Indian Weekender Vol 5 Issue 20

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nz 28 February 2014
28 February, 2014 Vol. 5 Issue 20 | www.iwk.co.nz
The leading Kiwi Indian fortnightly newspaper
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NEW ZEALAND
www.iwk.co.nz 28 February 2014
Priyani heads Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2014: Call for Nominations Multicultural NZ
he Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2014 award event organizers confirmed that an independent jury has been set up to select this years recipient of the honour. The award in its endeavour to recognize imminent personalities in the Indian community., and honor that one individual that enriched not just the community but also society at large. Having made significant achievements in New Zealand, and as such have contributed positively towards the progress of the country. The honorable jury members met this past week and have laid down the guidelines for the nomination process for this years Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame award. An undeniable, recognition in his or her field of work, be it politics, business, sports, art, culture, or any other profession. In search for that jewel among the Kiwi Indian community, we ask for you to nominate such distinguished men and women for getting inducted into the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame. The second Hall of Fame will be held in Auckland in May with as much grandeur as the first event where the recipient of the honour was local MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi. Prime Minister John Key was chief guest at last years function, which was attended by scores of dignitaries and guests totaling more than 200. - IWK Bureau
K
I NDI A IW I
senior Palmerston North businesswoman is to lead Multicultural New Zealand, the Federation of Multicultural Councils. Priyani De Silva-Currie, who is Sri Lankan in origin, is the Palmerston North branch manager of Opus International Consultants and an expert in energy and asset management. She is the President of the Energy Management Association of New Zealand. Ms De Silva-Currie moved to Palmerston
keen netball administrator and coach, having been chair and senior coach at the Nelson Netball Centre until her move to Palmerston North. She is now coaching the Fielding netball team. She replaces Tayo Agunlejika, who resigned the position last month to become the Federations new Executive Director. She plans to bring her business and strategic planning skills to bear in her new position
Established 2013
Call for Nominations Form

For nomination form and detailed guidelines, please refer to Page 21.
North last year from Nelson, where she was also based with Opus International. She was the President of the Nelson Multicultural Council. She is married with two children. She is a
to build the capability of the Federation as a leading and professional organisation representing the concerns of ethnic and migrant communities. - IWK Bureau
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NEW ZEALAND
Immigration scam victims Crackdown on worker abuse need to be heard, says Prasad I
abour MP Rajen Prasad has hit out at Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse over claims of Government inaction over the practices of illegal scammers. Michael Woodhouse is clearly not in command of his portfolio as he simply does not appreciate the scale of the scams in our immigration system relating to job selling, said Dr Prasad, who is his partys immigration spokesman. The Minister believes that all that victimised migrants who have been scammed for thousands of dollars have to do is to call a phone line at Immigration New Zealand and provide the information. He clearly has little appreciation of the scale and nature of the practices adopted by the illegal scammers, Dr Prasad said. They lock people into paying exorbitant fees and leave them dangling on the promise of a job that they hope will eventually qualify them for residence. This Minister is not interested in finding out what keeps those complainants from coming forward. Those who scam migrants trade on the vulnerability of migrants because they want to make New Zealand their permanent home. They clearly feel they will lose everything if they complain in a very public way, he said. In Parliament today The Minister of Immigration refused to accept that Immigration New Zealand threatened with deportation three people who complained of scams and refused them a visa while their complaint was being investigated. This decision demonstrates the very thing that complainants fear. It took the persistent advocacy of a very experienced lawyer over almost two months for this matter to be addressed, Dr Prasad said. The Catch 22 that the Minister refuses to address is that when victims complain, their visas are cancelled or not renewed. If they dont complain, they pay huge sums of money to illegal scammers and New Zealand does not get the migrants it seeks to attract. Some of the worst cases being reported to my office are from foreign fee paying students. The reputation of the New Zealand immigration system will suffer if its integrity is not protected. Many cases have been aired in the media, especially the ethnic media. Callers to radio stations have confirmed many of these scams and have made it clear why they are reluctant to come forward, Dr Prasad said. This is why I have asked the Minister to set up an enquiry with sufficient safeguards to allow those who have been scammed to tell their story and expose the elaborate methods that are used by those scammers. - Arvind Kumar mmigration officers will gain police-like powers to enter and search homes without a warrant under law changes designed to stamp out exploitation of migrants - a move that is being questioned by lawyers and civil rights groups. The Government is cracking down on migrant exploitation after reports of international students and temporary visa holders being underpaid, trapped on their employers premises and, in extreme cases, forced into prostitution. At present, immigration laws offer protection to illegal migrants who are exploited, but not to migrants who are legitimately working here. The Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2) will introduce heavy penalties including deportation for migrant bosses or business owners who exploit workers. As part of the reforms, Immigration New Zealand officials will be given greater tools to crack down on worker abuse. Immigration New Zealand staff already have powers to enter premises but only to serve a deportation notice and only if they have reasonable grounds to believe the person is in the building. If the bill passes, officials will be able to apply for and execute search warrants, instead of requiring police to execute the warrant. They will be able to search employers premises without a warrant to search for employees or documents, and compel bosses or workers to answer questions. The bill also explicitly states that the powers will not be limited to business premises, but
Immigration New Zealand staff already have powers to enter premises but only to serve a deportation notice and only if they have reasonable grounds to believe the person is in the building.
will apply to homes or dwellings. Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said this week the bill aimed to give authorities the powers needed to effectively enforce the Immigration Act. Analysis by the Ministry of Justice found that the changes were consistent with the Bill of Rights. The bill passed its first reading with support from all parties except Mana, though Labour and Greens questioned whether some provisions could breach human rights. - Arvind Kumar
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NEW ZEALAND
Padosi ko patao, Kiwi style

N
ew Zealands biggest celebration of neighbourliness, Neighbours Day Aotearoa is back on March 29-30 to once again turn strangers into neighbours and streets into neighbourhoods. Over the Neighbours Day weekend, thousands of neighbours around New Zealand will come together and create or strengthen relationships that will continue to enrich their lives long after the weekend has ended. Neighbourliness isnt just a once-ayear thing, says Neighbours Day project manager Kimberley Cleland. The more we practise it, the stronger our communities grow. Neighbours Day is an amazing opportunity to celebrate neighbourliness, to meet the people we live alongside, and create healthy, resilient, and fun communities. Many neighbourhoods are well underway planning their Neighbours Day celebrations. Around New Zealand, people are organising street parties, weaving lessons, trips to the beach, gift swaps, and other neighbourly activities. The Neighbours Day team is encouraging Kiwis to find out more about the people in their neighbourhoods, and find ways to pull together to help each other out. Keen gardeners, fishermen, or bakers could start a neighbourhood food swap, helping local families serve fresh and healthy food to their whnau. Sportsmen and women could form a social sports team, and local teenagers might be great babysitters for young ones. Neighbours Day is a great opportunity to find out what skills and resources the people in your street have to offer, says Denise Bijoux from Inspiring Communities. Coming together, pooling resources, and helping each other out is what Neighbours Day is all about. Neighbours Day Aotearoa is a joint initiative of Lifewise, The Mental Health Foundation, Inspiring Communities, and Neighbourhood Support. - IWK Bureau
Beautiful Fiji masks poverty for single mums
hristian aid organisation International Needs (NZ) is partnering with the New Zealand Aid Programme to work with struggling single Fijian mums by helping them start their own business. Gradon Harvey, International Needs (NZ) executive director, says being a single mum in Fiji can lead to social exclusion and a daily battle with poverty. It is hard enough being a single parent even when extended family support is there, let alone being ostracised by the community because single parenting has social stigma. This makes a lot of young Fijian mums vulnerable to poverty. But we recognise we can be part of the solution, says Mr Harvey. As part of that answer, International Needs (NZ) has developed a community project initiative that will see 45 single mums trained and supported to start their own business. These young mums receive training in cooking, sewing, housekeeping as well as jewellery making, screen printing and weaving. At the
same time they are given financial training in book keeping and budgeting as well as the principles of running a small business. They also learn life skills and personal development. Each course runs for three months. Upon completion these young mums are given a startup grant and access to a business mentor to help them grow their own business, says Mr Harvey. This development initiative is running over three years. The New Zealand Aid Programme has agreed to provide funding for this activity, with International Needs (NZ) required to contribute $1 for every $4 funded. Mr Harvey says International Needs (NZ) need to raise $80,000 with almost a quarter raised to date. It is great to have the New Zealand Aid Programme support as every dollar donated can attract four more that is a great return on a donation. Kiwis are very generous towards our South Pacific neighbours. - Arvind Kumar
NOW closer to your community - at Papatoetoe

Raj Pardeep Singh Barrister/Solicitor/ Partner LLB/BA (Hon.)
NEW BRANCH IN PAPATOETOE
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NEW ZEALAND
Bringing inter-cultural understanding through Holi Festival S

ince its introduction to the Rotorua community in 2010, Holi the Hindu Festival of Colours has been growing steadily. This year the festival will be celebrated in Rotorua on Saturday, 15 March 2014 and it is organised by the Hindu Council of New Zealand. Holi is a festival of fun and is celebrated by people covering each other with coloured powder, and drenching each other with coloured water. Annual celebration of this colourful festival bridges social and personal differences, bringing people and communities together. This year, it has a special significance for two reasons. First, the festival will be part of the second Maori Indian Hui. Many delegates of Maori Indian Hui are already excited about being part of Holi, the festival of colours. During the first Maori Indian Hui, they had experienced Deepawali, the festival of lights. Second, a television production crew has approached the organisation to make half-hour documentary on Rotorua Holi Festival and it will be telecast on a national television. We are excited that our festival is being recognised and that we will be sharing our festival with the wider community through the visual media, said Murali Magesan, the coordinator of Rotorua Holi Festival 2014. Celebrating Holi with different colours and bringing various community groups helps in intercultural understanding. It is an added bonus that Maori Indian community will be part of the whole
festival, added Murali Magesan. One of the key objectives of this festival is to encourage youth to not only participate but also learn to organise events to develop and nourish a community spirit. As Hindu Council of New Zealand has been keen to take this philosophy to the wider community, it has been organising the festival at different venues with different community groups. In the first year (2010), it organised at the Te Papaiouru Marae, Ohinemutu Village. In 2011, it was held at Rotorua Soundshell and Village Green. In 2012, the festival was celebrated at Linton Park Community Centre. Last year, it was organised at the Western Heights High School in Rotorua. This year, the festival will be celebrated as part of the second Maori Indian Hui at the Tangatarua Marae, Waiariki Institute of Technology campus, Rotorua. All delegates from the Hui will also participate in the festival. The official festival will start at 3.00 pm on Saturday, 15 March 2014. Here people will get an opportunity to indulge in customary revelry with coloured powder and water. Please be advised that the clothes you wear will get coloured, old clothes are probably best! The Hindu Council of New Zealand believes in the spirit of community well-being on the Principle of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam (World is one family). For more information, please email: rotorua. holi@gmail.com
Kenton Chambers gets closer to Indian community
enton Chambers are opening a new branch in Papatoetoe at 125 East Tamaki Road. The Papatoetoe office will start operating from Friday, 7th March. Solicitors Raj Pradeep Singh and Ashima Budgoojar will be the points of contact. The company decided to open this branch in Auckland owing to popular demand, from the Indian community. Kenton Chambers Lawyers is a client-focused law firm with vast and solid legal foundation, providing wide range of services such as immigration, finance and investment, litigation, commercial and property law, estate planning, family and relationship law, employment and tax and accounting for various clients. Kenton Chambers Lawyers prides itself with respectable relationship with Immigration New Zealand (INZ), high success rate in providing immigration services, high quality service and professionalism,
stress-free process for clients and reasonable fees. The idea is that currently we have an office in city but to get closer to the our clientele, we are opening another branch at Papatoetoe, said Ashima Budgoojar Our firms motto is to help the community in best possible way and provide best quality legal services. The advantage of people engaging our services will be that we are the people from Indian community. We both speak local Hindi, English, Punjabi language, Ashima added. Raj, who has spent more than 5 years in the legal profession, said, we know that our community people are mainly based in South Auckland and therefore we decided to get closer to our community and open our branch office in Papatoetoe. This is the companys second branch in Auckland, after their CBD branch. - IWK Bureau
NEW ZEALAND
Mumbai Monologues - A culmination of desire

Vaibhav Saklani
hat evening it rained on me.. I soaked in the flavour of Mumbai Monologues and my soul was nourished. It was a beautiful setting, the audience, the actors all seem to be part of the reveling and then they broke open. A diary, shades of Bombay, and the flavour of experimental theatre. Mumbai Monologues delivered on all counts. It is emotional and each conversation connects with you very quickly. The actor stirs you into a dialogue, catches every sigh, and even allows you to question the existence of a barrier. There is no stage, the audience is amid the chaotic Mumbai conversations. The mind is never still, always pulled apart by the turmoil that jostles within the characters head. The music, draws you away to a pleasant place and then after a flight of fantasy allows you back in the deluge. Emotions still mixed, and with every note clashing with your existence in that comfortable chair. Sayantis voice very beautifully layered with the violinist chords was a performance on its own. Without placing a foot wrong, Padma and the team at Agaram Productions has stepped up to deliver something spectacular. Mumbai Monologues directed by Ahi Karunaharan and Padma Akula was performed at TAPAC between the 12 - 16 February as part
of the Auckland PRIDE Festival 2014. The sublime writing of the play is credited to Stephanie Georgepoulis, Gyan Prakash, Anita Crisnel, Sananda Chatterjee and Poorna Prakash. M u m b a i Monologues brings together some extraordinary stories about ordinary lives in Mumbai and presents them alongside original songs by Indian born New Zealander, Singer and Songwriter by Sayanti Chatterjee (Rudali 2013) and original compositions by Kim Gruebner (Indi Star) who toured Australia as a professional violinist for 10 years. Agaram Productions is an international production house specializing in the development and creation of new work from New Zealands diverse voices and the presentation of these works to New Zealand and to the world beyond. Agaram Productions is committed to supporting and employing local, national and international artists with a point of difference and offering entertainment of the highest quality. The play featured: Aman bajaj (Simply Frank), Anya Banerjee (Rudali), Raj Singh (Balti Kings) ,Monica Mahendru (Short and
Sweet), Nona Shedde (Culture Clash), Prateek Vadgaonkar, Tina Pan, Anita Crisnel (Spartacus).
Accompanied by Sayanti Chatterjee, Kim Gruebner and Marie M Bagley.
NEW ZEALAND
Deputy Mayor aims to boost diversity
uckland Council is introducing a programme to foster greater gender and ethnic diversity at board level, Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse announced today. The year-long Board Observer Programme is designed to give aspiring directors boardroom knowledge and allow them to establish relationships and networks with current directors, in conjunction with Aucklands council-controlled organisations (CCOs). Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse, Chair of the CCO Governance and Monitoring Committee, says A lack of gender and ethnic diversity on boards is an issue in New Zealand and overseas. This programme is a step towards building that capacity for Auckland businesses and organisations, using the considerable experience within our CCOs to foster a new generation of skilled board members from groups traditionally not well-represented. Mayor Len Brown says The previous council was often frustrated by the lack of diversity in experienced directors when we were seeking to appoint to our CCOs. This programme was born from the desire to expand that diversity. Thirty-two per cent of Auckland Councils current CCO directors are women. This compares with 14.75 per cent in New Zealands top 100 companies and 41 per cent of state sector boards.* Interview panel member for the programme Councillor Penny Webster says the calibre of the applicants was impressive. This is Auckland Councils contribution to building a more diverse pool of experienced directors for Auckland organisations and
companies, says Cr Webster. I am confident these new appointees are a fantastic first step towards greater ethnic and gender diversity in Auckland governance. The appointees are: Alexandra Delany to Watercare Services Limited - a lawyer with commercial experience, strong business acumen and an interest in corporate governance. Sarah Beaman to Regional Facilities Auckland a strategic thinker with experience and a broad knowledge in business and sport. Sarah has experience in developing organisations to have a strong governance model that will ensure their future sustainability. Kylie Clegg to Auckland Transport an experienced legal and corporate governance background across a range of sectors. Kylie brings previous governance experience during her time on the boards of the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation and New Zealand Olympic Committee. Sarah Minhinnick to Waterfront Auckland expertise in banking and finance, combined with a high-level legal background. Sarah has well-developed client relationship and management skills that enable her to communicate across a variety of levels. The programme is designed to run from February 2014 to February 2015. In conjunction with the CCOs, a decision will be made in late 2014 as to whether the programme will be repeated in 2015.
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NEW ZEALAND
An evening with Avadhoot Gupte

hose who missed the programme An Evening With Avadhoot Gupte probably dont know what have they missed. The show organised by Auckland Marathi Association Inc (AMAI) was a grand success and was a show of its own kind. It was not a musical concert. It was peoples show where the crowd enjoyed the musical journey of Avadhoot; his life with his achievements, struggles, successes, his likes and dislikes, and offcourse his famous numbers. Not only his own famous numbers but people asked him to sing songs of other singers, music directors and lyricists who inspired him. Avadhoot, the anchor of his own show Khupte Tithe Gupte was sitting on the other side of the fence this time & faced some very tricky questions thrown at him by the anchor of the evening Vivek Anturkar with real ease. He not only answered the questions comfortably but also ended up the conversation with his famous number Aika Dajiba. As the show picked up, he was joined by another famous celebrity artist of Marathi film industry, Janhvi Prabhu Arora on the stage. They both took the event to the next level. Her famous song Unch majha zoka was an amazing experience for the enthusiastic crowd. In Avadhoots words, his decision to come to Auckland was one of the best decisions of his life. He got so much charged up with the response he got from the fabulous crowd who turned up in huge number that there was no stopping him. Janhvi and him kept singing their famous numbers one after the other that brought people to the dance floor. His famous songs Aika Dajiba and Tuze dekh ke meri madhubaba saw the front of the stage chocked up with dancers who didnt want to stop. The programme ended with Jay Jay Maharashtra maza and Avadhoot was joined by everyone from the crowd and the last moments saw the crowd chanting Jay Bhavani, Jay Shivaji, Jay Maharashtra. Avadhoot said that it was a celebration and a unique experience and he enjoyed every moment of it. The programme went on beyond the planned event time as the crowd kept on asking for more and he very sportingly continued giving what crowd wanted. The event was very well planned and executed by AMAI. The parents with young kids could enjoy every bit of the show as the Association had professional child minding services from Kuddles. This was made available free to cost to the parents. Avadhoot has promised that he will visit Auckland shortly for the premier of his new film and offered to extend help to make Marathi films available to New Zealand Marathi Audience.
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi
N AT I O N A L L I S T M P
AUCKLAND OFFICE: Unit 1, 131 Kolmar Rd, Papatoetoe, Auckland
Ph: 09 278 9302 | Email: bakshi.mp@parliament.govt.nz Postal Address: PO Box 23136, Hunters Corner, Auckland 2025
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NEW ZEALAND
TOP LOCATION - 15 YEAR LEASE
Botany
Reducing the number of criminals who return to jail

Winston Peters
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ew Zealand First continues to be concerned about the failure of measures now in place to reduce the number of prisoners who re-offend. Despite huge spending in an attempt at rehabilitation and getting former prisoners to end their bad habits nothing appears to be working. Over a third of prisoners who are released re-offend within two years. We believe that short, sharp sentencing and the right type of rehabilitation programmes will reduce the level of reoffending. Something must be done otherwise we will keep building prisons. A country with a big prison population is not healthy. Being in prison is not good for the prisoner, it is tough on their family and the community suffers. For the taxpayer, prisons are a costly business up to $120,000 a year per prisoner. Choosing the right community-based rehab programmes and cost-effective short, sharp sentencing for repeat offenders should
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Tony Chaudhary
M 021 995 121
BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, MANUKAU, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.
go a long way to preventing people from reentering the prison gates. The support must be there when the prisoner leaves jail. New Zealand First is also concerned about crimes being committed while youngsters are present. Figures show that 460 children were found at crime scenes in the 2010-2011 year. Many of these crime scenes were drug houses and P-labs. Our Sentencing (Protection of Children from Criminal Offending) Amendment Bill has passed its first reading in the House. If it passes into law committing a crime in front of children will be considered by the court during sentencing as an aggravating factor.
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M 021 995 121 tony.chaudhary@bayleys.co.nz
Janak Darji
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Consent granted for New Zealands 2nd tallest building C

onstruction of New Zealands second-tallest building on one of central Aucklands longest-standing vacant lots has been given the green light by planning commissioners, says Mayor Len Brown. At the corner of Elliot and Victoria Street, the Auckland Centre tower is a 52-storey, 209 metre commercial development by Shanghai based New Development Group (NDG). It will comprise a 302-room hotel and entertainment complex, residential apartments, shopping centre, restaurants, cinema and sky decks. It is on the route of the City Rail Link adjoining the northern end of the Aotea station. Alongside the Sky Tower, this will be a world-class development for Auckland that will create hundreds of new jobs, energise the CBD and boost Aucklands GDP, through a more than $350 million investment by NDG, Len Brown said. Its also an example of the major commercial opportunities created by the City Rail Link project. To date the private sector has confirmed more than a billion dollars of new investments along the proposed route, including Precinct Properties downtown retail and office development ($300m+) the NZ International Convention Centre ($400m+) and NDG Auckland Centre ($350m+). Auckland Council Design Champion, Ludo Campbell-Reid, says the mixed-use building will breathe new life into Aucklands mid-city and will work well with the planned Victoria Street Linear Park development outlined in the 2012 City Centre Masterplan. The councils vision for the city centre and the plan for the City Rail Link has revived interest
in high-quality development that is creating a vibrant new heart for the city region. We are seeing disused sites becoming viable again and design that references a revived city centre where people are considered first and foremost. This is an exciting time for Auckland. Key Facts - NDG Auckland Centre Will cost around $350 million with a building consent target of 2015 and completion by 2020. Will stand 209 metres above the main entrance in Albert Street and 217 metres above Elliott Street making it New Zealands tallest commercial building after the Sky Tower. New Zealands tallest buildings will be: o Sky Tower (328m) o NDG Auckland Centre (209m) o Vero Centre (172m) o Metropolis (155m) The new project will incorporate a range of activities including a 302-room hotel and entertainment complex, residential apartments, shopping, restaurants, a cinema and two sky decks areas within the tower structure. At the base of a slender high rise tower will be an eight level retail podium structure and below ground there will be six levels of car parking. The proposed retail and entertainment complex will create a dynamic and exciting environment for the public to enjoy. The design will also enhance the urban space and connectivity with a footpath link, internal pedestrian circulation and arcade areas, a plaza to Albert Street, and a podium garden area. The site has been used as a car park since the 1980s, when the Royal International Hotel was demolished. - IWK Bureau
10
NEW ZEALAND
Tight housing market continues to influence confidence

House price expectations remained high over the three months to January. Housing confidence declines again as respondents continue to see now as a bad time to buy. Interest rate expectations lift again, in line with anticipation of OCR increases in the near future. shows the RBNZs message that higher rates are coming is getting through loud and clear. We expect a 25bp increase in the RBNZs OCR as the first move on 13 March, followed by a gradual series of 25bp rate hikes taking the OCR to 4% by In addition, the RBNZ introduced high loanto-value lending restrictions on 1 October. These restrictions were relatively aggressive and will lock a subset of buyers out of the housing market and reduce demand at the margin. reduction in housing market pressures until interest rates and new housing construction increase. This process will take time, concludes Mr TennentBrown.
ouse price expectations remain elevated in the latest ASB Housing Confidence Survey, but it has suffered a dent, with a net 47% of respondents expecting house prices will increase over the next 12 months. This is a slight decline from the net 56% of respondents in the preceding quarters survey. ASB Economist Chris Tennent-Brown says, A significant proportion of respondents continue to expect house prices to rise. However, this survey shows a small sign of realism creeping in, as some start to think the strong price rises recorded over the last year or so cannot carry on forever. That thought is consistent with our view that the peak period of house price gains is behind us. We still expect house prices to increase this year, but the rate of house price appreciation is likely to be lower in 2014 than it was in 2013. When it comes to interest rate expectations, they continue to track higher. Now a net 55% of respondents expect interest rates will increase over the next 12 months, which is consistent with the message from the RBNZ in January that suggested Official Cash Rate (OCR) increases are imminent. Mr Tennent-Brown says, The fact expectations of higher rates have continued to lift in this survey
late 2015. Recent developments are also having an impact on views about whether now is a good time to buy. Sentiment deteriorated further over the three months to January, with a net 9% seeing now as a bad time to buy, up on a net 5% previously. Mr Tennent-Brown explains, Auckland and Canterbury lead the decline in outlook, reflecting the fact these are the areas where the housing market is the tightest. The combination of high house prices and higher interest rates is not great for house affordability meaning the housing market is looking even more challenging and hence why even more people think now is not a good time to buy.
While it is early days, the RBNZs high loanto-value (LVR) lending restrictions may have started to have an impact on some buyers, and demand for housing. However, we do not expect a meaningful
For more information please contact: Marise Hurley, ASB Corporate Communications Marise.Hurley@asb.co.nz
Living wage really $22.89 T

he new living wage has shifted the goalposts and appears to be more about politics than public policy, says BusinessNZ. Last year the living wage campaign said $18.40 should be the living wage, calculated on the basis of the living costs of a family of four. The promoters now say the living wage for this year should be updated to the higher rate of $18.80.
were soundly based. Tens of thousands of workers who are not covered by the Minimum Wage Act will again miss out on the annual minimum wage rise, due to be announced next week, says Labours Associate spokesperson for Labour Darien Fenton. A loophole in the Minimum Wage Act means there are many thousands of New Zealanders who will not receive any increase, let alone the current
Facebook to acquire WhatsApp
nline social networking service provider Facebook on Wednesday announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire WhatsApp, a rapidly growing cross-platform mobile messaging company, for a total of approximately $16 billion, including $4 billion in cash and approximately $12 billion worth of Facebook shares. The agreement also provides for an additional $3 billion in restricted stock units to be granted to WhatsApps founders and employees that will vest over four years subsequent to closing. WhatsApp has built a leading and rapidly growing real-time mobile messaging service, with: Over 450 million people using the service each month; 70% of those people active on a given day; The acquisition supports Facebook and WhatsApps shared mission to bring more connectivity and utility to the world by delivering core internet services efficiently and affordably. The combination will help accelerate growth and user engagement across both companies. WhatsApp is on a path to connect 1 billion people. The services that reach that milestone are all incredibly valuable, said Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder and CEO. Ive known Jan for a long time
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg & Jan Koum, WhatsApp co-founder and CEO and Im excited to partner with him and his team to make the world more open and connected. Jan Koum, WhatsApp co-founder and CEO, said, WhatsApps extremely high user engagement and rapid growth are driven by the simple, powerful and instantaneous messaging capabilities we provide. This approach is working well with Instagram, and WhatsApp will operate in this manner. WhatsApps brand will be maintained; its headquarters will remain in Mountain View, CA; Jan Koum will join Facebooks Board of Directors; and WhatsApps core messaging product and Facebooks existing Messenger app will continue to operate as standalone applications.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Phil OReilly But the report shifts the goalposts, BusinessNZ Chief Executive Phil OReilly said. The increase from $18.40 to $18.80 is not based on the same methodology as last year. Using the same methodology, for the same family of four, would show the new living wage should really be $22.89. If last years formula said $18.40 was needed for a living wage, and the same calculations now show $22.89 is required, why isnt the campaign seeking $22.89 an hour? Mr OReilly asked. Either the original calculations were flawed, or the campaign is just picking numbers out of thin air. Mr OReilly said decision makers could not have confidence that the living wage figures minimum wage, because our minimum wage laws dont apply to them. Thousands of vulnerable contractors in cleaning, courier and truck driving services, food catering and fast food delivery workers, leaflet and newspaper delivery workers, telemarketing and security workers cannot rely on the basic minimum wage because our laws exclude them from this protection. Efforts by Labour to extend the Minimum Wage Act to include vulnerable contractors have been spurned by a National Government which is totally out of touch with the reality for many subminimum wage workers. - IWK Bureau
TM
For more information contact:
Sonia: 0211 211 374, Ph: 09 264 0800
Your local caterer for all occasions
email: angithicaterersnz@yahoo.co.nz
www.angithi.co.nz
NEW ZEALAND
11
Telecom changing its name to Spark
Auckland Regional Migrant Services Manukau office is offering workshops for the newcomers to Manukau
Managing Stresses of Migration
In this workshop you will: To understand how to deal with challenges of migration How stress impacts on work and social life To know how to reduce the stress of migration through good health management. Join us for a free workshop on 6th March.,2014, Time:9:30am-1:00pm at our Manukau centre.
ebranding is latest in a series of changes that are resetting the company for the digital future. Telecom Chief Executive Simon Moutter said Spark better reflects the companys new direction and the aspirations it has for its place in the life of New Zealanders. Spark is a word that has life and energy, and links to the creativity of New Zealanders, the modern tech economy and our desire to enable our customers to thrive. It will carry with it our widely recognised logo, which is generally referred to as the spark. The change was announced as part of Telecoms half-year results, which showed the company gaining 200,000 mobile customers in the past 12 months and announcing a new cutting edge internet-delivered TV and movie service called ShowmeTV. Were operating at a faster pace than in the past and we have to appeal to a broader range of customers in a competitive market place. Our successful initiatives in 4G mobile, fibre, WiFi,
cloud services and applications have given us new momentum, said Mr Moutter. Weve now decided to take the next step. We believe Spark symbolises what we are now - a confident, forward-looking technology company that helps people to connect, engage and share their lives in amazing ways, and helps businesses to compete and prosper in the digital age. Spark Ventures will be the new name for Telecom Digital Ventures and will be focused on accelerating the companys future focus, delivering connected digital experiences that customers love and applications such as Smart Data analytics that will power tomorrows successful businesses. Spark New Zealand Limited is intended to be the new name for the parent company, Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Limited. Until the name change takes place later this year, the company will continue to trade as Telecom and Gen-i. - IWK Bureau
Health System in New Zealand

In this workshop you will : Learn about new Zealand health system, know how to access other health services such as screenings and vaccinations, how to effectively benefit from the system. Join us for a free workshop on 21st March.,2014, Time:9:30am-1:00pm at our Manukau centre.
Local Settlement Network Meeting

This is an opportunity for service providers, employers, community groups, migrants and their families to be part of discussions about the SSNZ review and the new model that will be implemented form 1st July, 2014. Venue: Ministry of Education, Unit 1, 16 Bishop Dunn Place , Botany South. Join us for this meeting on 28th March.,2014, Time:9:30am-1:00pm .
To make a booking please contact:

ARMS Manukau Team 2 Osterley Way Manukau/PO Box 27 6035 - Manukau Phone 09 263 5490 or email Manukau@arms-mrc.org.nz
12
NEW ZEALAND
NEWS IN BRIEF
Commerce Commission inquiry a victory for Kiwi firms

he Commerce Commissions decision to conduct a formal inquiry into the conduct of New Zealand supermarkets is a victory for Kiwi firms and consumers, says Labours Economic Development spokesperson Shane Jones. The stance that I have taken on supermarkets has been totally vindicated. The campaign I have led has resulted in the Commerce Commission agreeing to an inquiry. Thats a win for ordinary Kiwis, businesses and consumers. I am delighted that Kiwi firms will now be able to air their concerns under the cloak of anonymity. I will be meeting with the Commerce Commission at 4pm today. I will tell them that the inquiry must be sufficiently resourced and have broad, wide-ranging scope. I urge the supermarkets to cooperate fully with the inquiry and any executives to appear if asked. If not, I expect the Commerce Commission to use its powers under the Fair Trading Act to require information to be supplied. The Commerce Minister Craig Foss has been missing in action on this issue. He has done nothing but make light of my accusations. He is now embarrassed that my pressure has been vindicated. I think most Kiwis feel he has ignored these problems for far too long, Shane Jones says.
Govt must rule out Chorus throttling internet speeds
Scam Warning from Auckland Transport
rown Fibre Holdings must not let Chorus degrade its copper broadband service to cover the cost of its ultra-fast broadband roll out, Labours associate ICT spokesperson Clare Curran said today. The Chorus half yearly announcement today said the company will, move its business model towards full cost recovery and utility-style operation. That means its either going to charge retailers more or run down its copper broadband service so people have to switch to ultra-fast broadband. Crown Fibre Holdings has been negotiating in secret with Chorus since December. It must come clean on its strategy and what concessions have been made to Chorus to change the way it delivers broadband over copper. Crown Fibre Holdings has no mandate on copper pricing. It is up to the Commerce Commission to decide the final pricing
process. Todays announcement is a worrying indication that the Crown agency is pushing a parallel process which will benefit Chorus and not consumers. The Chorus announcement appears to be proposing some variation on the nuclear option which will only disadvantage customers and throw the whole broadband service into confusion and turmoil. If this is the strategy proposed by the Crown agency acting on behalf of the Government, then theyre again choosing to put the corporate bottom line above the consumer. The Minister Amy Adams must rule it out and Chorus should explain what efficiencies it will make to achieve full cost recovery of its fibre rollout. Kiwis on the copper network should not have to pay more or suffer slower speeds, said Clare Curran.
uckland Transport (AT) is warning residents of the southern and eastern suburbs about a possible scam involving its new transport card. AT has been made aware of a couple in Papatoetoe who were approached by a group of three people going door to door claiming to be representatives of the organisation. They offered AT HOP cards for $20 (cash), were asked to fill in a fake application form and told the cards would be posted in due course. The couple paid the money and heard no more. AT advises that it does not have
representatives selling cards door to door and suggests anyone approached should contact it immediately (phone 355 3553). The Police have been advised. AT HOP is a reusable smart card which can be used for travel on trains, buses and ferries. Cards can be purchased online or from ticket offices at some train stations, including the Papakura ticket office;AT customer service centres; or at authorised retailers : http:// at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/at-hop/get-a-card/ find-a-retailer-or-buy-a-card-online/
Auckland No.3 in the world
uckland has taken third spot in Mercers 2014 Quality of Living rankings for the second year in a row, cementing its position as a world-class city. Auckland features behind quality European destinations Vienna and Zurich, in first and second place respectively. Mercer praised Auckland for its stellar quality of living and said that Aucklands ranking in the top three cities reinforces New Zealand as an
attractive destination for overseas expatriates. Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) Chief Executive Brett ORiley says this is another feather in Aucklands cap. To consistently feature in the top three in the prestigious Mercer rankings is a great credit to Auckland and acknowledgement of our progress to becoming the worlds most liveable city.
NZ Defence Force proud to be ranked first in diversity study
Fizzy drink tax sought
embers of NZ Defence Forces Overwatch at the Pride in Defence Conference. Netherlands think tank the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) has ranked New Zealand number one for their integration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members in armed forces (http://www.hcss. nl/news/lgbt-military-index/873/). Lieutenant General Tim Keating, New Zealand Chief of Defence Force, says, Placing No.1 on the LGBT Military Index has come as a pleasant surprise to the NZ Defence Force (NZDF). We are an equal opportunity employer and we have always valued the diversity of our workforce. We do not discriminate against any of our Regular Force, Reserve Force, or civilian members based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The NZDF values diversity and recognises the benefits to the organisation of having a diverse and inclusive workplace. The diversity of our workplace reflects the composition of New Zealand society as well as the openness and respect that New Zealanders have for people of different backgrounds. We believe that a diverse workplace promotes equity and enhances productivity. Having an inclusive environment that embraces peoples individual differences provides opportunities for our personnel to achieve their full potential, says Lieutenant General Keating. Last year, 10 uniformed members of the NZDF and about 15 civilian members of Overwatch and their supporters marched in Auckland Pride 2013. Joining them were two members of the Australian Defence Force.
tax on fizzy drinks could save lives and generate millions in revenue for health programmes in New Zealand. This is according to new research published in the New Zealand Medical Journal recently and conducted as part of a larger study examining the effects of a range of health-related food taxes and subsidies on population health. The study is led by the National Institute for Health Innovation at the University of Auckland, in collaboration with the University of Otago, and funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand. Researchers estimate a 20 per cent tax on fizzy drinks would reduce energy consumption by 0.2 per cent or 20kJ a day and help avert or postpone about 67 deaths from cardiovascular disease, diabetes and diet-related cancers a year. The health effect of such a tax would likely be greater amongst Maori and Pacific consumers, as they are more responsive to
changes in food prices, and amongst children and young people due to their higher consumption of such drinks. High sugar intakes are linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease a strong case can therefore be made for efforts to reduce consumption, says lead researcher Professor Cliona Ni Mhurchu of the National Institute for Health Innovation. Of particular concern are sugarsweetened soft drinks because they are nutrient poor, and energy from beverages appears less satiating than that obtained from solid foods, resulting in increased consumption. Almost one fifth of the total sugar intake of New Zealand adults (17 per cent) comes from non-alcoholic beverages. Younger people in particular derive a substantial proportion of their sugar intake from nonalcoholic beverages. - IWK Bureau
NEW ZEALAND
13
Youth employment prospects improving

Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi
s the New Zealand economy continues to pick up, more and more young people are successfully finding work. The latest employment data shows strong improvements in youth employment, and a reduction in the overall unemployment rate. This is a clear indication that Kiwis are benefiting from Nationals plan to build a more competitive and productive economy, one of our priorities this term. Household Labour Force Survey results released this month show employment among 15 to 24-year-olds has increased by 28,500 over the past year. Additionally, youth disengagement is declining, with the number of 15 to 24-year-olds not in employment, education, or training, at its lowest point since December 2008. These improvements do not happen by accident. National has implemented a number of initiatives to drive economic growth, and I am pleased to see the success of programmes such as Nationals Youth Guarantee Scheme and Trades Academies, the Apprenticeship Reboot, and Job Streams subsidies. Because some students dont thrive in the traditional classroom environment, we introduced the Youth Guarantee Scheme to support 16 to 19-year-olds gaining
Level 1 -3 qualifications at tertiary education providers. Since it began in 2010, qualification completion rates for providers offering the Youth Guarantee have increased from 48 per cent, to 64 per cent in 2012. There will also be 4500 places available in trades and services academies in 2014, allowing young people to explore vocational career opportunities while still at school. For young people interested in apprenticeships, National has extended the Apprenticeship Reboot subsidy. We are on track to support 14,000 new apprentices with funding for the costs of tools and courses. Were also offering support to the hard-working employers who take on these apprentices. When it comes to moving into employment, Nationals Job Streams subsidies are encouraging employers to give young people a chance. The subsidies have helped more than 2500 young people into work. These initiatives, and many other components of the National-led Governments programme, are driving New Zealands growth. I want to see youth front and centre in this growth, and the latest employment figures suggest were heading in the right direction. Im proud to see were making a real difference for young Kiwis.
Only the most serious threat should result in the revocation of a passport
David Shearer
y wife and I lived overseas for 20 years while I worked for the United Nations. During that time, we always made sure we came home to New Zealand at Christmas time, to reconnect with family and make sure our children kept in touch with their cousins and their culture. Being able to travel and maintain connections with family and relatives abroad is hugely important to New Zealanders, including the Indian community. It relies on us having passports and being able to travel freely: one of our most basic rights as citizens. So it came as a surprise when the Prime Minister recently announced he had cancelled New Zealanders passports because they might travel to fight in Syria. Only the most serious threat should result in the revocation of a passport. So how serious was the threat? We dont know. Nor do we know who gave the advice to revoke the passports, who made the final decision, and what checks are in place to ensure that an injustice has not been committed.
Mr Key simply said, We dont think [traveling to Syria] is a sensible step for them to take. Thats a very low bar on which to cancel a persons passport. Ive visited and worked in several places that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs might caution as not sensible. I would hate to think my passport might be cancelled in the future because the PM on the advice of some bureaucrat deemed it to be not sensible, and Im sure there are a lot of Kiwis who would feel the same. Mr Key says those who travel to Syria may return radicalised and could be a threat to New Zealand. We do need to take threats to New Zealand seriously. And its good sense to monitor those who are known to have fought in places like Syria and have returned to New Zealand. But as one Syrian-born Kiwi said recently, what radicalises people is injustice, people being denied their rights - perhaps like taking away a persons passport without sufficient reason. As Labours Foreign Affairs spokesman, I would say a higher standard of honesty and transparency is required in this situation. If the Prime Minister is going to revoke passports to keep citizens from leaving New Zealand, he needs to explain the reasons, and how his decisions were reached.
The Real State of the Nation

IWK Bureau
peaking at the AMI Netball Stadium, Northcote Rd, Takapuna, Auckland, Winston Peters gave a rousing speech addressing concerns over leadership, the elections, economy, and immigration. He said, it is part of the character of New Zealanders to be positive. Excerpts from his speech: Positive about the country we live in, the climate, the abundance of natural resources, the vast maritime zone, and the fact we live in a democracy. Its in our character to be positive about the success of individual New Zealanders, and we have the reputation for initiative, enterprise and basic friendliness. This character quickly built every modern institution, in a country the size of the UK, but with the population of Manchester. So its in our character to know what we are capable of achieving. Part of introspection is realism and a willingness to admit we are not doing as well as we once did. We want again to be a proud nation, small, yet standing tall among others.We want again to be world leaders in our economy, labour laws, early childcare, education, our environment and our commitment to a fair go and equal opportunity.
When leaders talk about vision they frequently overlook that much of what we still have left today came from a former great vision a vision we lived. For the last thirty years our country has been run like a trading company with little leadership and even less vision. New Zealand has become a business with deals to be done, assets to be sold, and the cost of labour to be reduced. That stands in contrast to what we once were. A third of New Zealand voters have no memory of the great country we once were. All theyve known is a persistent, malignant, economic experiment that after thirty years keeps telling them that if only we tweak a few policies, all will become right. It wont. And there are five main reasons why not: 1. The economic prescription is wrong. 2. Unfocussed immigration policies. 3. Government assisted programmes of tribalism. 4. A tsunami of health problems. 5. A lack of leadership and inspiration. On Immigration, With immigration, few of the former objectives are present today. Previously, immigration filled skills gaps in employment, education, science, medicine
and industry. We bought in young men and women, young families who would reinvigorate our population and make a lifetime of contribution to our economy. They never embarked from offshore without first having a job and a house to live in. This policy resulted in a second generation proud to call themselves Kiwis. For the past three decades New Zealand governments have adopted policies of open door immigration. Over the past five years the New Zealand population has had a turnover of twelve per cent. In total half a million people have moved into and out of New Zealand. That is a staggering figure for a small country. We have the Chinese community, the
Pacific Islands community, the Sri Lankans, the Indians - the list is endless. All hyphenated New Zealanders. Now lets be clear. A great number of these people have been enormous contributors to New Zealands economic and social life, but there has been a huge cost in infrastructural, educational, health and governmental demands. One of the disastrous consequences from this policy now sees hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders in Australia being treated as second class citizens. These unfocussed immigration policies and handing out of work visas like an eightarmed octopus happen because it means a flow of cheap labour that drags down wages and conditions. The next government must focus on people we need, not people who need us. On rumours of coalitions In 21 years weve made democratic decisions as a caucus and as a party. Speaking plainly, we dont know how to play cards we havent been dealt yet. But one thing you can be sure of, after the election we will speak with and consult our supporters. Leaders must trust the people and the people must demand service in return.
14
INDIA
Indian economy to be 3rd largest by 2043

While presenting the Interim Budget 2014-15, Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram said that in the next three decades India will become the third largest economy behind USA and China, Chidambaram said Indias economy, is currently the 11th largest in the world. In future, the fortunes of China and India will have a significant impact on the rest of the world. Therefore, the Indian Government must be responsible not only to itself but to the whole world by keeping the countrys economy in robust health, he said. The Finance Minister said that the UPA Government has a clear vision of the goals that have been set for itself.
The Minister went on to elaborate the ten tasks that his Government intends to take to achieve those goals: 1. Fiscal Consolidation: A target of fiscal deficit of 3 percent of GDP must be achieved by 2016-17 and must always be kept below that level. 2. Current Account Deficit: Since the economy will run a Current Account Deficit every year for some more years, it can be financed only by foreign investment, whether it is FDI or FII or ECB or any other kind of foreign inflow. Therefore, foreign investment must be encouraged. 3. Price Stability and Growth: In a developing economy where the aim is high growth, a moderate level of inflation will have to be accepted. RBI must strike a balance between price stability and growth while formulating monetary policy.
Financial Sector Reforms: The recommendations of the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission must be implemented immediately as they do not require any change in legislation. Also, a timetable must be drawn for other recommendations that require legislation.
5. Infrastructure: The country must rebuild its infrastructure and add a huge quantity of new infrastructure. Every proven model must be adopted but the PPP model must be more widely used. New financing structures must be created for long term funds and pooling of investments. 6. Manufacturing: The Government must focus on manufacturing and especially on manufacturing for export. The Minister proposed that all taxes, Central and State, that go into an exported product should be waived or rebated. He also proposed that there should be a minimum tariff protection so that there is an incentive to manufacture goods in India rather than import them into India. 7. Subsidies: Given the limited resources, and the many claims on the resources, the Government must choose the subsidies that are absolutely necessary and give them only to the absolutely deserving.
8. Urbanisation: The countrys cities will become ungovernable, and perhaps unliveable, if attention is not paid to the decay in these cities. Cities have wealth and also create wealth. But that wealth should be tapped for resources to rebuild the cities with a new model of governance. 9. Skill Development: Skill development must rank alongside secondary education, university education, total sanitation and universal health care in the priorities of the Government. 10. Sharing responsibility between States and Centre: States have the fiscal space to bear a reasonable proportion of the financial costs of implementing flagship programmes and must willingly do so, so that the Central Government can allocate more resources for subjects such as defence, railways national highways and telecommunications that are its exclusive responsibility.
4.
India steers out of troubled waters: Chidambaram
inance Minister P. Chidambaram cut indirect taxes on cars and mobile phones in an effort to revive growth in an interim budget presented to parliament on Monday for the fiscal year 2014/15. While presenting the Interim Budget 201415, Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram said that since September, 2008, the state of the world economy has been the most decisive factor impacting the fortunes of every developing country, including India. However, India has been among a few countries to keep its head above the water. Hence, to understand the story of Indias growth, it would be pertinent to add a few words on the global economy as well as on the global risks, he said. The Finance Minister informed that the world economic growth was 3.9 percent in 20011, 3.1 percent in 2012 and 3.0 percent in 2013. He added that among Indias major trading partners, who are also major sources of foreign capital inflows such as the United States, has just recovered from a long recession while Japans economy is still responding to the stimulus. He also pointed out that the Eurozone, as a whole, is reporting a growth of 0.2 percent and Chinas growth has slowed down from 9.3
GROWTH * GDP expansion in third and fourth quarters of 2013/14 estimated at 5.2 percent. Growth for the whole year expected at 4.9 percent. FISCAL DEFICIT * Fiscal deficit seen at 4.6 percent of GDP in 2013/14 CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT * Current account deficit for 2013/14 estimated at $45 billion from last fiscal years $88 billion. * Forex reserves to rise by $15 billion by end of 2013/14
TAX PROPOSALS * Cut excise duty on small cars, two wheelers, commercial vehicles to 8 percent from 12 percent I can confidently assert that the economy is more stable today than what it was two years ago. The fiscal deficit is declining, the current account deficit has been constrained, inflation has moderated, the quarterly growth rate is on the rise, the exchange rate is stable, exports have increased and hundreds of projects have been unblocked.
percent in 2011 to 7.7 percent in 2013. Chidambaram stated in the House that the `Global Risks 2014 Report has mapped 31 global risks. Among these, he elaborated, are ten risks which are of highest concern. They include fiscal crisis, structurally high unemployment or underemployment, income disparity, governance failure, food crisis and political and social instability. These are challenges faced by all emerging economies, he said.
The Government will take over the liability for outstanding interest as on 31.12.2013, but the borrower would have to pay interest for the period after 1.1.2014, said the minister. Nearly 9 lakh students borrowers will benefit to the tune of approximately Rs2,600 crore, said Chidambaram. Presenting the Interim Budget in the Lok Sabha on Monday, Chidambaram said that a sum of Rs 2,600 crore will be provided in the current financial year itself and this amount will
be transferred to the Canara Bank. Chidambaram said that the Central scheme for interest subsidy was introduced in 2009-10 in respect of education loans disbursed after 1.4.2009. However, students who had borrowed before 31.3.2009 struggled to pay interest during the period of study and they deserved some relief. Chidambaram informed that ten years ago, only a few thousand students- mostly the well-connected- got education loans. At the end of December 2013, Public Sector Banks had 25,70,254 student loan accounts and the amount outstanding was Rs. 57,700 crore. - IWK Bureau
FINANCE & TAX SPECIAL
15
Business expenditure on repair of an asset reduces your tax liability

Saurav Wadhwa
here has always been a different opinion between taxpayer and the Commission of Inland Revenue in defining repair or capital expense. A taxpayer will always try to encompass its view in such a way that it can label the expenditure as repairs to avail tax advantage in the year of expense. If the expense is labelled as repairs & maintenance you can avail deduction immediately otherwise it is capitalised and depreciated over the useful life of an asset. Capital can be defined as a tree, and repair is like watering to that tree. In the other words capital expense is something which gives you a brand new asset, and repairs is usual maintenance of that asset. Sounds simple, but its not that easy. The legislation itself does not define repair expense & capital expense, and up until now the case law has provided direction to this issue. In Auckland Gas Co Ltd v Commissioner of Inland Revenue (2000) 19 NZTC 15,702, a company was in the business of gas distribution. It was facing huge gas leakage problems with its existing pipelines so it decided to repair about 380km of its network and upgraded to polyethylene pipe as oppose to existing cast iron pipes. The work resulted in reduced maintenance costs and increased pipe capacity.
The company treated the whole expenditure as an expense but the IRD argued that the work was at such a large scale and exceeded the level of repairs and provided distinct asset so must be accounted as capital expense. The company argued that the expense in question is specifically related to its revenue stream, there was no new asset created, the replacement of pipe was just a component of the entire gas distribution network. The objective of the project was to restore the system to its original functional state. The method adopted happened to be the most effective and cheapest way to achieve that goal. Privy Council held the expense in question was an improvement thus capital in nature. Lord Nicolas provided very good explanation and said you must identify the object to which the test of repair is being applied. For example if the object is car, replacement of a battery or an exhaust system will usually be repairs, and if functions better it would still be repair. Now the same concept does not change when it is a large asset. The replaced pipes were component of a same asset, there was no change in function but there was a change in the character of the asset. The new asset is better and improved and it will provide long term enduring benefits as it was done on substantial potions thus it was capital in nature. Above case provides two-step process to determine whether an expenditure on an asset is of revenue or capital nature for tax purposes.
The first step is Entirety Test: Is the asset complete in itself or it is just a part of an existing asset. Example walls of the building are just the part of the building, so replacing walls will not become asset in itself. To satisfy this test asks these questions: 1. Is the asset complete in itself or aggregation of things forming an asset? 2. Is the asset physically and functionally distinct from its wider setting? 3. Is it capable of separate operation by itself? Passing the first test is not enough it should also pass the second test. The second step is Improvement and Extent of Work Test:- If the character of the asset changes significantly that allows it to function better, and it is done on a large scale it would be capital expense. To satisfy this test asks these questions: 1. Has the work done resulted in the construction, replacement or renewal of the asset or substantially the whole of the asset? 2. Has the work done changed the character of the asset? Taking into account: the nature of the work done and the scale of the work done. 3. Did the work done form part of one overall project? For example, ABC Limited faces three roof restoration scenarios in its rental house: 1. It needs to repair some part of the roof the cost to do so is $900. No new asset is created and no change in character of the asset, thus it is a repair expense. 2. It replaces the whole roof of the
house, which cost $9,000. No new asset is created (only part of the existing building structure is replaced) no change in character, thus it is a repair expense. 3. It replaces the whole roof, which cost $19,000 with better material which allows it function better and it will receive long term enduring benefits. The asset passes the entirety test but fails Improvement and Extent of Work Test, thus capital in nature. About the author: Saurav Wadhwa is an Auckland based chartered accountant and a director of IBBZ Accounting Limited. Saurav is a tax specialist with Masters in Tax with Distinction (Auckland) and have 10 years of experience in the industry. He is very passionate about helping small business owners. His easy going personality and a friendly nature makes him easily approachable. For all your tax problems including overdue tax returns, management of tax debt, tax consultancy, and IRD audits & disputes you can contact him at Saurav@ibbz. co.nz or 027 5555 458. Disclaimer: Information above is provided for general use only, if you are intending to rely on any of the information above please consult with us or seek a professional advice. We accept no responsibility of what so ever if above information result in any kind of loss to you, tax laws differs and varies for individual circumstances.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR PROPER GUIDANCE RELATED TO YOUR TAX MATTERS
16
Paying your home loan faster not a magic bullet

Suresh Sharma
aying home loan faster just requires simple understanding of home loan structures and budgeting your regular expenses. To start with keep in mind - up to 80% home loan is the cheapest debt you can get anywhere. If your loan is less than 80% of Registered Value (RV) of your home, consolidate your personal debts, hire purchase etc if any, into it to top it up to 80%. You will not only save on interest cost but also have higher repaying capacity. If you have a regular source of income which does not fluctuate much like wage earners, consider this approach. Add up all your regular monthly income from all sources. Take out your regular monthly living expenses and come out with a net figure. Let us assume you are left with 4000 dollars and your home loan after consolidating other debts, if any, is 600,000 dollars. Now how to go for an appropriate loan structure. In current scenario, one year and two year rates published by different banks are around 5.5% and 6.3% respectively and floating is 5.75% or around. These rates are no good. You can negotiate directly with your bank or more than one bank. But better do it through a
good financial adviser, who understands entire lending market and what best rates may be e available in your situation. Let us assume you or your adviser is able to get one year rate of 5.19% and two year of 5.75% and a discount of 0.5% on floating/revolving. Now we come to the splitting of loan into
at 5.35%. Let all your income come into revolving account so that all your money remains there. Do not keep any separate savings account as best option is to keep balance in revolving account near zero so that you pay minimum interest.
Paying home loan faster is no magic bullet. It all depends how much surplus regular income you have and how you manage your loan and expenses as we explained above. We can be contacted for no obligation chat for home or business loan structures. Our advice is free and most professional. A good loan structure can save you many thousand dollars and enable you finish your loan faster. Suresh Sharma is director of Cherry Mortgage Solutions and a former Commercial Banking Manager of ANZ Bank. He can be contacted at suresh@cherrymortgage.co.nz. His personal disclosure statement is available at request. We make your life easy We make you debt free sooner We secure your familys future We provide you best solutions for all your requirements of Home Loans (upto 90%) Business and Commercial Loans. Best Loan Structures and Interest Saver Plans. Life, Trauma, TPD and Health Insurance; Mortgage and Incomer Protection. Contact for our expert and professional advice: Suresh Sharna Ph: 09 625 3800, Mob: 021 82 7575
fixed and floating/revolving. Your financial adviser should be able to advise how interest rates are expected to move. New Zealand economy is doing very well and interest rates both fixed and floating will rise continuously in next few years. So short term rates are lower than long term. Fixing long term gives you certainty of repayments but you pay more from day one. Paying short term you save on interest but are exposed to interest rate rise. As such a good loan structure is taking a mixed approach and split loan of 600K into say 300K fixed for one year @ 5.15% , 250K for two years @ 5.75% and 50K on revolving say
Keep in mind you have 3K to pay towards your home loan. Interest on 50K revolving will be 225K monthly. Then you are left with 3775 per month. You can pay your home loan over 30 years in general, though you should and most people finish much earlier. Fix your years of THE BEST repayments of 300K and 250K in such a manner that total repayments of both RETURNS come nearly 2775 monthly. With this monthly repayment FOR the two fixed loans will, finish in twenty years instead YOUR of thirty. This is with assumption that mortgage BUSINESS rates will remain same thorough out, though it never true.
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17
The indispensable insurance review

Prakash Rajpal
Insurance is not rocket science. So is an insurance review. But many refuse to get their policies reviewed due to varied reasons. The top 5 assumptions have been listed below: 1. I think I have sufficient insurance. This group of people forget the fact that nothing is constant in life. Changes are inevitable. Insurance changes when life circumstances change. No matter how insignificant the implications may seem, the policies held must be reviewed to ensure that the current insurance is sufficient at all times. 2. I have been healthy all my life. If only it were that simple, the concept of health insurance would have been rendered redundant. But all those healthy individuals are, like everybody else, prone to sudden unexpected medical conditions. Some have lost their ability to earn due to illness and have fallen into financial obscurity just because they were too healthy for health/trauma/income protection insurance. 3. I love my banks services. Their insurance must be good too. This assumption that the insurance services from a bank must be on par with their banking services has subjected many to shocks when they realised that the bank insurance did not cover every medical condition / circumstance. 4. Every Insurance advisor is the same. Sadly, this is not true. In the past, an absence of regulation of advisors in NZ means that not every advisor knows what they are talking about. Most of them are tied to specific insurance providers and compel clients to buy only from one company. It is the duty of the advisor to personally asses the clients situation, based on experience and suggests the most beneficial/economical insurance solution. 5. Insurance reviews are just sales pitches. This is an assumption that has been fuelled by apparent experts of insurance who review the policies of clients with the sole intention of making them sign something for their own gain. Getting your insurance reviewed every year is an act of sensibility and prudence concerning the future. An experienced advisor would offer free reviews to ensure that the user of the policy has the right cover at the right premium with the right provider. So, dont wait! Get your insurance reviewed today! Issued in public interest by Trust Insurance Services. For more details contact: Prakash Rajpal on Ph: 0800 88 7878 / 09 825 0117 Address: 102, 3067, Great Noth Road, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600
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18
INDIA
Rajya Sabha passes Telangana Bill TRS chief meets

IWK Bureau
Rahul Gandhi
mid ruckus, uproars and walkouts, the Upper House of the Parliament on Thursday passed the controversial Telangana Bill paving way for the creation of the 29th Indian state. The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill 2014 to bifurcate Andhra and form a separate Telangana state was passed by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill was moved in the Rajya Sabha by Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde. As he introduced the Bill, MPs from Telangana formed a human shield around him while those against the Telangana plan rushed into the well of the house and jostled with them to prevent the tabling. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday announced a special package for Seemandhra region in the Rajya Sabha. First, for purposes of Central assistance, Special Category Status will be extended to the successor state of Andhra Pradesh comprising 13 districts, including the four districts of Rayalaseema and the three districts of north coastal Andhra for a period of five years, Singh said. He also assured the MPs that if any further amendments are needed to facilitate smooth and
full Rehabilitation & Resettlement(R&R) for the Polavaram project, they will be given effect to at the earliest. Shinde said special category status to Seemandhra will be given for 5 years. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, however, supported the Bill and demanded a special package for Seemandhra. Telangana should have been created long back as it is a very old demand. Other
bigger states should also have been divided. Uttar Pradesh should be divided into four new states. Vidarbha should also be created out of Maharashtra, the BSP supremo said in Rajya Sabha. With the passage of the Bill, Hyderabad will be joint capital of both the states - Telangana and Seemandhra. The Bill that was passed in the Lok Sabha was the one sent to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly earlier.
elangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K Chandrasekhara Rao met Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi. And later met President Pranab Mukherjee. Rao on Sunday met Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi giving rise to speculations of a possible political realignment. No politics was discussed and it was only a thanksgiving call. I met Soniaji to express my gratitude for the passing of Telangana Bill in Parliament, Rao told media after the meeting. He said Sonia asked him to stay in touch with All India Congress Committee General Secretary Digvijaya Singh. Soniaji asked me to stay in touch with Digvijaya Singh, Rao said. Rao said that he will stay in the capital for some more time to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the President. Amid ruckus, uproars and walkouts, the Parliament has finally passed the controversial Telangana Bill, paving way for the creation of the 29th Indian state with only the President now required to put his signature in the paper to make the Bill a law. - IWK Bureau
Rajiv killing an attack on Indias soul: PM

P
rime Minister Manmohan Singh said the killers of former Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi should not be released. He added that the assassination of former Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi was an attack on the countrys soul. In a statement issued by the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), Singh said: The assassination of Shri Rajiv Gandhi was an attack on the soul of India. The release of the killers of a former Prime Minister of India and our great leader, as well as several other innocent Indians, would be contrary to all principles of justice. No government or party should be soft in our fight against terrorism, he said. The PM further said: The Government is moving a review petition in the Supreme Court on fundamental issues of law arising from the assassination of the late Shri Rajiv Gandhi. We have also informed the Tamil Nadu Government that their proposed course of action to release the killers of Shri Rajiv Gandhi is not legally tenable and should not be proceeded with, he said. The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi was an attack on the soul of India. The Tamil Nadu governments decision to release his killers should not be proceeded with, said Singh. Meanwhile, the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government moved the Supreme Court on Thursday against the release of all the seven convicts in connection with Rajiv Gandhis assassination. The Centre filed a petition before the Chief Justice of India, P Sathasivam. In case a Prime Ministers killers are being released then what kind of justice should the common man expect in this country? Rahul Gandhi said. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaas Cabinet met on Wednesday morning and decided to free the seven convicts a day after the court had left it to the state government to grant them remission. The convicts, to be freed, include AG Perarivalan, Nalini, Santhan, Murugan, Robert Pious, Jayakumar and Ravichandran. The Supreme Court on Tuesday commuted the death sentence of Rajiv Gandhis killers to life in prison. The three convicts, Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan, had sought the commutation of their death sentence to life imprisonment on the ground of delay in deciding their mercy plea. A bench headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam pronounced the verdict and granted them mercy. Rajiv Gandhi, the sixth Prime Minister of India, was killed at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu, India on 21 May 1991. At least 14 others were also killed. - IWK Bureau
Indias flag unfurled at Sochi AAP announces first list of candidates for the Lok Sabha Polls D T
he Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday announced its first list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The list features 20 people which include the names of former journalist turned AAP leader Ashutosh, Mukul Tripathi, Kumar Vishwas and Medha Patkhar. Ashutosh has been fielded against Union Minister and Congress veteran Kapil Sibal from Chandni Chowk constituency in Delhi. Thanks for wishing me good luck Sibbal Saheb . And good luck to you too sir, Ashutosh tweeted. Kumar Vishwas will fight against Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi from Uttar Pradeshs Amethi Lok Sabha constituency. Party leader HS Phoolka will fight against Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari from Ludhiana. Social activist Medha Patkar is all set to make her electoral debut as she will contest against NCP leader Sanjay Dina Patil from Mumbai Northeast constituency. AAP leader Mukul Tripathi will contest from the Farukkhabad constituency in Uttar Pradesh against External Affairs Minister and senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid. Party leader Yogendra Yadav will contest the Lok Sabha polls from Gurgaon constituency in Haryana. The AAP made the announcement days after AAP supremo resigned as the Chief Minister of Delhi on Friday. Hours after the AAP government-backed Jan Lokpal Bill was not tabled in the Delhi Assembly, Kejriwal resigned as Delhi Chief Minister on Friday after remaining in power for 49 days. - IWK Bureau ays after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) lifted the ban on India, the countrys flag was raised at the ongoing Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games , reports said. The Indian flag joined those of 87 other nations flying at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games today when it was hoisted during a team welcome ceremony for the recently reinstated Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the website said. Three India athletes, who are representing India in Sochi, carried the IOC flag during the opening ceremony on Feb 7. They will be able to represent their National Olympic Committee and country after ban was lifted on India. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) lifted the suspension of the IOA on 11 February, thereby allowing the three Indian athletes in Sochi to represent their National Olympic Committee and country. Nadeem Iqbal (cross country), Shiva Keshavan (luge) and Himanshu Thakur (Alpine skiing) began the Games as Independent Olympic Participants and entered the Opening Ceremony
under the Olympic flag, the IOC website said. Three Indian athletes, new IOA President Narayna Ramachandran and European Olympic Committees (EOC) President Patrick Hickey attended the flag-raising ceremony on Sunday. The ceremony in the mountain cluster village was attended by the three Indian athletes, new IOA President Narayna Ramachandran and European Olympic Committees (EOC) President Patrick Hickey, read the website. The IOC last week revoked the ban imposed on the IOA, marking Indias return to the Olympic fold. The decision comes just days after IOA held elections as per IOC directives. World Squash Federation (WSF) chief N. Ramachandran was elected unopposed as the IOA president in the polls on Sunday. In the polls here, Kho Kho Federation of India president Rajeev Mehta and All India Tennis Association (AITA) chief Anil Khanna were also elected as the secretary general and the treasurer of the IOA respectively. - IWK Bureau
INDIA
19
Arvind Kejriwal quits as Delhi CM

IWK Bureau
he Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday moved the Supreme Court against the Centres decision to impose Presidents Rule in Delhi and place the assembly under suspended animation, media reports said. This comes after Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Monday said Presidents Rule has been approved for Delhi with the Arvind Kejriwalled AAP government resigning over the Jan Lokpal Bill on Feb 14. The Union Cabinet last Saturday recommended Presidents Rule in Delhi and suspended animation of the Delhi Assembly. Rejecting AAPs proposal of dissolution of the Delhi Assembly, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung had earlier recommended Presidents Rule in the national capital. The Lt Governor also recommended that the Delhi Assembly be put under suspended animation. Jung rejected the dissolution of the 70-member Delhi Assembly as recommended by the council of ministers headed by Arvind Kejriwal when they met Friday after the AAP decided to quit the government. Hours after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governmentbacked Jan Lokpal bill was not tabled in the Delhi Assembly, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal resigned after remaining in power for 49 days. Today, my entire government has resigned. I can resign from the Chief Ministers chair a 100 times for the Lokpal Bill...We had our Cabinet meeting few while ago and decided to resign, Kejriwal told his supporters
Today, my entire government has resigned. I can resign from the Chief Ministers chair a 100 times for the Lokpal Bill...We had our Cabinet meeting few while ago and decided to resign,
while addressing at the AAP headquarters here after his cabinets last meeting was held in the secretariat. I am ready to sacrifice Chief Ministers post and my life for the country, he said. Attacking the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Kejriwal said: The BJP and the Congress together defeated the Jan Lok Pal Bill. Both the parties meet every day behind a curtain and their real faces were revealed today. The AAP supremo alleged that Reliance
Industries Limited (RIL) chairman Mukesh Ambani is supporting the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government fort the past 10 years and even he backs BJPs prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi. Three days ago we lodged FIR against Mukesh Ambani. Ambani is running the UPA government for the last 10 years. He is also backing Modi for the past one year. How else Modi gets so much of money? Kejriwal said. Kejriwal on Tuesday said he has ordered to register First Information Report (FIR) against Petroleum Minister M Veerappa Moily, former petroleum minister Murli Deora and RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani for conspiring to inflate the prices of gas in the capital. The FIR has been reportedly registered under sections dealing with criminal conspiracy, cheating and other sections of the Prevention Of Corruption Act. Kejriwal said, I will go to the Lieutenant Governor next and recommend dissolution of the assembly and to hold fresh elections here. The AAP supremo said his ministers have worked sincerely for the past few days for the betterment of the people of Delhi. We have been working day and night since we formed government, he said. We are human beings and if we committed any mistake then please forgive us, he said. In the Delhi Assembly on Friday when the Delhi government went for a vote on the issue, a total of 42 members were against its tabling while 27 others, belonging to the AAP, were for it. Following the voting, Assembly Speaker MS Dhir declared the Bill as not tabled.
20
HALL OF FAME 2014
Glimpses of Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2013
PM John Key with Penelope Simmonds (Chief Executive, Southern Institute of Technology)
Traditional lamp lighting ceremony symbolic of going from the darkness to light. (L-R) PM John Key, Penelope Simmonds (Chief Executive, SIT), David Hisco (CEO, ANZ) and Bhav Dhillon
Bharat Guha (CEO Corporate, SIT) with Mayor Tim Shadbolt PM John Key unveils the milestone 100th issue. (L-R) Giri Gupta, PM John Key and Bhav Dhillon
All smiles... Ranjna Patel with her son Rakesh Patel (L-R): Alistair Bell, Todd Mclay, Peter Goodfellow, Giri Gupta, Alan Tower, Melissa Lee, MP Bakshi and Rohan Jaduram
Naveet Prasad (Right) with friend Rod Schubert
John Keys address at the gala
HALL OF FAME 2014
21
K IW
I I NDI A
Inviting nominations for Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2014

Established 2013
The Indian Weekender calls upon nominations for those who have built a road to glory for themselves and left a path for the coming generations to tread on. Touching the lives of thousands and enriching society with their being. Bringing fame and respect to New Zealand and the Kiwi-Indian community. The Indian Weekender invites nominations for such personalities from the community for getting inducted into the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2014.
The guidelines, which need to be adhered to, for nominations, are as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. He/she needs to have an undisputable recognition in his or her field of work. Nominated by a nominator of repute. Further, the nominator has to be in confirmation with the nominee. The nominator has to provide their full contact details. No anonymous applications will be entertained. All fields of work are welcome. For the purposes of this award, field of work can be politics, business, sports, art, culture, or any profession. The definition of Kiwi Indian, for the purposes of this award, hereby, is defined as follows: any person of Indian origin, from any part of the world, who has settled here in New Zealand. To be of Indian origin, at least one of the parents of the nominee have to be Indian, by blood. Thereby making the nominee of Indian lineage. 6. The nominee must have either a Permanent Residency (PR), or Citizenship of New Zealand to be eligible for consideration. 7. The nominee should have no prior convictions. 8. Age is no bar; for minors, achievers under the age of 18, parental consent will be required. 9. The successful candidate will be required to attend the ceremony in person. In case a person is not able to attend, due to any unforeseen circumstances, the jury will use its discretion. 10. The jurys decision will be final and binding; and cannot be challenged.
EntrY Form: Form for nominating candidates for induction to Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2014
Nominator Details
Name of the Nominator
Nominee Details
Name of the Nominee
About the Nominee

For how long do you know the Nominee?
Professional details of the Nominator
Age of Nominee Sex M F
Why do you think the nominee should be inducted in the Hall of Fame 2014? Please clarify the self-achievement that the nominee has earned in his / her area of profession / occupation.
Address & Contact number of Nominator *
Address & Contact number of Nominator * How do you think that the Nominee had added fame & respect to the Kiwi-Indian community?
Declaration by Nominator
I have got confirmation from the Nominee for this application. Yes No Nominee has accepted to appear in person for the ceremony, if he/she gets accepted for the induction to Hall of Fame 2014. Yes No
I hereby declare that the above information is true to the best of my knowledge. I also allow Indian Weekender and the Jury to use the information provided for background checks and to contact either me or the Nominee for the purpose of getting any more information. Signed:
What to do next?
Please take a print out of this form, sign and send to us at: Jury Panel, Hall of Fame 2014 98, Great South Road, Epsom, Auckland (Add extra pages to this form if required.) For details contact Indian Weekender on 09-2137335 or go to: www.indianweekender.co.nz
22
INDIA
AAP ki kahani: View from afar

Vaibhav Saklani
Courtesy Thomas A. Kodenkandath
he great Indian poll tamasha has begun. A pseudo messiah of the masses shunning all responsibility and almost as if throwing a fit or tantrum walked out on the mandate he received. The political oppositions have quickly come out with brickbats and hammered the opportunist regime. But my question is, and looking from afar, I responsibly raise this doubt, was this, a change we were seeking? India, has been marred by political inefficiency, for quite a few years now, the coalition system that has come to be, is one of the prominent reasons. Rhetorical to say the corrupt executives, quagmire legislative and a lethargic and tardy judiciary is inept at providing solutions to the people at large. The dynasty politics and a culture of
the demand nor the marketing. When, Kejriwals Aam Admi Party (AAP) aligned with the Congress Party in the post poll Delhi Assembly arithmetic, many raised an eyebrow. The Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) yelled its lungs out saying that AAP is a crony face put up by the Congress to counter the Modi wave. AAP saddled on a high horse of morality blamed the media for targeting it when they didnt form the government and then again when it did. An elaborate window dressing was done in the name of taking public opinion, into account, and then deciding to form the government. The discerning watched from the sidelines, for the AAP dharma (read playing to the gallery) to pan out. Kejriwal made his intentions clear the day he resigned as Delhi Chief Minister, he is chasing bigger targets. AAP launched its national campaign, to fight for the Lok Sabha elections. Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley rebuked AAP as the worst ever state government
of running the government, or was it a trick move to relay a stronger footing for the Lok Sabha elections. Kejriwal, often tweets of the A-listers, the media, businessman, social workers who are all joining the bandwagon, as a matter of pride, but isnt that, ironically pushing the
against the mass culture of consumption. AAP has a populist wave going for them. The people are tired of the usual Congress and BJP and AAP is the new Do the Due flavour in the country. What disturbs me is the whole image of Indias distraught political scenario leading
Kejriwal, often tweets of the A-listers, the media, businessman, social workers who are all joining the bandwagon, as a matter of pride, but isnt that, ironically pushing the common man back a few rows again?
nepotism, needs to be shown the door, but what is there to replace it? The AAP rose to provide the people the answer to their woes. What AAP cleverly marketed is a product that is very scarcely available, honesty, they sold the product to the masses, without ever owning an ounce of it. Now, they continue to rouse and create a rubble trying to exploit the demand that they have created. Only to make India seem like the distraught middle east from afar, and throwing the country down the deep end where you have a demand but no supply. A much needed cultural revolution, some may celebrate it as, but to the discerning eye, it is a blunder to treat lightly neither that Delhi has ever witnessed has resigned. Calling AAP a government without agenda and ideology, he also added that the nightmare is finally over. While many read the same political situation as, Congress and BJP uniting to oust Kejriwal, and his AAP. The spin doctors were at play, to give the whole resigning of the youngest Delhi CM after running a sop-py 49days in governance, as an act of martyrdom. The inexperienced (by their own admittance) AAP, were highly incapable of running the show, for 49 days, Delhi politics was a prime time soap opera on governance counts. At the time of quitting, was he incapable
a government without agenda and ideology, he also added that the nightmare is finally over.
- Arun Jaitley
common man back a few rows again? The problem with taking a stance, on AAP is that you are constantly pitting yourself
to something similar to the spring uprising with all aspects of governance and order being blown apart. It is cynical, but it is the extremes that Kejriwals home brew version of grassroots politics or as he calls it mohalla (neighbourhood) politics has shown signs of. People in India have found the way around almost all laws and established procedures. There are agents dealing/mediating with most government machinery. The famous jugaad (quick-fix) is a step 101 at the end of the check list for any formality. Is Kejriwal that quick fix, or is he plainly an anarchist that we deserve? Will Modi or Rahul Gandhi be the leader for the coming decade that we need? Do these faces have our trust? Do we really need a dictator to lead us into the new growth cycle? Or is it that moment that when the things have given way, the water has gone over the bridge and we need to dismantle and analyse each aspect of the Indian democracy to allow for a better resolution of public issues?
INDIA ABROAD
23
Bollywood and Australia: worth making a song and dance about

I
ts 101 years since the birth of Bollywood, the worlds largest and most vibrant movie industry and, of course, thats more than enough time to mature and alter, to grow arms and legs. For some time, but since the 1990s particularly, the connections between Australia and Bollywood have really taken hold. So sit back and enjoy a cinematic journey thats sure to entertain. Bollywood (a portmanteau for Bombay and Hollywood), the informal term for the Hindilanguage popular film industry based in Mumbai, often becomes the face of Indian cinema as a whole. As a genre it has grown and developed over a period of 100 years, coloured by Indias history, politics, socio-economic conditions, culture, sensibilities, dreams, fantasies, hopes and expectations. In the 1990s Bollywood emerged, posteconomic liberalisation of India, as a strong, globalised industry and Indias biggest cultural ambassador to the world. Many films are accused of being copied or inspired from world cinemas but in the moment of inspiration Bollywood creates a unique cultural adaptation packaged with romance, melodrama, action, costumes, songs and dance extravaganzas that suit global Indian audiences desires and their understanding of the world around them. Cultural diplomacy The ever-increasing presence of the Indian diaspora in different parts of the world has helped to realise what we might think of as Bollywoods cultural diplomacy project. Switzerland, USA, UK, Mauritius, South Africa, Canada, Dubai, and Singapore have all been leaders in attracting Bollywood film-makers. The present day Indian-Australian co-productions are part of that larger continuum and ever-expanding cosmopolitan outlook of Bollywood and the Indian diaspora. There are strong links between India and Australia, generated through our shared colonial history, Indian diaspora, cricket, tourism, and our governments strategic interest in the subcontinental region. The 1996 film Indian has been credited for featuring the first appearance of kangaroos in Indian cinema. But I have noticed that as early as 1974, a Hindi film Majboor made first reference to Australia and its iconic boxing kangaroo. It featured Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan with a poster captioned: Just hop, skip and jump every Thursday to Perth Sydney. showcased at the Indian High Commission. Post1960s, Greek subtitled versions of some Indian classics such as Mother India (1957) were screened in Australian cinemas. Today, most Australian multiplexes screen all big-banner Bollywood films. Many leading Australian directors of photography, stunt directors and post-production companies are working in India. There has even been some reciprocal interest in producing Australian films in India. Over the past two decades, Australian films such as Holy Smoke! (1999), The Waiting City (2009), Save Your Legs! (2012), My Cornerstone (2013) and forthcoming films such as Defiant and Color of Darkness feature India, not just as a background location but as an integral part of the plot. There was also an Indian classics and Bollywood-inspired moment in Baz Luhrmanns Moulin Rouge (2001). Bollywood Aussies Bollywoods influence on Australia can be gauged by the direction of Australian film careers. In 2013, Indian-Australian actress Pallavi Sharda was seen romancing one of Bollywoods biggest heartthrobs Ranbir Kapoor in Besharam). Before her, Australias bowling sensation Brett Lee was bowled over by the Bollywood bug and seen singing in the album Asha and Friends (2006) and showcasing his cricketing skills in Victory (2009). Before them, in the 1940s and 50s, Mary Ann Evans AKA Fearless Nadia ruled the hearts of millions of Indians as a star of Indias booming Hindi film industry. She became a superstar of Indian cinema with her Hunterwali films and today is known as the original stunt queen of Bollywood. Australian ballet dancer and stage manager Louise Lightfoot worked with filmmaker K. Subramanyam, and Australias leading cinematographer Tom Cowan shot films in South India. In the 1980s, Bob Christo, a name synonymous with the evil face of an angrez (Englishman), had a very successful career as a villain. Other Australian artists who had their tryst with Bollywood are: Tania Zaetta (Salaam Namaste), Nicholas Brown (Kites), Tabrett Bethell (Dhoom 3), Rebecca Breeds (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag), Kristina Akheeva (Yamla Pagla Deewana 2), Emma Brown Garett (Yamala Pagla Deewana), Vimala Raman (Mumbai Mirror), Anusha Dandekar (Delhi Belly), and Maheep Sandhu (Shivam). Charles Thomson (Marathi) and Japji Khaira (Punjabi) have made a name in regional films and are all geared-up for their Bollywood debuts. Indian-Australian identity For many Australians, Bollywood is India and India is Bollywood, and both are inscrutable! Australian films such as Holy Smoke!, literature and travel narratives (see Wanderings in India) have frequently portrayed India as a perfect hippie escape, the land of sadhus, and batsmen (Save Your Legs!). Bollywood has presented Australia, in Prem Agan, Salaam Namaste, Crook, Bachna Ae Haseeno and many other films, as sexually liberating, visually romantic, and fantastical land of beaches and beauties. A 2013 survey by the Lowy Institute for International Policy, the IndiaAustralia Poll, found that Indians generally have a positive perception of Australia and regard Australians as welcoming people. The survey didnt mention the degree to which this image may be a result of stories of Indian diaspora, media and Bollywood, which portrays Australia as a popular tourist destination full of fun sports and easy-going people. For Indian-Australians, Bollywood films are a test of identity, as in the unfolding narrative of a film in which they not only connect with their roots, culture and family values but also try to find a lost piece of their soul. There always are and will be different perceptions about Australia in India and India in Australia but the artistic skill lies in emphasising the distinctiveness, highlighting multiple facets, telling a yarn and using cultural diplomacy in a positive way. Dr Amit Sarwal, Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Centre for Citizenship and Globalisation, Faculty of Arts & Education (republished from The Conversation) The article is available online at: http://theconversation.com/bollywood-andaustralia-worth-making-a-song-and-danceabout-23363
1974 Hindi film Majboor made first reference to Australia and its iconic boxing kangaroo.
Sealing the deal Concrete partnerships and projects between the Indian and Australian film industries began in the late 1990s, and included films, music videos, and TV commercials being shot at picturesque Australian locations. Various Australian state tourism bodies have since supported Indian productions and used Bollywood stars as ambassadors to promote Australia as a welcoming nation. Australia is now a hot destination for Bollywood as well as regional language film-makers, with a successful foray of films from Soldier (1998) to Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013). Indian-Australian Bollywood entrepreneur Anupam Sharma is credited with working on more than 200 co-production projects between the two countries. Within Australia, in the late 1940s and 1950s, only development-based documentary films were
Chet Kanojia shakes up the US TV Industry

C
het Kanojia, whose company is emerging as a threat to broadcast networks like ABC, NBC and CBS, is now fighting a legal battle with them in the US Supreme Court. An Indian-American entrepreneur, he has developed a tiny antenna that grabs over-the-air television signals and streams them to consumers via Internet, an invention that has pitted him against the powerful US TV industry. Aereo allows subscribers to watch or record broadcast television through the Internet on any device, no wires or cable boxes required. It does this by assigning each consumer a remote antenna and a DVR. Brought up in Bhopal, Kanojia was a selfdescribed back bencher in his youth, who spent too much time smoking and drinking and too little time studying in his hometown. After earning an undergraduate degree in
$20 bn worth of Indian shares bought by Global investors in 2013
mechanical engineering in India, he came to the US and earned a masters in computer systems engineering from Northeastern University. He sold his first company, Navic Systems, which made software that helped cable companies interact with their customers, to Microsoft in 2008 for a reported $250 million. Kanojia says he is not driven by financial gains in his fight against the TV big-wigs. - IWK Bureau
oreign investors invested $20 billion in Indian capital markets in 2013, the highest global investment in Asia after Japan for the year. India did very well from forecasts, which were concerned about the US Federal Reserves stimulus cuts, a slowdown in China and volatility in developing markets, as the new figures indicated. India witnessed outflows of just $329 million in 2014 as of February 11, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Meanwhile global investors sold local shares in other emerging economies extending this years outflows in Taiwan to $2.4 billion, in South Korea to $1.2 billion, and in Thailand to $493 million. Foreign investors pulled a total of $9.6 billion out of Japanese equities last month, according to the data.
The US Federal Reserve on Tuesday admitted in a report to the US Congress that the volatility in emerging markets could have been created by the Fed itself. Indias Central Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan had last month hit out at developed nations for their uncoordinated global policy that has adversely hit emerging economies. Rajan said global monetary cooperation has broken down hitting out at the US Federal Reserves decision to withdraw its monetary stimulus program, an exit many emerging nations have branded as unsynchronized. The US Federal Reserve announced a $10bn reduction in its monthly bond purchases from $75bn to $65bn in the second straight month of tapering its stimulus program. - IWK Bureau
24
SPORTS SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT NEW ZEALAND POLITICS
Thought of the Week
Editorial
Fiji: The way ahead
any a times there have been questions on the lips of all who have some connection with or are a Fiji citizen: Will democratic elections ever take place in the island nation? Eight years after Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, then head of the Fiji Military Forces, took control of the country after ousting the government of Laisenia Qarase, all signs are pointing to the real deal later in the year. Political parties appear busy ironing out the crinkles after almost a decade of inaction and Prime Minister Bainimarama himself hangs up his uniform in the military, and takes the reins of a new party which will contest the poll. It will be a significant moment on Friday, February 28 when Commodore Bainimarama becomes simply civilian Prime Minister Bainimarama. Not only will Prime Minister Bainimarama will no longer be military commander, the new constitution guarantees that his replacement as Commander will not be in Government either. Significant, because this political act will break the direct link between the Government of Fiji and the chain of command of the Fiji Military Forces that has existed since the 2006 coup. This is the first step toward a civilianised Government before the September election. Significant again will be the announcement on March 1 of details of Bainimaramas newly formed political party. Ostracised initially by the western world for the military takeover and delaying a return to democracy (not that any country would be seen to support a coup), Bainimarama appears to have again found favour with former allies Australia and New Zealand. The Valentines Day meeting in Suva between Australias Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Bainimarama proved more of a love-in than a confrontation, say commentators. Canberra is well aware of Bainimaramas hand in realigning - to a certain extent - power in the region where Australia has always played the central figure, and New Zealand sidling up and going along with big brother. The September election will be a litmus test for the former Fijian Navy Commander who has claimed from Day One that he overthrew the Qarase government amid claims of corruption and wanted to end racial marginalisation. Over the past few years, Qarase and several key figures of his government and also several prominent businessmen - have faced the courts in what has been termed by the interim government as a clean-out. Significant also has been the use of the term Fijian now being used to describe every Fiji citizen compared to Fijian and Indo-Fijian, and the removal of the Great Council of Chiefs, the chiefly body enshrined in tradition. Much hoo-haa was made of Bainimaramas Budget last year when he announced free education for all up to secondary school, student loans, health, and infrastructure upgrades. Political leaders questioned his ability to deliver on the promises, and some even called it vote buying. Whatever the case may be, these are interesting times in the history of Fiji as the coup-prone nation prepares to go to the polls. For the past eight years, the military-led government has had its say. Come September, it will be the peoples turn. - Arvind Kumar
Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even.
- Muhammad Ali
No place for violence in our society

Nemani Delaibatiki
There are other causes. Whatever the reasons are, there is absolutely no justification for any form of violence against women. Under the Constitution, every person has the right to freedom from torture of any kind, whether physical, mental or emotional, and from cruel, inhumane, degrading or disproportionately severe treatment or punishment. Every person has the right to security of the person, which includes the right to be free from any form of violence from any source, at home, school, work or in any other place. The Constitution is very explicit on its provisions against violence. There is no ambiguity. Simply stated, there is no place for violence in our society. It is time we all take a committed approach and let everyone know that we do not condone violence. Do not turn a blind eye. When you see violence, report it to the appropriate authorities. Public involvement will act as a deterrent - Nemani Delaibatiki is managing / training of Fiji Sun, based in Suva
Indian Weekender Volume 5 Issue 20 Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited Managing Editor: Giri Gupta | girigupta@xtra.co.nz Editor: Arvind Kumar | arvind@indianweekender.co.nz Correspondent: Vaibhav Saklani | iwk.vaibhav@gmail.com Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@ indianweekender.co.nz Design: Desaign Limited Advertising & Business Development Manager: Gaurav Gupta - M: 021 292 4519 l gaurav@indianweekender.co.nz Sales Support: Leena Pal - M: 022 015 1971 | iwk.leena@gmail.com Accounts and Admin.: Farah Khan - P: 520 0922 l accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher is not responsible for advertisers claims as appearing in the publication Indian Weekender is published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great South Road, Auckland Printed at Guardian Print, Ashburton Copyright 2010. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved.
hen the police come out to support Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama in the war to protect women against abuse and violence, they underscore the seriousness of this problem. While reported cases dropped from 700 between January to February 10 last year to 619 for the corresponding period this year, it is still no comfort that police continue to receive reports. The other worrying aspect is the unknown number of unreported cases. Experts say that violence breeds violence and can perpetuate a culture unless it is nipped in the bud. The male superiority complex which gives rise to male chauvinism is widely accepted in some cultures. Sometimes it has a direct correlation with gender violence. Alcohol-fuelled violence ranks high on the list of the causes that trigger violence against women.
COMMENT
25
Polination of culture or simply reproducing traditions?

Shreya Bakshi
hether it is in the remotest village, or in the most populous city, the one major factor that binds us Indians together, is the umbrella term tradition. Why I call it an umbrella term is because it brings together various different aspects of other concepts like culture, and values; these aspects, interwoven over thousands of years, have now created a rather messy web, a web we cannot seem to get ourselves out of. Yes, the analogy of a messy web is quite negative; it creates a sense of entrapment, of helplessness. Traditions however, do not entrap. They are only guidelines, not even rules; created to make us humans lead a more balanced life, as opposed to one that is full of chaos. Yet, the interpretation that we construct is paradoxical to the essence of the term itself. It is our interpretation of our traditions that makes us feel entrapped and helpless. We Indians, as a people, hold great pride in our culture and the all-encompassing concept of tradition. We boast of our history, and most of all, take pride in the fact, that despite of our culture having been invaded by outsiders, we have managed to keep our traditions intact, and our values in check. A concept that is supposed to shape us in to better human beings, instead, acts
as a tool that is now used for the purposes of selfpolicing. What is even more surprising then, is how stringent the interpretations of these traditions become, once they are carried across the seven seas, in to a different culture, in to a different nation. Then again, it is probably that fear of letting go of the motherland that makes us clutch onto
is created, not only as a consequence of a clash of ideas, but also because of a fear; a fear of losing and of letting go, and also of a constant need that is felt to retain and hold on to whatever one can. Indian parents in New Zealand can then be placed in this framework, where they struggle to maintain a balance between the then and now. Their interpretations of the traditions that have
What is even more surprising then, is how stringent the interpretations of these traditions become, once they are carried across the seven seas, in to a different culture, in to a different nation.
these traditions. Some move with the desire of letting go and adopting a new culture, but others leave with the hopes of living a better lifestyle. Regardless, there is a constant need to not let go and thus we bring our culture along with us. Then comes the responsibility of imparting the values we have brought along, to those who come after us, the second generation. But the second generation then also adopts the new set of values and traditions theyre given in this fresh environment; an environment different from the one their elders grew up in. subsequently then, a gap is bound to be formed and increase. This gap been passed on to them, puts them in opposition to the adopted culture that their children are a part of. As a child, it isnt just a matter of choosing between one and the other, but, of being able to accept both. For the parent, the fear of loss makes might make their approach seem restrictive to a child. For the most part of it, a move to a new country isnt approached with the attitude of when in Rome, do as the Romans. Its more along the lines of, when in Rome, let us first observe the Romans, and then adopt only a select few aspects of their values and traditions; and for the most part of it, let us stick to our own traditions. The consequences of
such an approach can in some instances be deemed negative. Take for example a concept like moving out; for New Zealanders, there comes a certain age when children move out of their parents homes to make a life of their own. Amongst Indians, the very same concept is slightly difficult to accept; reason being, we Indians belong to a set up where the concept of a family is given great importance. A childs decision to break away from this set up then raises questions and maybe objections too. More often than not, the adopted culture is blamed for taking the child away from their set of parent values. A child will most likely view the approach or the interpretation of the traditions as heavily negative, as it questions concepts like freedom and individuality; yet in the eyes of the parent, they are fulfilling their duties. Neither side is wrong in thinking the way they do, but both of these approaches come with their set of flaws; flaws such as being restrictive, non communicative, and in certain cases inapproachable. It is then up to both parties to resolve the erroneous way of thinking and reach a reasonable conclusion, together. In a city like Auckland, that is quite a melting pot of cultures, a second generation Indian is bound to adopt the new culture that he / she has been born in to. It is then up to the parents to maintain a check and a balance, so they can raise balanced, traditional individuals, and not resentful, scornful children.
Rajeshs Rainbow
The unforgettable bus journey

Dr. (Ms.) Rajesh Joshi
oving back and forth in the memory lane, this particular incident comes to my mind. Cut to circa November 1990; my college years. My parents had pushed me to the hostel in the nearby city to learn the nuances of life and to initiate me into adulthood. Like a lost kid in a big city, I started my journey rather reluctantly. There are many unforgettable incidents that taught me valuable lessons in life: some hard way and some just otherwise. I had to take a local bus from my hostel to college which was about 10 kms. At college, we were a small bunch of four close-knit friends: Varsha, Zeenat, Satwinder and I. One day after our classes, we reached the bus stop at about 3 p.m. The bus-stop was also the meeting-point of many Romeos & Juliets of our college. Boys pretending to be waiting for the bus actually waited for their lady-love and escorted them en-route perfectly in the fashion of Complimentary Bodyguards. At last the bus arrived but it was already packed. Somehow, clutching our bags and books, we boarded the bus struggling to catch the bar above our head for support but couldnt because of too many hands already clinging on to it. Now the Haryanvi driver of this bus had a peculiar habit. Whenever he saw in the rear view mirror young & pretty college girls, he would think himself to be nothing less than Michael Schumacher. Whenever he
turned the bus around the circles or curves, he would forget the laws of driving i.e. to slow down and give way. To demonstrate his dexterity, he would negotiate the bend in high speed sending the passengers into tizzy. Being aware of his habit we wanted to get something to hold on to so that he would
like being on a roller-coaster. (Years after; in 2010; I was vividly reminded of this experience when I was in Disneyland Paris on the rollercoaster Space Mountain Mission). Everybody went hither & thither. Luggage bags started rolling and sliding. Since the four of us had nothing for support,
Now the Haryanvi driver of this bus had a peculiar habit. Whenever he saw in the rear view mirror young & pretty college girls, he would think himself to be nothing less than Michael Schumacher.
not get a chance to smirk watching the bevy of passengers moving like pendulums. This was a particularly tough day. Four of us though standing close could not provide any support to each other because of the crowd, bags and books. Soon the momentous moment arrived without warning. As per his habit, the driver was in a mood to have fun at our expense and wanted to provide us free adventure. The bus zoomed and swished around a sharp curve. Having lost our respective grounds we moved east & west; north & south
in desperation we grabbed whatever we could lay our hands on. I went flying and fell with a thud on a suitcase. Varsha trying to reach for the pole could only hang on to the loose end of an unclejis muffler (Muffler-Presently popularised by Delhis Ex. Chief-Minister Arvind Kejriwal) and pulled it down. Zeenat being heavyset could not control and landed straight into an auntiejis lap. Satwinder dig her sharp nails into the wrist of one of our juniors and went round and round with him. The Disneyland moment lasted enough to land
us in embarrassing positions. Still in the aftershocks of the sudden turmoil, among the smiling and laughing faces, we regained our lost paradises. I was lifted up by the elderly uncleji whose muffler had been equated with Draupadis cheer by Varsha. Zeenat was quickly pushed aside by the frail auntieji who could no longer bear that weighty issue. Satvinder presently released the hapless junior but her fingernails marks were there to stay on his wrist for days. Finally Varsha apologetically, rolled unclejis muffler and handed it back to him. Agitated, we shouted at the driver for being so careless, insensitive, inhuman and blah! blah!! blah!!! He gave us a dirty look and lectured in his full-throated Haryanvi tone, If you think, you are the princesses, dont get on the bus. Ride in your cars because my bus will go like this only-(Yaa to yunhi chaalegi). I learnt a big lesson hard way. Life can throw surprises at you anytime, anywhere. How much rooted and prepared are you? Hold fast onto your support system; dont lose your ground. Most importantly, dont expect sympathy from the unfeeling people who put you in tight spots. Bricks & Bouquets: What was your most unforgettable journey? Please share it with me at rajesh@rainbow.org.nz Names of all the characters in this article have been changed to protect their identity. These are my personal experiences with no offence to anyone in particular.
26
FIJI
Guns and roses but no Valentines Day massacre

Richard Herr
he Valentines Day meeting in Suva between Australias Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Fijis Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama proved more of a love-in than a confrontation. Predictions before the meeting suggested that confrontationat least of interests if not personalitieswas the more likely. On the day of the meeting the Lowy Institute predicted it would be Fijis last chance, while the Fiji Sun asserted with equal conviction that it was Australias last opportunity. In the event, there was no massacre of hopes as Ms Bishop presented a bouquet of diplomatic roses and Prime Minister Bainimarama graciously accepted. Reports from Suva suggest that the warmth between the two was more than just theatre for the media cameras. Just where relations go from here will decide how well grounded the rapprochement between the two countries really is. Perhaps the first point to be made is that virtually all the coverage of the meeting focused on its bilateral significancewith complete justification. Ms Bishop was in Suva as a member of the Pacific Islands Forums Ministerial Contact Group on a monitoring visit to review Fijis progress toward retuning to parliamentary democracy. However, the significance was always going to be on the quality of the bilateral chemistry between the Fijian Prime Minister and the Australian Foreign Minister. Fijis relationship with the Pacific Islands Forum wont necessarily be repaired by the bilateral re-engagement, nor will Australias role in the regional body return to pre-sanction levels. Prime Minister Bainimarama is currently
building a headquarters for a new regional body that excludes Australia and is intended to parallel the PIF. The regional roles for Fiji and Australia have been forced apart by Fijis suspension from the PIF orchestrated by Canberra. Reconvergence is not impossible but its unlikely to be fully achieved any time soon. Regional affairs will remain a separate and significant issue for Australia. The key development from the visit was in opening the door to improved bilateral links. But, while the roses have been accepted, what will it take to ensure there is a second date? Fiji has maintained that nothing matters unless the debilitating affects of the travel sanctions are lifted to enable strengthening of the economy and recruiting appropriate expertise for governance and the public sector. Ms Bishop has undertaken to continue the review of the travel bans and take this to Cabinet for approval. Subtly this gives Australia time to await further validation of Prime Minister Bainimaramas commitment to elections by the end of September 2014. A significant watershed occurs at the end of February when Commander Bainimarama hangs up his uniform and becomes simply civilian Prime Minister Bainimarama. Not only will Prime Minister Bainimarama will no longer be military commander, the new constitution guarantees that his replacement as Commander will not be in Government either. Thus, this is a very important political act that will break the direct link between the Government of Fiji and the chain of command of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces that has existed since the 2006 coup. This critical step toward a civilianised Government prior to the
Fijis Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama with Australias Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in Suva. September elections will be accompanied on March 1st with the long awaited details of the Prime Ministers newly formed political party. With those moves toward a civilian and democratic Government continuing in Fiji, Ms Bishop brought to the meet more than just a spray of fresh roses. Guns were on the table as well. The reestablishment of defence attach arrangements is an essential opening for other proposed developments, which are said to be readmission to the Pacific patrol boat program and a defence co-operation program. Some of these proposals may be welcomed but sober reflection has already set in Suva regarding the renewal of defence ties. Fiji is said to have already renovated or arranged for the renovation of its current patrol boats and is aware that there are no budgetary provisions for new patrol boats, so any further vessels would be years away. Joint exercises and the restoration staff college training
will be welcome but inclusion in broader high level arrangements such as the South Pacific Defence Ministers meeting will also have to be on the cards. Its in Australias interest to be able to work at the highest policy level with the RFMF on the panoply of regional security issues, including marine resource protection, border protection, and non-state transnational threats. The Republic of Fiji Military Forces recently announced an expansion of its engineer corps by one battalion to cope with higher demand at home with rural development infrastructure as well its overseas commitments. Assistance with equipment and materiel for this expansion will be timely. Critics might object to the restoration of the defence relationship with Fiji but theres no chance that other areas of re-engagement will be ignored in favour of the defence cooperation. Nevertheless, Ms Bishop sensibly took the guns as well as the roses on the first date, recognising the importance of an effective relationship with RFMF to assist with a stable transition back to democracy. It may well prove to be a key to a second date and a third. * Richard Herr, writing in The Strategist - The Australian Strategic Policy Institute Blog, is the adjunct professor of Pacific Governance and Diplomacy at the University of Fiji where he is also the honorary director of the Centre for International and Regional Affairs.
Bainimarama asks for forgiveness

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rime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama this week sought forgiveness from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces circuit of the Methodist Church at a farewell and thanksgiving church service in Nabua, Suva. Speaking at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks on Monday, he asked church members to forgive him if he had offended them by anything he had said and done. If you noticed any weaknesses during my time of leadership then I ask for your forgiveness, Commodore Bainimarama said. He thanked members of the circuit for supporting him and the military through hard times they faced in the past. He also expressed his appreciation of the contributions made by consecutive military chaplains. He said their spiritual advice, counsel and teachings had assisted him during the upheaval of the past. We the military have been blessed that during these tough times, weve had some very strong chaplains who stood by us with their helpful advice carrying us through, Commodore Bainimarama said. Meanwhile, the RFMFs chaplain, Reverend Major Joseva Tikonatabua, said even though Commodore Bainimarama was stepping down as Commander they would always support him. We thank him for leading us through some very challenging times. We thank his service to the people of Fiji, Rev Tikonatabua said. He said the circuit wished the PM well and the best with his future plans. The PM also shared his political partys
manifesto of serving the poor and the needy. The one thing that my party will stand for is the provision of service to the poor, providing access to clean water, electricity, improved housing and better roads. Commodore Bainimarama also reiterated the need to end racism. We need to stop looking at each other as different races. He said there was a lot of poverty in the country and that there was need for everyone to look out for and help each other. Rev Tikonatabua said that he had been receiving calls from other Methodist ministers showing their appreciation of the PMs attendance at the funeral service of the late Reverend Dr Tuikilakila Waqairatu. They were happy and appreciated that the Prime Minister had attended the service despite the sour relations that once existed between the church and the Government, This showed the Prime Ministers courage, sincerity and integrity, Rev Tikonatabua said. He said the PM had not only attended in his capacity as a member of the Methodist church but also out of his respect for the late Rev Dr Waqairatu. - Fiji Sun
FIJI
27
Sex racket uncovered in Western Division

Shalveen Chand
n what has been termed as a breakthrough in investigations, police have uncovered a domestic human trafficking racket involving the sale of underaged girls for sex. Confirming this in an interview this week, Fiji Police Force senior investigator at the Human Trafficking Unit Corporal Nischal Dass said the girls, aged between 12 and 17 years, were sold by relatives for prices ranging from $80 to $150 to perpetrators who are mostly older men. The predominant case that we are on the verge of finalising is a domestic trafficking case which involves minors. And the type of exploitation is sexual exploitation and this has happened here on Viti Levu and in one of the Western towns, Cpl Dass said. He said the girls, who are school dropouts, had run away from their homes and lived with their relatives who arranged clients for them. These relatives are taking the girls and setting up clients for them for sexual intercourse and they are taking the money, he claimed. The girl does not get any part of the money. All she has to do is to eat and live with the relatives and the relatives are living on the earnings of this child. So the relatives are actually benefiting by selling this child. He said their investigations revealed that older men paid for sex and younger girls were paid higher amounts. Cpl Dass said the perpetrators were normally people looking for young girls for sex. He said
The predominant case that we are on the verge of finalising is a domestic trafficking case which involves minors. And the type of exploitation is sexual exploitation and this has happened here on Viti Levu and in one of the Western towns,
the girls were taken to low cost hotels for a few hours. There is no timeframe. It has happened in the day time, in the evening depending on when the client is available to come or when the girl is available. She has no other client, she is sold. The clients are locals and of the major races in Fiji. They use the girls for two to three hours. They walk in, pay the receptionist for those hours, do their thing and walk out. He said it took the unit one and half years to build a case. Cpl Dass said it was the
responsibility of parents to keep track of the whereabouts of their children. They (parents) should be aware of which activities children are involved in and parents should also be aware of what the children possess. For instance, he said if a child had an iPad, the parents should ask themselves whether they could afford it. He said offences of human trafficking begs a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Fiji Womens Crisis Centre executive
director Shamima Ali said the findings of the investigations were shocking. Ms Ali said while such things have been happening in the country, the law should come down hard on those involved. She said the centre was aware of such cases and assured that help was available for victims. It is sad to know of these kinds of incidents. I hope the victims are sent to the right place and to experts for counselling, she said. - Fiji Times
This includes a curry a naan, rice & glass of house wine or soft drink
5.30 pm to 10.30 pm
Open all days
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FIJI
Party says no to Rabuka Sensitive poll data stolen

F
ijis first coup leader and later elected Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, is no longer in the running for party leader in the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA). Mr Rabuka confirmed that a letter was read out to him by SODELPAs vice president, Silivenusi Waqausa, declining his leadership application. The party leader position was expected to be made known at the weekend. Ro Teimumu Kepa, a minister in the SDL Government ousted in 2006, is now widely expected to be named. Former SDL leader and Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase is not eligible because of his corruption conviction. I did not receive a letter, it was just read out to me, Mr Rabuka said. He said there was no specific reason given, but that SODELPA acknowledged his application for the position. The letter was read out to him in the i-Taukei language saying, Sa sega ni donui kemuni na madigi. (Youre not our choice). Mr Rabuka said he has accepted the decision made by the party but is still keen to contribute. I am ready to contribute in whatever role in SODELPA or to the nation. Whether Mr Rabuka will be considered as a candidate is yet to be known. In an earlier interview, Mr Rabuka had indicated that he had applied for the position of party leader. His public announcement was not received well by some party members. At the SODELPA Womens Committee
meeting last Friday, a couple of members were vocal and spoke against Mr Rabuka taking on the role. - Rosi Doviverata, Fiji Sun
laptop containing highly sensitive data regarding the electoral roll for this years general election has gone missing. Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum confirmed it this week saying the laptop was taken out of the Elections Office by the Officer Information Technology Manager Rejieli Lesione without authorisation from any official, and had been missing for 10 days before she informed her superiors about it. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said: It was brought to the attention of our office last Friday evening that the IT manager at the Elections Office, without authorisation, took one of the EVR (electronic voter registration) laptops. This contained very sensitive data such as the entire national register of voters in softcopy, the statistical analysis of the data including division by age, gender, distribution etc. What is very worrying, is that apart from the fact that this laptop was taken unauthorised, it was only brought to the attention of the Elections Office last week Tuesday that the IT Manager had taken this without authorisation. She now claims the laptop was stolen from her house. She reported this to the Senior Administrative Officer last week Tuesday. The Administrative Officer, then, also did not see it fit to report this highly sensitive matter to the Permanent Secretary of Elections. She only told him last Friday, some four days after it became known to her. When this matter was brought to our attention on Friday evening by the Permanent Secretary of Justice, we asked for a full brief, he said. As you know the Electoral Office falls under
the jurisdiction of the Electoral Commission, we notified the Prime Minister and immediately told the Electoral Commission to terminate the services of these two officers, because there is no other way to deal with such matters. The matter has also been reported to the police and Criminal Investigation Department and they are carrying out full investigations in this matter. The data, of course, is secure at the Elections Office, nobody can manipulate that. But, what is worrying, is the fact that the actual copy of the roll was in this particular equipment that was taken from the Elections Office without authorization, by the IT Manager. And, on top of that, the Senior Admin Officer Lanieta Gadolo found out about it on Tuesday and again did not see it fit to tell the Permanent Secretary about the missing equipment and more importantly, the data in it. This is extremely worrying and this is precisely what we have been saying that there are some people at the Elections Office who do not have integrity and this is why we have involved the Australians in doing specific job descriptions and this is why precisely we have told the Electoral Commission that they need to appoint people with integrity and with no political bias. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum is calling onto the Commission to treat this matter with seriousness. We are also now relying on the CID and the Fiji Police Force to ensure that those people who have access to this information and equipment are brought to justice. - Jyoti Prabha
Read the Indian Weekender online at www.iwk.co.nz
SPORTS
29
Team Indias dry summer: BlackCaps run away with all the spoils
IWK Bureau
he exciting ANZ series, played between India and New Zealand recently, came to a conclusion with New Zealand and India drawing the last test match; a bit of a face saver after Indias rather disappointing performance throughout the rest of the series that comprised of 5 ODIs and 2 test matches. The series resulted in New Zealand emerging as the winners; winners who fought hard and deserved to win. Expectations from the Indian team however, were quite high, considering their performance the last time around in 2008 09. The Indian bowling has consistently been found short on experience, and grit to bowl the opposition out and take the matches in crucial situations. Adding to the bowling woes were an inconsistent batting performance which heavily relied on Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni performing to uplift the team. The ANZ Series, that was meant to be a preparation for the upcoming Cricket World Cup in 2015, contrarily was more of a future predicting crystal ball, that gave an indication of team Indias chances next year this time around, if they continue performing like they did during the current series. All hopes were in Indias favour, however, their rather dismal performance proved otherwise. It was a number of factors that lead to Indias defeat along with raising a few questions. The Indian teams composition seemed rather questionable, when the underperforming Ishant Sharma was picked time and again to play during the ODI series, and later during the Test matches, or whether Indias hopes were pinned high on a select few batsmen to perform and deliver. The overall bowling performance was below par as was the batting. Captain M.S. Dhoni has expressed his distress over Indias performance, by saying that the team could not capitalize on the moments they could have converted into clear victories, both in the ODIs and the test matches. However, in comparison to the teams recent outing in South Africa, the captain feels that there has been a positive improvement in the teams overall performance. The team, he feels, lacks
consistency. This series adds to Indias consecutive losses abroad, after the series in England, Australia and South Africa, and a continuation of Dhonis failure abroad as a captain, since June 2011, a matter of some concern now. On the other hand, the Black Caps managed to greatly surprise, with a number of players standing out, and them performing well as a unit throughout the series. The most outstanding achievement to take away from this series was Brendon McCullums triple test century, the first ever by a New Zealander. Despite India having fought back a few times, New Zealand emerged as the stronger side, mainly because of the consistency they showed as a side and subsequently emerged as winners. The team is a stark reminder of the 1990s, when Sachin Tendulkar and Mohd. Azharuddin pulled the team through. The 2000s saw a resurgent India built around Sachin, Ganguly, Dravid, Laxman, and Kumble. The now depleted core, should have ideally been built around Sehwag, Gambhir, Dhoni, Harbhajan and Zaheer but with little going in their favour, the team looked for a new direction. The still young colts, Kohli, Pujara, Rohit, Jadeja and Ishant have been screwing tight MS Dhonis plans. The question to be asked is have they fared well enough to be shown faith? The continuous losses in overseas conditions and the lack of a fighting spirit, might disillusion you but these players are here to stay. As for the CWC2015, Team India will do well to get on board a balance in experience, and exuberance of talent to put up a fight in their title defence with less than a year to go.
Dhoni ruled out of Asia Cup

I
ndian cricket team skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been ruled out of the forthcoming Asia Cup, to be played in Bangladesh, due to a side-strain injury. MS Dhoni has been ruled out of the forthcoming Asia Cup, to be played in Bangladesh, in FebruaryMarch 2014. He sustained a Grade I left side-strain injury during the course of the second Test against New Zealand. He will be undergoing rehabilitation for ten days, BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said in a statement on Thursday. He sustained a Grade I left side-strain injury during the course of the second Test against New Zealand. He will be undergoing rehabilitation for ten days. The All-India Senior Selection Committee has picked Dinesh Kartik as his replacement in the Indian squad for the tournament. Virat Kohli will lead India in the competition.
Pepsi IPL, bringing in the moolah T

he 2014 Pepsi Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions, dashing Indian allrounder Yuvraj Singh turned out to be the biggest buy as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) bought him for over $2.25mn. Current IPL champions Mumbai Indians bought New Zealands batting wonder Corey Anderson for $866,000. New Zealand cricketer Ross Taylor, who was unsold on Day 1 of the auctions, was bagged by Delhi Daredevils for $390,000. A total of 178 players (60 overseas) will feature in the Pepsi IPL 2014. 154 players were sold, out of which 50 were overseas, on the two days of the auction. This comprises 80 capped players and 74 uncapped players, while 27 will figure in the IPL for the first time. Other Kiwis at the auction Chennai Super Kings Brendon McCullum $627,000 Matt Henry $58,000 Delhi Daredevils James Neesham $195,000 Rajasthan Royals Tim Southee $230,000
Meanwhile, the seventh edition of the cash-rich tournament might be taken out of the India due to the upcoming Lok Sabha polls this year, reports said. The tournament might be shifted to South Africa or Dubai, early reports said. What we are asking is, we have a window from April 9 to June 3. We will be speaking to the government officials in the Home Ministry. We want to hold maximum number of matches in India and if we get the green signal, probably we can hold all the matches in India, he said. - IWK Bureau
- IWK Bureau
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EDUCATION FEATURE
A journey begins: celebrating our new international students

N
ew Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) was delighted to welcome international students from India, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines and Fiji to our Greenlane, Auckland Campus last Monday to commence their orientation week. In the week to follow they enjoyed a comprehensive orientation covering transport, safety advice, important contacts and academic information. Orientation culminated last Friday with a guided tour of Aucklands most famous sights. We will continue to support them as they settle into life and study in New Zealands largest city, and value the richness and diversity they will bring to our learning environment. After our phiri last Monday afternoon, we caught up with six students - Mohini, Constance, Ke, Raphael, Shizuka and Peng - and asked them about their first impressions and dreams for the year ahead. NZTC: How did you enjoy todays phiri? Ke: It was really sacred not religious - but sacred, and at the same time beautiful and lively. Mohini: It was lovely! We all feel so welcome its such a great feeling; I didnt think it would feel this great! NZTC: What are your first impressions of NZTC and New Zealand? Mohini: From the moment I enrolled I had a positive impression of the College. We kept getting emailed updates, letting us know exactly what will be going on when. It was so appreciated. As for New Zealand, I only arrived yesterday. Im excited and enthusiastic to get started. The fact that it is New Zealand stands out to meI associate it with a new beginning. Ke: Ive been to New Zealand twice before. Regarding NZTC the staff have been really warm and nice. NZTC: How have you found your first day of orientation? Raphael: Really informative! Peng: I found the student safety information was invaluable. We found out so many things we didnt know before. NZTC: What programs are you studying? Ke: Mohini and I are studying the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education). Were looking to extend on the education knowledge we already have. Constance: Ive completed the Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Level 5), and now Im going to study the Certificate in Early Childhood Teaching (Level 6). Im relieving in an early childhood centre currently. Shizuka: Im studying the Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Level 5) Im starting at the beginning! Peng: Raphael and I are studying the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE). NZTC: What are your hopes for the first stage of your study? Constance: Its going to be a really exciting journey. I want to improve my spoken English. Ke: I want to really explore career development. Ive worked in education related jobs for the last six years now I want to learn about some different areas. In China, we have a saying if you want to know a persons character, look at their first three years of life. Early childhood is such a significant time in life. Im looking forward to the hands-on experience which will help me with my career and my future family. Mohini: Ive had experience teaching 10-15 year olds. Early childhood education is so different, working with infants and small children. I want to improve my level of patience and become a better person.
L-R: Mohini Walia (from India), Constance Li (China), Ke He (China), Raphael Wong (Hong Kong), Shizuka Watanabe (Japan) and Peng Zou (China) Peng: Ive worked as an English teacher before, working with children with special needs like ADHD. Id like to learn what we can do to intervene at an earlier stage in childrens lives. Shizuka: For me, its the first step towards what I want to do. I think early childhood education is a really interesting area and I believe I can do my best. Raphael: I grew up with a very different way of parenting I really appreciate New Zealands free-thinking way how theres so much room for creativity in a no pressure environment. Basically I just want to gain fundamental early childhood knowledge from a New Zealand perspective. NZTC: What are you looking forward to most about living and studying in New Zealand? Raphael: Nature, food and coffee! Shizuka: Making friends and starting on a good career path. Mohini: Probably the water sports! Ke: Yes, outdoor sports... maybe even the Sky Jump?! NZTC: Welcome to NZTC Constance, Ke, Mohini, Peng, Shizuka and Raphael! We are thrilled you have chosen to study with us. We hope you enjoy the rest of your orientation week and look forward to hearing of your progress later in the year. Mohini: Our thanks to the staff! Learn more about studying one of our specialist early childhood programs by calling (09) 520 4000 or emailing international@nztertiarycollege.ac.nz today!
Esteemed Chinese official chooses SIT to build next career pathway
oe Lyu former Chinese Agricultural Economy Official of the Zhejiang Pan Agricultural Bureau has swapped the bright lights and concrete Jungle of her city life in China to study the Diploma in Professional Chef Practise at the Southern Institute of Technology in Invercargill which begun this week. Lyu who has a Bachelor in Public Utilities from her home university in China was working on her Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture and Ecological Tourism Planning when Lyus passion for the clean, green environment led her to New Zealand to study English with the Southern Institute of Technology in Invercargill with the Intention of studying postgraduate Diploma in Business once graduating the English programme. However once on site Lyu discovered SITs Diploma in Professional Chef Practise which rekindled her passion for the food industry. Prior to working for the Agriculture Bureau Lyu worked for Major Food company Tian Food in China where she managed seven of their stores. Miss Lyus homestay host was also a large influence in Zoes decision to take up the Diploma in Professional Chef practise who taught her Kiwi dishes such as scones, cheesecake and ambrosia while miss Lyu was studying English classes. Miss Lyu says I am really pleased I made the decision to study
SIT Nursing graduates surpass National employment average

S
IT 2013 Nursing graduates have significantly surpassed the national graduate employment average with 75% of SIT Bachelor of Nursing graduates and 100% of Diploma in Enrolled Nursing graduates gaining employment respectively. This significantly surpassed the national average of 52% while neighbours Otago polytechnic produced an employment rate of 48.9% (45 out of 92 graduates) for their graduates. (http://www.odt.co.nz/campus/ otagopolytechnic/291760/nearly-half-nursinggraduates-find-jobs) SIT Nursing Programme Manager Sally Dobbs says 45 Bachelor of nursing students sat state finals in 2013. Currently 34 of these students have secured employment as Registered nurses this equates to 75% of SIT graduates having gained employment. Seventeen of these jobs are within the Southland region and the rest are located throughout New Zealand no graduate has moved to Australia. 24 of the graduates are on Government funded New Entry to Practice places. SIT produces high quality graduates who are well respected throughout New Zealand. In 2012 87% of SIT graduates were in employment by March 2013. In addition to the high employment of SIT Nursing graduates, SIT students have also
NEW ZEALAND
at SIT. I love the beautiful clean environment of Invercargill and Southland. The teaching has also been world class, I would rate it as high as my learning experience in China. After graduating the programme Miss Lyu hopes to gain employment as a Chef and work in New Zealand.
obtained a 100% pass rate for the external Nursing Council registration exam for the past 7 years.
For more information contact: Whitney Irwin Whitney.irwin@sit.ac.nz
FEATURE
31
Cardiovascular diseases take root when young, may strike at any age
Dr. Vanita Arora A combination of multiple risk factors including genetics, family history of diabetes, hypertension may cause early heart attacks Since the inception of cardiovascular diseases is essentionally when you are young, preventive measures will work at a young age
begun, Raghav couldnt believe that a man, as fighting fit as him and relatively young, could have a heart attack. This is a very common belief in our society that if you are young and slim and without a baggage of health problems, heart attack will not happen to you. But it is not true. Though not very common, heart attacks are a reality even in patients as young as 30, says Dr Vanita Arora, Senior Consultant Cardiac Electrophysiologist & Interventional Cardiologist with Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket. She is also Associate Director & Head, Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab and Arrhythmia Services. A heart attack is a result of an interrupted blood supply that may be because of a narrowing artery or a blood clot. Whatever is the reason, nobody knows what exactly is going on inside his or her body and should be very serious in case symptoms creep up, be it at any age, she adds. The risks, are however, widely underappreciated especially in young adults, both men and women. A heavy amalgamation of traditional risk factors can cause heart attacks to occur early. A combination that includes a family history of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, smoking, high-blood pressure and cholesterol, indicates that such a person needs to be closely monitored. The average age for a first heart attack still remains well above 60, which is why coronary artery disease is labeled a disease of senior citizens. Yet, up to 5 per cent of all heart attacks are occurring in people younger than 45. A combination of several factors including smoking, drinking, a high stress life, weird lifestyles that mess up with eating and sleeping habits, and absence of physical exercise in our lives is raising up the burden of cardiovascular diseases, says Dr Arora.
deep pain in the left arm that stretches right up to the jaw; heaviness in the chest and a cold sweat engulfing your body! These symptoms indicating that you might be having a heart attack can strike anybody at any time. But if you are young, presumably healthy and apparently fit, you are likely to ignore these symptoms as something else. After all, it is our very profound belief that heart attacks happen only to the old, the obese, and the unhealthy. The average age at which a heart attack strikes is 65, but this does not mean that it cannot happen to somebody who is 38. 38-year-old Raghav (name changed) realized it the hard way. Sitting comfortably on his work chair at home late at night, Raghav, felt a sudden intense pain in his shoulder. Refusing to believe that it might have had something to do with his heart, Raghav attributed it to a recurring spondylitis pain that had been troubling it for some time, until his wife forced her way and called an ambulance. Raghavs spinal nerves were just fine. It was his heart. The blood supply to his heart had stopped, damaging a muscle inside the organ. Even after the diagnosis was done and treatment
Moreover, narrowing of the artery or atherosclerosis does not happen overnight. It does start in the youth. It is hence a reminder that prevention should also start early in life before problems develop. Atherosclerosis is a condition where the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to an excessive build up of plaque around the artery wall. The disease disrupts the flow of blood around the body, posing serious cardiovascular complications. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most important cause of early heart attacks, but there are other factors too including inborn abnormalities of the coronary artery and blood clots that develop elsewhere in the body and are carried to the heart through the blood stream. It is hence extremely important to come out of the denial that a heart attack cannot happen to me. It is equally important to start preventive measures at a young age. Making physical exercise a part of your daily life, keeping your diet under check, monitoring your blood pressure and getting a preventive check up done once in a while. All these steps can help you prevent certain cardiovascular diseases. - By Dr.Vanita Arora, Associate Director & Head, Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab and Arrhythmia Services, Max Hospital, New Delhi
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ENTERTAINMENT
Bollywood Diary
Sanjays parole extended by 30 days
Plastic beauties Hot or Not?

Akanksha Mehra
ollywood actor and 1993 Mumbai serial blast case convict Sanjay Dutts parole was extended by 30 days by the Maharashtra government. Dutt, who is serving a sentence now, had sought parole citing the health condition of his wife. He earlier got a parole in December last and it was extended up to Feb 19. Dutts wife Maanyata reportedly got admitted in a hospital in January after she was diagnosed with tumour in the liver. Dutt had walked out of the Yerwada Central Jail on Dec 21 in Pune on a 30-
day parole granted on grounds of his wife Maanyatas illness. On Oct 1, 2013, the actor was released for 14 days on medical grounds, which was later granted with an extension of another two weeks of his leave for treatment of his leg. The Supreme Court on Mar 21, 2013 announced its verdict on Dutts sentencing for illegal arms possession during the Mumbai bombings that had killed 257 people in 1993 in the nations financial hub.
The latest memes of Anushka Sharma making rounds on various social networking sites have raised a number of eyebrows in the Indian entertainment industry. The actress is being scrutinized and mocked for her lip surgery and her appearance in Koffee With Karan Season 4. Though the actress has shunned such surgeries in her press release, its interesting to note that a number of them do not hesitate from opting for cosmetic surgeries. Lets take a quick look at some of our Bollywood divas who have clearly gone plastic.
1) Shilpa Shetty The Big Brother fame actress worked a lot on her looks since Main Khiladi Tu Anari days. She not only improved her facial features with the help of cosmetic surgery but also on her body, style statement and her overall personality which clearly reflected in her work during the later stages of her career. The woman is mainly known for her fitness mantras and healthy lifestyle. She is today a supermom and an entrepreneur.
Akshat invited to The Ellen DeGeneres Show
ndias Got Talent season 5 contestant Akshat Singh has been invited to feature on Americas most coveted television chat show The Ellen DeGeneres Show. While this show has been on the wish list of all internationally acclaimed stars, 8-year-old semi-finalists appearance on the show will put Indias Got Talent and his young talent on the global platform. The Ellen DeGeneres Show has been known to feature the worlds most famous celebrities including the uber-sophisticated Meryl Streep to President Barrack Obama. Now, this show will feature Akshat Singh as a non-celebrity Indian who has created waves on the international entertainment
circuit. In the opening episode of Indias Got Talent, Kolkatas darling dancer Akshat Singh was seen shaking a leg to Salman Khans popular song Mera Hi Jalwa a performance which soon went viral with millions of hits online. Shocked by the developments in Akshats life, judge Malaika Arora Khan said, This is unbelievable! I am very happy to hear that young Akshat has been invited to be a part of The Ellen DeGeneres Show in LA. It is a great feat that he has achieved especially because he has an extremely endearing personality.
Meghna Patel strips for Narendra Modi
small time model Meghna Patel has bared it all for the Prime Ministerial candidate. Narendra Modi has swept some hotties from B-town off their starry feet. Earlier, Mallika Sherwat had crooned (read croaking) for Modi on his birthday on a news channel. Narendra Modi is the man of today. He is the embodiment of valour who lives in the hearts of millions of people. Narendra Modi is a person of great prominence on India`s political landscape and has done great works for development and prosperity in his state and now he is the prime ministerial candidate. People will vote for him to make India better in the 21st century. We all love you, Mr Modi, declared Miss Patel A picture of Meghna Patel, who was seen
2) Koena Mitra Koena Mitra is a Bong actress who was last seen in the movie Apna Sapna Money Money. The actress has been missing from the limelight ever since due to a drastic change in her facial features after a plastic surgery gone wrong. Mitra unabashedly admits of going under the knife and defends her decision. In an interview with Zee News, the actress mentioned You think anybody in the entire industry regrets these surgeries? I can give you a long list of names with their long list of surgeries. My list of surgeries is really tiny compared to many leading stars of the day. I at least had the courage to come out and talk.
in popular television series Chandrakanta, has gone viral Twitter, where she is nude and holds up a picture to support Modi. There is a separate picture of her lying on a bed of lotuses holding onto a Narendra Modi poster. She is even trying to hide her modesty with a placard that endorses Modi in a rather risqu fashion. - IWK Bureau
3) Priyanka Chopra Chopra who is also ex Miss World 2000- a title given to honour a womans intelligence and beauty also underwent a plastic surgery, ironically!! The actress turned singer has never explicitly spoken about her plastic job but has definitely proved her mettle through her acting and singing skills. She has lately gained a lot of international exposure and fame through her international music album In My City. Plastic surgery is a bleak reality of the Indian entertainment industry. A lot of our actresses succumb to such tactics in order to gain their claim to fame. You may like it or dislike it but you definitely cant ignore it.
ENTERTAINMENT
33
I am pretty confident with everything I do

Katrina Kaif has made it to the Top 30 Most Beautiful Women across the globe list. TWF correspondent Sreya Basu in conversation with the Dhoom girl in Mumbai on beauty care, taking responsibility of her endorsements and more
Post Dhoom: 3, you have been tagged as being effortlessly glamourous. Comment. I dont agree I am effortlessly glamorous. A lot of effort goes into it. I believe as long as you take care of yourself, as long as you try to make the best of what you have, respect yourself as a woman and respect your image, it shows on your face and body language. Most importantly, you have to be comfortable with yourself, what you are wearing, how you keep your hair everything. Thats the first step of being glamorous. How do you maintain the glow of your skin? Well, there are various beauty products available in the country. But diet plays a very important role in maintaining good skin and hair. I eat sensibly, gym, do all healthy, normal things like yoga that all normal, healthconscious women will do. Do you oil your hair? Honestly, I dont get enough time to oil my hair. Instead I use LOreal Paris oil that works as a styling serum. It has Argan oil in it that is a big craze among women right now. You just apply it and go out. You dont need to wait for it to settle down and then wash your hair. And when I find time I use pure olive oil, that you find even in a food store, for my hair. Generally, todays women find oiling their hair very boring. That depends on how you are doing it. You can put some music on and have fun massaging your hair. As for me, since I have long hair I cant do oil message by my own. I have six sisters and mother. So I ask one of them to help me out with it. I dont find oiling my hair boring. Instead I find it the most relaxing part of my beauty regime. Do you have a bad hair day, something that scares most heroines? You know, I am lucky because my hair is not very coarse and unruly. Its pretty easy to handle once you wash it. The only problem is, for this I have to wash my hair every day and since I have long hair, too much time goes into it. Now that you have your kitty full of endorsements, do you have time to actually do little research on the products before saying yes? I wont say research, but I dont endorse a product if I am not familiar with the brand. Because people watch you in the ads and a lot of them will believe what you are trying to sell since you are an actor. Central Consumer Protection Council (CCPC) has ruled that consumers can claim compensation from celebrities in case of misleading advertisements. What do you have to say about it? I dont know much about it. But if this has happened, its good. It will help in quality control. It will make the actor as well as the brand a little more responsible and careful in making a claim. And it is important. We must not mislead people. If you are making a promise in an advertisement, hopefully your product should deliver the promise. Now that this new law has passed, do you look back and find there is an endorsement that you did despite having less faith in it? I have always been very conscious all throughout my career. If I go back, I wont be able to remember every line of every ad film I have done so far, but I have always been careful of not making wrong claims. I am pretty confident with everything I do.
Lantern Festival lights up the sky

Nilam Patel
hey say all you need is a little bit of luck, but what if you could find luck, love and lanterns in one place? Those of us, who attended Aucklands annual Chinese lantern festival, had a chance to grab all three. Albert Park, in the central city was decked up in lanterns of all shapes and sizes, including swans, roses, animals and traditional red and gold lanterns, all hanging from the trees like giant fairy lights. Dragons floated in the water fountain, whilst children had a cup of tea with their grandparents, and the warriors stood strong; the displays were simply admirable, giving an insight into daily life in China, telling a story worth capturing. One of the best attractions people noted was the street food; satay chicken, watermelon ice cream, rice cakes, dumplings and more. Queens Wharf was also included in the festivities as activities for children such as sand painting and movies were held there. Whilst a silk bamboo band, drums and the lion dance were performed at the park. The Lantern Festival is always celebrated on the first full moon following the Chinese New Year. This year it was held on the 13th of February through till the 16th. Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) have always organised this event in partnership
with The Asia New Zealand Foundation since its introduction in 2000. Also, the festival is commonly known as Chinese equivalent of Valentines Day, Yuan Xiao Jie, as young couples unite under the light of the lanterns. Couples here could also roam around the park as the timing of the festival coincided perfectly. And its The Year of the Horse in the Chinese Zodiac, which celebrates; energy, victory and adventure. People born into this zodiac are witty, elegant and charming, much like the festival itself! Although the real beauty of the Lantern Festival was truly the magical hand crafted Lanterns, which emitted a wonderful light over the whole park, almost as if youre walking the
streets of Beijing at night. AUT student, Faiza Shaheen says it was her very first time visiting the festival and she loved every bit of it, as she got to spend quality time with her family and also learn about a whole different culture coming from the same continent. However 28-year-old Abhishek Jaisawal, found it divided, as there were far too many options to choose from, such as which stall to buy food from or following the different pathways lit up by lanterns. I regretted not carrying around enough cash, as there were too many options to choose from, he says. And being a chef, there was plenty of good food to appreciate too. And adding the citys own tradition to it, The Sky Tower lit up the city further with a grand
scale display of fireworks, to bring the festival to an end on Sunday. But the festival will continue on in another corner of the woods, in Hagley Park North, Christchurch, spreading the luck, love and joy of lanterns.
34
ENTERTAINMENT
Bollywood multi-cultural crossover concert

unique cultural community event to promote the Indian Bollywood Phenomena with our kiwi brethren, conceived and put together by Nasha Entertainment Ltd & HDEV Productions will take place on the 10th of May 2014. Thus far Indian events have been catered and centered on Indian community events and special Indian celebrations. Though kiwis attend and do enjoy our larger than life rambunctious music and dance and certainly our wonderful Indian cuisine. Nasha (The Band) started in May 2012, decided to go the extra mile incorporating kiwis into the fray, adding the Ritz Event Entertainment Dancers as part of their song and dance routine. In 2013, Nasha embraced kiwi drum students to do percussion in some of their performances. This generated interest in a small way when they performed at local concerts. In 2014, Nasha with other Indian performers will add to this cultural melting pot, by joining forces to do a concert production with kiwi talent. The kiwi Indian talent is phenomenal and kiwi performers for this concert will match their counterparts. NASHA (THE BAND): Nasha are a 7-8 piece band of professional musicians who came together in 2012 to bring Bollywood, both classic and contemporary, to a NZ audience. In a very short time span, the band has played two years running (2012/2013)
at the Auckland Council Diwali Celebrations at Aotea Square as well as Indian community events, corporate events and fundraisers. The band has been featured in local Media both in print and on NZ airwaves. Band members have been chosen and put together for their amazing talent as well as their professional attitude. More information can be found on the website: www.nashaentertainment.co.nz
Clockwise from top left: Nasha (The Band); Ritz Event Entertainment Dancers; GAP 5 Singers; The Damsels Of Dhoom (Percussionists); Madeline Berry & Vocalese (Singers); Garagewalas Aka 50/50.
Rohit Guptas Life! Camera Action... enters the Limca Book of Records
L
imca Book of Records (Indias equivalent of Guinness World Records) honored acclaimed filmmaker Rohit Gupta for his award-winning feature film Life! Camera! Action... for setting two national records. The new record set is for the first full-length motion picture shot by just a two-member crew, producer/director Rohit Gupta & Ravi Kumar R; and the first film to release on Facebook. Since its release Life! Camera! Action... has received wide critical acclaim, earning over seventy international accolades in various categories including the prestigious Top Nine Most Popular and Board of Directors Special Awards, 28th Goldie Film Awards (USA), Orson Welles Award-California International Film Awards, Royal Reel Award- Canada International Film Festival, Grand Jury Award-Oregon Film Awards (USA), Best Feature Film-World Peace Film Festival and many others around the world. Renowned news producer Silicon India listed the film as One of the 10 Outstanding Movies by Indian American Filmmakers. The list includes Hollywood blockbusters such as The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable by M. Night Shyamalan, Mississippi Masala and Namesake by Mira Nair, and Fire and Earth by Deepa Mehta. This inspiring ninety-minute quasiautobiographical family drama features the struggle of the protagonist Reina - played by award winning actress Dipti Mehta - who sets off on a career in filmmaking against parental consent. Running the risk of being disowned for going against the norm of pursuing a future in engineering, medicine or architecture, the film celebrates the strength of the central
Charandas Chor: Call for auditions
P
The new record set is for the first full-length motion picture shot by just a two-member crew, producer/director Rohit Gupta & Ravi Kumar R; and the first film to release on Facebook.
character to challenge the rules regardless of the consequences. Rohits journey and the process of his work is widely considered a major source of inspiration to aspiring filmmakers, students of cinema and youth at large the world over. Gupta who has co-written, produced, directed, edited, written lyrics, shared credits in music and photography, marketed, branded and distributed his work, commented that It has been a marvelous journey and the road ahead looks equally interesting. New York-based Gupta is an MBA graduate and an alumni of the New York Film Academy. He first forayed into films with a four-minute American suspense-thriller film Another Day Another Life, which also received tremendous acclaim from around the world including an Official Selection at Cannes in 2009. He is currently working on the post-production of his upcoming American comedy feature titled Midnight Delight, due for release in 2014.
rayas Theatre and TAPAC Invite Actors to Audition for Charandas Chor. Charandas Chor, The Honest Thief Returns to Auckland! Auditions will be held at TAPAC, 100, Motions Road, Western Springs on 15th March. Prayas Theatre and TAPAC bring you a hilarious and timeless folk tale of the charming thief who lives by duping and dodging the law. Despite this he is curiously a man of principles and loved by none other than the Queen! Charandas Chor is an award winning Indian play with universal ethos by noted playwright Habib Tanvir. Directed by Margaret-Mary Hollins & Ahi Kaunaharan Charandas Chor will be staged at TAPAC 25th to 29th June 2014 Looking for Cast and Crew: Email Padma at akulapadma@gmail.com to register your interest.
ENTERTAINMENT
35
An Aotearoa Holi: Celebrating cultural diversity

H
oli has come very far from being a festival that at one time was exclusively celebrated by people of Indian ethnicity. Holis origin comes from the mythology of an arrogant king who resents his son Prahlad worshipping Lord Vishnu. After countless attempts to kill him, the kings sister Holika to comes to his aide. Holika was said to be immune from burning and thus she takes Prahlad into her lap and sits in the fire. However Prahlad doesnt get burnt but his aunty burns to death. Holi commemorates this event from mythology. Holi is also celebrated for good harvest and fertility of the land. Today it is a symbol of ethnic convergence. People from all works of life come together to celebrate new beginnings. To truly appreciate the cultural diversity that is Aotearoa, attending Waitakere Indian Associations celebration of Holi and Race Relations Day on the 22nd of March at The Trusts Stadium Grounds on Central Park Drive is a must. Race Relations Day is the time to reflect on our journey as a culturally diverse nation. Each year 21st March is observed around the globe as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The 2014 theme is: I am Aotearoa Together we grow. In the days around Race Relations Day community groups, councils, schools, workplaces, marae and places of worship are
Last years celebration saw some 5,000 people participate in the Holi Mela and we promised to bring a bigger and better one this year. Delicious Food, Coloured Powder and Exciting Performances make it a fun day out.
sentiments that New Zealand was happy to have migrants, who assisted the country, uplifted its economic ability and brought in their colorful cultures, which added to the brightness of the country and who assimilated well into the local community. Last years celebration saw some 5,000 people participate in the Holi Mela and we promised to bring a bigger and better one this year. Delicious Food, Coloured Powder and Exciting Performances make it a fun day out. As laughter and music fill the air and the colours mix to become one, it becomes apparent that we stand united in the love we have for our culture and our home. - Waitakere Indian Association
encouraged to host events and celebrations to acknowledge the value of cultural diversity and the need to support harmonious race relations. Human Rights Commission reiterates that Race Relations Day is a time when our community can do something to celebrate, to learn, to discuss, to plan or to promote diversity in your own context and to achieve diversity goals.
Waitakere Indian Association has been doing exactly that for the last 8 years by publicly celebrating Holi - the festival of colours which match the theme and intentions of race relations day. The uniformity of colours binds us as one people, one nation. New Zealand politicians and guests at last years celebration commended Indian community for the all-encompassing carnival. They echoed the
36
EVENTS
WHATSOn
Sunidhi Chauhan Live in Auckland Pasifika Festival Auckland St. Patricks Fair Day
Come along and join us for the start of our St Patricks week Festivities. A great day full of entertainment, fun and activities for all ages including, gaelic football for adults & kids, food stalls, bar, kids rides, face painting, vertical bungy, irish music, irish dancing, games for all.
An Eve of Indian Classical Music A Charity Concert
Avenue, Auckland Admission: Free More information: www.aucklandirish.co.nz/
When: Sunday 9 March, 11:00am 5:00pm Where: Fowlds Park, 1 Rocky Nook
CFI Events brings Sunidhi Chauhan to Auckland yet again due to public demand! The forthcoming concert of Sunidhi Chauhan coincides with a landmark celebration - 10 Years of events by CFI. Sunidhi is known to have established herself as one of the most powerful singers in Bollywood. Internationally, she has collaborated with Enrique Iglesias, on a track called Heartbeat, featured in his album Euphoria. A live performer par excellence.
ASB Polyfest
Island hop til you drop at Pasifika Festival 2014, experience the sights, sounds, tastes and colours of the Pacific without even leaving Auckland. New in 2014 for the first time in the festivals 22 year history, Hawaii joins the Pasifika Festival family, alongside Aotearoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nuie, Samoa, Tahiti, Tokelau, Tonga and Tuvalu. With 1000 performers on 11 stages, 200 stalls selling crafts and over 150 different food dishes for two days in one place dont miss Pasifika Festival 2014.
The ASB Polyfest is the largest Maori & Pacific Island cultural festival in the world. The festival is an iconic Auckland event which is now in its 39th year. Students will compete on five stages - Cook Islands, Maori, Niue, Samoan and Tongan. There is also a Diversity Stage featuring performances cultural groups such as Chinese, Fijian and Indian, Korean, Sri Lankan.
Sargam School of Indian Music is presenting a classical music night featuring Pt RakeshChaurasia (Disciple & Nephew of Legendary PtHari Prasad Chaurasia) one of Indias leading flautist, accompanied by BasantMadhur on Tabla live in concert. All funds raised will be donated for the construction of Shri Ram TempleHenderson.
When: Wednesday 12 March, 12:00pm

Saturday 15 March, 5:00pm
Campbell Centre, 217 Greenlane Rd West, Epsom, Auckland Admission: 0508 iTICKET [484-253], 09 361 1000. To purchase your tickets online, go to www.iticket.co.nz/events/2014/mar/ sunidhi-chauhan-live-in-concert
When: Friday, 7th March, 8pm Where: ASB Showgrounds, Logan
When: Saturday 8 March 10.00am to 5.00pm

(all villages open) Where: Western Springs Lakeside Park, 859 Great North Rd, Western Springs, Auckland This is an alcohol and smoke-free family friendly event.
Where: Manukau Sports Bowl, 1 Boundary

Road, Auckland
Admission: Adult: $5.00 (Door Sales Only) Website: www.asbpolyfest.co.nz
Girls Grammar School, 16 Howe St, Auckland Admission: $50 ( VIP ) $40 & $25 available at Yogi Ji Food mart- Mt Roskill, Lotus Foreign Exchange- Westfield St Lukes& New Lynn . For Tickets & more info contact BasantMadhur on 626 2646 / 021 035 7954 & DeepakMadhur on : 8274151/ 02102643739
When: 6:30 pm, Saturday, 8th March 2014 Where: Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland
presents another highly intelligent, humorous and mind stimulating Hindi play
Mar eech Ka Khel

Direction: Jayanta Bhaduri Music: Amit Sengupta
Tickets: $30, $25, $20 and $15 at Playhouse Theatre, 15 Glendale Road, Glen Eden, West Auckland. Saturday 1st March, 2014 At: 06.30 pm Sunday 2nd March, 2014 At: 05.30 pm
For tickets please contact
Pavitra: 021 445 166
Proudly supported by: Sponsors:
Jayanta: 278 4820
Ujjal: 021 250 6823

Media partners:
For more information please go to www.rangmanch.org.nz
ENTERTAINMENT
37
Bollywood Affair: Bringing Bollywood to High Street

Vaibhav Saklani
f you have been craving Bollywood music, a vibrant party, and the comfort of an elegant ambience, your prayers have been answered. It is time to shake a leg, and revel as you indulge at the Bollywood Affair, on No. 1, High Street. Bollywood Affair will open amid much fan fare on the 1st of March, as hundreds have already signed up for the grand opening night party. Showcase Hospitality in association with DJ Areeb has stepped up to the challenge of giving the Indian patrons a product that was elusive for a while, a night club with an up market Bollywood fusion scene. The much acclaimed DJ Areeb and his charming partner DJ Charlie have paired up again in this new venture to enthrall the party goers. Bollywood Affair is going to be the pinnacle of Bollywood nightlife in New Zealand. The professional youth of Indian origin always needed a place to socialise that matched their standard and excelled in its field just like them. Bollywood Affair caters to the more urban Indians who demand quality in every aspect. Bollywood Affair provides a safe and fun environment for young working professionals in the Indian community here in Auckland city to come and enjoy the night life with their own twist. We felt that this market was in need of a classy venue to host such a night and we are glad that we could provide this environment that the market demands here at No.1 High Street, said Billy Vasdev.
With its plush interior, heated tiled bar, experienced mixologists and personal host its one of Auckland Citys hot spots. At High Street, being right in the heart of the city, what better place can there be, the venue is the USP, he added. With a state of the art interior and industrys finest hospitality, Bollywood Affair, is set to become Auckland citys very first Urban Indian nightclub. New Zealands finest Bollywood-Fusion DJs DJ Areeb and DJ Charlie are all set to take centre stage on 1st March for the grand opening of this glamorous nightspot. Known for their choice of quality music and making hundreds of fans along the way, this DJ duo have mesmerized youth across
Australia and New Zealand. DJ Areeb has taken the quality of Desi nightlife to every corner of New Zealand, where he reigns as New Zealands #1 Bollywood - Fusion DJ. With over 100,000 downloads of his mixes, he is
the only Bollywood-Fusion DJ in New Zealand that is internationally recognised for his music. His signature smooth mixing of tracks and the stable energy levels in his mixes still ignites dance floors across the globe. For years the more professional Indian youth had nowhere to go for a great Desi nightout. Bollywood Affair is the answer to the requirements of those urban Indians that do not settle for general. I am looking forward to finally seeing the second and third generation Indian youth that always felt hesitant to experience anything Bollywood due to bad experiences in their past, said Areeb. I believe a good night out is a combination of - good music, ambience of the place and great service. And its been a mission for urban Indians finding a place offering all of the above at one place. Bollywood Affair is one of Aucklands finest tailored propositions. Very excited to revolutionize the Bollywood scene in New Zealand and see people experiencing quality night outs at Bollywood Affair, added Dj Charlie. Dj Charlie, is one of the most in demand Desi DJs in New Zealand, The female DJ who started off as an electro house DJ and today undoubtedly sits as the finest Bollywood female DJ in New Zealand. Having returned from their well received Australia tour they say they are excited about New Zealand finally having a quality Bollywood Nightlife scene. Having a Bollywood club right in the centre of the city and not away in the duns of the dark alleys, not in a makeshift venue but in a venue that is worthy of greeting its patrons with equal eloquence calls for a celebration. Bollywood Affair has opened its doors, time to party all night.
38
ENTERTAINMENT
Laugh along as Hasee toh Phasee snares you, with love

Shreya Bakshi
MOVIE REVIEW
egardless of how irrelevant the title is to the plot of the film, Hasee Toh Phasee is most definitely a refreshing change from the regular garbage available for consumption. It is like that sugar free chocolate; it is rare, its chocolate, and it wont make you fat. What I mean is, Hasee Toh Phasee is your typical Hindi film with the usual naach, gaana, bajana, and a love triangle. BUT here comes the sugar free chocolate; its female centric, with a much weaker male lead. Although Siddharth Malhotra plays an important role, his character still plays second fiddle to Parineetis character in the film. Parineeti really does steal the show in this film! She plays an uber smart odd ball, with a rather paradoxical personality that grows on you by the time youre done watching the film. The film itself, has somewhat of a screwball comedy feel to it; a genre that was popularized in Hollywood during the Great Depression. It was heavily characterized by a female character who dominates the relationship and where the masculinity of the male character is constantly challenged; quite a constant theme in this film. Siddharth Malhotra, despite of being the
male lead, is rather unlike the typical Hindi film hero. Hes sharp, but quite a bit of loser; he cant seem to put his mind to anything and perpetually wants the easy the way out. He does however, go out of his way to help Parineetis character Meeta, achieve her goals, but, as far as his own character is concerned, it lacks any sort of substantial grounding and any agency. Malhotras acting skills dont help the character
much either, quite sadly. The films music does not go in its favour either. Yes, it does have a few catchy numbers, but theyre quite forgettable; the music is quite unlike what Vishal Shekhar have ever produced, extremely average. The only track that seems to stand out is Ishq Bulaava, a soft romantic Punjabi number which is quite pleasing.
The films newbie director, however, feels that being an ad film maker, gives him a certain advantage over assistant directors as an ad filmmakers experience of filmmaking is more hands on; No, Mr Mathew, in your case, it does not stand true. The direction of the film is quite misguided; its probably the reason why the plot of the film itself seems misguided, and loosely tied together. As a viewer, I experienced a slight uneasiness because there were moments where my attention was broken by unnecessary pauses in the progression of the plot; certain unexplained and unfinished flashbacks, which even if they were required, felt uncomfortable. It was like wearing your contact lenses incorrectly; you can see perfectly well, yet theres a constant itch in your eye. Nonetheless, this haphazard plot does work because it keeps you hooked and personally, I give credit to the time and effort that has been put into creating the character Meeta, played by Parineeti Chopra. The only aspect of the film that shines is this spunky Guajarati brainiac, who is sure to win you over! As for the film itself, I will leave it to you lot to decide; I am still unsure about my feelings for this one. It is an odd film, which really is the best description I can give. However, it is interesting enough to keep you engaged, funny enough to make you giggle, at times and sweet enough to make you sigh.
RECIPE
Rubys Kitchen
By Ruby Dhillon
KAJU KATLI (Dairy Free Mithai)

Ingredients 1cup- cashew nuts 1/2cup- sugar 200ml- water
Method Grind cashews into a powder using a blender or food processor. Boil the water and add sugar. Keep stirring till it is thick. Now your chasni ( sugar syrup) of water and sugar is made. Add cashew powder to the chasni mix until absorbed. Keep stirring until the mixture is like a thick dough. Roll the dough into approx 1 cm thick layer in a flat container and let it cool and set. You can apply the silver wark to decorate the top. Then cut it diagonally to make pieces and serve.
ENTERTAINMENT
39
Holi, the festival of colors in Auckland

H
oli is a fun festival which is celebrated with diversity of colours. Holi celebration commences with the lighting of bonfire on the eve of Holi. Various legends and stories linked with Holi celebration make the festival more energetic and colourful. Colours on Holi festival are symbols of a more colourful, interactive and joyful life. Colours give a sense of novelty, freshness and vibrations to our mind. With the celebration of Holi, people get an amazing chance to send blessings and love to their loved ones. Indian culture has been celebrated in New Zealand with the same enthusiasm as in India. This year the festival is taking place on the 17th of March. Find out more at: pacific.org.nz/events/holifestival-of-colours-and-pacific-fun-day/ 23 March 2014 Holi- Festival of Colours ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple grounds at 1229 Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, Auckland Timing 12pm to 6 pm Hundreds of people, dressed in white, come together to share in music, dance, performance art, and spiritual upliftment. Holi brings this unforgettable timeless experience to the people of Auckland. This event is 100% family friendly. Everyone is welcome. You can find out more about this festival at: harekrishna. org.nz/events/ These events represent a celebration of the Colours of Unity and Brotherhood. They give an opportunity to forget differences and indulge in fun activities. This annual festival, gives people the blessing to throw coloured and scented powders at each other and they represent the variety and colourfulness in life. These events are compounded with singing, dancing and with variety of food stalls. - Apurva Ratan
EVENTS:
16 March 2014 Holi Festival of Colours and Pacific Fun Day Vodafone Events Centre, Manukau City, Auckland. Timing 12pm to 8pm. Free family fun filled event, celebrating Holi Festival of Colours and Pacific Fun Day. Food and information stalls, kids activities and rides, performances and entertainment.
Holi Safety Tips Here are a few tips and suggestion to make your Holi safe and joyous.
Play safe. Dont get to boisterous and do not let others to be rude on you. The best option would be to play with natural home made colours. Your skin and hair will feel tampered with the use of skin friendly natural products. Use more of red or pink colours which looks good and can easily taken off. Gaudy purple, green, yellow, orange have more harmful chemicals in them and should be avoided. Make sure that your face is well creamed before and after the play. Apply thick coating of paint on your nailsboth in fingers and toes so that they remain protected. Oil your hair well, so that colour doesnt stick on your hair and can be washed off easily later. Make sure that powder or any other product does not get inside your eyes. Eyes are extremely vulnerable on Holi because of their strategic place in body and also because of the use of harmful chemicals in colors these days. Please ensure that your eyes remain protected at all times. Use a sunglass to protect your eyes from a misfire of colour filled darts or water jets. Use dental caps to save your teeth from any unwanted stains. Put on your worst clothes so that you wont have to take on the hassles of an immediate washing. Rags like tattered denims and bright shades like black, blue, green, purple are highly recommended. Try to save yourself off from all possible attacks on the face. In case your such attempts fail, keep your eyes and lips tightly shut if you are attacked on your face. Take a bath much later after the entire Holi celebration is over. Taking frequent baths, washing the face again and again, will ruin your skin. You will also lose hair, for too much soap/shampoo has a drying effect. If you are prone to skin allergies, avoid playing with gulal altogether. Going to a dermatologist (skin specialist) serves no purpose, after the damage is done. Avoid running on jumping on wet floors, so that you dont slip and injure yourself. Bones are especially vulnerable on this day. Avoid over indulgence in bhang, drinks or food... so that you dont repent later. Do not drive if you are high on alcohol or bhang.
40
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28 February, 2014 Vol. 5 Issue 20 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Bringing inter-cultural understanding through Holi Festival S

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Deputy Mayor aims to boost diversity

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An evening with Avadhoot Gupte

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