigration
requirements, but as a result, now they find themselves not
eligible” said Anu Kaloti, Auckland-based migrants rights
campaigner and immigration advisor.
One essential healthcare worker, who prefers to keep his name
confidential, has been caught in an endless rut of full-time and
part-time work and study. But residency still eludes him because
right now he’s on a study visa, not a work visa.
“I first came here in 2015, studied level 7 courses in health.
And then on the basis of that education, I worked for four years
in essential healthcare.
“I applied for residency in 2018. But for nearly 22 months,
it wasn’t decided by Immigration New Zealand. So I decided
to withdraw my application.” He then started studying nursing
to gain occupational registration, to upskill and be in a better
and immigration policy and in some cases hold a visa that does
not qualify for the one-off visa but are in an occupation that is on
the scarce list or are highly paid/ highly skilled.”
The govt ‘has ignored us’: Those excluded
from residency fast-track speak out
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While this is a partial victory, you
know, our work continues, the
campaign continues to try and get
inclusion for people who’ve been left out.
Migrant workers are part of the fabric of
our society
position when he re-applied for residency, while still working
full-time. He thought that was what the government wanted
to allow him to stay. But now, as a student, he’s excluded by
the new policy. Paying international students fees upwards of
$20,000 per year and requiring to show a bank balance to support
himself, life has been fraught with challenges for him.
“The government has completely ignored all the hard work
and efforts from the last six years. We appeal to them to widen
the criteria logically” he said.
Amongst the aggrieved is Mauricio Kimura who moved here
in 2017 with his family from Brazil to do a PhD at Waikato
University in Artificial Intelligence in Law. He and his wife, who
is on a partner visa, do not qualify for this residency visa - again,
because he is studying.
Mauricio Kimura arrived from Brazil with his young family
in 2017 to do his PHd at Waikato UniversityMauricio Kimura
arrived from Brazil with his young family in 2017 to do his PHd
at Waikato University Photo: Supplied
“As PhDs, we got different visas that are different from
Masters, Bachelors, because it allows us to work unlimited
hours, there is no limit whatsoever.
Doing research doesn’t look like working, but researching is
also working full time. Some universities employ PhDs, they
give them employment contracts. But it’s still not a qualification
to provide us a visa,” Kimura said.
“People have sacrificed a lot from money to emotional
investment to their time and to being essential workers and
frontline workers in lockdown. While this is a partial victory, you
know, our work continues, the campaign continues to try and get
inclusion for people who’ve been left out. Migrant workers are
part of the fabric of our society,” Anu Kaloti of Migrant Workers
Association Aotearoa, said.

The Indian Weekender Friday, October 15, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 5
Labour market recovery seems favourable
on paper; on-ground realities much harsher
IWK Exclusive
PRITI GARUDE-KASTURE
From software specialists in Auckland to
GPs in rural New Zealand, help wanted
signs are popping up across the country.
As businesses and contractors grow
concerned over the labour shortage in the
country, candidates are jumping ships for better
experience, higher salaries and designations.
An Indian Weekender research of job
recruitment websites, Seek NZ and Trade Me
Jobs revealed that there are over 26,000 jobs
listed across the country.
A boom in the increase in projects has seen
the construction industry, including trade and
services top this list, with 3942 open jobs.
The information and communications
technology industry comes in second with more
than 3500 jobs open for skilled workers at all
levels. Healthcare and medical industry brings
up the third with over 2034 jobs, among which
1479 roles are seeking nurses, that’s almost 5
percent of the entire job market.
Some 117,000 are currently unemployed in
New Zealand, according to figures released in
August by Stats NZ.
According to data released by the OECD’s
2021 Employment Outlook, New Zealand is
expected to take 1.5 years to return to its prepandemic
employment rates, of 67.7% from
Dec 2019. The New Zealand government’s
analysis so far paint a picture of a country in
recovery.
However, it seems labour market recovery
may seem favourable only on paper and in
statistics, as on-ground conversations reveal a
completely different reality.
Border closures mean that businesses can
no longer rely on migrants to fill high and low
skilled jobs.
In industries like hospitality and horticulture,
which primarily relies on foreign and migrant
workers, uncertainty over work visas has
hindered many companies’ ability to hire in
recent months.
Meanwhile, there is a separate ongoing
debate about a skill shortage. IT and healthcare
industries face a scarcity of highly-skilled and
trained staff that would normally be brought
in from overseas. Other sectors have similar
stories, notably the construction industry, as the
dearth of skills becomes evident.
Andrew (name changed) a contractor within
the construction industry said, “There’s a
massive shortage of skilled and in general
labour in the construction industry. It’s largely
because we can’t get people in, and we don’t
have enough people in New Zealand who are
skilled in doing those roles.”
Construction has seen a boom in the
past few years, primarily in Auckland. In
August, Auckland Council awarded 89
tenders for construction and network support
with a value over $50,000 for work around
Auckland. In 2021, a mid-size construction
project consultancy approximately 200
projects at various stages, with one project
manager looking after 10 to 12 projects at any
given time.
Rahul Menon, a project manager within
the industry said, “In this lockdown as
opposed to the last one, the whole industry is
absolutely busy.
"Consultants are busy, and they have no
resourcing. Many times, when we go to tender
in the markets, the contractors find it difficult to
get a price out of their sub-contractors because
they don’t have the resources they need. So,
there are projects, but contractors just don’t
have the personnel.”
Echoing this view Andrew said, “Subcontractors
don’t want to come for the small
jobs, so we have to actually wrangle them. It’s
hard getting people. It’s the highest bidder at
the moment. People are getting headhunted and
poached from everywhere.”
In parallel, it’s a job seeker’s market in the IT
industry as well.
Reporters Diary from Christchurch
"There’s a massive shortage of
skilled and in general labour in
the construction industry. It’s
largely because we can’t get
people in, and we don’t have
enough people in New Zealand
who are skilled in doing those
roles."
Data published in May this year in the
‘Investor’s Guide to the New Zealand
Technology Sector’, showed that record
amounts of capital have been invested in tech
companies in the past year.
Investment in early stage start-ups has
increased 48% in the past 12 months, with
$160m invested in tech start-ups by angels and
venture funds.
A direct result of this is observed in the hiring
boom within the market.
Technology companies are struggling to hire
and retain staff, while job seeker are jumping
ship in search of more experience, better titles,
pay, brand name and even making a move to
contracting. Upasana Bhor, a senior application
specialist fielded two job offers, and three
interview requests just within the last three
months. She observed that many companies are
now starting to sped up their hiring process in
order to not lose candidates.
“I had already gone for two interviews with
one company, and had another lined up with a
different company.
"After finding out that I am interviewing with
another company, the recruiter sped up their
recruitment process to get me face time with
their teams,” she said.
Vikram Patil, a senior Test analyst who
recently moved from being a contractor to a fulltime
employee says, “The contracting market
has opened up which means a lot of people
are moving from full-time roles to contracting
because they know there is a demand.
"Since February, I have received several
calls from recruiters, primarily via LinkedIn
with interview offers and even help in sourcing
candidates for mid to senior levels and
technical roles.”
Christchurch hosts Durga Festival with fervour
Bangaliana Multicultural Christchurch Group celebrated the popular festival with Covid-19 protocols in place.
RITU SINGH
It is a dream come true to celebrate Durga
Puja in Christchurch at a huge scale with
such authenticity. Since, this was our
first year celebrating the festival at Bromley
Community Centre on ninth day of October
which was the third day of the festival.
Celebration of this festival in a foreign land
trying to keep the originality was not that easy.
There were hurdles all the way long starting
with the idea of getting the idol here in
Christchurch from Kolkata, India amidst the
pandemic, finding a place where it could be
held, preparing the Bhog (prasad) and getting a
team together which could pull this off – but ofcourse
we tackled all the difficulties and made
it happen.
The day was organised in such a way that
everyone could enjoy little bits of everything
that we would have during the 9-day festival
back in Kolkata.
The day started with the Puja at 9 o’clock
which was then followed by Pushpanjali
(offering of prayers and flowers to the goddess)
around 12:30 p.m.
Bangaliana Group did not restrict the
offering of Pushpanjali only to the group
but was extended to the wider public as well
which hopefully gave everyone a warm and
homely feeling as they would get if they
were back home.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions Pushpanjali
was organised in smaller groups of people at a
time so it isn’t overcrowded at once near the
Idol. The hall had chairs laid out maintaining
distance between them.
We also organised some lunch after the Puja
which also served as a break for everyone
before we started our cultural part.
The lunch was served outside the hall area in
the open ground and of course due to Covid-19
restrictions there were seating arrangements
made with only four people at one table.
A bouncy castle was also organised to keep
the kids entertained.
The cultural part of the event consisted of
some beautiful performances such as singing,
dancing, and playing musical instruments.
The high spot of the cultural acts was playing
Dambulla by a Christchurch group which
generally plays West African music but with
their tremendous practice they made it really
special for the Bangaliana Group by playing
a mixture of west African and Dhak Music ( a
typical music played in Kolkata during Durga
Puja with the Dhak, which is again a very
similar instrument to Dambulla).
Toward the end of the event, the organisers
arranged a small prize giving ceremony to all
the performers for their contribution. The prizes
were given out by the team members which was
another effort to recognise their hard work for
making this day happen.
Last but not the least, this was a small
effort made by the Bangaliana Multicultural
Christchurch to give the people of Christchurch
a glimpse of how Durga Puja is celebrated and
why it is such an important festival for them.
We hope to make this even bigger next year.

6 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, October 15, 2021
The Indian Weekender
Kiwi-Indian women
turn lockdowns into
amazing opportunities
IWK Exclusive
PRITI GARUDE KASTURE
It may not appear to be the most auspicious
time to start a business. New Zealand is
in its longest lockdown since the start
of the pandemic.
While the country is in recovery, closed
borders and uncertainty is making people go
stir crazy.
However, there are so many out there who
are using this time to pause, reflect and act on
long-ignored business ideas.
Reserve Bank data revealed that the numbers
of self-employed and employers are up since
Covid first hit the economy in early 2020.
The number of new businesses listing on the
NZ Companies Register was up by as much as
20 percent in May 2020, compared to the same
time last year.
Figures show that more women are working
for themselves, becoming contractors,
freelancers, or sole traders.
In the year to March 2021, 17,500 became
self-employed without employees – an increase
of 14 percent.
It seems despite the general sense of
gloom, many female entrepreneurs are seeing
opportunities during the pandemic.
Priscilla Chand: Saw an
opportunity to help others
find work through her
platform, Hire HER.
Identifying a gap in the freelance market led
Priscilla Chand to take her business from idea
to execution to launch in a short span of five
months this year.
“
I could see this trend
among mothers and the
younger generation. For the
mothers, they were getting into
contracting and freelancing or
starting business because they
wanted to work around their
families, and they wanted to
choose their hours.
A first of its kind marketplace for women
freelancers, the company since its launch four
months ago has over 300 women freelancers
and contractors registered from across New
Zealand and Australia, with over $20,000 worth
of jobs that have gone back to women.
An idea developed from her own experience;
Priscilla put her career on hold to focus on
being a mum to her two kids under three.
Two-and-half years later when she tried to
enter the job market again, she was unable to
find the flexible hours that she was looking for,
and she noticed that she wasn’t alone.
Observing a trend of many women choosing
to go freelancing or work on contracting
projects to manage their own time and work,
she said, “I could see this trend among mothers
and the younger generation.
"For the mothers, they were getting into
contracting and freelancing or starting business
because they wanted to work around their
families, and they wanted to choose their hours.
"For the younger
generation, like the
millennials, they are
becoming more driven
about freedom and
wanting to work from
anywhere in the world,
choosing when they want
to work, and what clients
they work with.”
Priscilla is far
from alone. Indian
Weekender spoke to other
entrepreneurs who had
started their business in
lockdown upon observing
a gap in the market.
• Continued on Page 6
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The Indian Weekender Friday, October 15, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 7
• Continued from Page 5
Perzen Patel: Making a
success of going far beyond
butter chicken
Launched in October last year, Dolly Mumma has set out
to address an issue that particularly bothers most Indian
migrants in New Zealand.
Tired of rolling her eyes as every Indian curry dish gets called
‘butter chicken’, Perzen Patel, Chief Eating Officer at Dolly
Mumma is on a mission to educate Kiwis about the versatility
of Indian flavours and the ease with which they can make Indian
food. Upon returning to New Zealand in 2019, Perzen was
excited to see the increase in diversity of the New Zealand food
scene, but was left disappointed that the awareness of Indian
up to
30 %
off
"I
realized that
rather than us selling
a butter chicken paste, or
a chicken masala paste, we
needed to show the versatility
of Indian flavours and
we needed to show how
easy it was to use the
flavours."
food was still limited to butter chicken, and tikka masala.
Realising that change needs to come from within the
community, she highlighted, “As an Indian immigrant, it was
very disappointing for me to see that when it came to Indian
food, the awareness was pretty much the same as it was in 2003.
"A lot of us feel that way too, when we hear things like turmeric
latte or ghee butter, or balloon bread which is essentially roti.
But, at the same time, the big realization for me was that if we
don’t do something about it, if we don’t share our stories and
show the pathway, then we can’t complain about it.”
This led to the birth of Dolly Mumma, an online store which
sells pre-cooked, blended Indian curry or chutney pastes that can
be added not just to Indian food but any other cuisine.
Perzen says, “I realized that rather than us selling a butter
chicken paste, or a chicken masala paste, we needed to show
the versatility of Indian flavours and we needed to show how
easy it was to use the flavours. And if we did that along with
the educational front then we would really be able to make a
change.”
Simran Kaur and Sonya Gupthan: Two
millennial women who want to increase the
number of women investors in NZ
Since its launch in March 2020, Girls that Invest has tackled
an oft-taboo topic of money and investments with panache,
humour and hard-hitting facts.
Started by two best friends from Auckland, Simran Kaur and
Sonya Gupthan, the platform, which has over 50,000 Instagram
followers and was recently rated as New Zealand’s #1 Business
podcast has a simple mission – make investing seem less
daunting to women around the world.
Globally 30 percent of women are financially literate,
compared to 35 percent of men, according to 2018 statistics from
financial educators, Closing The Gap.
Aiming to create a one-stop-shop for women who want to
invest but don’t know where to begin or don’t feel like it’s
for them, the Girls that Invest platform teaches investment
concepts, in a matter of fact, transparent and no
jargon-y way.
Creating a resource they wished was available to
them when they were growing up, Simran and Sonya
started by sharing little tips and bits of advice and
information about investment statistic, female investors
on their Instagram page. After followers started to
interact and ask in-depth questions, they launched their
own podcast.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the idea, Simran
said, “Money is such a taboo topic. Even with Sonya, who
has been my best friend for 20 years, we never talked about
money. We never discussed how much we make, how much we
have saved.
"When we started to open up with each other, we realised
how valuable it was to share what we knew, and I realized that
this was something that more young women should have the
opportunity to be a part of.
“So, we created this free resource to help other women learn
about the stock market, learn about investing and maybe just
break down some common myths and misconceptions that
are out there. We wanted to get rid of the misconceptions
that we learnt when we were younger and frankly, it’s
just all really grown from there.”
Talking about their learnings of setting up and
building a business during lockdown, Simran said,
“The biggest
Resene Premium Paints,
Wood Stains, Primers,
Sealers and Wallpaper
learning is
just being
consistent
and giving
things a go.
When we
started the
podcast,
w e
never
thought we would be New Zealand’s #1 business podcast.
"We started with these average sized microphones, which were
$200 each and that was the only investment we put in. And then
after a year of consistently doing it, we got Sharesies to sponsor
our season and so that was when we started making money from
it, which was quite nice. I think the biggest learning is just giving
it a go because if we had thought, who are we to try something
like this, then it would have never happened.”
Echoing Simran’s comment, Priscilla suggested not to wait
for things to be perfect to launch something. She said, “There’s
so many things that I’ve learnt launching this business during
the pandemic.
The thing I would say is if you have an idea, test it with your
target audience first, and then launch it. I don’t think you need to
spend a lot of money to get your business up and running. What
you need to do is be very agile about it, don’t make it perfect.
It’s never going to be perfect. If you can have a basic concept,
launch one, you don’t need 10 products. Launch small and learn
as you go.”
She added, “You have to accept that nobody is going to hold
your hand. You must find the solutions yourself and don’t be
afraid to knock on every single door if you have to get that idea
across to make it a success.”
Experiencing things the hard way during this year’s lockdown,
Perzen concurred with seizing every opportunity and learning to
pivot. Dependent on the local Farmer’s Market for sale of their
products, Perzen and her husband learnt valuable lessons after
the country went into lockdown mid-August.
She said, “We originally were really reliant on the farmers
markets, but we have had to pivot really quickly and sell online
as well. We were already selling online, but at the same time, we
always thought the farmers market would be around. So, I think
the biggest learning for us is to diversify your revenue stream as
soon as you can and make sure that you’ve got a revenue coming
in from multiple mediums so that when something does happen,
your business doesn’t come to a standstill.”
Perzen, however, does thank the lockdown for fast-tracking
the educational part of her business, the Learn to Cook Indian
classes.
“There has been a great response to the classes, and in fact
I thank lockdown for this specific aspect. Because when I
launched the business, I always knew that if we wanted to go
beyond butter chicken, there had to be an educational aspect as
well. You can’t just say that you want to go beyond, and then not
educate people on what that means or how they can do that. So
this has always been an important part of the business for me.
“At these classes, I teach how to make the recipes from scratch
but I also recommend you take your own notes and make the
food to suit you and your family’s palate. I basically turn into my
mum at these classes, because whenever I’d ask her for a recipe,
I only ever got an ingredient list from her.”
Come in and see us today
at your local Resene ColorShop!
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Simran Kaur and Sonya Gupthan

8 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, October 15, 2021
The Indian Weekender
Celebrating
75 years of the
Indian Foreign
Services
Ms. Ruchika Jain.
Exclusive interview with Indian High Commissioner Shri Muktesh Pardeshi
NAVDEEP KAUR MARWAH
Indian diplomats have been relentlessly
working toward serving the nation
and furthering India’s national
interests globally.
It was on this day in the year 1946,
about a year before India got her
independence from the British, that
the Indian Foreign Service came into
existence.
Since 2011, October 9 is being
celebrated as the Indian Foreign
Services Day – a day dedicated to the
service and the servicemen who have
always stood up for our national
interests in the international
arena was established.
Indian Weekender interviewed
Mr Muktesh K. Pardeshi, High
Commissioner of India to
New Zealand to know the
significance of the day, his
message to those who want
to join the Indian Foreign
Services, his journey in the
Indian Foreign Services and
more...
What is the significance of
IFS day for you?
The IFS Day falling on 9 October is
significant, as on this day we acknowledge
the contributions made by Indian Foreign
Service Officers in the promotion and protection
of India’s national interest abroad.
On this day, we also rededicate ourselves to serving
the country and its people.
This year, the IFS completes 75 years of
its successful existence.
The IFS was created on 9 October 1946 by
the interim Cabinet led by Jawaharlal Nehru
for India’s diplomatic, consular and commercial
representation overseas.
Is anything special planned to
commemorate the day?
We have nothing special planned for the day. A quieter
celebration and exchanges of greetings amongst fellow
colleagues who are posted all over the world would be an
occasion to cherish.
What was your motivation to join the IFS?
It is a matter of great coincidence that I have just completed
30 years in the IFS.
It has been a very fulfilling and rewarding period in my life.
As a student, I always aspired to join the civil service.
This opportunity came when I took the competitive
examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission
(UPSC) in 1990, immediately after finishing my Masters from the
Delhi School of Economics.
While studying at Delhi University, I developed an interest
in world affairs which provided a strong motivation to join the
Foreign Service.
What will be your message to youngsters
who want to join IFS?
I can assure them that IFS would provide them with an excellent
career and life experience.
India has produced excellent diplomats and some of them have
occupied high positions in public life, including those of President,
Vice-President, Speaker, Union Ministers and NSA. Dr S. Jaishankar,
an IFS Officer of the 1977 batch, is a role model for all of us as he
leads the Ministry of External Affairs as a Cabinet Minister, after
serving in the IFS for forty long years.
How do you think the Indian Foreign Service has
changed over the years especially during the
current pandemic?
The IFS is a dynamic service and has adapted well in dealing with
contemporary challenges such as security, public health, climate
change and emerging technologies.
People generally assume that IFS officers are not dealing with dayto-day
national problems. This is far from true.
The enormous and successful efforts
made by Indian diplomats abroad
during the last two years would testify
how we have been at the forefront of the
handling of the current Covid-19 crisis
by way of the evacuation of millions of
Indians, providing support to distressed
Indians and securing health materials and
equipment from countries abroad.
The enormous and successful efforts made by Indian diplomats
abroad during the last two years would testify how we have been
at the forefront of the handling of the current Covid-19 crisis by
way of the evacuation of millions of Indians, providing support to
distressed Indians and securing health materials and equipment from
countries abroad.
We not only represent India and serve the diaspora abroad, we also
contribute directly to national development through the execution of
economic, investment and technological linkages and promotion of
India’s exports - both goods and services.
There is hardly any aspect of national life-be it national security,
border management, disaster management, health response, water
sharing, cultural promotion, educational linkages-with which an IFS
officer is not dealing with in the contemporary context.
We are also responsible for the delivery of large public services.
For instance, I, as India’s Chief Passport Officer during 2010-16,
successfully led the transformation of Passport services in India for
which I received the prestigious National Award on e-Governance
(Gold) 2014-15 and Web Ratna (Platinum) Award 2014.
Today, passport service is rated amongst the most efficient citizencentric
services in India.

The Indian Weekender Friday, October 15, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 9
Does the government have a
plan to reopen travel with India?
IWK BUREAU
Thousands of Kiwi-Indian New Zealand residents are
facing the brunt of New Zealand’s confounding blanket
travel ban from India.
In some cases, these are residents who have been staying in
New Zealand for over 10 years and have been caught out by this
sudden and unexpected draconian measure.
The irony is, these New Zealand residents can still
travel to New Zealand, but via places like Serbia,
Maldives and so on, spending up to $5000 for their 14-
day mandatory stopover, before they can catch the
onward flight to Auckland.
This exercise gets further complicated when you
overlay it with the requirements of the now infamous,
lottery-style MIQ system.
All this is causing immense stress on individuals and families,
and cocks a snook at the “be kind” phrase being peddled by
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Meanwhile, India is making giant strides in its fight against
Covid. After the brutal second wave that swept the country,
India has some globally leading statistics in vaccination and has
spread seemingly under control.
The national capital Delhi recorded zero deaths
due to Covid-19 and 39 fresh cases on
Friday with a positivity rate of 0.06 per
cent, according to data shared by the
city health department.
Only five Covid-related deaths were
reported last month, one each on September
7, 16 and 17, and two on September 28,
according to official figures.
One fatality due to the infection has been
recorded so far this month in Delhi on October
2, according to official data.
Active Covid cases in Delhi stand at 383.
It is
high time that
New Zealand opens
its borders with India
and removes it from the
“high risk” or “red zone”
classification, a stance
that is harder to justify
with each passing
day.
Some of the above statistics are either similar to Auckland or
the total active case load number of Delhi is even somehow
better than Auckland.
With the above facts, many affected Kiwi Indians
term the blanket ban as discriminatory and
demanded that the Jacinda Ardern led Labour
government address this issue, affecting real people
and real lives.
In a recent online Q&A hosted by the Indian
Weekender with the Indian High Commissioner,
many affected Kiwi Indians aggressively questioned
him, if the The Indian government is doing enough to
convince the New Zealand government to end this alleged
discrimination.
It is pertinent to mention that countries like the UK, the USA,
Canada and even Australia have either opened their borders with
India or are doing so very shortly.
Fully vaccinated passengers from India
are no longer required to quarantine on
landing in the UK.
It has been nearly two years and this travel ban has ripped
apart families and loved ones.
It is high time the government thinks innovatively, and thus
gets its act together around border management and MIQ.
It is high time that New Zealand opens its borders with
India and removes it from the “high risk” or “red zone”
classification, a stance that is harder to justify with each
passing day.
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10 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, October 15, 2021
The Indian Weekender
When home coming becomes an anxious experience
A first person account of dealing with NZ’s MIQ system – and some takeaways from the experience
MEHAK VASISHT
In today’s day and age it’s tough to
imagine it took me six months before I
could finally travel back home. Though
we all acknowledge that we are living in
unprecedented times and travelling across
borders, which until a couple of years ago was
a necessity, has now become a luxury.
Let me take you through my adventurous
journey of “home coming.” I had not seen my
family in NZ for nearly two years, the Pandemic
started in early 2020 and by the end of the year
was we were getting used to the “new normal”.
Sanitizers and face masks were the new must
have accessories.
In April 2021 I started planning my journey.
First things first, I wanted to check flight
availability as this was the time when the
Delta variant was peaking in India. To say
I was anxious would be an understatement,
even to accomplish simple activities like
getting groceries, going for a walk amidst were
quite an adventure. During this time the NZ
government designated India as a high risk
country, most airlines were not flying and if
someone managed to fly out it was either to
care give a close family member or in some
extreme cases attend a funeral.
The big question “How long until we get
there” remained unanswered. During this time
I also found I was pregnant so there was added
motivation to come back home be with family.
I started spending hours on the MIQ website
and few days later I managed to get an MIQ
voucher for July. This was an absolute delight
and kind if unbelievable.
The virus spread weakened over the coming
weeks and my hopes were getting high.
Sporting events started to pick up, UK was the
front runner in opening its borders.
However, most countries had still not
warmed up especially for any outbound flights
from India and as a result my scheduled flight
in July was cancelled. I could no longer use the
MIQ voucher.
And as destiny would have it at the same time
NZ was also jittery due to the trans-Tasman
bubble and to the emerging Delta variant cases
in Australia.
As a responsible citizen I thought if I can’t
use the voucher let me cancel it so someone
else can use it and MIQ team will accommodate
me on a different date.
Little did I know this good gesture would cost
me my booking. I was told since you cancelled
the voucher you no longer have a booking and
the MIQ team can do nothing about it.
I was shattered and started writing e mails
explaining my case, had multiple exchanges
with the MIQ team who were just not
ready to budge.
I reached out to our ethnic MP who even
refused to acknowledge my e-mail. As a last
resort I reached out to my local electorate MP,
his team was at least kind enough to reply
and they asked me to put my case through
emergency allocation – I had already tried
that path.
And just to clarify unless one of your
close family members is dying (not even
dead because funerals are not an emergency
according to the MIQ rules) there is no such
“
There is not much that we
can do”. I was sad, shocked
and wondered where did I
go wrong? These words were
hurtful and this is not what NZ
stands for especially at a time
when the leader of the country
claims to lead by compassion
thing that can be an emergency. so I requested
a phone call with the MP’s secretary to further
explain, as I had small window left to travel
considering my pregnancy.
The phone conversation left me devastated,
when the minister’s PA told me “government
doesn’t want unnecessary people entering the
country”, “There is not much that we can do”.
I was sad, shocked and wondered where did I
go wrong?
These words were hurtful and this is not
what NZ stands for especially at a time
when the leader of the country claims to
lead by compassion.
I took to Twitter to vent my frustration, and
many appreciated the pain, some techies even
offered to help me and many of them shared
their story. One of whom connected me to a
travel agent who helped me draft an email
and requesting to reinstate my voucher to six
weeks later.
By then I would was heavily pregnant, but I
had no option but to take that chance. I clearly
remember it was 3 am in India time when I saw
that email on my phone that MIQ had reinstated
my voucher for 7 September.
I couldn’t believe, I jumped out of joy and
cried like a baby at the same time, called my
family in NZ, made myself a cuppa tea... Now
I was just keeping my fingers crossed that my
scheduled flight would take off as expected.
Travelling is almost like a jig saw puzzle
every single piece has to be rightly placed
before you can claim hurrah!
In the last 12 months tables have turned, NZ’s
approach is outdated, last year around this time
the world was cautious and NZ was envied for
being Covid free, whereas, now the world has
learnt, adopted to new ways of dealing with the
virus and we continue to battle the same way as
we did when the virus started.
I am glad my story had a happy ending and as
I pen down my story, we are at alert level 3 in
Auckland. I do wish for those wanting to come
back home, it should not be such a struggle. The
government has made changes to the system but
the so called “improved” lobby-based lottery
system can’t be a public policy – in fact, it’s a
national shame.
Lastly, my key take outs if you are planning
to book an MIQ -
Getting a voucher is nothing but a game of
fastest finger first, be resilient
Seeking any help from the authorities,
outside of the prescribed method will take you
no where.
Unless a close family member is terminally
ill nothing else meets the emergency criteria
People who are tech savvy will certainly
have an edge over others.
Stay positive If I could get a
voucher so can you.
Jeffery Bezos and
others invest in
anti-aging
BY AVINASH SEN
For centuries, perhaps even millennia,
humans have been searching for ways to
extend their lives, be it through stories
like the Elixir of Life and the Fountain of
Youth, or modern medicine.
Some of these persons have included people
like Larry page, CEO of Alphabet Inc. (Parent
company of Google), Peter Thiel, co-founder of
PayPal and Larry Ellison, CTO of Oracle.
And now another incredible human has
joined that quest, Amazon founder and former
CEO, Jeffery Bezos.
Altos Labs
The billionaire entrepreneur Jeff Bezos, has
reportedly invested in a new startup company
called Altos labs, which has dedicated
itself towards finding ways to reverse the
ageing process.
The company was founded by Russianborn
Billionaire and tech investor Yuri Milner,
who made his fortune on Facebook and Mail.
ru. Altos plans to reverse the ageing process
through the use of biological reprogramming,
which is a means by which the entire body is
rejuvenated at the cellular level.
The technique was first discovered
by scientist Shinya Yamanaka in 2006;
Yamanaka will also be chairing the company’s
scientific board.
His work showed that by adding four
proteins, now called the Yamanaka factors, to
cells, they can become pluripotent (cells that
can develop into any other cell in the body).
Later, in 2016, Spanish biochemist Juan
Carlos Izpisúa Belmonte, led a study that
found that one could diminish physiological
and cellular signs of ageing in mice by using
Yamanaka’s technique.
Not only that, but their lifespan was extended
by thirty percent or six weeks. Belmonte will
also be joining the team at Altos labs.
Another study in 2020 showed that blind
mice could even get their eyesight back from
using the technique!
Of course, the technique is not yet perfect,
and while studies conducted have shown
extended life expectancy in some mice, others
did develop tumours.
So it will still be a long time, probably
decades, before these techniques can be safely
used on humans.
Not the only company
As you can imagine, Altos Labs is not the
only company that has dabbled in anti-ageing;
In fact, this isn’t even the first time Jeffery
Bezos has dabbled in it either.
Unity Biotechnology, a Californiaheadquartered
start-up that is looking into
ways to slow/reverse ageing, caught the eyes of
investors like Bezos, venture capitalist Robert
Nelson and PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel over
the years. Unfortunately, the company faced
a considerable setback in 2020, when its drug
UBX0101, didn’t reach its primary endpoint in
a Phase 2 trial.
As a result, the company’s shares dropped
over sixty-percent at the time.
Another company with its fingers in the
anti-ageing pie is Calico-Labs. Backed by
Google, the company was founded in 2013
and is looking into figuring out the biological
processes behind ageing and creating new
therapies for age-related conditions like cancer
and neurodegeneration.
Other biotech companies that are looking
into expanding our lifespan include Shift
Bioscience, Life Biosciences and AgeX
Therapeutics.
What can we expect?
There is some controversy behind antiageing,
like the fact as to whether we should be
looking into prolonging our lives at all, whether
we have the capability and resources to sustain
a longer living human race, whether it’s even
possible to prolong our lives any more than we
have done so far.
And of course, is immortality ethical?
What do you think? One thing is for sure, there
will always be those who will push the limits.
What will be the result of that pushing? Only
time will tell.

The Indian Weekender Friday, October 15, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 11
Govt secrecy on vaccination certificates dangerous
NZ COUNCIL FOR CIVIL
health arguments for them. Even here Will this include location, date and
LIBERTIES/ IWK BUREAU
however, the argument is not watertight,
since the research shows that for how long will this information be
time of the scan? If yes to any of this,
The New Zealand Council
for Civil Liberties has
double-vaccinated people are able to retained?
written to the Prime Minister
asymptomatically pass on the virus: Will any of the data logged by
expressing its deep concern about the
people in a venue who have had to the government when a certificate
secrecy surrounding the introduction
prove their vaccination status may is scanned be shared with any
of Covid-19 vaccination certificates.
have a lower risk of exposure, but other government agency? Will the
The Council has called for immediate
it is not a zero risk. The government government legislate to prevent this
publication of the information
could be creating a scheme that data from being shared or accessed
provided by the government to the
an identity card. The ability in due is finalised by Cabinet.
provides a false sense of security. by any other agency?
events and hospitality sector, and
course to make a submission to a The government is clearly aware The questions that need to be Will the data retained by the
the advice it has received from the
select committee when all the policy of the human rights implications of asked:
government be shared in aggregate
Privacy Commissioner and officials
decisions and legal framework have introducing vaccination certificates, Why is the government not form?
who have looked at the human rights
already been decided by Cabinet since the Prime Minister said they consulting the public on vaccination Will the data retained by the
issues involved.1
is quite insufficient for an issue would not be required to access certificates? Are we less important government be shared in so-called
At the press conference on 5
of this magnitude.” Mr Beagle supermarkets, health centres or than the businesses and religious ‘anonymous’ form?
October 2021, the Prime Minister
continues, “The government has pharmacies. But we do not know groups who are being consulted? Will the government legislate to
announced that Cabinet had decided
boasted of its ‘high trust model’ in if they will be required for public How is the government upholding protect people’s rights by prohibiting
to introduce vaccination certificates.
responding to the pandemic so far. transport, or for access to places like Te Tiriti by working with Māori supermarkets, dairies, health centres,
The Prime Minister said that the
But the decision to require people Work and Income offices.
to ensure this supports their work pharmacies, and other essential
government was ‘consulting on
to show a vaccination certificate to Thomas Beagle, Chairperson of to keep their communities safe, public services such as transport
this framework now’, and that the
enter businesses, or attend an event, the NZ Council for Civil Liberties, and isn’t seen as another tool by a and Work and Income offices
consultation included requiring
is a major shift away from this. says “The government has refused surveillance state?
from requiring people to show a
certificates to be shown before
The significant ramifications of the to legislate to prevent the Police Why has the government not vaccination certificate?
entering a hospitality venue. Prime
move make it even more important and other government agencies published the advice from the Privacy Will the government put a sunset
Minister Ardern further suggested the
that the government publishes all from accessing contact tracing Commissioner, officials working on clause in the legislation to shut down
consultation also included religious
relevant information immediately. information. Data gathered from the Human Rights Act and NZ Bill the domestic vaccination certificate
organisations regarding access to
Government secrecy is dangerously places scanning people’s vaccination of Rights Act implications, and the system?
church services.2
destructive to public trust in certificates would be even more papers considered by Cabinet?
The system announced by the
No consultation documents have
government, at a time when it is tempting to law enforcement Will there be any limits on who Prime Minister will provide the
been published on the websites of the
needed more than ever.”
organisations, particularly if it was in can download and use the app for identity of the person visiting a
Ministry of Health, Department of
An OIA request to the Privacy real time.”The New Zealand Council scanning vaccination certificates? If place to the person who scans
Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC)
Commissioner for the advice he for Civil Liberties supports people so, what limits?
the vaccination certificate with a
or on Covid19.govt.nz.
provided to the government on getting vaccinated against the SARS- What data will be collected by the government smartphone app. But the
Thomas Beagle, Chairperson of
this issue was refused by him. The CoV-2 virus if at all possible and if app that scans the certificates? How government has not said whether that
the NZ Council for Civil Liberties,
Ministry of Health and DPMC have they do not have a medical condition much of this data will be retained information can be retained by the
says “It is unacceptable that the
provided little information five which indicates this would be on the app, or will it all be deleted person who scans it. Nor has it said
government is not consulting the
months after other OIA requests to dangerous for them. While we have once a certificate has been verified as whether the government’s system
public and working with Māori,
them about this issue. NZCCL calls strong reservations about vaccination genuine?
will log the identity of the person
when we will be required to carry
on the government to immediately certificates being required for access What data will be logged by the
who has their certificate scanned, or
and provide this vaccination
publish this advice for public to events, cafes, restaurants and government when a vaccination
when and where the certificate has
certificate, which is effectively also
scrutiny and input before the scheme workplaces, we understand the public certificate is scanned by a venue?
been scanned.
VOTE O✓
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Authorised by Kit Parkinson, 107 Great South Road, Auckland

Editorial
What Climate
Emergency?
The myth of 100% clean & green
Two years ago, the New Zealand government passed the Zero Carbon Law and on
December 2, 2020, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern declared a Climate Emergency in New
Zealand in a speech in parliament, committing to a carbon neutral government by 2025.
The Zero Carbon Law hopes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to a near-neutral
level by 2050. An emissions reduction plan under the Zero Carbon Law was meant to
be set in law by the end of December this year, but the government has given itself a
five-month extension.
However, this week, on the eve of the twenty-sixth Conference of Parties (COP26),
which is a major meeting of world leaders on climate change taking place later this
month in Glasgow, the government has released a discussion document, inviting
Kiwis’ feedback on its pathway for the country to curb climate pollution by way of
its Emissions Reduction Plan.
The plan released earlier this week has surprised many environmentalists and
organisations working in the area of climate change.
Incredibly, in the discussion document, the government has proposed allowing for
more greenhouse gas emissions over the four years to 2025, although it believes
strategies put in place will later make up for this excess thereafter.
Many of the proposals in this discussion document do not live up to the hopes raised
by the government’s earlier actions like the Zero Carbon Law and the declaration of
the Climate Emergency, inviting severe criticism from almost the entire spectrum of
organisations associated with the climate change space.
Effectively, it has kicked the proverbial can down the road for a future government
to deal with this contentious issue. Contentious because it has postponed decisively
engaging with the elephant in the room – just as is the wont of many governments in
power.
That big elephant in the room is New Zealand’s gigantic agriculture and primary
industries sector, by far the country’s biggest polluter – spewing 91 percent of biogenic
methane emissions. A World Wildlife Fund report says that Fonterra, included in the
world’s five biggest meat and milk producers, emit the same amount of greenhouse
gases as oil behemoth ExxonMobil.
Commenting in a media release that the discussion document “pandered” to the
dairy industry, Christine Rose, Greenpeace’s Lead Agriculture Campaigner said
“Instead of doing what we know works to cut climate pollution from agriculture –
like lowering cow stocking rates and phasing out key drivers of intensive dairying,
such as synthetic nitrogen fertiliser – the Government’s discussion document does
little to broach the conversation on reducing agricultural emissions.”
Soft-pedalling on New Zealand’s largest polluting sector is clearly evident by the
sheer absence of adequate policy guidelines for the agriculture sector, which in any
case, is subject to a pre-agreed industry-government climate partnership, that permits
it to get away without contributing anything substantial to emissions reductions
before 2025.
As pointed out by Forest & Bird’s Kevin Hague, “It’s remarkable that the
government has published over thirty pages of thinking and analysis on transport but
only four pages on agriculture, our biggest source of emissions.”
Slamming the draft document a “disgrace”, Generation Zero, like Forest & Bird
and many other organisations working in the area of climate change, laments the lack
of policies for agriculture.
“It fails to meet even the Climate Change Commission’s unambitious emissions
budgets,” said campaigner Adam Currie.
Unfortunately, such lack of policy and dithering on previous pronouncements
casts growing doubts on New Zealand’s long-standing “clean & green” claims and
seriously jeopardises its carefully cultivated brand over several decades. Increasingly,
the country continues to fall in several heads of climate change rankings over recent
years. In fact the Climate Action Tracker already ranks New Zealand’s climate
policies as ‘highly insufficient’.
Thought of the week
“When one door of happiness closes, another
opens; but often we look so long at the closed
door that we do not see the one which has been
opened for us.” ― Helen Keller
15 October 2021 – 21 October
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu
On-and-off
rain and
drizzle
22°
15°
On-and-off
rain and
drizzle
19°
13°
This week in New Zealand’s history
Indian Weekender : Volume 13 Issue 32
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
Editor: Dev Nadkarni | dev@indianweekender.co.nz
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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
Clouds
and
sun
19°
14°
Clouds
and
sun
20°
14°
9 October 1967
First day of ten o'clock closing
Clouds
and
showers
20°
14°
Copyright 2020. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.
A few
morning
showers
21°
15°
A few
morning
showers
26°
17°
Fifty years of six o’clock closing of pubs had ended two days earlier, after a referendum
convinced the government to change the antiquated licensing law. Introduced as a
‘temporary’ wartime efficiency measure in December 1917, 6 p.m. closing was made permanent
the following year.
10 October 1975
Waitangi Tribunal created
The Labour government created the Tribunal to hear Māori claims of breaches of the Treaty
of Waitangi. It has evolved ever since, adapting to the demands of claimants, government
and public. The Tribunal was created to report on and suggest settlements for contemporary
Māori claims, and to ensure that future legislation was consistent with the treaty.
12 October 1917
New Zealand's ‘blackest day’ at Passchendaele
Ever since 1917, Passchendaele has been a byword for the horror of the Great War. In terms
of lives lost in a single day, the failed attack on Bellevue Spur on 12 October was probably
the greatest disaster in New Zealand’s history.
12 October 1918
Niagara's arrival blamed for flu pandemic
For decades, many people believed that a deadly new influenza virus came to New Zealand
aboard the Royal Mail liner Niagara, which arrived in Auckland from Vancouver and San
Francisco on 12 October 1918. This is no longer thought to have been the case. Among the
ship’s passengers were Prime Minister William Massey and his deputy Joseph Ward, who were
returning from Britain. False rumours circulated that Massey had personally rejected quarantine
measures. In fact, he had insisted that he and Ward be treated the same as other passengers.
12 October 1996
New Zealanders go to the polls in first MMP election
In the first general election held under the new mixed-member proportional representation
(MMP) voting system, New Zealand voters selected 120 members of Parliament through a
mixture of electorate contests (returning 65 members) and party lists (55 members). The MMP
system, which replaced New Zealand’s traditional first-past-the-post voting method, had been
proposed by a Royal Commission on the Electoral System that reported in 1986.

The Indian Weekender Friday, October 15, 2021 FIJI 13
Fiji’s international border for
tourism to reopen to travel partners
FIJI TIMES
Prime Minister Voreqe
Bainimarama says Fiji’s
international border for
tourism will re-open to a list of travel
partners.
In his Fiji Day address yesterday,
the PM noted these countries include
Australia, New Zealand, United
States of America, United Kingdom,
the United Arab Emirates, Canada,
Qatar, Germany, Spain, France,
the Republic of Korea, Singapore,
Switzerland, Japan and most Pacific
Island Countries and Territories.
“To come to Fiji, travellers must
have spent at least 10 days in any
of these places. This list isn’t fixed,
countries can be added as they
achieve widespread vaccination of
their populations,” the PM said.
“Fiji will have a no-jab, no-fly
policy.
“Travellers aged 18 years and
above must be fully vaccinated
with either the Pfizer, Moderna,
AstraZeneca or — and this is a new
addition — the Johnson and Johnson
COVID-19 vaccines.
“And before departing for Fiji,
anyone aged 12 years and above
must show a negative RT-PCR result
Fiji is on a
promising
recovery path
FBC NEWS
COVID-19 cannot be removed
completely from society.
Local and international health
experts say discipline is needed to
ensure people’s safety.
Fiji Medical Association
President, Doctor Basharat Munshi
says the Coronavirus is here to stay
and vaccination will guarantee high
levels of immunity.
“This disease will be downgraded
to like a common cold or flu. It will
no longer be as deadly as it is now.
This is something that we will live
with just like common cold or flu.”
Permanent Secretary for Health,
Doctor James Fong has confidence in
Fiji’s current COVID safe measures.
He says these strict measures have
successfully controlled COVID
transmission during this second
wave.
“Because moves slower, we have
the ability to contain it faster. That
means we won’t have over-burdened
health systems trying to struggle with
a huge load of people at one point in
time.”
Fiji is on a promising recovery
path that reflects the World
Health Organization’s
guidelines of a high
level of herd
immunity be
accompanied
by lower
transmission,
hospital
admissions and
death rates.
for COVID-19 from a
test taken within three
days of departure.
At Nadi Airport,
immediately upon
arrival, all travellers must
download careFIJI onto
their phones.”
From today, fully vaccinated
travellers from these countries
will have an amended seven-day
quarantine period in Fiji, after which
they will be tested for COVID-19
before entering the community.
The PM says from November 11,
Fiji will re-open its border to these
travel-partner countries in earnest
and tourists from travel-partner
countries would have no quarantine
"To
our friends
in Australia and
New Zealand and to the
residents of other countries
we’re preparing to welcome,
our message is simple: Fiji
Canadian national gets
20 years for hiding
39.5 kg cocaine
FBC NEWS
A
26-year-old
man convicted of drug possession
has been sentenced to 20-year imprisonment after
he was found to be hiding 39.5 kilogrammes of
cocaine.
Canadian national Joshua Aziz Rahman was sentenced
by the Suva High Court today and given a non-parole
period of 14 years.
Rahman was arrested in Nadi in February 2019 after he
was earlier seen meeting with three foreign nationals who
were persons of interest to police.
The court stated that surveillance photographs and
evidence from police showed a close connection between
Rahman and these individuals.
Two days after Rahman’s arrest, police raided his
father’s rented home in Caubati Nasinu and found
39 bars of cocaine with a street value of just over $39
million(US$18.9 million).
The court stated that Rahman should not expect mercy
or soft options for his drug offences, and that his crime
requirement from
November 11
onward.
Instead, after
showing proof of
vaccination and
testing negative for
the virus 72 hours prior
to their departure, they would
arrive in Fiji and head straight to
their hotel. .
“Hotels and tour operators in Fiji
that welcome these tourists must
all become Care Fiji Commitment
Certified by our COVID-19 Risk
Management Taskforce –– no
exceptions, he said.’
“We’re counting on the full
cooperation of our tourism industry
is ready to welcome you
back to our
shores."
to ensure that when our borders do
open, they stay open.
“To our friends in Australia and
New Zealand and to the residents of
other countries we’re preparing to
welcome, our message is simple: Fiji
is ready to welcome you back to our
shores.
“We are entirely confident in our
ability to manage the risk associated
with quarantine-free travel. Our
planes are Our first scheduled
tourism flight to the country — on
Fiji Airways — will be on December
1.”
The PM added there would be
no daylight savings for this year to
allow smooth reopening of scheduled
commercial air services.
would be denounced.
It also stated that the Canadian national had the option
to lead an honest and decent life, but chose a life of crime.
It was also revealed that Rahman was jointly in
possession of the cocaine with his father who was not in
Fiji at the time of the arrest and is believed to be involved
with drug traffickers in New Zealand. Rahman has 30
days to appeal.
More effort needed to address mental health
FBC NEWS
More dialogue and collaboration is needed to
address mental health among children.
A recent report by UNICEF Pacific shows
that the impact of COVID-19 will affect children for
many years and there’s a need to realize that mental health
issues, if not responded to, can become quite threatening.
Medical Services Pacific Counselling Coordinator,
Jacintha Mama’o says sharing the right information with
children during this difficult time is critical.
She adds parental role is also more crucial during this
difficult time.
“The pillow talk technique, that is the perfect time for
parents to have that conversation with their children when
they are about to go off to sleep and at that time children
will be able to feel free to share.”
Empower Pacific Mental Health Specialist, Prem Singh
says help is also available for parents who are not able
to hold conversations with their children on the current
pandemic.
“You are not alone, your child is not alone, there are
agencies, there are people around you that you can reach
out to and seek help, and being quiet would not fix the
issue.” Medical Services Pacific says children are affected
traumatically with the losses they have experienced
including the school environment and their friends.
Returning
Fijians to
spend three
days on hotel
premises
The protocols for returning
residents from travelpartner
countries or those
visiting friends and relatives will be
slightly different.
Prime Minister Voreqe
Bainimarama says the returning
Fijians will be able to leave travelsafe
areas drawn up by the Ministry
of Health. Returning Fijians will
need to spend only three days on
hotel premises and upon getting
negative COVID-19 test results, can
move freely.
“These travellers will want to
leave the travel-safe areas, and they
can. After spending three days on
hotel premises in Fiji, a negative
COVID-19 test result will allow these
travellers to enter Fijian communities
in any location.”
The Prime Minister says the
government is entirely confident in its
ability to manage the risks associated
with quarantine-free travel.
The government also aims to make
vaccine passports available to Fijians
by early December to allow them to
safely travel to and from Fiji.
The list of travel partners, include
Australia, New Zealand, the United
States of America, the United
Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates,
Canada, Qatar, Germany, Spain,
France, the Republic of Korea,
Singapore, Switzerland, Japan, and
most Pacific Island Countries and
Territories.
Vaccine passports
expected by December
FBC NEWS
The government aims to make
vaccine passports available
to Fijians by early December.
This has been confirmed by Attorney
General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum who
says it is amongst reliable tactics to
verify the vaccination status of every
traveling Fijian.
Sayed-Khaiyum says they have
engaged a German company to assist
the government effectively roll out
this plan.
“Fiji has also announced that they
are developing the vaccine passport
which will be used both for domestic
and international purposes. You’ll be
surprised how many Fijians do travel
whether it be for competitive sports
purposes of various clubs overseas,
for business or visiting friends and
relatives it also works the other way
too.”
The Attorney General adds the
government has also put together
safety protocols that must be
followed by tourists and residents
who plan to visit relatives as well as
friends in Fiji.
The government will secure these
vaccine passports that are essentially
digital vaccination certificates.

14 INDIA
Friday, October 15, 2021 The Indian Weekender
Welcome back: Tatas emerge
highest bidder for Air India
The Central government has declared
Tata Sons’ subsidiary Talace as the
highest bidder for national carrier Air
India under the divestment process.
Accordingly, Talace quoted an enterprise
value of Rs 18,000 crore for 100 per cent equity
shareholding of Centre in Air India along with
that of Air India Express and AISATS.
Out of Rs 18,000 crore, Talace will retain Rs
15,300 crore, while the rest will be paid to the
Centre as the cash component.
The bid was higher than the consortium led
by industrialist Ajay Singh. The consortium had
quoted an EV of Rs 15,100 crore.
On its part, Centre had stipulated a reserve
price of Rs 12,906 crore. There were only two
bidders in the final stage of divestment. Based
on the bid results, Centre will enter into a share
purchase agreement (SPA) with Talace by
December-end.
The decision to enter into the sale
purchase agreement with the Tatas
was taken by -- empowered Air India
Specific Alternative Mechanism -- it was
announced here by Divestment Secretary
Tuhin Kanta Pandey.
“The next step will be to issue the Letter of
Intent (LoI) and then sign the SPA following
which, the conditions precedent would need
to be satisfied by the successful bidder, the
company and the government,” an official
communique said.
“It is expected that the transaction will be
completed by December 2021.”
Besides, under the SPA, jobs of Air India’s
employees will be safeguarded for one-year.
Currently, Air India has a total strength
of 12,085 employees, which includes 8,084
permanent ones. In addition, Air India Express
has 1,434 employees.
According to Civil Aviation Secretary
Rajeev Bansal, no employee will be removed
for one-year. In the second year, if an
employee has to be removed, then a VRS
option will be provided.
Additionally, employees will be provided
gratuity and provident fund benefits.
The post-retirement medical benefits to
employees will be provided. All in all, Tata
Sons’ subsidiary Talace will among other assets
such as human resources get more 140 aircraft
as well as 8 logos.
Notably, after the transaction, Tata Sons will
have two full service carriers -- Vistara and
Air India -- along with two low cost airlines --
Air India Express and Air Asia India -- and a
ground and cargo handling company AISATS.
In terms of fleet, Tatas will get Air India’s
117 wide-body and narrow body aircrafts and
Air India Express’s 24.
A significant number of these aircrafts
are owned by Air India. It will also get to
operate these aircraft on over 4,000 domestic
and 1,800 international routes. Air India’s
Mental disorders swell, women & youth most affected: Lancet
The pandemic has led to a
significant rise in major
depressive and anxiety
disorders globally, affecting
women and younger people more
in 2020, a first global estimate of
Covid-19 impact on mental health
has revealed.
The study, published in The
Lancet, suggests that additional 53
million cases of major depressive
disorder and 76 million cases
of anxiety disorders were due to
the pandemic.
“Countries hit hardest by the
pandemic in 2020 had the greatest
increases in cases of major
depressive disorder and anxiety
disorders,” said the authors,
calling for urgent action by
governments and policy makers to
strengthen mental health systems
globally to meet increased
demand due to the pandemic.
Countries with high Covid-19
infection rates and major
reductions in the movement
of people - a consequence of
measures such as lockdowns
Air-conditioned coaches to transport chocolates, noodles
In a unique innovation, bars, slabs of
chocolate and a consignment of noodles
will substitute passengers in air conditioned
compartments of South Western Railway trains,
which will be transported to Delhi regularly, an
official statement said on Monday.
The innovation by Hubballi division of South
Western Railway (SWR) will fetch the division
around Rs 12.83 lakh from the transportation
of each consignment of 163 tonnes of assorted
Nestle chocolates from the Vasco da Gama
and school closures - had the
greatest increases in prevalence
of major depressive disorder and
anxiety disorders.
“Promoting mental wellbeing,
targeting factors contributing to
poor mental health that have been
made worse by the pandemic, and
improving treatment for those
who develop a mental disorder
should be central to efforts to
improve support services,” said
lead study author Dr Damian
Santomauro of School of
Public Health, University of
Queensland, Australia.
Even before the pandemic,
mental healthcare systems in
most countries have historically
been under-resourced and
disorganised in their s
ervice delivery.
“Meeting the added demand
for mental health services due to
Covid-19 will be challenging, but
taking no action should not be an
option,” Santomauro added.
Until now, no study had
analysed the global impact of the
Covid-19 pandemic on prevalence
of major depressive disorder and
anxiety disorders in 2020.
To reach this conclusion, a
systematic literature review
was performed to identify
population survey data published
railway station in Goa to Okhla railway station
in the national capital, a statement issued by the
SWR said.
“Chocolates and noodles weighing 163
tonnes were loaded in 18 air conditioned
coaches - 12 (compartments) of 3-AC type and
six of 2-AC type - from Vasco Da Gama in Goa
to Okhla in Delhi,” the statement said.
The consignment in the ‘AC parcel train’
was facilitated by AVG logistics and will travel
a distance of 2,115 km.
Describing the consignment as a “new
"
The Tata Group winning
the bid for Air India is
great news! While admittedly
it will take considerable
effort to rebuild Air India, it
will hopefully provide a very
strong market opportunity to
the Tata Group’s presence in
the aviation industry
between January 1, 2020, and
January 29, 2021.
The systematic review
identified 5,683 unique data
sources, of which 48 (one of which
reported across two regions) met
the inclusion criteria.
Most studies were from
Western Europe (22) and highincome
North America (14), with
others from Australasia (5), highincome
Asia Pacific (5), East Asia
(2), and Central Europe (1).
The meta-analysis indicates that
increased Covid-19 infection rate
and reduced movement of people
were associated with increased
prevalence of major depressive
disorder and anxiety disorders,
suggesting that countries hit
hardest by the pandemic in 2020
had the greatest increases in
prevalence of the disorders.
In the absence of the pandemic,
model estimates suggest there
would have been 193 million
cases of major depressive
disorder (2,471 cases per 100,000
population) globally in 2020.
stream of traffic” via railways, the statement
said, “This has fetched a revenue of Rs 12.83
lakh to the railways.”
Chocolate transportation was earlier carried
out by air conditioned transport trucks via road.
“Railways are proactively reaching out to
customers to utilise rail services which are
faster, smoother and cost effective.
"This approach is being appreciated by
industries and merchants, thereby (resulting in)
increase in volume,” said Arvind Malkhede,
Hubballi Divisional Railway Manager.
frequent flyer programme has more than
three million members.
Furthermore, eight brand logos would be
transferable to the Tatas which they have to
retail for a period of five years.
In terms of financials, Tatas will need to take
care of the Rs 20 crore loss per day that the
company suffers.
There is also a three-year business continuity
clause in the agreement. Tatas would also need
to maintain 51 per cent stake in the airline for
atleast one-year.
Nonetheless, Tatas will be given full
operational control of the divested entities.
On the other hand, the transaction does not
include non-core assets including land and
building, valued at Rs 14,718 crore, which
are to be transferred to GoI’s Air India Asset
Holding Limited (AIAHL).
Post the announcement, Ratan Tata, the
Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, tweeted:
“Welcome back, Air India!”.
“The Tata Group winning the bid for Air
India is great news! While admittedly it will
take considerable effort to rebuild Air India,
it will hopefully provide a very strong market
opportunity to the Tata Group’s presence in the
aviation industry,” he said.
Meanwhile, SpiceJet Chairman and
Managing Director Ajay Singh said: “I
congratulate the Tata Group on winning the bid
for Air India and wish them all the success. It
was my honour and privilege to be shortlisted
for bidding for Air India. I am confident that the
Tata Group will restore the glory of Air India
and make all of India proud.”
Over dozen PSUs
on the block
after Air India
privatisation
The government’s final move to privatise
the national carrier Air India has given
a fresh lease of life to its strategic
disinvestment plan.
The Department of Investment and Public
Asset Management (DIPAM), which oversees
the disinvestment policy, is now planning to
cede management control over a dozen public
sector enterprises in the next six months.
Sources said the successful culmination of
the Air India disinvestment process has upped
investor interest in picking up management
control of public sector undertakings put on the
block for privatisation. Overseas investors are
also looking at the country’s disinvestment plan
with interest.
The government wants to tap into this positive
sentiment, which has also been heightened
with a Moody’s upgrade of the country’s
ratings, to put its strategic disinvestment plan
on the fast track.
Government sources said they had received
inquiries from multinational corporations about
their possible participation in the strategic
disinvestment plan post the Centre’s decision to
amend retrospective taxation provisions in the
Income Tax Act. The amendment introduces
certainty on taxation regulations and has
improved India’s ranking by several notches on
the ease of doing business index.
As a result, the strategic disinvestment
proposals of companies such as Ferro Scrap
Nigam Limited (FSNL), Rashtriya Ispat Nigam,
Container Corporation of India, IDBI Bank and
Neelanchal Ispat Nigam may get a fresh lease
of life and the process may get extensions if
more time is required to bring larger number of
overseas investors into the picture.

The Indian Weekender Friday, October 15, 2021
FEATURES 15
Ingredients
• 2 cups, 4 handfuls, fresh shiitake
mushrooms
• 1 1/3 to 1 1/2 pounds thin cut
chicken breast or chicken tenders
• 2 tablespoons light colored oil,
such as vegetable oil or peanut oil
• Coarse salt and coarse black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 inch ginger root, finely chopped
or grated, optional
• 1 orange, zested
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced small
• 1 small tin, 6 to 8 ounces, sliced
water chestnuts, drained and
chopped
• 3 scallions, chopped
• 3 tablespoons hoisin, Chinese
barbecue sauce, available on Asian
foods aisle of market
• 1/2 large head iceberg lettuce, core
removed, head quartered
• Wedges of navel orange -- platter
garnish
Methods
Healthy cooking every day
Chicken stir-fry
Barbecued Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Fried deviled eggs
Ingredients
• 1 dozen eggs
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• Dash hot sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black
pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko crumbs
• Parsley, for garnish
• Peanut oil, for frying
Method
• Add the eggs to a large saucepan
filled with cold water. Bring
to a boil. Remove from heat
Sweet and sour glazed shrimp
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup Chinese plum sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 1/4 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined and
tails removed
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts kept
separate)
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons unseasoned rice wine vinegar
• Cooked white rice, for serving, optional
• Remove tough stems from
mushrooms and brush with damp
towel to clean, Slice mushrooms.
Chop chicken into small pieces.
• Preheat a large skillet or wok to
high.
• Add oil to hot pan. Add chicken to
the pan and sear meat by stir frying
a minute or 2. A
• dd mushrooms and cook another
minute or two. Add salt and pepper
to season, then garlic and ginger.
• Cook a minute more.
• Grate zest into pan, add bell pepper
and let sit in the water for 14
minutes.
• Peel the eggs and slice lengthwise.
Remove the yolks to a bowl. Add
the mayonnaise, Dijon, lemon
zest, chives, hot sauce and salt and
pepper. Mash the yolks together
with a wooden spoon.
• Taste and adjust seasonings, if
needed. Fill the egg yolk mixture
into the egg whites.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer to 350
bits, chopped water chestnuts and
scallions. Cook another minute,
continuing to stir fry mixture.
• Add hoisin Chinese barbecue sauce
and toss to coat the mixture evenly.
• Transfer the hot chopped barbecued
chicken to serving platter and pile
the quartered wedges of crisp
iceberg lettuce along side.
• Add wedged oranges to platter to
garnish. To eat, pile spoonfuls into
lettuce leaves, wrapping lettuce
around fillings and squeeze an
orange wedge over.
degrees F. In a medium bowl, add
1 cup of flour and season with salt
and pepper. In another bowl, beat
the eggs, in a third bowl, add 1
cup of panko.
• Dip the eggs into the flour, then
the egg and finally into the panko.
Gently put the eggs into the
hot oil. Fry until golden brown.
Remove to a paper towel lined
sheet tray. Season with salt and
pepper and garnish with parsley.
• Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook, stirring
occasionally, until just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.
Transfer to a plate.
• Add the scallion whites, garlic and ginger to the skillet
and cook, stirring constantly, until soft, about 1 minute.
• Add the vinegar and scrape up any brown bits that
cling to the bottom of the skillet. Add the plum-ketchup
sauce and bring to a simmer.
• Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the scallion
greens and give the skillet a swirl to bring everything
together.
• Divide among 4 plates and serve with white
rice if using.
Lighter Takes
& Easy Tips
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons dark sesame oil,
divided
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 pounds chicken breasts, skinless
and boneless
• 1 head broccoli, stems removed
• 1 dozen mushrooms, sliced
• 3 carrots, peeled and julienned
• 1/4 pound green beans, diced
• 1 head bok choy, chopped
• 2 to 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
Method
• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a saute
pan over medium heat. Add garlic
and stir.
• Place the chicken in the pan and
brown 4 minutes on each side.
Remove from pan, slice into
strips, set aside.
• Heat remaining tablespoon of
Ingredients
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive
oil, plus more for the pan
• 1 pound carrots, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons honey or agave
nectar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice,
plus lime wedges for serving
• 4 6-ounce center-cut salmon
fillets (about 1 1/2 inches thick)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground
pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• Pinch of ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup roughly chopped fresh
mint
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
oil in a wok over high heat.
Add the vegetables and teriyaki
sauce. Stir-fry quickly until the
vegetables begin to soften.
• Add the chicken strips, combine
well and continue to cook for 2 to
3 minutes. Serve immediately.
Glazed salmon with spiced carrots
pan. Broil until the carrots begin
to soften, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk 2 tablespoons
olive oil, the honey, mustard and
1 tablespoon lime juice in a small
bowl.
• Brush the tops and sides of the
salmon with the glaze.
• Put the salmon, skin-side down,
on the other side of the broiler
pan next to the carrots and season
with salt and pepper. Broil until
the salmon is golden
• brown and just cooked through
and the carrots are crisp-tender, 5
to 7 minutes.
• Whisk the remaining 1 tablespoon
each olive oil and lime juice, the
coriander, cumin, cinnamon, mint
and almonds in a bowl.
• Add the carrots and toss to
combine; season with salt and
pepper.
• Serve the salmon with the carrots
and lime wedges.
Method
Method:
• Preheat the broiler. Lightly oil the
• Stir together the plum sauce, ketchup, soy sauce and
broiler pan. Toss the carrots with
pepper flakes in a small bowl and set aside.
1 tablespoon olive oil in a bowl,
• Sprinkle the shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in
then spread out on one side of the
a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
Grilled Fish Tacos with Lime Slaw
Ingredients
• 2 1/2 cups shredded coleslaw mix
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• Juice of 1 lime, plus wedges for serving
• 3/4 teaspoon sugar
• Kosher salt
• Vegetable oil, for the grill
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds skinless grouper or other firm
white fish, halved crosswise
• 8 corn tortillas
• Fresh cilantro, Mexican crema and salsa
verde, for serving
Methiods:
• Toss the slaw mix, red onion, lime juice,
sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl;
set aside.
• Preheat a grill to medium. Oil the grates.
Mix the cayenne with 1/2 teaspoon salt in
a small bowl; rub all over the fish. Grill
until well marked on the bottom and the
fish releases easily from the grill, about 6
minutes. Flip and grill until cooked through,
4 to 6 more minutes. Transfer to a cutting
board and slice or flake the fish.
• Meanwhile, wrap the tortillas in foil and
warm on the grill, about 4 minutes.
• Divide the fish among the warm tortillas.
Top with the slaw, cilantro, crema and salsa
verde. Serve with lime wedges.

16 ENTERTAINMENT
Friday, October 15, 2021 The Indian Weekender
Most popular movies on Netflix right now
The Circle
Metal Shop Masters
Money Heist
Snapchat.
Turning Point: 9/11 and the War on Terror
Netflix's social-media-themed reality
competition show has just returned for a
third season. The Circle drops each of its cast
members into their own solo apartment, from
which they communicate with the rest of the
group via the show's social media channels.
They can represent themselves however
they like, meaning they can be totally honest,
bend the truth a bit, or boldly catfish their
competition, all in the hopes of not being voted
out.
On the Verge
The title pretty much says it all: this new
Netflix reality competition show pits
torch-wielding artists against each other to
create some incredible and intricate metal
showpieces, with comedian Jo Koy as the host.
Lucifer
Money Heist, titled La Casa de Papel in
its native Spain, has become a cult hit
on Netflix. The show starts out with a team
of strangers known only by their code names
who are brought together to rob the Royal Mint
of Spain. Though it was originally meant to
be a limited series about that one job, Money
Heist became so popular that the story has
expanded—and the first part of Season 5, its
true final season, is now available on Netflix.
How to Be a Cowboy
This five-part documentary may seem like
another attempt to contextualize the Sept.
11 attacks in history on its 20th anniversary, but
it stands out from the pack. Turning Point not
only looks at the impact of the tragedy, but
also digs into the past, particularly that of
Afghanistan, as well as the United States'
interests in the Middle East.
Q-Force
Actor and writer Julie Delpy (of
the Before trilogy) created and co-stars
in this new Netflix drama about four women
in their 40s who feel like they've traveled off
course and ended up in lives that don't suit
them.
Decider says On the Verge "sort of feels
like Girls if all the characters were twenty years
older and in full midlife crisis mode," which
should give you an idea of whether or not this
series is for you.
The sixth and final season of Lucifer, which
Netflix rescued after it was canceled by
Fox, is now available to stream on the platform.
The titular character is the Lucifer—as in, the
guy downstairs—who reinvents himself as a
Los Angeles nightclub owner who moonlights
as a consultant for the LAPD. In addition to
the series finale, Season 6 will include a highly
anticipated animated episode.
Champion bull rider Dale Brisby has
brought the art of modern cowboy-ing to
YouTube with his popular channel Rodeo Time.
In this new Netflix reality show, set on his
Radiator Ranch, Brisby trains a group of interns
in roping, riding, and building an audience on
Sean Hayes, David Harbour, Wanda Sykes,
and Laurie Metcalf are among the voice
cast of Q-Force, a new Netflix animated adult
comedy series about a group of LGBTQ spies.
Tired of being underestimated, they embark
on a mission to prove their worth, but they get
saddled with a token straight agent (Harbour)
in order to do it.
Most popular movies on Amazon Prime right now
Up
Captain America: The First Avenger
Mrs. Doubtfire
Cruella
Look past the first ten minutes. While the first
ten minutes get all the attention of Pixar's
2009 film Up, look past that rollercoaster of a
prologue and look at the film as a whole and
you'll see one of the best adventure movies of
the 21st century.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
While many Marvel fans will swear
by Captain America: The Winter
Soldier, I'd counter that The First Avenger is not
only the superior Captain America movie, but
also the best Marvel movie. If you're looking to
make a movie about superheroes, then maybe
it's a good idea to understand heroism and in
no Marvel movie is that better encapsulated
than The First Avenger.
Tarzan
Look no further than Mrs. Doubtfire for proof
of Robin Williams’ range as a performer.
This 1993 family film lets Williams showcase
his tremendous impressions and knack for
character creation, while also allowing him to
show a softer dramatic side. Williams plays a
voice actor going through a divorce who, in
an effort to spend more time with his children,
poses as the perfect nanny to watch them while
their mother is at work.
Hidden Figures
Cruella is certainly one of the stronger
Disney live-action remakes so far, largely
because it delights in doing its own thing
versus trying to feel too much like its animated
predecessor. The film is an origin story for
Cruella de Vil set in 1980s London, as Emma
Stone plays an orphaned small-time crook with
a passion for fashion who gets a dream gig
working for renowned designer the Baroness
(Emma Thompson).
Luca
It's not the best film of the Disney Renaissance,
but it's arguably the most interesting of the
bunch. The film adapts the incredibly dark
source material of the same name, but then
tries to make Quasimoto beautiful on the inside
as opposed to a monster whose ugliness is a
reflection of his character.
If you haven't seen what largely qualifies the
end of Disney's second Golden Age, the film
is absolutely worth a re-watch. The film follows
the traditional story of Tarzan (Tony Goldwyn)-
-a man raised by apes who is then torn when the
chance to rejoin humanity presents itself in the
person of the charming Jane (Minnie Driver).
If you’re looking for an inspirational movie
to watch with the whole family, Hidden
Figures is both entertaining and enlightening.
Based on a true story, the film follows three
Black female mathematicians who were integral
to solving problems at NASA that paved the
way for the U.S.’s space race dominance.
The 2021 Pixar film Luca is a sweet,
summery delight. Inspired by director Enrico
Casarosa’s childhood, the movie takes place
in 1950s-60s Italian Riviera where a young sea
monster named Luca (Jacob Tremblay) gets
his wish to meet humans when he goes to the
surface, only to discover he transforms into a
human boy when out of the water.

The Indian Weekender Friday, October 15, 2021
FEATURES 17
Why you should re-elect
the C&R - Communities and
Residents team to Entrust
The $303 Entrust payment recently received by
electricity consumers was a welcome respite from
all that Aucklanders are going through. That’s
almost $1,000 in three years to every one of the 346,000
people and businesses with a power bill.
The risk is - will it continue? It will if the C&R team is
re-elected to Entrust!
Every three years that dividend is put at risk from the
outcome of the Entrust elections.
These elections are running by postal voting 14-29
October. Each person with a power bill gets a vote.
Entrust is a consumer trust which owns 75% of the lines
network company, Vector.
This gives consumers a strong voice and ensures
that Vector’s profits are returned to the local Auckland
community through the Entrust dividend.
C&R Trustees will ensure Entrust pays the dividends to
you, as an electricity consumer.
Solar, electric vehicles, E-ferries, E-buses and battery
storage will change everything in time, but as change
occurs, power must remain affordable and accessible to
people like you and me.
As well as the dividend, in the last three years, the
C&R-led Entrust has worked with Vector, achieving -
• Less power outages and reduced network charges on
your power bill
• Vector has partnered with global technology partners
Amazon Web Services, Google X and Tesla to develop
new digital technology platforms
• Sensible transitioning to a low carbon energy future
that keeps focus on energy affordable for consumers
• Many millions are spent each year on undergrounding
power lines. 69% of the network now undergrounded.
C&R will keep supporting this programme.
Entrust has control of the publicly listed company,
Vector. This requires strong corporate governance and
experienced Trustees.
The Vector board is one of the most reputable boards
in NZ
Your C&R team brings a wide range of experience,
including strong commercial acumen, financial,
governance, community development and an
understanding of the complex electricity industry.
We will deliver the dividends, give priority to reliable
power supply, and to power affordability, committing to
lower possible prices which directly impacts access for all
power consumers. And we won’t sell down Vector.
Your vote matters! If the C&R team is re-elected, your
$303 payment is safe and your position as a beneficiary of
Entrust is guaranteed.
Please vote for all 5 of your C&R team to keep the
$303 payment in your hands - Bell, Buczkowski, Cairns,
Hutchison and Lee.
HealthCheck
This weekend’s Super Saturday will
help get more Kiwis fully vaccinated
IWK BUREAU
The Super Saturday event
takes place this weekend
right around the country, and
where vaccination centres, GPs and
pharmacies will be open later hours
so that everyone can head along and
get their vaccine.
More than 58 percent of people
in New Zealand are fully vaccinated
and 82 percent of people have now
had at least one dose of the vaccine.
However, to ensure communities
are safe as many people as possible
need to get their two shots.
If you haven’t got around to getting
your first shot yet, get it done this
week, so that you’re fully vaccinated
in time for summer.
Even if you can’t make it along
to Super Saturday, it’s really easy
to do: you can book online at
bookmyvaccine.nz or by calling
the COVID-19 Vaccination
Healthline on 0800 28 29 26.
Some vaccination centres don’t
even require a booking – you can
simply turn up and get your shot
when it suits you. Check out covid19.
govt.nz to find somewhere close to
you.
People who are waiting for their
second dose can take part in Super
Saturday too. If it’s been more than
three weeks since your first dose, you
can take advantage of Super Saturday
to get fully vaccinated – there’s no
need to wait the full six weeks until
your original appointment. Just make
sure that if you do get your second
dose this week, you cancel your
booking so someone else can take
the spot!
More than two million New
Zealanders are now fully vaccinated,
and if you’re one of them, there
are still ways you can support the
vaccination rollout.
You chat with family members
about getting your vaccine and
encourage them to get theirs, or offer
to book an appointment for someone
who is having trouble doing it on
their own.
Every extra person who gets
vaccinated is another layer of
protection for our communities, so
your actions will make a difference.
Some people might still be a little
unsure about getting the vaccine,
and that’s OK. It’s important to
get the right information to help
you make the best decision for you
and your family.
If you do have questions or want
more information before making up
your mind, you can find reliable,
accurate information, along with
advice from medical experts,
at covid19.govt.nz.
You might also like to check in
with your GP or health provider with
any specific questions you have.
Raising awareness about PCOS
SUKHCHANDAN KAUR
(MBCHB III, MIGRANT
HEALTH GROUP)
September was Polycystic
Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
awareness month. PCOS is
the most common hormonal disorder
among young reproductive-aged
women worldwide. Despite this,
there is very little understood about
the disease other than how it affects
the body.
There is a higher rate of PCOS in
the Indian population, yet many of us
have never even heard of it. This is
a brief article to open up discussion
surrounding PCOS, which I hope
will increase knowledge around
women’s health, which is not often
discussed in our community.
Especially as many women living
with PCOS don’t know why they feel
how they feel.
PCOS is a syndrome (which means
there are a collection of symptoms
but no identifiable cause) it is often
hard to diagnose as there is no single
test that can be done. There is a
genetic component to the syndrome,
but it is not well understood yet.
Women with healthy ovaries
mature and release one egg per ovary
every menstrual cycle under the
influence of specific hormones. Due
to the hormonal imbalance in women
with PCOS, the egg does not fully
mature and get released. This leads to
the egg becoming a fluid-filled cyst.
These women have multiple cysts
on their ovaries. Thus polycystic
ovaries are one manifestation
of the disorder.
Another manifestation of the
disorder is irregular or an absence
of menstrual periods, as periods
are also under the control of certain
hormones. Another manifestation
is signs of high testosterone such
as hirsutism (excessive growth of
hair in a male pattern), male pattern
baldness and acne.
In addition to these, there are
many other symptoms women may
present with. This is because women
with PCOS are at an increased risk
of developing infertility, obesity,
type 2 diabetes, hypertension,
cardiovascular disease, and
endometrial cancer, among others.
There is no cure for PCOS.
However, there are treatments to
“
Living with PCOS
can be a nightmare
without the adequate
knowledge of what
it is and how you can
control it. Sometimes
it feels, you have no
control over your body
weight and mood
swings. And no matter
how hard you sweat
it out at the gym, your
weight seems to be
increasing. The facial
hair growth is another
self-esteem reducing
effect of this condition
help with the symptoms that come
along with it. Treatments such as
the combined oral contraceptive pill
to help regulate the menstrual cycle,
laser therapy to help with facial
hair growth, referrals to fertility
specialists, and, most importantly,
lifestyle changes such as diet and
exercise to help reduce weight.
A healthy lifestyle has been
shown to be an effective approach
in managing PCOS and the
severity of symptoms.
Alongside these treatments,
women with PCOS should also
undergo ongoing preventative
screening for cardiovascular and
endometrial disease risk factors to
pick up any disease early.
As we can see, PCOS is a
complex disorder. On top of all these
presentations, PCOS also severely
impacts mental health and feeling of
self. When I thought of writing this
article, I reached out to a friend so
she could share her lived experience:
“Living with PCOS can be a
nightmare without the adequate
knowledge of what it is and how you
can control it. Sometimes it feels,
you have no control over your body
weight and mood swings. And no
matter how hard you sweat it out at
the gym, your weight seems to be
increasing. The facial hair growth is
another self-esteem reducing effect
of this condition.”
This highlights the impact that
PCOS has on women not only
physically but mentally as well, as
many women with PCOS suffer from
anxiety and depression.
In a society where it is common to
pass judgement on people’s weight,
appearances, or infertility struggles,
we often overlook the hidden
challenges they are facing. It is our
duty to create an environment where
women with PCOS feel supported,
heard, and validated.
In a community where women’s
menstrual and reproductive health
is considered taboo to talk about,
this further impacts women’s
health outcomes.
The more education there is
surrounding women’s health,
the more women are aware of
their symptoms and can seek
medical help to start the journey of
managing their condition.
I hope this article has been
informative and helps increase the
discussion surrounding PCOS,
especially for young women who
may not be aware of what they are
going through.
If you have PCOS, consider
checking out the PCOS NZ Support
Group on Facebook.
Disclaimer: This article was
written by a medical student
from the University of Auckland
Migrant Health Group. The
information and opinions
expressed in the article are
not a reflection of the Indian
Weekender, University of
Auckland, our employers or
any DHB. We hope that you find
them useful. Always chat to your
GP or specialist if you have any
concerns.

18 NEW ZEALAND
CROSSWORD FreeDailyCrosswords.com
NO: 89
ACROSS------------,
1) Life of_ (carefree
existence)
6) Flat-bottomed open boat
11) "Shogun" sash
14) Apparently amazed
15) Country of over 1 billion
16) Car tracking digits (abbr.)
17) Gain experience
20) Doubter's outbursts
21) Like most NBA players
22) Calorie-rich pastry
23) 67.5 degrees, on a compass
24) Retail center
25) Fence repairer
26) Bronco catcher
28) Deafening noise
29) Find in a mine
30) Hole in your head
34) Bums of documentaries
35) Provider of wide-angle
shots
KEEP WATCH
37) One way to get the gravy
38) Former or previous
39) Affectionate utterance
40) Cape_ (cottage style)
41) Olympic prize
45) Greyhound alternative
4 7) Crossing the Atlantic
50) Day before a holiday
51) Dutch shoe
52) "_ go bragh"
53) Hai ry jungle creatures
54) Maryland state flowers
57) Be in pain
58) Model of perfection
59) "Beetle Bailey" character
60) "2001" mainframe
61) From Oslo, e.g.
62) More likely
28th February
DOWN
1) "Friends" female
2) Big lizard
3) Woodworker's machines
4) Classic poetry
5) Japanese currency
6) Twine fiber
7) Bell sound
8) Short poem (var.)
9) "Fee_ foe furn"
10) Enrich
11) Goes too far
12) Marsh heron
13) "Psst!" follower
18) Airport stat.
19) Billion years
24) Cow sounds
25) Prefix meaning "one thousandth"
27) Quick cut
28) Attempt to lose weight
31) Prepared Bond's martini
32) Work the bar
33) "The Catcher in the _"
34) Santa's seat?
35) Gridiron game
36) Mme. Bovary
37) Hom of Africa nation
39) "Rock the_" (The Clash hit)
40) Birch tree spike
42) Make an exit
43) Exact retribution
44) Not as great
46) Legendary elephant eater
4 7) Vicinities
48) Move like a crab
49) Coast Guard officer (abbr.)
52) You right now, theme-wise
53) " ... and make it fast!"
55) Tokyo, long ago
56) Place with a president
ANSWERS CROSSWORD NO: 89
FreeDailyCrosswords.com
ACROSS------------,
1) Life of_ (carefree
existence)
6) Flat-bottomed open boat
11) "Shogun" sash
14) Apparently amazed
15) Country of over 1 billion
16) Car tracking digits (abbr.)
17) Gain experience
20) Doubter's outbursts
21) Like most NBA players
22) Calorie-rich pastry
23) 67.5 degrees, on a compass
24) Retail center
25) Fence repairer
26) Bronco catcher
28) Deafening noise
29) Find in a mine
30) Hole in your head
34) Bums of documentaries
35) Provider of wide-angle
shots
KEEP WATCH
1R 21 3L 4E S y
1A G A
1i: u T
,.. A
N
AB
LA
I L
,.. A L
58
1
37) One way to get the gravy
38) Former or previous
39) Affectionate utterance
40) Cape_ (cottage style)
41) Olympic prize
45) Greyhound alternative
47) Crossing the Atlantic
50) Day before a holiday
51) Dutch shoe
52) "_ go bragh"
53) Hai ry jungle creatures
54) Maryland state flowers
57) Be in pain
58) Model of perfection
59) "Beetle Bailey" character
60) "2001" mainframe
61) From Oslo, e.g.
62) More likely
N
E
-------
D E A
6
N OR s
HITORI NO: 89
I N
T H
T E
E R
N E
s lJ SAN s
5
SARGE
6
hP TE R
28th February
DOWN
1) "Friends" female
2) Big lizard
3) Woodworker's machines
4) Classic poetry
5) Japanese currency
6) Twine fiber
7) Bell sound
8) Short poem (var.)
9) "Fee_ foe furn"
10) Enrich
11) Goes too far
12) Marsh heron
13) "Psst!" follower
18) Airport stat.
19) Billion years
24) Cow sounds
25) Prefix meaning "one thousandth"
27) Quick cut
28) Attempt to lose weight
31) Prepared Bond's martini
32) Work the bar
33) "The Catcher in the _"
34) Santa's seat?
35) Gridiron game
36) Mme. Bovary
37) Hom of Africa nation
39) "Rock the_" (The Clash hit)
40) Birch tree spike
42) Make an exit
43) Exact retribution
44) Not as great
46) Legendary elephant eater
47) Vicinities
48) Move like a crab
49) Coast Guard officer (abbr.)
52) You right now, theme-wise
53) "... and make it fast!"
55) Tokyo, long ago
56) Place with a president
Eliminate numbers until there are no duplicates in any row or
column. Eliminate numbers by marking them in Black. You are
not allowed to have two Black squares touching horizontally or
vertically (diagonally is ok). Any White square can be reached
from any other (i.e. they are connected).
Friday, October 15, 2021
The Indian Weekender
SUDOKU SOLUSIONS AND ANSWERS NO: 89
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which planet has the most moons?
Saturn
2. What part of a plant conducts
photosynthesis? Leaf
3. How many elements are in the periodic
table? 118
4. Where is the smallest bone in the
human body located? Ear
5. How many hearts does an octopus
have?3
15 October to 21October 2921 | By Manisha Koushik
ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20)
Keep your motivation up on the academic front.
You will be back on track and cover lost ground
admirably. Your goodwill is likely to garner full
support of your well wishers for something you
want done. Family is likely to give full support
and help you establish yourself at work. Money
comes in steady stream. An employee involved
in enhancing your business will need monetary encouragement.
You can plan a quiet outing with lover. Health remains satisfactory.
Lucky No.: 8 / Lucky Colour: Dark Turquoise
6. Who discovered penicillin? Alexander
Fleming
7. Queen Elizabeth II is the longest
reigning monarch of the UK, followed
by Queen Victoria – but who is third?
George III
8. Which two houses were involved in the
War of the Roses? York, Lancaster
9. Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced,
beheaded, survived – who was Henry
VIII’s last wife? Catherine Parr
10. Which year did the European Union
first introduce the Euro as currency?
1999
11. What is the capital of Bulgaria? Sofia
12. What is the capital of New Zealand?
Wellington
13. Beirut is the capital of which country?
Lebanon
14. What is the capital of Canada? Ottawa
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)
Joining a social group is very much on the cards for
some. This is a good time for retailers to enhance
their earning as the market seems favourable.
Joining health conscious people in daily workouts
is likely to keep you fit and energetic. You are likely
to give too much in negotiating a deal and make it
unviable. In this week, you are likely to come into the firing line of
a workplace senior for some action of yours. Lucky No.: 5 / Lucky
Colour: Green
15. Hanoi is the capital of which country?
Vietnam
16. What is the capital of Argentina?
Buenos Aries
17. The capital of Iceland is? Reykjavik
18. Slovakia’s capital is? Bratislava
19. What’s the capital of Belgium?
Brussels
20. What is the capital of Brazil? Brasilia
SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21)
This is a special week for you and you are likely to
enjoy every bit of it. Stars indicate having a great
time in your circle of friends and relations. A job
delegated to someone will be completed to your
satisfaction. Good preparation is likely to see you
through in a tough competition. Your expenses may increase, but
you will earn well too. Marriage is on the anvil for the eligible. A
property matter will be resolved amicably. Lucky No.:22 / Lucky
Colour: Purple
TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 20)
There is much that is happening on the career front
to keep you in high spirits. Your never-say-die
spirit will be much in evidence in executing a task.
Money is likely to come from unexpected sources
and strengthen the monetary front. You will
succeed in persuading a family elder to undertake
a pilgrimage. You find yourself energetic in this
week and may overdo the workout bit. Spouse can expect a helping
hand. Money comes from unexpected sources. Lucky No.: 1 /
Lucky Colour: Red
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21)
This is a good time for you to gain lost ground Use
this time to catch up on pending matters. You are
likely to make an impact on those who matter. You
will be able to give a good account of yourself by
solving workplace problems. Family can persuade
you to go in for a luxury item. A misunderstanding
can cost some a cosy time out with lover. Condition of someone
close will show signs of improvement. A pending property deal is
likely to be concluded profitably. Lucky No.:2 / Lucky Colour:
White
CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 20)
There is a good chance of getting the better of
people who discredit your achievements. You may
travel to attend a wedding or a function happening
out of town. Some positive developments are
likely to take place on the property front. A chance
to clinch a lucrative business deal may be lost.
Unexpected expenditure on someone close may
have to be borne by you. Health wise, you may not feel on the top
of the world. Lucky No.: 3 / Lucky Colour: Saffrone
VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 23)
It is best to keep your opinions about someone to
yourself to avoid the backlash. This is an excellent
time to realise your dreams on the business front.
Something you had initiated at work is likely to
bring in the expected results. A hefty commission
can be expected by middlemen or those working
on contract basis. A new dimension is likely to be added on the
romantic front to enrich your love life. Travelling will be fun.
Lucky No.: 4 / Lucky Colour: Blue
LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23)
You will need whatever support you can get
in this week to see an important function to
completion. Although the week promises to be
hectic, but you are certain to enjoy your heart
out. Ideas implemented on the professional
front may literally turn into gold, so expect to
add substantially to your wealth! Your reputation gets a boost at
work through good networking. Spotlight may be on you in a social
gathering, as your popularity is set to rise. Lucky No.: 9 / Lucky
Colour: Cherry
SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22)
You may get your share of the limelight in this
week. Marriage is likely to be fixed of someone
eligible in the family, so expect feverish activity to
take place at home! A blissful existence is foretold
on the romantic front for those in love. Those
proceeding on a vacation during this period are
assured of complete rest and rejuvenation. Purchasing a property
is on the cards for some. Aim for financial stability by saving and
spending judiciously. Lucky No.: 11 / Lucky Colour: Off White
CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 21)
Pay special attention to someone who is promoting
your interests silently. All your financial worries
are likely to become a thing of the past, so rejoice!
Your initiative on the romantic front promises to
strengthen the relationship and make your love life
most satisfying. Some developments on the social
front will be to your liking. Total fitness will be the reward for
remaining regular in your workouts. You may be compelled to keep
a current task on hold. Lucky No.: 8 / Lucky Colour: Electric
Blue
AQUARIUS (JAN 22-FEB 19)
Keep some extra time up your sleeve, as you may
need it to see an event to successful completion.
Your efforts are likely to be praised by one and all.
Luck favours you on the financial front, as you
manage to tap extra source of income. A regular
exercise regimen taken up by you promise untold
benefits on the health front. Better understanding prevails with
spouse, as you work together as a team to sort out some domestic
issues. Lucky No.: 6 / Lucky Colour: Aqua Marin
PISCES (FEB 20-MAR 20)
This is the week you had been looking forward to.
Things go with a clockwork precision, as people
from all over chip in for you. A wedding in the
family may take place and get you happily involved.
Things remain in your control on the professional
front. You will be able to maintain the tempo on the
academic front and fare well. Judicious spending will help you save
much. Networking will prove of immense value on the social front.
Lucky No.: 7 / Lucky Colour: Violet

The Indian Weekender Friday, October 15, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 19
Are you ready for Diwali?
Auckland’s Diwali
celebrations start tomorrow,
with the Auckland Diwali Festival
organising 20 days of celebration in
the lead up to Diwali on 4 November.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff
says, “Diwali is one of Auckland’s
most well-loved festivals and it
was disappointing that the usual
celebration had to be cancelled once
again due to the COVID-19 crisis.
"
However, Diwali will
still be a special time
for Aucklanders, with
the online programme
providing opportunities
for families to enjoy
Indian culture and
celebrate the Festival of
Lights together
“However, Diwali will still be a
special time for Aucklanders, with
the online programme providing
opportunities for families to enjoy
Indian culture and celebrate the
Festival of Lights together.”
The Auckland Diwali Festival
team have gathered a range of
entertaining and educational content
for all Aucklanders to enjoy,
available at Aucklandnz.com/Diwali
or via the Auckland Diwali Festival
Facebook page that will be posting
daily. Landmarks will also be lighting
up in bright fuchsia and yellow for
the Festival of Lights from later in
October.
Leilana Meredith, Festival
Producer, says: “While the tens
of thousands of Aucklanders who
normally attend our major event
aren’t able to this year, we still
wanted to support Aucklanders to
celebrate Diwali.
“Tasty Indian dishes and treats
are a firm festival favourite, so we
have fantastic at-home recipes and
cooking demonstrations; music,
crafts and dance are always hugely
popular, so we have dance classes,
henna and craft templates, videos to
learn more about Diwali and Indian
culture, and a playlist of music from
DJs that would usually perform at the
Auckland Diwali Celebrations go Online
festival,” says Meredith.
Local Board Member Ella
Kumar is hosting a Bollyrobix class
this Sunday as part of the online
celebration, and says: “This year,
along with the online activities from
Auckland Diwali Festival Facebook
page, it is an awesome opportunity
for the families to celebrate Diwali
in their own homes by lighting up
with fairy Christmas lights, making
festival foods that are specifically
made during Diwali and sharing
the history of Diwali. The children
can also enjoy Rangoli art at home
around their property,” says Kumar.
Meredith says that stallholders and
performers are a key part of the full
festival, and the team was determined
to find ways for the online celebration
to showcase their talents.
“We want to thank our community
of performers, stallholders and
sponsors who have been so important
in creating the content for this online
celebration.”
The Auckland Diwali Festival is
delivered by Auckland Unlimited, on
behalf of Auckland Council.
Asia New Zealand Foundation is
the festival’s founding partner.
The Auckland Diwali Festival
online celebration:
• Live cooking classes with Dolly
Mumma and live dance classes
- Bollyrobix with Ella Kumar,
Bollyfitness by Aaja Nachle and
Bollywood Masala by Khottey
Sikkey on the Auckland Diwali
Festival Facebook page.
• Craft templates for henna art,
making a paper marigold garland,
rangoli and a salt dough diya,
great for the whole family to
enjoy.
• Vegetarian recipes to try at home
thanks to Dolly Mumma, Banu’s,
Mithai, and Anju’s Kitchen.
• Dance and music playlists,
featuring the local dancers,
musicians and DJs that would
usually perform on stage at the
Diwali Festival.