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 A Better New Zealand December 05 - December 12 , 2019 I 3

Sudima Hotels are the “Efficiency Champion”

of New Zealand
- the group won the category at the NZI Sustainable
Business Network Award 2019, held on November 28; this
award is presented to an organisation making significant
resource saving improvements to its operations
Y ear-after-year, Sudima Hotels, has
proven why the Group is “a great
example of the meaningful contribution
made by Indian investment and the Kiwi-
Indian community in New Zealand”,
as noted by the New Zealand High
Commission in India in a recent tweet.
What prompted this, is the chain of hotels
winning another – in a series of many over
previous years – accolade in appreciation
of its sustainability efforts. It was crowned
the Efficiency Champion at 2019 NZI
Sustainable Business Network Award at a
function held in Auckland on November
28, with almost 700 business leaders in
attendance. The annual awards recognise
the people and businesses leading the
change to a more sustainable New
Zealand.
Notably, early this year, Sudima
Hotels, had won three New Zealand
Tourism Awards, including the Supreme
Tourism Award, the biggest in the New
Zealand tourism industry, as well as the
Environmental Award and the Employer of
Choice Award.
All these recognitions come as Sudima
Hotels gears up for an exciting year
ahead. “After opening its five-star Sudima
Christchurch City this year on top of three
existing hotels in Auckland, Rotorua and
Christchurch, the group is set to open a
hotel in the Auckland CBD and Kaikōura
in late 2020,” informs the Group. -TIN
Bureau
This is how the Award citation reads: practice and new ideas.
“Sudima Hotels owns and operates In the last year, Sudima Hotels has
New Zealand’s only three CarboNZero decreased carbon emissions by an
certified hotels. Sustainability has been audited 46.8 metric tonnes. Water usage
integrated into the hotels from day one has been reduced by 21 litres for each
and the process is continuous. kilogram of linen washed. Landfill waste
CarboNZero forms part of a strategic has been cut by 12%.
commitment to reducing the Sudima Hotels has a goal of being
environmental footprint at every single-use plastic free by 2020. In the last
operational level, engaging every team 12 months, it has been systematically
member. At monthly meetings, teams eliminating or replacing more than
report on progress against goals. 250 items, such as single-use guest
Annually, all hotels unite to discuss best shampoos and plastic milk bottles.”
Sudima Hotels Chief
Executive Sudesh
Jhunjhnuwala notes,
“Sustainability has
been a core value and
at the heart of many
initiatives for Sudima
Hotels over many
years. We are proud
that our efforts have
been recognised by the
New Zealand Tourism
Awards judges and
hope that others will
join us in doing more
for customers, staff,
communities and the
environment.”

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4 I December 05 - December 12 , 2019 AUCKLAND

South Asian communities Sri Lankans lift the Inter-Ethnic

will meet Immigration NZ
to discuss visa issues soon
A group of community leaders,
representing South Asian
countries, will soon be meeting the
Immigration New Zealand officials and
higher management to take up their
immigration concerns with them.
This comes after the leaders met
the Immigration Minister Iain Lees-
Galloway and the Minister of Ethnic
Communities Jenny Salesa late last
month. The ministers were presented
with a memorandum highlighting the
concerns of the communities, in view
of the recent changes in immigration
settings as regards to partnership and
parent visa categories. It also included
some recommendations such as:
Tap Ball Cricket Tournament 2019
reopening all the applications for student
visa and partnership based temporary
visas declined between Feb 2019 and Nov
2019;
• INZ staff dealing with the South Asian
countries to be trained on the cultural
aspects of those countries and their
arranged marriages traditions;
• INZ management in Mumbai be The finalists - Sri Lankan team
replaced with experiences and trained Epsom Lightening and Pakistani
staff and decision be made under the team Nengyalees
fairness principle rather than directed by
the operational demands.
As reported earlier, several Kiwi-South It was a glorious day of summer
Asian communities including from India, cricket, which brought the Indian
Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, formed sub-continent together
a five-member action committee last

• Setting up of a consultation group
representing South Asian countries;
• Cultural reports to be made mandatory
requirements and consideration for the
immigration officers (supporting judicial
framework and case law submitted);
• INZ Officers discretionary powers to
be structured and transparent. Under
the fairness principle, full disclosure of
the framework depicting the exercise of
discretionary powers to be made public.
This to address the inconsistencies in
the decision-making process of the INZ’s
quasi-judicial officers;
• Parent Visa to be made subject to
average income threshold or the medical
insurance;
• The Minister’s direction to INZ for
month to take up their immigration
concerns with the Central Government
collectively.
Sunny Kaushal, spokesperson of the
newly-formed committee, noted, “The
ministers have assured that they will get
back to us on our recommendations. The
Immigration Minister particularly told
us that he has directed INZ to report to
him on a weekly basis, so that there are
no, what he called, surprises - as had
happened with changes in the settings
of culturally-arranged partnership visas.
Now, the next step for us is to meet the
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) higher
management to put forward our views to
them as well, which will happen soon.”
-TIN Bureau
O
rganised by the Pakistani Association
of New Zealand (PANZ), the Inter-
Ethnic Tap Ball Cricket Tournament 2019,
which saw 16 teams from Pakistan, India,
Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh
participate, had an eventual winner.
With the finalists, a Sri Lankan team
Epsom Lightening and a Pakistani team
Nengyalees unable to play due to bad
weather, toss decided in favour of the
former. Though the prize money was
shared equally between the two teams.
Other participating teams were Bengal
United, Pashtoon United, Slogger, S/P
Eleven, Kebab Masters, Shield, South
Stars, Hard Hitters, Auckland Tigers,
Lynfield Fighters, Afghan Zalmi, PANZ
Shaheens, Halal Gang and Black Hawks.
Of these, the Bangladeshi team Bengal
United and the Indian team S/P Eleven
lost their respective semi-finals against
Nengyalees and Epsom Lightening.
Naveed Hameed, President of PANZ,
informed, “We also had two more prizes,
which were won by Jawaid Akhtar from
the Nengyalees who was rated as the best
batsman of the tournament, while the
best bowler prize went to Perry from S/P
Eleven.”
“Events like these help in understanding
each other’s culture and assembling a
diverse community in New Zealand. Our
goal is to spread the message of love and
respect for all communities through such
initiatives,” he added. -TIN Bureau

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AUCKLAND December 05 - December 12 , 2019 I 5

Kirtan and langar Iskcon Auckland’s

brings Auckland float the best in
CBD to life Santa parades

Pictures courtesy: ISKCON Auckland; The Hare Krishna float at the Ellerslie Village
Santa Parade, Auckland, on December 1.

F ollowing from their winning the first

prize in Rotorua’s Santa Parade on
November 30, Iskcon Auckland’s added
parades that happen this time of the year
in the suburbs surrounding Auckland
city”, said the organisation in a Facebook
another feather in its cap, by being judged post.
Guru Nanak Free Kitchen Auckland, Sikh Youth New Zealand, and Akal Foundation, all got
together last weekend, and organised a three-hour kirtan (live devotional music performed by the best float in Ellerslie Village Santa
Rhythm School of Indian music) and langar (free shared kitchen) in the Auckland CBD Parade that took place on December 1. Apart from the rath yatras scheduled
in various parts of Auckland this
“For the second Rathyatra parade in a week, Iskcon Auckland is gearing up
About Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen donations, blankets, sleeping bags, row, Lord of the Universe Jagannatha, to participate in the Annual Queen’s
or volunteer their time, can check Baladev, and Subhadra, take 1st Prize for Street Rath Yatra [Saturday, December 7,
The Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen, concept their Facebook page for details at @ best float. As the Rath cart rolls down 11am], and the Santa Parade in Hamilton
was developed in April 2017, when a group GuruNanaksfreekitchenAkl. -TIN Bureau the street blessings the thousands who [Sunday, December 8, 2.30pm].
of like minded individuals got together turn out for one of the many Christmas -TIN Bureau
to help feed those in need, as well as
encourage Sikh youth and organizations
to volunteer their time and services.
Subsequent events have been planned
every month, with langars happening
outside the Central City Library on the
last Saturday of every month. Following
the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev, the Free
Kitchen follows the philosophy of selfless
sewa [service]. It says, “For the Sikh
community, this project is not missionary
in nature, instead it is an opportunity for
us to extend this true Sikh spirit of helping
those in need regardless of caste, colour,
creed, and economic status.”

Those willing to help with monetary Pic Credits: Guru Nanak's Free Kitchen Auckland

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6 I December 05 - December 12 , 2019 WELLINGTON

NZ MPs meet
Indian counterparts
A s part of the
inaugural
Parliamentary Friendship
Group exchange, New
Zealand Parliament’s
South and South East
Asia Parliamentary
Friendship Group,
led by co-chairs Greg
O’Connor MP (Labour)
and Kanwaljit Singh
Bakshi MP (National),
met India’s Minister of
State for External Affairs
V Muraleedharan, in New
Delhi on November 25.
As noted by the Minister,
the discussions were
on measures “to further strengthen
Parliamentary ties, trade and
connectivity” between the two
countries.
Notably, Singh and O’Connor were
leading the delegation of New
Zealand MPs to Indonesia and India
for official visits between November
17 to 25. Their Friendship Group
is one of the seven parliamentary
friendship groups within the New
Zealand Parliament.
“The purpose of the exchange is to
strengthen New Zealand’s bilateral
relations with these countries and to
promote New Zealand in the South
and South East Asia region. The (India's Minister of State for External Affairs
delegation also includes Melissa Lee V Muraleedharan meeting the delegation
from New Zealand South and South East
MP (National) and Tim Macindoe MP Parliamentary Friendship Group in New Delhi)
(National). The exchange will begin
business groups with particular
in Jakarta, before heading to Mumbai
relevance to New Zealand,” Speaker
and Delhi. Each stop includes
of New Zealand Parliament Trevor
engagements with the respective
Mallard had said in a release before
Parliaments, as well as with various
the visit began. -TIN Bureau

Indian D alvir Singh Khangura, Member

of Legislative Assembly (MLA)
was felicitated by Chris Bishop,
MP for Hutt South from National

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WPSCC members Balwinder Kang,
Party, who guided him through
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with a token of appreciation. The
politician was also accompanied by
Thirath Atwal from the Auckland

Zealand
Gurpreet Dhillon, Daler Bal and Kabaddi Federation during his visit
Prince Saggu invited him for a to the capital. -TIN Bureau
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Deborah Russell
Labour List MP based in New Lynn, Auckland.
recent announcement on the
school investment package is a shot
in the arm for our schools and will
create jobs in every community in
the country. State schools opened
before 2015 will next year receive
up to $400,000 for classroom
maintenance and building upgrades.
This investment is the biggest capital
injection of its kind in at least 25
years.
The government recognised
that a significant portion of New
Zealand schools are in need of
modernisation. Around 68%
are at least 40 years old. The
Labour-led government, like any
prudent property owner, knows
it’s important to keep up-to-date
with maintenance. Small issues,
if left unaddressed, can result in
significant costs down the track, so
it’s best to get these done right away.
This capital investment will mean
who have had to fundraise for school
maintenance. Parents in many of our
communities are already financially
that maintenance projects can now
stretched, so this funding boost,
be completed more quickly. At the
along with the recent introduction
moment, schools spend a significant
of extra money for schools who
portion of their property budget on
forgo voluntary donations, will help
remedying health and safety and
ordinary families.
infrastructure work, so have to defer
spending on modernisation and The work to improve our schools
upgrade work. can be done by local tradespeople,
so local economies will also get a
Principals in the New Lynn
boost. Schools will be able to employ
electorate have told me they are
local builders, plumbers, carpenters,
excited at news of the funding
roofers and landscapers, providing
boost, which will be put to good
use repainting buildings, repairing
an opportunity for work in every
town and city in the country.
drains and doorways, updating
classrooms and generally speeding The school investment package is
up the provision of improved good policy all round. It’s good for
learning environments for their our schools, good for our families,
students. and good for our communities. Best
of all, it’s good for our children. Let’s
The investment package will also
keep doing this.
reduce pressure on communities
IMMIGRATION
Pathway Student Visa will become Reapply if you were previously
permanent from January 2021 declined a visitor visa to join
- the pilot project will continue until then
T he Government has announced that
the Pathway Student Visa pilot will
continue until January 2021, after which
it will become a permanent visa category.
This pilot was introduced in December
2015, to enable international students to
study up to three consecutive courses on
a single student visa for up to five years.
The visa is only available for study with
approved education providers and for
some courses of study.
Immigration NZ said in a release, “We
are making two changes to the Pathway
Student Visa when it becomes permanent
in January 2021.
• Education providers will only be able
to qualify to be a Pathway education
Immigration NZ says sorry to 108 people it made
overstayers with delays
I mmigration New Zealand has
apologised for telling immigrants
they could become overstayers when
administrative delays left them without
a visa.More than 100 people became
unlawful overstayers after their interim
visa expired. More are expiring as
immigration officials struggle to process
a backlog of applications for temporary
partnership visas.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) says
it will now issue three-month visas -
matching the visa the immigrant was
on previously - to those who are already
overstaying, within a week.
The policy director of the Association
for Migration and Investment, Arunima
Dhingra, welcomed that. INZ's accelerated
restructure, higher than predicted visa
numbers and a lack of trained staff, have
caused long waiting times, especially
for residence and partnership visas.
Those delays meant the interim visa - a
six-month bridging visa - was no longer
enough for immigration officers to finalise
cases, she said.
"I know they're looking at clearing this
backlog now, but it's the people that have
been impacted and how they are going to
be looked after is, that is of the essence,"
provider if we approve
at least 80 percent of the
applications we receive from
offshore students intending
to study with them.
• We will update restrictions
around study pathways
that start with English
language study so they are
consistent with the English
language requirements for
international students set
out in the New Zealand
Qualifications Framework (NZQF)
Programme Approval and Accreditation
Rules 2018.
All other criteria in the pilot will remain
the same.”
It also added that while the pilot is on,
no new education providers can become
part of the scheme. And those already on
such a visa, their conditions will remain
the same.
Immigration NZ will be releasing further
information before the scheme becomes
permanent in 2021. -TIN Bureau
she added. "It's been a tough year for
immigration, there's a lot of legislative
changes that have happened in the last 12
months or so.
"It's been a tough year for everyone
who's been in the industry, I think on the
immigration side and on our side as well.
So it is appreciated that Immigration
[New Zealand] is apologising that it's
taken that long."
It would be particularly stressful for
immigrants who did not have professional
advice, she said.
"I think it's been very daunting for those
people to not know where they're at, or
what options they've got, or how bad
things could get if this doesn't come out
flying and approved. So it would be very
daunting for them, they'd be lost."
Immigration lawyer Richard Small said
he was shocked to receive an email from
INZ suggesting his client should become
unlawful.
"We have a heartbreaking story regarding
a genuine couple who are married, and
are waiting for a work visa, have been on
an interim visa for six months, that's going
to expire. And I have just received the
most extraordinary email from Hamilton,
December 05 - December 12 , 2019 I 7
your partner in New Zealand
O n December 2, Immigration New
Zealand said in a release, “We have
contacted a group of people who were
and make a decision on the application,
which will be intimated to the applicants
via email. We will assess each application
recently declined visas to visit a New against our requirements, based on the
Zealand citizen or resident partner. These information and evidence provided by the
people have been told they may apply for a applicant.”
visitor visa which will be assessed against -TIN Bureau
updated guidelines.
The fee for this
application will be
waived.”
“Applicants must
meet all requirements
for a visitor visa and
there is no guarantee
in any particular case
that a visa will be
granted,” it added.
On how these
applications
will be assessed,
Immigration
NZ added, “An
immigration officer
will assess all the
information provided
suggesting that they just become
overstayers for a while.
overstayers by their expiring interim visa
could be assured that their short term
unlawful status would not affect any
"It's actually illegal. It's a huge concern, it's
misleading and illegal." future decisions on their visa applications,
said head of border and visa operations
In the email, a case officer wrote: "We are
Nicola Hogg.
aware that your client's interim visa is
"What we're going to do about that is
approaching expiry. We are endeavouring
contact all of those individuals in the next
to allocate applications before the interim
couple of days to let them know that they
expires. We would normally advise that
will be issued a visa within the next week,
your client should leave the country to
ensure they are not unlawful. which will obviously allow them to remain
lawfully in New Zealand while we assess
"But in the current circumstances, your
their applications.
client's open application would mean it
"We're an organisation that believes in
would be unlikely any compliance process
owning our mistakes and taking the
would be initiated. They could choose to
remain in the country and would remain necessary steps to put it right. And so we
unlawful until the application is allocated, are working really hard to make it right for
processed and decided. these people within the next week."
-RNZ
"When considering your client's unlawful
status period in the future,
Immigration New Zealand
would look at the mitigating
circumstances of when your
application was submitted,
allocated and decided."
INZ said it did not know how
many people received the email
template.
The 108 immigrants made into
8 I December 05 - December 12 , 2019
A Kiwi-Indian is leading the green homes
revolution in New Zealand
- will be launching a trial in New Zealand to generate electricity using a cow’s urine soon
K ush Bhargava, a naturopath by
profession, who comes from Madhya
Pradesh in India, has been leading the
green homes revolution in New Zealand
since 2010, when he established his
company, the Wellington-based Eco Green
Homes.
“I moved to New Zealand in 2004, and
after dabbling in few professions, I started
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doors, as well
9-star Homestar rated home (version
as hydro power computerized shower,”
4). This year, Bhargava is on course
Bhargava adds.
to complete another home, aiming to
“In addition though, all our homes are achieve 10-star on Homestar (version 4) –
integrated with our Indian Vaastushastra which will be the first in the North Island.
and Chinese Feng Shui. We also meet
other international standards such as
“We are also working on one
International Dark-Sky Association, and of the New Zealand’s first
bird-friendly glazing.” house, which will run on
power generated by traditional
These efforts by Eco Green Homes’,
to be environment-friendly, has been
methods, of using cow’s urine.
recognised nationally. We will be launching the trials
soon,” he concludes.
In 2017, it became the only company in
the country to build a 10-star house as
rated on version 3 of Homestar by the New
Zealand Green Building Council. It also
got 5 stars – the maximum - on Lifemark
World Class Accessibility ratings.
Then in 2018, it built Wellington’s first
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 From SOUTH ISLAND
Get liquor delivered in under half-
hour, courtesy a Kiwi-Indian start-up
A Kiwi-Indian couple, who launched
their food-delivery start-up Give
Me Bread in Christchurch in 2017, have
ventured into a New Zealand first.
The husband-wife duo of Abhay Pratap,
who graduated from the University of
Canterbury, and Chandni Jain, are now
promising to deliver liquor to their
customers in under half-an-hour, aided by
a team of dedicated drivers.
Pratap, who looks after marketing in the
company, noted, “Our customers love how
easy it is to order their favourite drink
in seconds. We have repeat orders every
week from busy professionals who want
the simplicity of their favourite beverage
arriving at the door – perfect for when
visitors arrive unexpectedly.”
On the question of their point of
difference over other food delivery
companies, he added, “There are many.
Christmas in Hagley Park
C hristmas came early in the Garden
City, with the annual Christmas in
the Park event held on November 30, in
First is our loyalty point programme.
When a customer make a purchase of $20
using our app, he or she instantly gets $1
back. Then comes, our lowest commission
rates in the market. This indirectly
benefits the customers, as they avail the
cheapest prices using our app.”
As regards to the future, the company,
which recently got the liquor delivery
license from Christchurch City Council, is
planning to expand to the neighbouring
towns of Selwyn, Timaru, Ashburton
among others.
“We already have over 120 restaurants
on board, with 30 more coming soon.
We believe what differentiates us in the
market is and will be our service delivery.
So instead of venturing into big cities
like Auckland and Wellington, we want
to target customers in small cities and
towns, where there exists a vacuum,”
Pratap explained. -TIN Bureau
the North Hagley Park. (all pictures are
courtesy JK Images)
December 05 - December 12 , 2019 I 9
Other Indian food delivery start-ups
• Zomato, founded in 2008 by two Indians Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah,
entered New Zealand in 2013. It has presence in more than 25 countries now, and
provides information, menus and user-reviews of restaurants, and also has food
delivery options from partner restaurants in select cities.
• Swiggy, founded in 2014, is mostly India-centric and operates in more than 100
Indian cities. It has expanded in general product deliveries as well, under the brand
Swiggy Stores. It has also launched an instant pick up and drop off service Swiggy Go.
Hindi Diwas (Day)
celebrated in Christchurch
“In New Zealand though, the celebrations
have more to do with preserving the
Indian culture, history, traditions and
language, by passing on the knowledge
of Hindi to the younger generation who
otherwise are just used to speaking
English. That's why we make sure that
we celebrate Hindi Diwas every year,”
said Kala Nand, a primary school
teacher, who runs regular Hindi classes
T he Day commemorates the listing
of Hindi as the official language of
India along with English, which happened
in Christchurch, under the Canterbury
Hindi Language Trust, which was founded
in 2007. This year the celebrations were
on September 14, 1949. It also marks a bit delayed due to the ongoing measles
the efforts put in by successive Indian outbreak, but still the children showed
governments over the years to promote
the language as the symbol of Indian
huge interest in keep learning their
mother tongue, she added. -TIN Bureau
unity.
10 I December 05 - December 12 , 2019 Editor's NOTE

Auckland’s Humm FM to
host a 48-hour-radiothon
‘Christmas for Kids’
- four of the station’s RJs will be on air continuously for two days

F or the fifth year in a row, Auckland-

Thank you to all our donors, you’re real
life savers! And now we’ve made saving
lives even easier with our new and
improved app. It features everything you
need to book your next blood donation
appointment in New Zealand and much
more.
based radio station Humm 106.2FM
will be hosting a 48-hour-radiothon,
Christmas for Kids. It will start from
Thursday, December 5, 6pm, and will go
on till Saturday, December 7, 6pm. During
this time, members of the public can go to
Book your next whole blood or plasma the station’s Morningside office and pass
appointment (not available for platelet on gifts, which will then be distributed
donors). by the Salvation Army to less fortunate
Search for a place to donate. children this Christmas season.
Look up your donation history. Humm FM Director, Roshila Prasad, who
Book, reschedule or cancel an
appointment.
is a Fiji-Indian and immigrated to New
Zealand 33-years ago, noted, "Christmas is
a time of giving and sharing. So as a radio
station we are doing our part by providing
a platform to our listeners to become a
Santa for the less fortunate children, who
otherwise would have gone without a
present this Christmas.”
Last year’s Radiothon collected 7.700 gifts
for children, a number Prasad hopes, will
be bettered this time.
-TIN Bureau

Sports
unite
This issue is important. Be it the first-ever
NZ Sikh Games or the tape ball cricket
tournament organised by the Pakistani
Association of New Zealand. Last
weekend showed us the power of people
to people contact. The power of sports in
uniting communities, in bringing them
closer, and building bridges.
We commend the decision of Melbourne
Sikh United Sports Club in giving the
captaincy of their team to a Pakistan-
origin player, as a “thank you gesture for
opening the Kartarpur corridor”. This are
the stories that need to be highlighted,
and I am glad The Indian News is taking
the lead on this.
We are also with the Sikh community of
New Zealand in raising awareness about
the Sikh faith, and commend them in
their efforts – be it the Turban Day, Sikh
Games, or hosting kirtan and langars in
the central city.
Our photo essay on page 14 is an effort
in that direction. We couldn’t possibly fit
in the 48 paintings that were on display
in one page, so those interested can look
at the video tour of the exhibition on our
digital platforms.
As always, I welcome every feedback.
- Gaurav

Publisher - Roshan Nauhria (The Indian News NZ Limited)

Editor - Yugal Parashar, yugal@indiannews.co.nz - DDI: 09 218 5709
Associate Editor - Gaurav Sharma, gaurav@indiannews.co.nz , +64 (0) 21 807 890
Communications Specialist - Vritti Parasher, vritti@indiannews.co.nz
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Registered Office - 258 Balmoral Road, Sandringham, Auckland 1025, New Zealand.
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do not represent the views of the Indian news team. Copyright 2019. The Indian News NZ Limited. All rights reserved.
NZ SIKH GAMES December 05 - December 12 , 2019 I 11

The first-ever New Zealand Sikh Games a roaring success

W ith over 25 thousand people
attending the two-day event
– enjoying over 30 plus cultural
these games, Sikh Games, so as to raise
awareness about Sikhism, and what it
stands for.”
performances - held over the last Another community leader Prithvi Pal
weekend, the first-ever New Zealand Sikh Singh Basha also added, “While Sikhs
Games were a roaring success. have lived in New Zealand for more than
In all, over 125 teams participated in 100 years, we didn’t had a Gurudwara till
over 14 disciples, with about 20 teams about 33 years ago. Now, we have many.
coming from overseas [mainly from Similarly, while it took some time, finally
Australia]. While the numbers are still we are having the first-ever New Zealand
being gathered, initial estimates suggest Sikh Games. And many more will follow,
that there were over 125 plus individual I am sure.”
participants. Local MP from Papakura, National
While the event hosted popular sports Party’s Judith Collins, and Labour’s
like Hockey, Cricket and Football, seldom Indian-origin MP Priyanca
seen sports on New Zealand soil such Radhakrishnan, also attended the event,
as Kho Kho, made their appearance at and congratulated the organisers in
the games too. Incidentally, the Kho making it possible.
Kho trophy was won by the team from -TIN Bureau (picture credits: Harry DSLR)
Hamilton, Punjabi Knights.
During Saturday’s opening ceremony,
in a rousing speech, the Games Golf
co-ordinator Kharag Singh, explained
the reasons behind calling the games
NZ Sikh Games. “It’s unfortunate but
our community members still face a
lot of racism because people here in
New Zealand are not that aware of
the Sikh faith. We are often confused
with Muslims because of our turbans
and beard. That’s why we are calling

Hockey trophy winner Melbourne Sikh

United led by a Pakistani
– as a thank you gesture for opening the Kartarpur corridor

M uddasir Abbas, is a formidable

hockey player. He is a former
Pakistani international, cousin of world-
Pakistani leads the Melbourne Sikhs as
a thank you gesture. I feel so honoured
and humbled by this act. Let’s hope that
record holder Sohail Abbas and son of sports – be it hockey, cricket or anything
Olympian Safdar Abbas. He moved to else – helps in bringing people together,”
Melbourne in 2012, and is now a regular said Abbas.
in the Australian Masters Hockey team.
Abbas, who runs a fitness centre
He was, in fact, the top-scorer at the
in Melbourne and is gearing up to
Trans-Tasman Masters series held in
represent Australia in next year’s
Gold Coast early this year.
Masters Hockey World Cup to be held
Abbas was in Auckland last week, in England, is thrilled by what the club
representing and captaining the has achieved during his short time there.
eventual Hockey trophy winner,
Melbourne Sikh United, at the first-
ever New Zealand Sikh Games. His
“This is our fifth
On August
team beat the local NZ Punjabi team
4-1 in a thrilling final held at the
title in a row,
13, this year,
Abbas got
married in
Southern Districts Hockey Club’s turf in
Papatoetoe. and I credit the
Pakistan, and
is now making
“When the club was finalising the team,
the management unanimously decided hard work boys
to hand me the captaincy. They said,
arrangements
to bring his
with the Pakistani Government opening have put in for
the Kartarpur corridor – fulfilling a
newly wed wife
to Australia
long-standing demand of the Sikh
community – it will be fitting that a
this.”
soon -TIN Bureau
12 I December 05 - December 12 , 2019 NZ SIKH GAMES

List Of Winners (not exhaustive)

Netball Punjabi Knights, Hamilton

Kho Kho Punjabi Knights, Hamilton

Touch Rugby Punjabi Knights, Hamilton

Men's Football Punjabi Knights, Hamilton

Men's Badminton Punjabi Knights, Hamilton

Volleyball Super Sisters

Volleyball Shooting Malwa Sports & Cultural Club

Hockey Melbourne Sikhs United

Clay Shooting Brijesh Singh Sandhu

Golf Parminder Takhar

In all -
• 125+ teams (of which 20+ teams were from overseas)
• 150+ individual participants
(Picture Credits: Harry DSLR) • Over 30+ cultural performances in two-days.
NZ SIKH GAMES December 05 - December 12 , 2019 I 13

(Picture
Credits:
NZ Sikh
Games)
14 I December 05 - December 12 , 2019
Life and legacy of Guru Nanak
Dev ji – by Sikh Legacy
S ikh Legacy brought a wonderful
painting exhibition to Auckland
depicting the life and legacy of Guru
Nanak Dev ji. It was also part of the NZ
Sikh Games.
We also went, clicked some pictures and
shot a video, to bring the paintings to the
wider audience, who didn’t get a chance
to visit the ongoing exhibitions. We
present some snippets below. Everything
on this page is courtesy Sikh Legacy.
“On this pious occasion of Guru Nanak’s
Sikh LEGACY
550th Birth Anniversary, we are keen
to spread his messages through an
exhibition of his life events. The exhibition
consists of posters showing a snapshot
of the event in Guru Nanak’s life which
are explained in English, Punjabi and
Te Reo Maori. We aim to educate and
celebrate the Guru Nanak’s Anniversary
with others. For Sikhs in New Zealand
and around the world, Guru Nanak’s birth
is the birth of Sikh Community.” - by Sikh
Legacy.
For video tour of the exhibition
please scan the QR Code below.
Or visit our Facebook page.
 From HOME December 05 - December 12 , 2019 I 15

Uddhav sails through India’s GDP grew at 4.5 per cent

the confidence vote
L ast Saturday, the new Maharashtra
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray
comfortably won the vote of confidence
in the Legislative Assembly, with his
alliance - Maha Vikas Aghadi - getting
169 votes, including the votes of 16 MLAs
from smaller parties, and Independents.
These 16 included six independents,
three from the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi,
two each from the Prahar Janshakti Party
and Samajwadi Party, and one each from
the Swabhimani Paksha, the Peasants
in second quarter of this year
Shetkari Party.
Meanwhile, the BJP, led by former Chief
Minister Devendra Fadnavis, walked
out before the vote, claiming that the
session had been called illegally. The
former CM also objected to the oath
taken by Ministers, and the government’s
move to replace the pro tem Speaker,
with Nationalist Congress Party’s Dilip
Walse Patil. It must be noted that Shiv
Sena’s 56 MLAs, Congress’s 44, and the
NCP’s 53 MLAs also voted for the motion.

and Workers Party, and the Krantikari
W
-TIN Bureau ith manufacturing contracting,
investment being weak, and
consumption low, India’s GDP growth
has hit a 26-quarter low at 4.5 percent
for the second quarter of this year
[July-September], according to the
data released by the country’s National
Statistical Office last weekend.
The previous low was 4.3 percent in the
last quarter of the fiscal year 2012-13
[January-March]. After these figures,
GDP growth rate for the first half of this
fiscal, is now at 4.8 percent as against
7.5 percent in the same period last year.
Moreover, the growth rate has weakened
for the sixth consecutive quarter now.
Even more worrying is the figure for
the nominal GDP growth rate, which
accounts for inflation. It now stands at
6.1 percent in this quarter, down from 12
percent in the corresponding period last
year.
This is mainly due to the manufacturing
sector contracting by 1 percent, and
agriculture growing at only 2.1 percent.
Investment has also grown just 1 percent
in the second quarter this year. Now all
eyes, are on the Reserve Bank of India,
which will be announcing its bimonthly
monetary policy statement on December
5, and a repo rate cut is expected. -TIN
Bureau

62.8% voter turnout in first India makes the entire

phase voting in Jharkhand Hajj application
amid sporadic violence process digital
F rom next year, India has made the
process of applying for the Hajj
pilgrimage entirely digital including the
application, the e-Visa, the ‘E-MASIHA’
health facility and ‘e-luggage pre-tagging”.
Additionally, for the first-time, digital pre-
tagging of the baggage of pilgrims will also
be offered. Moreover, a Haj mobile app
to give pilgrims real-time information,
as well as an information helpline in
Mumbai, has also been set-up. All this
was agreed upon last Sunday in Makkah,
between India’s Minority Affairs Minister
Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, and Saudi Arabia’s
Haj and Umrah Minister Dr Mohammad
Saleh bin Taher Benten. -TIN Bureau

T he first of the five-phase elections

in Jharkhand last weekend recorded
62.87 percent voter turnout, amid stray
incidents of violence in parts of the state.
A total of 37,83,055 voters, including
18,01,356 women, decided the fate of 189
candidates in 13 constituencies spread
over six districts. And the constituencies
that went to polls in the first phase were
Chatra, Gumla, Bishunpur, Lohardaga,
Manika, Latehar, Panki, Daltonganj,
Bishrampur, Chhatarpur, Hussainabad,
Garhwa and Bhawanathpur. After the
ruling BJP failed to form a Government in
Maharashtra, this is another big test for
the party and its Chief Minister Raghubar
Das who is facing anti-incumbency in the
state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is
leading the charge in the state promising
a stable government, double digits
growth, and crack down on naxals. The
rest of the four phases for the 81-member
assembly will be held on December 7, 12,
16 and 20; and counting is scheduled on
December 23. -TIN Bureau
16 I December 05 - December 12 , 2019
Mortgage Lending
Restrictions Stay as
First Home Buyers Hit
New Lending Heights
F ollowing suit from their Official
Cash Rate (OCR) announcement, the
Reserve Bank (RBNZ) has announced
that the current Loan-to-value (LVR)
restrictions will also stay at their current
levels. New data from the RBNZ reveals
that both First Home Buyers (FHB) and
Investors have both increased their overall
mortgage lending.
Here’s what you need to know:
Mortgage Lending Restrictions Stay in
Place: Reserve Bank
The Reserve Bank has decided to keep
the loan-to-value at its current level to
“bolster financial system resilience”.
Governor Adrian Orr cited that Reserve
Bank’s main concern is always the “risk
that prolonged low interest rates could
lead to a resurgence in higher-risk
lending”.
Currently banks are allowed to make
no more than 20% of their residential
REAL ESTATE
RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL PROPERTY LISTINGS
mortgage lending to high-LVR (less
than 20% deposit) borrowers who are
owner-occupiers, and no more than 5% of
residential mortgage lending to high-LVR
(less than 30% deposit) borrowers who are
investors.
The Reserve Bank has confidence in the
current levels of both the Official Cash
Rate and Loan-to-Value ratio restrictions
it seems, stating in its biannual Financial
Stability Report that "there are early
signs that housing lending risk may
be increasing again". The report cited
the house growth has seen a rise, but
remain cautious going forward, "House
price growth has strengthened in recent
months, even with high price-to-income
ratios, and it is unclear how long this
strength will persist."
On whether there could be cuts in the
near future, it seems the Reserve Bank
won’t be relaxing the LVRs any time soon
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Real ESTATE
“Given the uncertainty around the future
trend in housing lending risk, it would not
be appropriate to ease LVR restrictions
October going to first home buyers.
Year-on-year, new lending to first home
buyers was up 20%, and according to the
further at this point. We will continue to report, KiwiSaver is playing a significant
review LVR restrictions and will adjust role helping FHB get on the property
them in line with changes in the overall ladder. In the year to March, nearly $1b
risk environment.” was withdrawn from KiwiSaver for first
So, the earliest point which the LVRs home purchases - that's a 35% increase
might now be relaxed again would likely from the previous year. New lending to
not be till November 2020. investors was also up 16% year-on-year to
First Home Buyers Hitting New Highs in $1.20b.
Lending October also witnessed a big month for
mortgages. In terms of dollar terms, $6
Data released from the Reserve Bank
billion advanced by the banks in October
has indicated that in October, first home
might have been most ever for an October
buyers (FHB) made up the highest portion
month.
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PROPERTY INSIGHT
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 State of The Nation
More than 50,000 working households
in New Zealand live in poverty
R esearch conducted by AUT’s New
Zealand Work Research Institute
and commissioned by the Human Rights
Commission has found more than 50,000
working households live in poverty across
Aotearoa.
The report, In-work poverty in New
Zealand, examines the extent and
characteristics of in-work poor households.
The research found that the overall in-work
poverty rate was 7 percent before housing
costs. This rate varies greatly across
several demographic dimensions – for
example, it rises to 12.3 percent for single-
parent households, and 19.9 percent for
two or more family households where only
Warning bells as health and social
policy ignores Asian mental health
T
he Suicide Mortality Review
Committee says health and social
policy should not ignore Asian mental
health.
The Suicide Mortality Review Committee
reviews suicide deaths and advises the
Health Quality & Safety Commission on
how to reduce the number of these deaths
in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Its latest report, released today, focuses
on understanding deaths by suicide in
the Asian population of Aotearoa New
Zealand.
Professor Rob Kydd, chair of the
committee, says a proactive approach is
required now to address suicide in this
diverse and growing population group
before rates increase.
one adult is working.
The findings show that without Working
for Families (WfF) tax credits and the
Accommodation Supplement (AS) the in-
work poverty rate rises by 31 percent (up
2.2 percentage points). The biggest impact
is for single-parent households where this
rate rises to 21.6 percent without these two
income sources.
The Human Rights Commission will be
analysing the human rights implications
of these findings to inform their advocacy
work focussing on poverty, equality
and non-discrimination. (All content in
this article is courtesy Human Rights
Commission)
‘Suicide rates for Asian people have
fluctuated but appear to be increasing.
With the projected growth in the Asian
population, we are concerned the rate
may rise,’ he says.
The Asian population in New Zealand
is the third largest behind European
and Māori, and is projected to surpass
Māori and Pacific population groups by
2038.
Death by suicide in the Asian population
is relatively low. However, the committee
says these deaths are avoidable and create
unnecessary suffering for those bereaved
by suicide.
‘With culturally and linguistically diverse
groups challenging our mental health
system there is a need for health services to
be culturally appropriate.
‘While the Government has a
responsibility to focus on the tangata
whenua of Aotearoa, and support Pacific
populations, policies for Asian and refugee
communities are under-developed.’
The report says racism and discrimination
are leading factors contributing to suicide.
December 05 - December 12 , 2019 I 17
Key figures at a glance:
Prevalence: Amongst working
households, the proportion of households
in poverty is 7.0 percent as at March
2013. There has been very little change
in in-work poverty rates between 2007
and 2017.
Sensitivity: Definitions and thresholds
matter. For example, when using the
income distribution of a more restricted
reference sample the prevalence of in-
work poverty rises to 12.4 percent.
Role of Working for Families (WfF)
tax credits and the Accommodation
Supplement (AS): Inclusion of these two
income sources make a sizable impact
on in-work poverty prevalence. Without
both income sources, the in-work poverty
rate rises from 7.0 percent to 9.2 percent.
Gender: 7.7 percent of adult females
are associated with an in-work poor
household, while for men this number is
6.6 percent.
Children: 10 percent of children living
in working households live in poverty,
compared with 7.2 percent of adults in
‘Tackling racism in all forms, along
with social disadvantage, isolation and
exclusion, will have a large impact on
suicide rates.’
Shame and stigma around mental illness is
also an issue for Asian populations.
‘Mental distress and suicide affecting
Asian people in this country has been a
relatively hidden issue. To many Asian
people, mental health issues and suicide
are stigmatising and shaming, creating a
barrier to seeking help.
‘The biggest inequity is evident in Māori
suicide rates, and the committee is
looking into the factors behind suicide for
rangatahi (youth) and wahine and kōtiro
(women and girls).
‘However, the Asian population is growing
in New Zealand and the lack of suicide
prevention strategies for Asian people
living in here is a concern,’ he says.
The committee acknowledges those who
died by suicide and recognises the ongoing
pain and hurt of family and whānau
bereaved by suicide.
working households.
Ethnicity: Households with at least one
adult with prioritised ethnicity of Pacific
peoples experience the highest in-work
poverty rate compared with households
of other ethnicities.
Disability: Households with at least
one disabled adult have a higher rate of
in-work poverty of 9.5 percent compared
with households without a disabled adult
at 6.6 percent.
Household structure: The lowest
in-work poverty rate is observed for
households comprising a couple without
children (4.8 percent), followed by a
couple with child(ren) (6.3 percent) and
single adults (6.4 percent). Higher rates
exist for single-parent (12.3 percent) and
multi-family households (9.6 percent).
Additional earner: Having a second
worker in the household reduces the
in-work poverty risk substantially. For
example, for couples with children and
only one adult working, the in-work
poverty rate is 13.5 percent; this falls to
1.9 percent if there is more than one adult
working.
‘It is our collective responsibility, across
all social, justice, and health agencies, to
act now on what we know. We cannot wait
any longer.’ (All content in this article
is courtesy Health Quality & Safety
Commissions New Zealand)
Where to get help
• Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342
• Need to Talk? 1737 call or text
(mental health, depression, and
anxiety counselling)
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828
865 | 0508 TAUTOKO; 12 noon to
12 midnight (those in distress, or
those who are concerned about the
wellbeing of someone else).
• Aunty Dee: www.auntydee.co.nz
• OUTLine NZ: 0800 688 5463
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Skylight: www.skylight.org.nz
CULTURE December 05 - December 12 , 2019 I 19
Saree Speak
T he glamour, the glitter,
the shimmer and
the sequins - the saree is
unmatched. It is timeless-
fashion and is versatile. In
a world full of trends, saree
still remains a classic.
Saree Speak, the name says
it all, as the drape speaks for
a lady itself - how confident,
graceful, elegant she is, and
what beauty she holds.
Saree Speak is a global
group created three years
ago. Now every country with
Indian population, has its
own sub-group, and so has
Auckland.
On November 30, there was
the Global Saree Meet, with
Auckland group meeting as
well. This group was created
to have a sense of belonging,
as well as to create
awareness about various
weaves from all parts of
India. The group also gives
a platform for women with
Indian roots to connect with
each other, and appreciate
the glorious Indian tradition
of saree wearing. -TIN Bureau
20 I December 05 - December 12 , 2019 TRAVEL

Destination- M oeraki Boulders just 33km from Oamaru formed in

millions of years by a layering process similar to the one
which forms oyster pearls.

Moeraki Boulders,
Not many known this, but Moeraki which is still a seafood
gold mine, was one of the earliest European Whaling station
settlements in New Zealand. It was settled around 1836.

South Island
Moeraki is now most famous for its boulders; mysteriously
spherical stones scattered across a beach. Each boulder
weighs several tonnes and is up to two metres high.Scientists
explain the boulders as calcite
concretions formed about 65
million years ago. According
to Maori legend, the boulders
are gourds washed ashore
from the great voyaging
canoe Araiteuru when it was
wrecked upon landfall in New
Zealand hundreds of years
ago.
-Info Credits: www.newzealand.
com (picture courtesy: Wikipedia)

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ENTERTAINMENT December 05 - December 12 , 2019 I 21

Forum Films to release 24 Punjabi

movies in Australia-NZ next year
F orum Films, the leading distributor
of Indian movies in Australia, New
Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea,
and watch any Indian film distributed by
Forum Films in Australia for the next one
year.”
will be releasing 24 Punjabi movies in
Now, Singh and his team are gearing up
Australia and New Zealand next year.
for a very busy weekend with the period
Manpreet Singh, Marketing Manager
dramas Panipat, and Gujarati movie
of the company in the region, informed
Hellaro releasing on December 6. Pati
this, adding, “We already are distributing
Patni aur Woh is coming on the same
99 percent of the Indian movies in New
day. Moreover, Salman Khan
Zealand and Fiji. We
fans are eagerly awaiting his
entered Australia’s market
hugely-anticipated Dabangg
in 2017 with Bahubali 2.
3, which Forum Films will
Now, our goal is to bring
release on December 20.
Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati,
as well as other regional -TIN Bureau
languages movies to this
region, in big numbers.
With the diaspora
growing, we see that the
market for Indian movies is growing too.”
Singh also informed Forum Films,
which was established in Fiji, started
film distribution in New Zealand in
2008. “We also want to promote peace
and harmony among communities.
That’s why when we got to know about
the gesture of an Indian taxi driver in
Brisbane who refused to charge any
taxi fare to some Pakistani cricket team
players, we decided to play our part too.
We have offered him [Lovepreet Singh]
free movie passes for an year. He can go

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22 I December 05 - December 12 , 2019
Messi wins record
sixth Ballon d’Or
L ionel Messi, the Barcelona forward
who has scored 614 goals for the club
till date, has won a record sixth Ballon
d’Or, reclaiming the trophy he last won
in 2015. While the women’s prize went
to World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe.
Messi’s arc rival Ronaldo [ five times
India wins team
badminton gold medals at
13th South Asian Games
I ndian men’s and women’s badminton
teams have claimed gold medals after
beating Sri Lanka in its respective finals
at the 13th South Asian Games (SAG) on
Monday. With this, India - represented by
487 athletes in more than 15 disciplines
- is currently placed at the second spot
with 16 medals, including five gold, eight
SPORTS
Australia thrash Pakistan
in Adelaide to win series 2-0
Ballon d’Or winner] was third in the
polling, with Liverpool defender Virgil
van Dijk, coming second. Ronaldo and
Messi had won the trophy every year since
2008, till last year when Luka Modric won
it breaking their decade-long hold. -TIN
Bureau
A ustralia has wrapped up a 2-0 series
win over Pakistan by winning the
day-night second Test by an innings and
Their first inning score was also only
302. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon took 5-69
in Pakistan's second innings, helping
48 runs. While the hosts scored 589-3 Australia achieve a second consecutive
(dec) in their first inning, with opener innings win after their victory in Brisbane
David Warner hitting 335 not out; the in the first Test. -TIN Bureau
visiting team could manage only 239.
World’s largest cricket stadium opens
in Ahmedabad in March next year
silvers and three bronze (as on Tuesday).
The country has also won nine medals,
including two golds, in taekwondo and
one gold, two silver and a bronze in the
triathlon event on the opening day. The
games will run till December 10, and is
being held in Nepal, which is topping the
table as of now. -TIN Bureau
W ith a capacity to host 110,000 fans
– a bit more than the Melbourne
Cricket Ground - the world’s largest
goes well, the first match it hosts will be
an exhibition match between the World
XI and Asia XI, pending approval by the
cricket stadium at Ahmedabad, being International Cricket Council. -TIN Bureau
built at the cost of Rs 700 crores, is likely
to be ready by March next year. And if all
IPL 2020 Player Auction: 971 players
register, also one from the US
T he Indian Premier League (IPL) player
registration closed on November
30, with 971 players (713 Indian and 258
overseas players) signing up to be a part
of the IPL 2020 player auction set to take
place in Kolkata on December 19, 2019.
Aiming to fill up the available 73 spots are
215 capped players, 754 uncapped and 2
players from Associate Nations.
-TIN Bureau
What's On? December 05 - December 12 , 2019 I 23

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