The Indian Weekender, 29 March 2024
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Friday, <strong>29</strong> <strong>March</strong> <strong>2024</strong><br />
Volume 1 / Issue 01<br />
Read • Watch • Engage<br />
760A Dominion Road, Mt. Eden, Auckland – 1041<br />
www.iwk.co.nz /indianweekendernz /indianweekender<br />
Surya Phutane<br />
Chartered Accountant<br />
Financial Adviser<br />
O: 09 218 6206 | M: 021 202 0331 I EMAIL - surya.phutane@pasl.co.nz<br />
INDIAN STUDENTS<br />
WORSE OFF THAN<br />
SRI LANKANS<br />
AS VISA APPROVAL<br />
RATES FOR OFFSHORE<br />
STUDENTS PLUMMET<br />
PRESENTS<br />
THE LEGEND IS BACK<br />
AFTER 6 YEARS<br />
NZ Soaked In<br />
Colours As Holi<br />
Fervour Takes Over<br />
RAVI BAJPAI<br />
Visa<br />
approvals<br />
for<br />
offshore <strong>Indian</strong> students<br />
plummeted to near<br />
bottom in the 17 months<br />
to December 2023, new<br />
immigration data shows.<br />
Between August 2022<br />
and December 2023,<br />
two in every five offshore<br />
applications from <strong>Indian</strong><br />
students were rejected,<br />
a decline rate worse than<br />
Sri Lanka where three out<br />
of four applications were<br />
successful.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Ministry of<br />
Business, Innovation and<br />
Employment last week<br />
released data on student<br />
visa applications filed via<br />
offshore education agents<br />
from the 10 countries it<br />
considers to be “high risk”.<br />
This data does not include<br />
Licensed Immigration<br />
Advisers based out of New<br />
Zealand.<br />
<strong>The</strong> only country worse<br />
off than India was Nepal,<br />
which ranked at the bottom<br />
with only one in four<br />
applications ever making it<br />
through.<br />
China topped the list with<br />
an approval rate of 95 per<br />
cent, followed by Thailand<br />
and Colombia at about 94<br />
per cent.<br />
Despite the low approval<br />
rate, <strong>Indian</strong> students were<br />
still the biggest cohort<br />
in absolute numbers–<br />
with 4,926 successful<br />
applicants–followed by<br />
China at 4,419.<br />
<strong>The</strong> latest approval<br />
rates for student visa<br />
applications from India are<br />
in stark contrast to 2018<br />
when nearly 77 per cent<br />
of the applications were<br />
successful, and even 2017<br />
when the approval rate<br />
stood at 70 per cent.<br />
• Continued on Page 7<br />
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Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, <strong>29</strong> <strong>March</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
NEW ZEALAND 3<br />
Jalandhar<br />
man makes<br />
it to NZ<br />
Men’s 35s<br />
hockey team<br />
URJITA BHARDWAJ<br />
Hockey New Zealand<br />
recently announced the<br />
teams chosen to represent<br />
New Zealand at the Masters<br />
World Cup, set to be held in Cape<br />
Town and North Harbour later this<br />
year. Among these teams is the<br />
Men’s 35s category, which will<br />
be competing in Cape Town in<br />
October.<br />
Harmandeep Singh, the sole<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> selected among 18 players,<br />
will be representing New Zealand<br />
in this category.<br />
Hailing from Jalandhar, Punjab,<br />
Harman arrived in New Zealand on<br />
a student visa in 2011, aiming to<br />
build a better lifestyle and support<br />
his family back home, consisting<br />
of three sisters, one brother, and<br />
his mother, after his father passed<br />
away in 2008.<br />
“My father always supported<br />
and encouraged my passion for<br />
playing hockey back home,” Singh<br />
recalls. Despite concerns about<br />
losing touch with his sport while<br />
studying Business Management<br />
in New Zealand, Harman joined<br />
the Southern Hockey Club in<br />
Papatoetoe alongside his poststudy<br />
job.<br />
Having played hockey since<br />
the fifth grade, Singh notes that<br />
while he has competed at the<br />
national level, this will be his<br />
first international representation.<br />
Despite facing adversity, Singh<br />
has remained dedicated to hockey,<br />
driven by his father's dream to see<br />
him excel in the sport.<br />
Singh's hockey journey in<br />
New Zealand began with the<br />
Southern Districts Hockey club in<br />
Papatoetoe before he joined the<br />
New Zealand Punjab Hockey club.<br />
“My father always<br />
supported and<br />
encouraged my passion<br />
for playing hockey back<br />
home... I have played<br />
many tournaments for<br />
New Zealand Punjabi<br />
Hockey Club, and it<br />
is my responsibility<br />
to represent the club<br />
with all my heart and<br />
energy." Harmandeep<br />
Singh<br />
For the past three years, he has<br />
been playing for North Harbour<br />
<strong>Indian</strong>s, which has further fueled<br />
his passion for the game.<br />
Looking beyond the Masters<br />
World Cup, Singh is also preparing<br />
for the Australian Sikh Games in<br />
Adelaide, where he will represent<br />
the New Zealand Punjabi Club on<br />
<strong>March</strong> <strong>29</strong>, <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
“I have played many<br />
tournaments for New Zealand<br />
Punjabi Hockey Club, and it is my<br />
responsibility to represent the<br />
club with all my heart and energy,”<br />
Singh states.<br />
Hockey New Zealand fields<br />
teams across all age groups<br />
and genders, provided there are<br />
enough players of suitable quality<br />
available.<br />
<strong>The</strong> selection criteria for the<br />
Masters World Cup require players<br />
to participate in the National<br />
Masters Tournament or apply<br />
separately.<br />
As the team prepares for the<br />
tournament in October, training<br />
sessions are held weekly.<br />
Supported by his coach,<br />
Paresh Bhikha from North<br />
Harbour <strong>Indian</strong>s hockey club,<br />
and his community, Singh has<br />
been preparing diligently for the<br />
upcoming Masters World Cup.<br />
For Harman, balancing work<br />
and passion means practicing<br />
every Thursday for two hours, with<br />
an additional hour on Saturdays,<br />
along with gym sessions and a<br />
balanced diet.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Masters World Cup is just<br />
one of the many platforms where<br />
he will showcase his talent, with<br />
the Australian Sikh Games also on<br />
his radar.<br />
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Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, <strong>29</strong> <strong>March</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
NEW ZEALAND 5<br />
DEV NADKARNI<br />
<strong>The</strong> 104-year-old Auckland<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> Association Inc.<br />
(AIAI) witnessed history<br />
unfold on Sunday as Puspa<br />
Lekinwala was elected as its<br />
first-ever woman president. <strong>The</strong><br />
election, held at the Mahatma<br />
Gandhi Centre on <strong>March</strong> 24, saw<br />
Lekinwala securing her position<br />
unopposed, marking a significant<br />
milestone in the association’s<br />
long-standing legacy.<br />
Lekinwala, a stalwart in the<br />
Auckland <strong>Indian</strong> community<br />
known for her unwavering<br />
dedication and selfless service,<br />
expressed her profound gratitude<br />
upon assuming the prestigious<br />
role. In an exclusive interview with<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Weekender</strong>, she shared her<br />
sentiments, saying, “I am humbled<br />
and honoured to be the first<br />
woman to be President of AIA in<br />
104 years.”<br />
Lekinwala’s journey with the<br />
Auckland <strong>Indian</strong> Association<br />
traces back to her childhood,<br />
where her deep-rooted connection<br />
began at the age of five.<br />
From attending Gujarati<br />
school to joining AIAI’s inaugural<br />
women’s hockey team, her<br />
involvement burgeoned over the<br />
years, leading her to serve on<br />
numerous committees, including<br />
the 50-plus years old Mahila<br />
Samaj.<br />
Reflecting on the prevailing<br />
societal biases, Lekinwala said<br />
it is the transformative power<br />
of education, experience, and<br />
knowledge that has empowered<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> women to transcend<br />
traditional roles. “<strong>Indian</strong> women<br />
have generally held positions of<br />
A first in 104<br />
years: Puspa<br />
Lekinwala<br />
makes history<br />
wifehood and motherhood, and<br />
that bias has remained,” she<br />
remarked. “It is through education,<br />
experience, and knowledge that<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> women are now taking<br />
roles that have been maledominated.”<br />
Lekinwala outlined her<br />
vision for the AIAI under her<br />
leadership, prioritising unity,<br />
diversity, teamwork, and the<br />
active involvement of youth and<br />
women. “My tasks will be to bring<br />
unity, promote diversity, enhance<br />
teamwork, and encourage new<br />
experiences and knowledge,” she<br />
said. “I aim to continue building<br />
on past accomplishments of the<br />
“<strong>Indian</strong> women<br />
have generally<br />
held positions<br />
of wifehood and<br />
motherhood, and<br />
that bias has<br />
remained.” Puspa<br />
Lekinwala<br />
AIAI, have more youth activities,<br />
and invite youth to attend<br />
association events.”<br />
Lekinwala’s profile exemplifies<br />
her lifelong commitment to<br />
service. With a remarkable tenure<br />
spanning over three decades<br />
within the AIAI’s Executive<br />
Committee, including roles as<br />
Assistant Secretary and Vice-<br />
President, she has left an indelible<br />
mark on the organisation’s ethos<br />
and operations.<br />
Beyond her involvement with the<br />
Association, Lekinwala’s extensive<br />
engagement extends to various<br />
community initiatives, including<br />
her role as a Board Member of the<br />
Mahatma Gandhi Charitable Trust<br />
and her dedicated service to the<br />
Mahila Samaj for nearly 40 years.<br />
As a testament to her<br />
exemplary service, Lekinwala<br />
was granted life membership<br />
of the Association in <strong>2024</strong>,<br />
acknowledging her invaluable<br />
contributions to the community.<br />
Her tireless efforts have been<br />
recognised on multiple fronts,<br />
including her role as Master<br />
of Ceremonies for numerous<br />
events and her involvement with<br />
the New Zealand <strong>Indian</strong> Central<br />
Association (NZICA), where she<br />
was granted life membership in<br />
2014.<br />
Lekinwala’s illustrious career<br />
spans various professional and<br />
volunteer roles, including her<br />
tenure as a Legal Executive for<br />
a prestigious law firm and her<br />
current endeavor as a business<br />
owner.<br />
Her commitment to community<br />
welfare extends to her roles as<br />
a Justice of Peace and Marriage<br />
Celebrant, where she has served<br />
diligently for over three decades.<br />
Outgoing President Dhansukh<br />
Lal will continue for a year as<br />
Immediate Past President,<br />
a newly created position to<br />
ensure efficient continuity in<br />
the Association’s tasks and<br />
programmes.<br />
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Vice President: Barwant Bhikha;<br />
General Secretary: Champa Patel;<br />
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Patel; 2nd Assistant Secretary:<br />
Kalyan Rao Kasuganti; Treasurer:<br />
Bhavisha Patel; Assistant<br />
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6<br />
RAVI BAJPAI<br />
NEW ZEALAND<br />
Act Party is calling out racial<br />
segregation after photos<br />
of signboards at Auckland<br />
University reserving public areas<br />
for Maori and Pasifika students<br />
were shared online.<br />
In a statement to media on<br />
<strong>March</strong> 26, <strong>2024</strong>, the party’s ethnic<br />
affairs spokesperson pointed to<br />
photos it said were posted online<br />
last week.<br />
“Photos posted online last night<br />
show official-looking signs at the<br />
entrance to what appears to be an<br />
Auckland University study room<br />
saying ‘This is a Designated Area<br />
for Māori and Pasifika Students.<br />
Thank You’.<br />
“Act has seen similar accounts<br />
from other universities. If true, this<br />
is nothing short of segregation,”<br />
the statement read.<br />
“Blocking access to spaces<br />
based on ethnicity has an ugly<br />
past and has no future in New<br />
Zealand. Universities owe the<br />
Kiwis who pay their bills an<br />
explanation.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> party called on universities<br />
to be open about whether they are<br />
engaging in these practices or not.<br />
“Kiwis pay to keep their doors<br />
open with taxes, and deserve an<br />
explanation. It is disappointing<br />
that it even needs to be said, but<br />
Act’s position is that blocking<br />
people from spaces based on their<br />
ethnicity is unequivocally wrong,”<br />
the statement read.<br />
Act leader David Seymour has<br />
in the past pointed to government<br />
policies that he believed were<br />
based on race, most recently<br />
when he called out race-based<br />
prioritisation in healthcare last<br />
year.<br />
“<strong>The</strong>re is no justification for<br />
the public healthcare system to<br />
assign care based on ethnicity.<br />
It is lazy, divisive and doesn’t<br />
address the core problems at the<br />
heart of the health system. ACT<br />
will stop dividing healthcare by<br />
race,” Seymour had said.<br />
Deputy Prime Minister and New<br />
Zealand First Leader Winston<br />
Peters said the University of<br />
Auckland’s move to designate<br />
areas for Māori and Pasifika<br />
students was comparable to altright<br />
racist groups like the Ku Klux<br />
Klan.<br />
“It is phenomenal that we not<br />
only would accept this as New<br />
Zealanders, but that some people<br />
have not learnt the lessons of our<br />
world’s history of horrors with this<br />
type of thinking,” Peters said.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Act Party is trying to shut<br />
down segregated sections in<br />
universities, an action which is<br />
being slammed by Te Pāti Māori<br />
as “damaging and inflammatory”.<br />
Friday, <strong>29</strong> <strong>March</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Act Party calls out Auckland<br />
University for ethnic segregation<br />
“Blocking access<br />
to spaces based<br />
on ethnicity has<br />
an ugly past and<br />
has no future in<br />
New Zealand.<br />
Universities owe<br />
the Kiwis who<br />
pay their bills<br />
an explanation.”<br />
David Seymour<br />
“What we are seeing from the<br />
Act Party is only another attempt<br />
to misrepresent tangata whenua<br />
and paint the picture that Māori<br />
get preferential treatment. <strong>The</strong><br />
assertion is damaging and<br />
inflammatory to their divideand-conquer<br />
rhetoric that they<br />
have been pushing since the<br />
2023 campaign,” a Te Pāti Māori<br />
spokesman said.<br />
“Safe spaces for minority<br />
groups in university aren’t new.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y exist for equity groups<br />
such as students with rural<br />
backgrounds, migrant students,<br />
Māori, Pacific and our disabilities<br />
whānau. What we see here is<br />
another targeted attack on Māori<br />
tauira.<br />
“Creating safe spaces to<br />
empower minority communities to<br />
thrive and achieve whilst creating<br />
a sense of interconnectedness<br />
should be celebrated.”<br />
Prime Minister Christopher<br />
Luxon said he hasn’t seen “the<br />
detail” of the segregated sections<br />
but at first glance, he said they<br />
looked “totally inappropriate”.<br />
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Read online www.iwk.co.nz<br />
Ministry<br />
for Pacific<br />
Peoples<br />
looks to<br />
cut 65 jobs<br />
<strong>The</strong> government's "brutal"<br />
spending cuts that<br />
will see the size of the<br />
Ministry for Pacific Peoples<br />
slashed by 40 percent will hit<br />
Pasifika communities hard, the<br />
Public Service Association says.<br />
<strong>The</strong> ministry told staff it was<br />
seeking voluntary redundancies<br />
and to redeploy and reassign<br />
staff, as it looked to shed 63 of<br />
156 positions, of which 31 are<br />
vacant, the union said.<br />
National secretary Duane Leo<br />
said the cuts would have far<br />
reaching consequences for the<br />
health and wellbeing of Pasifika<br />
families in New Zealand and<br />
across the Pacific.<br />
"<strong>The</strong> 40 percent reduction is<br />
going to have a huge impact<br />
on a small ministry serving a<br />
population of about 400,000<br />
Pasifika people in New Zealand,<br />
many of whom have close links<br />
across the Pacific," he said.<br />
"This is a community that<br />
needs dedicated government<br />
support. We know that Pasifka<br />
families are more likely to live in<br />
overcrowded, unhealthy housing,<br />
and that their families are more<br />
likely to struggle financially<br />
than other New Zealanders. <strong>The</strong><br />
Pasifika population has also<br />
grown rapidly - by 43 percent<br />
between 2006 and 2018, twice<br />
the rate of New Zealand's<br />
population."<br />
He said the ministry has been<br />
active in Pasifika communities<br />
supporting<br />
housing<br />
development, the creation<br />
of training and employment<br />
opportunities, supporting<br />
Pasifika languages, cultures and<br />
identities, and developing social<br />
enterprises.<br />
"This work is needed now more<br />
than ever. Pasifika communities<br />
are grappling with the high cost<br />
of living and are more at risk<br />
than others from the downturn<br />
in the employment market," he<br />
said.<br />
"<strong>The</strong> ministry carries out a<br />
very important role by being a<br />
bridge between the government<br />
and Pasifika communities, and<br />
particularly hard to reach groups<br />
within those communities. <strong>The</strong><br />
value of this often-underrated<br />
work was highlighted during the<br />
Covid pandemic response."<br />
Leo said the cuts showed the<br />
"low level of importance" the<br />
government gave to the Pasifika<br />
community.<br />
"Unfortunately, this isn't<br />
surprising given a senior<br />
Cabinet member joked before<br />
the election about blowing the<br />
ministry up.<br />
"Once again, we are seeing the<br />
cold, hard reality of the choice<br />
this government has made -<br />
giving $3 billion in tax cuts to<br />
landlords, is somehow deemed<br />
more important."
Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, <strong>29</strong> <strong>March</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
NEW ZEALAND 7<br />
April school break: 9 Auckland<br />
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we've got an epic nature-based<br />
day programme on hand that'll<br />
have young explorers building<br />
confidence, honing bushcraft<br />
skills, and generally becoming<br />
nature ninjas. Booking's a breeze<br />
via Eventbrite.<br />
And for the ultimate outdoor<br />
escapade, check out Adventure<br />
Into Nature, a free two-day crash<br />
course in outdoor survival and<br />
leadership skills at Tōtara Park.<br />
Your kids will emerge as woodland<br />
warriors, ready to take on any<br />
parkland challenge. Booking?<br />
Right this way.<br />
Local Attractions Galore<br />
Ready for some wild encounters?<br />
Swing by Auckland Zoo to learn<br />
about our unique wildlife, or dive<br />
into the weird and wonderful<br />
world of nature at Auckland War<br />
Memorial Museum. And don't<br />
miss the maritime magic at New<br />
Zealand Maritime Museum! It's all<br />
about friendship, adventure, and<br />
earning your sailor stripes.<br />
For Kids Big and Small<br />
Join us at Myers Park for the<br />
grand finale of Pop Up Play! It's all<br />
about unleashing your inner child<br />
with water spouts, playful art, and<br />
games galore. Let the good times<br />
roll!<br />
Visa declines for<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> students: 'This<br />
affects even the most<br />
qualified applicants'<br />
• Continued from Page 1<br />
<strong>The</strong> data release will only<br />
exacerbate anxiety among the<br />
scores of <strong>Indian</strong> students who are<br />
hoping to study in New Zealand,<br />
with thousands of applicants<br />
already facing an uncertain future<br />
as student visa applications are<br />
piling on faster than Immigration<br />
New Zealand (INZ) can process.<br />
Official data shows as of<br />
February 18, <strong>2024</strong>, nearly nine in<br />
every 10 student visa applications<br />
from India were pending a final<br />
decision.<br />
<strong>The</strong> global number was<br />
slightly better, with seven in 10<br />
applications awaiting a decision.<br />
Vandana Rai of Aucklandbased<br />
Immigration Advisers New<br />
Zealand Limited points out it’s not<br />
like the applications being rejected<br />
are sub par.<br />
“This is an issue that affects<br />
even the most qualified applicants<br />
with sound financial profiles<br />
aiming for high-value courses,”<br />
she says.<br />
“Drawing from our experience<br />
across various markets, it is<br />
evident that, as of the current<br />
date, a Sri Lankan student<br />
with a comparable academic,<br />
professional, and financial<br />
background stands a better<br />
chance of receiving visa approval<br />
than an <strong>Indian</strong> counterpart.”<br />
Vandana says declines like<br />
these have created widespread<br />
uncertainty among many <strong>Indian</strong><br />
students, especially when<br />
immigration officials aren’t clearly<br />
saying why they have declined a<br />
particular application.<br />
“<strong>The</strong>y have begun issuing<br />
templated decline letters without<br />
providing any rationale, mostly<br />
citing vague reasons like lack of<br />
‘bonafide’ intent.<br />
"This has significantly damaged<br />
New Zealand's educational<br />
reputation, especially among highvalue<br />
international students.”<br />
Vandana says it’s time New<br />
Zealand acknowledges it<br />
competes with other nations<br />
when it comes to international<br />
students, and the adverse impact<br />
of Immigration New Zealand’s<br />
“disdainful handling” of student<br />
visa applications undermines<br />
Education New Zealand’s<br />
“wonderful efforts” to promote<br />
brand New Zealand throughout<br />
the year, investing millions of<br />
taxpayer’s money.
8<br />
NEW ZEALAND<br />
Friday, <strong>29</strong> <strong>March</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Read online www.iwk.co.nz<br />
NZ immigration scam: Claims of<br />
fake visas and offers to sell jobs<br />
GILL BONNETT/RNZ<br />
Fraudulent overseas agents<br />
are contacting New Zealand<br />
employers to sell jobs and<br />
visas - and some have taken up<br />
the offer, according to experts in<br />
the immigration industry.<br />
Immigration advisers want a<br />
crackdown on employers who<br />
are in 'business partnerships'<br />
with overseas recruiters who are<br />
selling jobs.<br />
And the Association for<br />
Migration and Investment says<br />
fake visas are also circulating,<br />
including one that appears to<br />
show the signature of US star<br />
Oprah Winfrey.<br />
Hundreds of companies that<br />
used employer accredited work<br />
visas (AEWVs) have either<br />
been blacklisted or are being<br />
investigated for a variety of scams<br />
and exploitation.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Serious Fraud Office said<br />
it would not confirm or deny if it<br />
had received complaints or if it<br />
had opened an investigation, to<br />
protect the maintenance of the<br />
law and the right to a fair trial.<br />
Auckland-based immigration<br />
adviser Brandon Han said<br />
overseas job-selling agents were<br />
operating out of reach of New<br />
Zealand legal consequences.<br />
"Even myself, I have been<br />
contacted by agents from<br />
overseas so many times, and they<br />
offer me huge money and ask<br />
whether I have any employment<br />
opportunities to sell. I've heard<br />
a lot of New Zealand employers<br />
have been contacted with<br />
offers of money and business<br />
partnerships."<br />
He declined and knows his<br />
employer-clients also did, but<br />
was speaking out to highlight<br />
deficiencies in the system. Other<br />
advisers in his network had<br />
almost all been contacted by<br />
overseas recruiters in the same<br />
way.<br />
<strong>The</strong> demand from migrants<br />
willing to pay for work made jobselling<br />
extremely lucrative, and<br />
it's not illegal in some countries,<br />
he said. "In China you register to<br />
operate as an overseas 'recruiter'.<br />
<strong>The</strong> government openly allows<br />
this to happen and leaves the<br />
pricing entirely to the free market."<br />
Han had heard that in some<br />
cases another organisation<br />
facilitated the job-selling.<br />
"It's like a middleman who<br />
created a company overseas<br />
to avoid New Zealand's legal<br />
obligations and then created a<br />
bridge between the New Zealand<br />
employer and the large overseas<br />
recruiter. So you can see how the<br />
production line works."<br />
Critics have said the AEWV<br />
scheme, brought in during the<br />
Covid pandemic, had very little<br />
checks and allowed migrants to<br />
"It's like a middleman<br />
who created a company<br />
overseas to avoid<br />
New Zealand's legal<br />
obligations and then<br />
created a bridge<br />
between the New<br />
Zealand employer and<br />
the large overseas<br />
recruiter."<br />
buy jobs and be exploited.<br />
Han said underpayment of<br />
workers was still continuing and<br />
some migrants were complicit in<br />
cheating the system.<br />
"For instance, they make up<br />
stories to apply for refugee status.<br />
"This is an example of asylum<br />
claim abuse. A middleman<br />
approached me with many<br />
Chinese migrant workers ready to<br />
go on this path."<br />
Immigration minister Erica<br />
Stanford last week spoke to RNZ<br />
about a 70 percent increase in<br />
asylum claims in the past few<br />
months and how the government<br />
was going to act to cut those<br />
numbers.<br />
Fixing the problem<br />
Immigration industry group<br />
NZAMI chair Arunima Dhingra<br />
agreed some migrants knew when<br />
their visa was fraudulent.<br />
She said there had also been an<br />
increase in reports of fake visas,<br />
including one using the logo of<br />
former associate immigration<br />
minister Poto Williams and a<br />
signature claiming to be from<br />
Oprah Winfrey.<br />
"I looked at that and I thought,<br />
well, if you're a migrant, you<br />
would need to use some common<br />
sense. You know if you're<br />
paying thousands of dollars for<br />
something you're starting on the<br />
wrong foot in the first place.<br />
And I sympathise with a lot<br />
of migrants that get taken for a<br />
ride, but to be honest, many will<br />
come here knowing that it's the<br />
wrong foot, but it works for them<br />
therefore they'll take it anyway."<br />
She said immigration advisers<br />
and lawyers foretold the fraud<br />
problems, and now wanted to help<br />
the government fix them before<br />
companies started to come up for<br />
re-accreditation this winter.<br />
"Immigration and the<br />
government have now got a<br />
golden opportunity and a very<br />
tiny window to weed out the<br />
employers that should not be<br />
accredited." In a statement, INZ<br />
said job-selling was an offence<br />
under the Immigration Act.
Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, <strong>29</strong> <strong>March</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
NEW ZEALAND 9<br />
<strong>2024</strong> soccer tournament<br />
by NZGSCA: Celebrating<br />
sports & legacy<br />
URJITA BHARDWAJ<br />
<strong>The</strong> New Zealand Gujarati<br />
Sports and Cultural<br />
Association (NZGSCA) is<br />
gearing up to present the <strong>2024</strong><br />
edition of the Soccer Tournament<br />
at the end of this month.<br />
Scheduled to take place from<br />
<strong>March</strong> <strong>29</strong> to 31 at Bill McKinlay<br />
Park, Mt Wellington.<br />
<strong>The</strong> soccer tournament has<br />
been played over the last 34<br />
years. This year will see increased<br />
participation from kids, women,<br />
children and veterans.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>2024</strong> tournament is led by<br />
Mehul Solanki (Vice President)<br />
and Milan Kumar.<br />
<strong>The</strong> tournament is just one of<br />
many sporting events organised<br />
by the association, which<br />
features a diverse range of sports,<br />
including Cricket, Soccer, Netball,<br />
Squash, Table Tennis, Snooker,<br />
and Golf.<br />
Formed to encourage sports<br />
and preserve Gujarati heritage<br />
through cultural events, NZGSCA<br />
has intensified its focus on<br />
introducing new sports and<br />
cultural activities since 2021 to<br />
promote growth and continuity.<br />
While initially founded on<br />
Ritesh Raniga (left) with Christopher Luxon. (Supplied photo: Archives)<br />
soccer, the association has<br />
seen outstanding community<br />
participation in all other sports.<br />
"We are making efforts<br />
to recognise young<br />
talents, particularly<br />
in sports, and seeing<br />
women coming to the<br />
fore to participate<br />
in netball is truly<br />
remarkable." Ritesh<br />
Raniga<br />
Netball, in particular, has been<br />
highly successful in encouraging<br />
female participation.<br />
Ritesh Raniga, the president<br />
of NZGSCA, emphasized<br />
the significance of female<br />
involvement in sports, stating, "We<br />
are making efforts to recognise<br />
young talents, particularly in<br />
sports, and seeing women coming<br />
to the fore to participate in netball<br />
is truly remarkable"<br />
This year’s netball tournament<br />
will be held on Sunday 14 April at<br />
<strong>The</strong> Auckland Netball Centre in<br />
St. Johns.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Grand Awards Night,<br />
introduced in 2021, has been<br />
a sell-out event, recognizing<br />
and celebrating achievement<br />
and excellence from individuals<br />
and teams in the community.<br />
Featuring Prime Minister<br />
Christopher Luxon as a chief<br />
guest on two occasions, and<br />
Black Cap Ajaz Patel as a speaker,<br />
motivating sports people within<br />
our community.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Grand Awards Night has<br />
recently introduced a “Good<br />
Sorts” segment where, as<br />
Raniga highlighted, players and<br />
administrators of yesteryear are<br />
recognised and honoured for<br />
their services.<br />
<strong>The</strong> association has also<br />
focused on giving back to the<br />
wider New Zealand community<br />
through charitable activities,<br />
including a charity auction at the<br />
Grand Awards Night to support<br />
Hato Hone St John for the last<br />
three years.<br />
NZGSCA Office Bearers for<br />
<strong>2024</strong> are:<br />
Ritesh Raniga (President) Ashok<br />
Kapadia (Vice President), Mehul<br />
Solanki (Vice<br />
President), Hamendra Lal<br />
(Secretary) | Abdullah Bangi<br />
(Assistant Secretary),<br />
Gigesh Pala (Treasurer) | Mohit<br />
Killa (Assistant Treasurer)<br />
Teen burglars<br />
caught with<br />
heaps of candy<br />
in Tuakau<br />
IWK BUREAU<br />
Police have sweetened the<br />
deal by nabbing a trio of<br />
burglars who couldn't resist<br />
the temptation of a Tuakau store's<br />
lolly jar.<br />
In a sugary twist, authorities<br />
released an image of the stolen<br />
treats laid out on the bonnet of a<br />
patrol car. <strong>The</strong> loot included more<br />
than 20 chocolate bars, over a<br />
dozen ice creams, two bags of<br />
lollies, and a soft drink.<br />
Counties Manukau South Area<br />
Commander, Inspector Joe Hunter,<br />
recounted the night's events,<br />
stating that police responded to<br />
the break-in at the George Street<br />
store around 2 am.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Police Eagle Helicopter<br />
swooped in to observe the sweettoothed<br />
suspects as they made<br />
their getaway. Thanks to vigilant<br />
community members who reported<br />
the store's alarm, police were able<br />
to track down the burglars without<br />
any trouble. Insp Hunter expressed<br />
gratitude to the community, noting,<br />
"This allowed us to respond to<br />
this event with our best chance of<br />
locating those persons involved."<br />
<strong>The</strong> three culprits, aged between<br />
14 and 16, have been handed over<br />
to Youth Aid in connection with<br />
the incident. <strong>The</strong> stolen goods<br />
have all been safely returned to the<br />
business, ensuring that justice is<br />
as sweet as candy.
10<br />
NEW ZEALAND<br />
Friday, <strong>29</strong> <strong>March</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Holi festivities bridge<br />
Read online www.iwk.co.nz<br />
communities in New Zealand<br />
BLESSEN TOM/RNZ<br />
popularity in the capital.<br />
Morar agreed that people<br />
In a riot of colour and<br />
from other communities were<br />
joyous revelry, South Asian<br />
interested in Holi, especially<br />
communities in New Zealand<br />
young Kiwi families with children.<br />
have celebrated the vibrant<br />
festival of Holi, marking the<br />
arrival of spring in the Northern<br />
Hemisphere and the triumph of<br />
good over evil.<br />
Although some festivities were<br />
held more than a month ago, the<br />
Festival of Colours culminated in<br />
two key celebrations on Sunday<br />
and Monday.<br />
Holika Dahan was marked on<br />
24 <strong>March</strong>, where bonfires were lit<br />
to symbolize the victory of good<br />
over evil.<br />
Rangwali Holi, or Dhulandi, was<br />
then celebrated on 25 <strong>March</strong>,<br />
where participants threw coloured<br />
water or powder at each other as<br />
they sang, danced and enjoyed<br />
festive foods.<br />
Thousands attended Holi Colour Splash in Tauranga’s Memorial Park. Photo: Blissful<br />
Photography<br />
"It's a day where we celebrate<br />
Southern style<br />
In the South Island, Holi<br />
celebrations were organised in<br />
Selwyn, Ashburton, Dunedin,<br />
Invercargill and the Garden City.<br />
Christchurch Holi - Festival<br />
of Colours was hosted by Revel<br />
Events at Hagley Park on 2 <strong>March</strong>.<br />
<strong>The</strong> event featured cultural<br />
performances, traditional food<br />
and stories about Holi.<br />
A week later, the <strong>Indian</strong><br />
New Zealand Association of<br />
Christchurch hosted its firstever<br />
Holi celebration in<br />
Rolleston's Helpet Park<br />
on 10 <strong>March</strong>.<br />
"Around 2500<br />
people participated<br />
in the event, with<br />
more than 20<br />
brother and sisterhood," she said.<br />
food vendors<br />
"(We) try to have a new outlook<br />
and dance<br />
on life with enthusiasm and leave<br />
performances,"<br />
negative emotions."<br />
said Gurvinder<br />
In Hamilton, the Waikato <strong>Indian</strong><br />
Singh, secretary<br />
Association organised a Holi<br />
of the association.<br />
celebration on 24 <strong>March</strong>.<br />
Meanwhile,<br />
"We had a huge gathering of<br />
the Ashburton<br />
people from all walks of life at our<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> Multicultural<br />
Waikato <strong>Indian</strong> Association Hall,"<br />
Charitable Trust hosted<br />
Ashburton Holi at Hotel<br />
Ashburton on 2 <strong>March</strong>.<br />
Further south, the Dunedin<br />
Multicultural Council organized<br />
the city's Holi festivities at North<br />
Participants at Tauranga’s Memorial Park. Photo: Anna Menendez<br />
East Valley Normal School<br />
on 23 <strong>March</strong>, featuring dance<br />
performances, food, competitions<br />
Northern lights<br />
Many legends are associated<br />
and colours.<br />
Holi festivities in Auckland<br />
with the festival.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> Students'<br />
kicked off with Krishna Holi -<br />
One recounts the story of<br />
Association at Otago University<br />
Festival of Colours in the town of<br />
Prahlad and Holika, where the<br />
also hosted a Holi event at the<br />
Kumeu on 11 February. Around<br />
former's unwavering devotion to<br />
university's Union Lawn on the<br />
15,000 people attended the event.<br />
Lord Vishnu saved him from the<br />
same day.<br />
Almost a month later, more than<br />
flames of a pyre as his malevolent<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> community in<br />
2400 people came together at<br />
aunt, who had lured him onto the<br />
Southland celebrated Holi at<br />
Tauranga's Memorial Park on 2<br />
flames, met her demise.<br />
Elizabeth Park in Invercargill on<br />
<strong>March</strong> to celebrate the festival.<br />
This tale symbolises the<br />
"<strong>The</strong>re were dance<br />
Holi Colour Splash in Tauranga’s Memorial Park. Photo: Anna Menendez<br />
23 <strong>March</strong>.<br />
victory of good over evil and the<br />
<strong>The</strong> event saw more than 300<br />
performances and music<br />
importance of faith.<br />
throughout the event," said Bela<br />
Manisha Morar, president of the people throughout the day and<br />
Another popular legend revolves<br />
Dasi Reid, organiser of Holi Colour<br />
association.<br />
was kicked off by a local DJ.<br />
around the courtship of Lord<br />
Splash. "We are very pleased with<br />
"We (first) started with 50<br />
Stalls featuring <strong>Indian</strong> food<br />
Krishna and Radha.<br />
the outcome."<br />
people, but we had around 700 were available, as well as a stall<br />
Krishna, envious of Radha's<br />
Reid said the wider Tauranga<br />
people on Monday, so it has for coloured powder and water.<br />
fair complexion, playfully applied<br />
Nearly 15,000 people attended the Holi festival celebration in Kumeu, Auckland. Photo: Peter<br />
Jennings<br />
colours to her face - beginning<br />
the tradition of smearing coloured<br />
powder onto others during Holi<br />
and infusing the festival with<br />
elements of romance and joy.<br />
community was given an<br />
opportunity to learn about the<br />
cultural and religious significance<br />
of Holi during the event.<br />
said Tarun Kumar, president of the<br />
association.<br />
Kumar said about 300 people<br />
attended the event, including<br />
lawmakers Ryan Hamilton and<br />
Minister of Māori Affairs Tama<br />
Potaka.<br />
"We had different people from<br />
other communities who joined in,<br />
including Kiwis," he said.<br />
A day earlier, the <strong>Indian</strong><br />
community in New Plymouth<br />
celebrated Holi at Puke Ariki in the<br />
city center on 23 <strong>March</strong>.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>re were more than 250<br />
participants, so a very good<br />
turnout for our community,"<br />
organiser Ashwini Kumar said.<br />
He said the number of<br />
participants in the festival had<br />
grown over the years, reflecting<br />
wider interest from the local<br />
community.<br />
In the capital, the Wellington<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> Association led the<br />
celebrations.<br />
"We've been running Holi<br />
celebrations in Wellington<br />
for the past 15 years," said<br />
Holi Colour Splash in Tauranga’s Memorial Park was a riot of colours. Photo: Blissful<br />
Photography<br />
grown exponentially."<br />
She said a lot of young families<br />
had started taking an interest in<br />
the festival, leading to its growing<br />
<strong>The</strong> organiser said visitors<br />
included households from Nepal,<br />
New Zealand and different parts<br />
of the subcontinent.
Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, <strong>29</strong> <strong>March</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
NEW ZEALAND 11<br />
TIM BROWN/RNZ<br />
Authorities are investigating<br />
concerns from a leading<br />
human rights lawyer that<br />
women from Gloriavale were<br />
trafficked to India and entered<br />
coerced marriages.<br />
Last week on TVNZ's<br />
docuseries, Escaping Utopia,<br />
former Gloriavale members<br />
<strong>The</strong>ophila Pratt and Rosanna<br />
Overcomer travelled to India and<br />
met with Pratt's sister Precious.<br />
Precious moved to India seven<br />
years ago and now has six<br />
children.<br />
She was among five women<br />
born in Gloriavale, who had<br />
mothered children in India.<br />
Pratt and Overcomer were<br />
deeply disturbed by what they<br />
found and contacted Deborah<br />
Manning - a specialist in refugee,<br />
immigration and human rights law<br />
- and asked her to look into their<br />
concerns.<br />
Manning told RNZ today<br />
she had written to the Ministry<br />
of Business, Innovation &<br />
Employment and police.<br />
"We've raised serious concerns<br />
of trafficking under the Crimes Act<br />
as well as coerced marriage," she<br />
said.<br />
"As expected the agencies have<br />
clicked immediately into gear<br />
and are taking this very seriously.<br />
It's led out of MBIE, in terms of<br />
the trafficking issue, along with<br />
NZ Police and there are other<br />
agencies involved as well. So it's<br />
being taken seriously and there's<br />
active work underway."<br />
MBIE's head of irregular<br />
migration and trafficking Kylie<br />
Seumanu confirmed she had<br />
received a letter.<br />
"MBIE is aware of a connection<br />
in India and, along with other<br />
agencies, have recently received a<br />
formal legal letter on this matter.<br />
Immigration Investigators will be<br />
making enquiries and assessing<br />
the letter, along with the other<br />
relevant agencies," Seumanu said.<br />
Police also confirmed their<br />
awareness of the connection in<br />
India and that they had received a<br />
formal legal letter.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y would not confirm whether<br />
they were investigating trafficking.<br />
Oranga Tamariki and the<br />
Children join a protest calling for a government inquiry into Gloriavale in 2021. (Photo: RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon)<br />
Were women<br />
from Gloriavale<br />
trafficked to India?<br />
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and<br />
Trade were also involved.<br />
An MFAT spokesperson said the<br />
ministry was aware of the issues<br />
raised in Escaping Utopia.<br />
"<strong>The</strong> Ministry has not been<br />
approached to provide consular<br />
assistance at this stage. We are,<br />
however, actively looking into the<br />
situation and considering what<br />
further actions should be taken."<br />
A Gloriavale spokesperson<br />
provided a statement to RNZ: "We<br />
are in constant contact with our<br />
brethren in India and have heard<br />
no complaints from them on these<br />
issues.<br />
"Our New Zealand women who<br />
went to India and married there<br />
did so of their own free will and<br />
with the convictions they had in<br />
their own hearts. Some of those<br />
people have also returned to New<br />
Zealand with their families, and<br />
then gone back to India. Family<br />
relatives from New Zealand also<br />
visit them regularly."<br />
Alarming documentary<br />
Manning said the footage was<br />
shocking.<br />
"I think anyone watching the<br />
Gloriavale documentary would<br />
have been alarmed in terms of<br />
what they saw of the Gloriavale<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> community and what they<br />
heard in terms of the descriptions<br />
of conditions there and the<br />
conditions and circumstances in<br />
which the women from Gloriavale<br />
in New Zealand went to that<br />
community."<br />
She described what had<br />
happened to those women as<br />
being unique in New Zealand.<br />
"I can't think of being involved in<br />
situation like this."<br />
Stronghold's comments<br />
alluded to a rape culture in the<br />
community, Manning said.<br />
Precious told her sister her<br />
passport was held by Stronghold.<br />
"Children are being born<br />
there to Kiwi mums that are<br />
undocumented - their births<br />
aren't even registered and so if<br />
those New Zealand mums wanted<br />
to come back, how could they<br />
travel?" Manning said.<br />
"<strong>The</strong> children don't have<br />
documentation or passports, so<br />
that's a real concern in terms<br />
of freedom of movement and<br />
impacting their choices. We also<br />
heard that they don't seem to have<br />
control of their own passports.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se are all serious issues, it's<br />
multi-layered and we've also got<br />
issues concerning consent and<br />
coercion . . . and it's complicated<br />
because this particular issue is<br />
happening outside New Zealand's<br />
jurisdiction."<br />
Manning was pleased with<br />
the seriousness with which<br />
authorities were treating the<br />
matter.<br />
"As soon as the authorities were<br />
made aware of concerns under<br />
the Crimes Act, they immediately<br />
moved into action and they're<br />
actively looking into that. So I<br />
really just want to let them do<br />
their job and trust them to do<br />
that."<br />
It comes as barrister Brian<br />
Henry on Tuesday filed legal<br />
proceedings in the High Court<br />
accusing a group of government<br />
departments of failing to protect<br />
the women and children of<br />
Gloriavale.<br />
MBIE's Labour Inspectorate is<br />
among the respondents, alongside<br />
at least the Department of Internal<br />
Affairs, Oranga Tamariki and the<br />
Ministry of Social Development.<br />
Henry told Morning<br />
Report instead of helping the<br />
women he represented, the<br />
government had enabled their<br />
abusers.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>y were left alone in an<br />
organisation that, from what I can<br />
see, is run by self-entitled males<br />
who think they're their little play<br />
things," Henry said.<br />
On 6 December, he wrote to<br />
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon,<br />
Deputy Prime Minister Winston<br />
Peters, Act Party leader David<br />
Seymour as well as Attorney-<br />
General Judith Collins, Minister<br />
for Social Development Louise<br />
Upston and Education Minister<br />
Erica Stanford.<br />
"My clients seek immediate<br />
action at ministerial level to<br />
close the Gloriavale community,"<br />
Henry's letter said.<br />
"Enabling ongoing abuse of little<br />
children by the dint of their birth<br />
into the community is a gross<br />
dereliction of their duty."<br />
Easter weekend: What's open, what's not<br />
RNZ<br />
If you want to get some<br />
shopping done this long<br />
weekend, it might pay to<br />
plan ahead.<br />
Some stores will be<br />
forced to close on certain<br />
days, but not all of them -<br />
and which are and aren't<br />
open could depend on what<br />
part of the country you're<br />
in.<br />
And if that wasn't<br />
enough, the law also<br />
restricts what kind of items<br />
can be purchased over<br />
Easter.<br />
And not all of them are<br />
actually public holidays,<br />
even if the shops can't<br />
open.<br />
Confused? Let's try and<br />
fix that.<br />
What's open?<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are just three-anda-half<br />
days a year which<br />
the Shop Trading Hours<br />
Act 1990 prevents most<br />
shopping - Good Friday,<br />
Easter Sunday, Christmas<br />
Day and the first half of<br />
Anzac Day. All are also<br />
public holidays, except<br />
Easter Sunday (more on<br />
that later).<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are three types<br />
of exemption to the shop<br />
shutdowns:<br />
• Tourist resorts such as<br />
Taupō and Queenstown<br />
(full list here) on Easter<br />
Sunday only<br />
• Places where the local<br />
council has said shops<br />
can open (full list here)<br />
on Easter Sunday only<br />
• Certain kinds of shops<br />
(limited to "small<br />
grocery shops", service<br />
stations, takeaways,<br />
bars, cafes, dutyfree<br />
stores, "shops<br />
providing services"<br />
(and not selling things),<br />
real estate agencies,<br />
pharmacies, garden<br />
centres (only on<br />
Easter Sunday), public<br />
transport terminals,<br />
souvenir shops and<br />
exhibitions "devoted<br />
entirely or primarily to<br />
agriculture, art, industry<br />
and science".<br />
Everyone else has<br />
to keep the doors shut<br />
on Good Friday and<br />
Easter Sunday, including<br />
department stores and<br />
supermarkets.<br />
<strong>The</strong> stores that can<br />
open are only meant to sell<br />
items "people can't put off<br />
buying until the next day",<br />
according to the Ministry<br />
of Business, Innovation<br />
and Employment (MBIE)<br />
website, which singles out<br />
baby formula and pet food<br />
as items that can wait.<br />
Stores offering services<br />
- such as haircuts or video<br />
rentals - cannot sell you<br />
things, just offer their<br />
services. Souvenir shops<br />
are only allowed to sell<br />
things "connected to a<br />
New Zealand place or New<br />
Zealand culture".<br />
A few dozen councils<br />
have put in policies<br />
allowing most shops to<br />
open on Easter Sunday, but<br />
the only place in Auckland<br />
where it's allowed is on<br />
Parnell Road, which has<br />
had an exemption since the<br />
1980s.<br />
A notable exception to<br />
Parnell Road's freedom<br />
is bottle stores - like<br />
everywhere else in the<br />
country, off-licences are<br />
covered by the Sale and<br />
Supply of Alcohol Act 2012,<br />
which outlaws sales on<br />
the three-and-a-half days<br />
mentioned above. But even<br />
that has an exemption<br />
for "grape wine or fruit<br />
or vegetable wine made<br />
on the premises; or from<br />
produce harvested from<br />
land on which the premises<br />
are situated".<br />
If you forgot to buy<br />
alcohol in advance, you<br />
can still get some at a<br />
restaurant or bar, as long<br />
as you're also dining in.<br />
Surcharges<br />
Some places like to add a<br />
surcharge over Easter, but<br />
there are strict guidelines<br />
from the Commerce<br />
Commission about how<br />
much and when.<br />
"It must be clearly<br />
disclosed, for example, by<br />
adding information to their<br />
website for online sales<br />
or placing a sign outside,"<br />
chair Anna Rawlings said<br />
in 2021.<br />
"Customers should be<br />
aware that a surcharge<br />
will be payable before<br />
they make a decision<br />
to purchase or engage<br />
the service, so they can<br />
decide whether to pay the<br />
surcharge or go elsewhere,"<br />
Rawlings said.<br />
"In addition, the reason<br />
for any surcharge must be<br />
accurately described and<br />
must not be capable of<br />
misleading consumers.<br />
<strong>The</strong> surcharge should<br />
not exceed those costs,<br />
and the costs should<br />
actually be incurred by the<br />
business."
Editorial<br />
Segregation is<br />
the antithesis<br />
of inclusivity<br />
Segregation, whether by ethnicity or religion, remains a contentious issue that<br />
challenges the principles of equality and inclusivity in modern society.<br />
<strong>The</strong> recent controversy surrounding the University of Auckland’s decision<br />
to designate areas for Māori and Pasifika students underscores the complexity of<br />
navigating identity, representation, and belonging within educational institutions.<br />
While the intention behind creating safe spaces for marginalised groups is often<br />
well-meaning, questions inevitably arise when such segregation occurs, particularly<br />
when it intersects with ethnic (and, importantly, religious) accommodations.<br />
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters drew a striking comparison, likening<br />
this action to the practices of alt-right racist groups like the Ku Klux Klan. Such a<br />
comparison might seem extreme to some, but it underscores the seriousness of<br />
the issue. Segregation, regardless of its intentions, carries the weight of historical<br />
injustices and perpetuates division within society.<br />
Segregation, regardless of its motivations, evokes painful memories of historical<br />
injustices and serves as a reminder of the enduring struggle for equality. In a<br />
country like New Zealand, celebrated for its cultural diversity and commitment to<br />
multiculturalism, such divisions run counter to the values of unity and inclusivity<br />
that form the bedrock of its society.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Act Party’s condemnation of racial segregation in universities echoes broader<br />
concerns about the perpetuation of division within society.<br />
Segregated spaces, whether for Māori and Pasifika students or for religious<br />
purposes, risk reinforcing harmful stereotypes and limiting opportunities for<br />
interaction and understanding among diverse groups.<br />
While the argument for creating safe spaces to empower minority communities<br />
is valid, it must be balanced against the broader goal of fostering an inclusive<br />
environment where all students feel valued and supported.<br />
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s assertion that there is no place for<br />
discrimination or segregation in New Zealand reflects a commitment to upholding<br />
the principles of equality and diversity.<br />
Universities, as centres of learning and enlightenment, have a responsibility<br />
to cultivate environments where students from all backgrounds can thrive and<br />
contribute positively to society. Segregation, in any form, undermines this objective<br />
and impedes progress towards a more equitable future.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Act Party’s criticism of racial segregation in universities is particularly<br />
noteworthy in light of broader debates surrounding religious accommodations on<br />
campuses.<br />
Questions arise when segregated spaces are earmarked for prayer rooms for<br />
certain religions instead of accommodating all faiths equally.<br />
Public spaces in most secular countries have all-faith prayer rooms rather than<br />
those specially labelled for a particular religion. While it is essential to respect<br />
religious diversity and provide appropriate facilities for worship, it is equally<br />
important to ensure that such accommodations do not inadvertently promote<br />
exclusion or favouritism.<br />
David Seymour’s call to end race-based policies in healthcare resonates with<br />
concerns about the broader implications of identity-based segregation. Just as<br />
race should not be a determining factor in access to healthcare, it should not dictate<br />
access to educational resources or facilities.<br />
<strong>The</strong> pursuit of equality requires a commitment to dismantling systemic<br />
barriers and addressing underlying inequities that perpetuate discrimination and<br />
marginalisation.<br />
University student Shakeel Shamaail’s defence of segregated spaces for Māori<br />
and Pasifika students reflects the complexity of the issue. While these segregated<br />
or specially earmarked spaces may provide a sense of belonging and support<br />
for some, they also raise questions about the potential for further division within<br />
campus communities.<br />
<strong>The</strong> challenge lies in striking a balance between creating spaces that empower<br />
marginalised groups and fostering an inclusive environment that promotes dialogue,<br />
understanding, and mutual respect among all students.<br />
As New Zealand grapples with issues of equality and diversity, it is essential for<br />
institutions and policymakers to prioritise solutions that promote genuine inclusivity<br />
and empower all members of society to succeed, irrespective of their background<br />
or beliefs.<br />
QUOTE OF THE WEEK<br />
Optimism is essential to achievement and<br />
it is also the foundation of courage and true<br />
progress. — Nicholas Murray Butler<br />
IN FOCUS : Picture of the week<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> President Droupadi Murmu accepts credentials from the High Commissioner of the<br />
Republic of Kenya, Peter Maina Munyiri, during a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in<br />
New Delhi on Wednesday.<br />
This week in New Zealand’s history<br />
30 <strong>March</strong> 1940<br />
Funeral procession for Prime Minister Savage<br />
New Zealand’s first Labour prime minister, Michael Joseph Savage, died in office on 27<br />
<strong>March</strong> 1940. His body lay in state at Parliament for two days before his funeral cortège,<br />
which was more than 1.6 km long, set off for the railway station at 9 a.m. on 30 <strong>March</strong>.<br />
1 April 1773<br />
First beer brewed in New Zealand<br />
In an attempt to concoct a preventative against scurvy, Captain James Cook brewed a batch<br />
of beer on Resolution Island in Dusky Sound, using rimu branches and leaves.<br />
1 April 1965<br />
TEAL becomes Air New Zealand<br />
New Zealand’s international airline, Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL), was renamed<br />
Air New Zealand Limited.<br />
1 April 1974<br />
ACC comes into operation<br />
In 1972 legislation established the Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) to provide<br />
insurance for all personal injury.<br />
1 April 1978<br />
<strong>The</strong>rmal insulation required in NZ homes<br />
Māori houses (whare) were made of natural materials that had good thermal performance<br />
(such as raupō reeds) or kept out the wind (such as earth). European-style timber frame<br />
construction was less efficient at retaining heat, but it was not until 1978 that the level of<br />
thermal insulation required in new houses was specified by law.<br />
5 April 1871<br />
NZ's first overseas diplomatic post created<br />
It is no surprise that New Zealand’s first overseas diplomatic posting was to the United<br />
Kingdom.<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Weekender</strong> : Volume 1 - Issue 1<br />
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited<br />
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Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent<br />
the views of the team at the <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Weekender</strong><br />
Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland.<br />
Printed at NZME, Auckland, New Zealand.<br />
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Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, <strong>29</strong> <strong>March</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
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14<br />
INDIA<br />
Friday, <strong>29</strong> <strong>March</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Read online www.iwk.co.nz<br />
S Jaishankar in Singapore: 'India, Russia<br />
took extra care for each other's interests'<br />
EAM Jaishankar expressed<br />
perspective and my experiences, community in Singapore and said<br />
confidence in the future of<br />
I will get the answer. And the it was a privilege to have been<br />
India-Russia ties, saying<br />
answer in this case is that Russia personally involved in this journey.<br />
that both countries have “taken<br />
extra care” of each other.<br />
External Affairs Minister S<br />
Jaishankar on Sunday expressed<br />
confidence in the future of India-<br />
Russia relations, and stressed that<br />
Moscow has always maintained<br />
a strong and positive relationship<br />
with New Delhi.<br />
EAM Jaishankar, while<br />
interacting with the <strong>Indian</strong><br />
community during his visit to<br />
is a country with which we have<br />
always had a positive relationship.<br />
Both India and Russia have taken<br />
that extra care to look after each<br />
other's interests,” he added.<br />
<strong>The</strong> foreign minister further<br />
insisted that both the countries<br />
should move forward with<br />
confidence, which will further<br />
strengthen their ties.<br />
Jaishankar is on an official visit<br />
to Singapore, Philippines and<br />
"As our connections grew<br />
closer, as the community has<br />
grown, as India has become more<br />
globalized, the ties between India<br />
and Singapore have reflected that<br />
and it's been my privilege to be<br />
part of this journey at least for a<br />
decade and a half personally,” the<br />
foreign minister said.<br />
S Jaishankar's comments on<br />
strong ties with Moscow came<br />
hours after he interacted with<br />
Singapore, said that both India<br />
Malaysia from <strong>March</strong> 23-27, <strong>2024</strong>. his Russian counterpart Sergei<br />
While responding to a question, to be made from Russia? or is it<br />
and Russia have taken “extra<br />
Moreover, he also emphasised Lavrov, offering his condolences<br />
Jaishankar said, “I will ask<br />
only damage that will come out of<br />
care” to look after each other's<br />
India-Singapore ties during for the <strong>March</strong> 23 terror attack on a<br />
myself...Has Russia helped us that?”<br />
interests.<br />
his interaction with the <strong>Indian</strong> Moscow shopping mall.<br />
or harmed us?...Are there gains “If I do my calculation from my<br />
PM Modi to BJP<br />
candidate: ‘You have<br />
fought huge battle in<br />
Sandeshkhali’<br />
Patra is one of the victims<br />
from Sandeshkhali, a hamlet<br />
in Bengal where massive<br />
protests broke out in February<br />
against local TMC leader Shahjahan<br />
Sheikh.<br />
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on<br />
Tuesday spoke to two of the<br />
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s<br />
debutant candidates — Sandeshkhali<br />
resident Rekha Patra who has been<br />
fielded from Basirhat in West Bengal<br />
and TN Sarasu who will contest on<br />
the party ticket from Alathur seat in<br />
Kerala — and inquired about their<br />
campaign progress for the upcoming<br />
Lok Sabha elections.<br />
Patra is one of the victims<br />
from Sandeshkhali, a hamlet in<br />
Bengal where massive protests<br />
broke out in February against<br />
local Trinamool Congress leader<br />
Shahjahan Sheikh and his aides over<br />
allegations of sexual violence on<br />
women, land grabbing and extortion.<br />
Sheikh was later suspended by<br />
TMC, and subsequently arrested<br />
on February <strong>29</strong>, on the order of the<br />
Calcutta high court.<br />
Patra was among 111 candidates<br />
fielded by the BJP in its fifth list<br />
released on <strong>March</strong> 24. <strong>The</strong> ruling<br />
TMC has fielded former MP Haji<br />
Nurul Islam from the seat, replacing<br />
actor Nusrat Jahan. Islam had won<br />
the Basirhat seat for the TMC in<br />
2009 when the Left Front was in<br />
power. Bengal will vote in all seven<br />
phases to elect 42 members in the<br />
Lok Sabha.<br />
In an audio clip shared by the BJP<br />
to media, Modi lauded Patra as a<br />
“shakti swaroopa” (goddess-like) for<br />
highlighting the atrocities against<br />
Sandeshkhali women.<br />
“You have fought a huge battle in<br />
Sandeshkhali. You are truly a shakti<br />
swarupa. You have sent so many<br />
leaders to jail. Seeing your courage, I<br />
feel that this time the women power<br />
will shower their blessings on us<br />
for the state’s bright future,” he was<br />
heard saying in an audio message<br />
shared by the Bengal BJP on media<br />
WhatApp groups.<br />
“You have all the traits to become<br />
a public representative. We will all<br />
fight for the respect of mothers and<br />
sisters of Bengal. I assure you that I<br />
am with you all. I will personally think<br />
about you people,” he told Patra.<br />
During the conversation, Patra<br />
narrated the alleged atrocities faced<br />
by women of Sandeshkhali. “We<br />
have not been able to cast our votes<br />
since 2011. <strong>The</strong> mothers and sisters<br />
of Sandeshkhali would be happier if<br />
they are able to vote without fear,”<br />
she was heard saying in the clip.<br />
Modi said: “I am sure that your<br />
voice will reach the ECI and the poll<br />
panel will take all steps so that all<br />
voters can cast their votes... This<br />
is very unfortunate how the state<br />
government has behaved.”<br />
Reacting to the conversation,<br />
TMC’s state unit vice-president Jay<br />
Prakash Majumdar said: “<strong>The</strong> PM<br />
spoke for a few minutes with the<br />
candidate but didn’t say a word on<br />
how the Centre has stopped funds to<br />
Bengal... She (Patra)said that people<br />
of Sandeshkhali haven’t voted since<br />
2011.<br />
But ECI deployed central forces in<br />
previous assembly and Lok Sabha<br />
polls and have been claiming that<br />
elections were peaceful and fair. Are<br />
her allegations against ECI?”<br />
Later in the day, Modi also spoke<br />
to BJP candidate in Kerala’s Alathur<br />
Lok Sabha seat TN Sarasu.<br />
Sarasu, a retired college principal,<br />
was fielded by the party on <strong>March</strong><br />
24. Alathur seat is reserved for the<br />
Scheduled Castes.<br />
Date set for largest<br />
democratic election<br />
in human history<br />
Polls in the world’s<br />
largest democracy<br />
India will open on April<br />
19, the country’s election<br />
commissioner announced on<br />
Saturday, setting the stage<br />
for a nationwide election<br />
expected to see Prime<br />
Minister Narendra Modi clinch<br />
a rare third consecutive term.<br />
An estimated 960 million<br />
people in a country of 1.4<br />
billion are eligible to vote in<br />
the widely anticipated polls<br />
that will take a month to<br />
complete.<br />
Modi’s Bharatiya Janata<br />
Party (BJP) is expected to<br />
secure another five years in<br />
power, ruling an India that has<br />
become increasingly polarized<br />
along religious lines.<br />
Polling will unfold over<br />
seven phases around the<br />
country ending on June 1.<br />
<strong>Indian</strong>s will be voting for<br />
543 seats in the 545-seat<br />
lower house of parliament,<br />
called the Lok Sabha, and<br />
the other two seats in the<br />
house are nominated by the<br />
president.<br />
All the votes – from the<br />
country’s 28 states and<br />
eight union territories – will<br />
be counted on June 4, the<br />
commission said at a press<br />
conference in New Delhi.<br />
Under Modi’s leadership,<br />
India is poised to become a<br />
21st-century powerhouse as<br />
its economy rapidly expands.<br />
But the populist leader,<br />
analysts say, has tightened<br />
his grip on its democratic<br />
institutions in a way not<br />
seen since the 1970s under<br />
the iron-fisted rule of Indira<br />
Gandhi, with minorities feeling<br />
persecuted under the BJP’s<br />
Hindu-nationalist policies and<br />
dissent muzzled.<br />
Going against Modi is<br />
the main opposition <strong>Indian</strong><br />
National Congress, which<br />
has governed the country<br />
for much of the 77 years<br />
since independence and last<br />
year formed an alliance with<br />
other parties. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Indian</strong><br />
A woman places a Bharatiya Janata<br />
Party (BJP) symbol at a BJP election<br />
office in Chennai on <strong>March</strong> 16.<br />
National Developmental<br />
Inclusive Alliance, or INDIA,<br />
marked a significant step for<br />
an opposition struggling to<br />
regain national significance.<br />
But cracks in the alliance<br />
have already emerged, and<br />
it has yet to put forward its<br />
candidate for prime minister,<br />
lacking anyone with the kind<br />
of star quality and appeal<br />
projected by Modi.<br />
<strong>The</strong> prime minister’s<br />
calendar last year included<br />
diplomatic trips to Australia<br />
and the United States, where<br />
he presented himself as a<br />
statesman cementing the<br />
country as a modern global<br />
power.<br />
In August, India made<br />
history by soft-landing a rover<br />
on the moon, becoming just<br />
the fourth nation to do so.<br />
Weeks later, it launched its<br />
first spacecraft dedicated to<br />
studying the sun.<br />
India hosted the Group<br />
of 20 (G20) in September,<br />
presenting New Delhi with<br />
an opportunity to extend<br />
its leadership beyond the<br />
country’s borders at a time of<br />
increasing political turmoil.<br />
This January, Modi marked<br />
the unofficial start of his<br />
election campaign when he<br />
inaugurated the controversial<br />
Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, a<br />
Hindu temple in the holy city<br />
of Ayodhya that was built on<br />
the site of the destroyed Babri<br />
mosque.
Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 22 <strong>March</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
WORLD 15<br />
10 years on, is the world any<br />
closer to finding MH370?<br />
For the past 10 years it has<br />
remained one of the modern<br />
era’s greatest mysteries.<br />
A commercial airliner with a<br />
strong safety record carrying<br />
239 people vanishing from the<br />
map, spawning a wide variety<br />
of competing theories, books<br />
and documentaries and leaving<br />
the families of those left behind<br />
asking themselves every <strong>March</strong> 8<br />
– what happened to those aboard<br />
Malaysia Airlines flight 370?<br />
In an era when black boxes have<br />
been successfully hauled up from<br />
the very depths of the ocean and<br />
whole chunks of a downed<br />
airliner painstakingly pieced<br />
back together to determine what<br />
caused a catastrophe, the fate<br />
of MH370 remains infuriatingly<br />
elusive.<br />
It is a plane crash without<br />
a plane. A disaster without<br />
conclusive proof of what<br />
happened to its victims. A story<br />
that anyone who embarks on a<br />
commercial flight can instantly<br />
relate to but one that, for now<br />
at least, doesn’t have a closing<br />
chapter. Yet many experts believe<br />
there is still a strong chance<br />
MH370’s wreckage could be<br />
located, if someone looks hard<br />
enough and – crucially – coughs<br />
up the staggering amount of<br />
money that might be required to<br />
achieve that goal. Qingming, the<br />
annual festival when Chinese<br />
people visit and clean their<br />
ancestors’ graves, falls in early<br />
April.<br />
“But we never found MH370.<br />
I never found my mother,” Jiang<br />
told CNN. “I can’t commemorate<br />
my mother just like everyone<br />
else.”<br />
His mother, Jiang Cuiyun, is still<br />
listed as “missing” back home in<br />
China, he said.<br />
“I will only find my mom if I can<br />
find MH370,” he added.<br />
Beijing-bound Malaysia Airlines<br />
flight 370 dropped off the radar<br />
shortly after departing Kuala<br />
A helicopter takes off from Chinese warship Jinggangshan during an early search for the<br />
missing Beijing-bound Malaysia Airlines flight 370 on <strong>March</strong> 11, 2014.<br />
Students pray for MH370 passengers on <strong>March</strong> 10, 2014, in Zhuji, China.<br />
Lumpur in the small hours of<br />
<strong>March</strong> 8, 2014.<br />
<strong>The</strong> take-off was uneventful.<br />
<strong>The</strong> flight reached its cruising<br />
altitude of 35,000 feet and<br />
the pilots spoke briefly with<br />
Vietnamese air traffic as the plane<br />
headed on its standard route.<br />
After that the aircraft stopped<br />
communicating, then vanished<br />
from radar when it made an<br />
unexpected turn to the west.<br />
Apparent fragments have since<br />
washed up on the eastern coast<br />
of Africa and islands in the <strong>Indian</strong><br />
Ocean, where the aircraft and<br />
those on board are believed to<br />
have met their fate.<br />
But to this day, the body of the<br />
aircraft and its black box has<br />
never been found. It’s believed to<br />
have crashed. But we still don’t<br />
know why.<br />
A new search?<br />
This week, many loved ones<br />
of those missing returned to<br />
Malaysia to urge local authorities<br />
to relaunch a search ahead of<br />
Friday’s anniversary.<br />
“<strong>The</strong>re have been ships lost that<br />
are found after hundreds of years.<br />
So we cannot say that this plane<br />
will never be found,” one family<br />
member V.P.R Nathan told Reuters<br />
during a recent commemorative<br />
event. His wife Anne Daisy was on<br />
board MH370.<br />
“Of course it can be found. It is<br />
a matter of time,” he said.<br />
Aviation experts tell CNN that<br />
improved detection technology<br />
will likely bring families closer to<br />
the missing plane than they ever<br />
have been, if a search were to be<br />
relaunched.<br />
But that will not be cheap.<br />
Hundreds of millions of dollars<br />
were spent scouring more than<br />
710,000 square kilometers of<br />
the <strong>Indian</strong> Ocean until 2018, but<br />
nothing transpired that moved<br />
our understanding on from that<br />
already available since the very<br />
early days.<br />
United States-based sea<br />
exploration firm Ocean Infinity<br />
is offering the Malaysian<br />
government another “no-find, nofee”<br />
deal - like they did in 2018 -<br />
but experts noted the authorities<br />
would still have to pay up if the<br />
aircraft was found.<br />
To families’ encouragement,<br />
Malaysian authorities have made<br />
some positive remarks about<br />
the prospect of a new search.<br />
On Sunday, Transport Minister<br />
Anthony Loke said his country<br />
would “do everything possible to<br />
solve this mystery once and for<br />
all.”<br />
He said his ministry is “ready”<br />
to discuss a new “credible” search<br />
proposal with Ocean Infinity and<br />
will do “everything possible” to<br />
get Cabinet approval for a new<br />
contract with the firm.<br />
“As we approach the 10 years<br />
remembrance of this heartwrenching<br />
tragedy, it is a painful<br />
reminder of the decade-long<br />
journey of grief and resilience that<br />
loved ones of the victims have<br />
endured,” he said.<br />
Oliver Plunkett, CEO of Ocean<br />
Infinity, said since the 2018<br />
search, the company has been<br />
honing its robotics and seaexploration<br />
technology, while<br />
working with analysts to narrow<br />
down search areas to “one<br />
in which success becomes<br />
potentially achievable”.<br />
But neither Ocean Infinity nor<br />
the Malaysian government have<br />
given more concrete details on<br />
their possible plans.<br />
Julian Assange wins temporary reprieve from extradition to US<br />
WikiLeaks founder Julian<br />
Assange's extradition<br />
to the United States<br />
from Britain was put on hold on<br />
Tuesday after London's High<br />
Court said the United States must<br />
provide assurances he would not<br />
face the death penalty.<br />
US prosecutors are seeking<br />
to put Assange, 52, on trial on<br />
18 counts, all bar one under the<br />
Espionage Act, over WikiLeaks'<br />
release of confidential US military<br />
records and diplomatic cables.<br />
After Britain gave the go-ahead<br />
for his extradition last year,<br />
Assange's lawyers in February<br />
launched a final attempt in the<br />
English courts to challenge that<br />
decision.<br />
In their written ruling, which<br />
Assange's wife Stella described<br />
as "utterly bizarre", two senior<br />
judges provisionally gave him<br />
permission to launch a full<br />
appeal against extradition on<br />
three grounds, but only if the US<br />
failed to provide "satisfactory<br />
assurances" to the issues raised.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se were that Australianborn<br />
Assange arguably would<br />
not be entitled to rely on the First<br />
Amendment right to free speech<br />
as a non-US national and, while<br />
none of the existing charges<br />
carried the death penalty, he could<br />
later face a capital offence such<br />
as treason, meaning it would be<br />
unlawful to extradite him.<br />
Assange's lawyers had<br />
highlighted a comment by former<br />
US President Donald Trump who<br />
said in 2010, when discussing<br />
WikiLeaks, that "I think there<br />
should be like a death penalty or<br />
something", the ruling said.<br />
<strong>The</strong> judges invited the US<br />
authorities to provide assurances<br />
on these matters, saying if they<br />
were not forthcoming by 16 April,<br />
then Assange would be granted<br />
permission to appeal.<br />
However, they rejected his<br />
lawyers' argument the case was<br />
politically motivated or that he<br />
would not receive a fair trial. <strong>The</strong>y<br />
also said his accusation that CIA<br />
officials had planned to kidnap<br />
or murder him could not be<br />
considered should he be allowed<br />
an appeal.<br />
A further hearing has been<br />
scheduled for 20 May, with his<br />
extradition - which his campaign<br />
team said could have been<br />
imminent depending on the ruling<br />
- put on hold.<br />
13-year legal fight<br />
WikiLeaks first came to<br />
prominence in 2010 when it<br />
published a US military video<br />
showing a 2007 attack by Apache<br />
helicopters in Baghdad that killed<br />
a dozen people, including two<br />
Reuters news staff.<br />
It then released thousands<br />
of secret classified files and<br />
diplomatic cables that laid bare<br />
often highly critical US appraisals<br />
of world leaders which the US<br />
China to<br />
develop<br />
strategic<br />
seaport, airport<br />
in Sri Lanka: PM<br />
Gunawardena<br />
Sri Lanka's prime minister said<br />
Wednesday that China has<br />
pledged to develop the island<br />
nation's strategic deep sea port<br />
and the capital's airport after talks<br />
with his counterpart in Beijing.<br />
Prime Minister Dinesh<br />
Gunawardena said China -- the<br />
island's biggest bilateral creditor<br />
-- would "assist" Sri Lanka's<br />
restructuring of external debt, a<br />
key condition to maintaining a $2.9<br />
billion IMF bailout.<br />
Beijing's position on debt<br />
restructuring has not been made<br />
public, but Sri Lankan officials<br />
have said China was reluctant<br />
to take a haircut on its loans but<br />
could extend the tenure and adjust<br />
interest rates.<br />
Sri Lanka in 2022 ran out of<br />
foreign exchange to finance<br />
essential imports and declared a<br />
sovereign default on its $46 billion<br />
foreign debt. Months of protests<br />
forced then-president Gotabaya<br />
Rajapaksa out of office.<br />
Gunawardena's office said<br />
Premier Li Qiang had promised<br />
China would "assist Sri Lanka's<br />
debt restructuring process<br />
continuously and help Sri Lanka to<br />
develop its economy".<br />
Gunawardena said Beijing had<br />
offered "assistance to develop"<br />
Colombo International Airport and<br />
Hambantota port, the statement<br />
added, without giving further<br />
details.<br />
<strong>The</strong> southern sea port of<br />
Hambantota was handed to a<br />
Chinese state-owned company in<br />
2017 on a 99-year lease for $1.12<br />
billion, sparking security concerns<br />
in Beijing's regional rival India.<br />
India and the United States are<br />
both concerned that a Chinese<br />
foothold at Hambantota, on the<br />
island's southern coast, could<br />
boost its naval advantage in the<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> Ocean.<br />
said imperilled the lives of their<br />
agents.<br />
Assange's many supporters<br />
hail him as an anti-establishment<br />
hero who is being persecuted,<br />
despite being a journalist, for<br />
exposing US wrongdoing and<br />
alleged war crimes.<br />
<strong>The</strong> US authorities say he<br />
is not being prosecuted for<br />
the publication of the leaked<br />
materials but for the criminal<br />
act of conspiring with former US<br />
Army intelligence analyst Chelsea<br />
Manning to unlawfully obtain<br />
them.<br />
Assange has now spent more<br />
than 13 years battling various<br />
legal cases in Britain, spending<br />
seven of these holed up inside the<br />
Ecuadorean Embassy in London<br />
after skipping bail and the last<br />
five in a maximum security jail.<br />
His brother, Gabriel Shipton,<br />
said he was suffering "rapidly<br />
deteriorating physical and mental<br />
health".
16<br />
TIME OUT<br />
i FreeDailyCrosswords.com<br />
ACROSS-----------<br />
1) "Brian's Song" star James<br />
5) Comes out of one's skin<br />
10) Self-congratulatory<br />
14) Radius' comrade-in-arms?<br />
15) Youngest-ever Oscar<br />
winner<br />
16) Folkestone farewell<br />
17) "B 5!" "C 11!"?<br />
19) Took_ (snoozed)<br />
20) Downed<br />
21) Typing type<br />
22) Considers carefully<br />
24) "Emma" author Austen<br />
25) Hersey's bell town<br />
26) Place or site<br />
<strong>29</strong>) Transverse beam<br />
32) Itsy-bitsy bits<br />
33) "In_ tn1st"<br />
34) Recipe word<br />
35) Cravings<br />
36) Emulate "Old Blue Eyes"<br />
O, O!<br />
1 2 3<br />
14<br />
17<br />
20<br />
26 27 28<br />
32<br />
35<br />
38<br />
41 42<br />
CROSSWORD<br />
37) Kid's "seat" on Santa<br />
38) Alternative to .net<br />
39) Less extroverted<br />
40) TV's "Cosmos" creator<br />
41) Author's explanation<br />
43) Yuletide songs<br />
44) Backup sounds<br />
45) Random sampling<br />
46) "Monkey Trial" teacher<br />
48) Seafood choice<br />
49) Josh<br />
52) Door section<br />
53) John Wayne character,<br />
larger-than-life?<br />
56) More than suggest<br />
57) Recording studio alert<br />
58) Water sport<br />
59) Some antique autos<br />
60) Family men<br />
61) Bud holder<br />
Richard Auer<br />
11 12 13<br />
7th June<br />
DOWN<br />
1) Island south of Florida<br />
2) Dismounted<br />
3) Archer or Heche<br />
4) Endless faultfinder<br />
5) Home of the John Deere<br />
headquarters<br />
6) Like beverages at barbecues<br />
7) A 1 Capp character<br />
8) Fielder's choice?<br />
9) Trooper's warning<br />
10) Wood-surface applications<br />
11) Tropical fruit dance?<br />
12) Great Salt Lake state<br />
13) Adjusts, as a spark plug<br />
18) Multicolored gems<br />
23) "_ on Down the Road"<br />
24) Traffic tangles<br />
25) Eagerness<br />
26)_ the land (how things stand)<br />
27) Alamogordo's county<br />
28) Kinshasa drum?<br />
<strong>29</strong>) Australian bush call<br />
30) Just right<br />
31) Wonderlands<br />
33) Southern breakfast dish<br />
36) Auto despair site?<br />
37) Marx or Benz<br />
39) Pirate's knife<br />
40) Town of many trials and hunts<br />
42) Plains homes<br />
43) Plays with crayons<br />
45) Lecterns<br />
46) Tim Duncan, for one<br />
47) Kind of package<br />
48) Cold spell<br />
49) Nautical mile<br />
50) Not going anywhere<br />
51) Condemn<br />
54) "Put_ Happy Face"<br />
55) Photo_ (media events)<br />
i FreeDailyCrosswords.com<br />
ACROSS-----------<br />
1) "Brian's Song" star James<br />
5) Comes out of one's skin<br />
10) Self-congratulatory<br />
14) Radius' comrade-in-arms?<br />
15) Youngest-ever Oscar<br />
winner<br />
16) Folkestone farewell<br />
17) "B 5!" "C 11!"?<br />
19) Took_ (snoozed)<br />
20) Downed<br />
21) Typing type<br />
22) Considers carefully<br />
24) "Emma" author Austen<br />
25) Hersey's bell town<br />
26) Place or site<br />
<strong>29</strong>) Transverse beam<br />
32) Itsy-bitsy bits<br />
33) "In_ tn1st"<br />
34) Recipe word<br />
35) Cravings<br />
36) Emulate "Old Blue Eyes"<br />
O, O!<br />
Friday, <strong>29</strong> <strong>March</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
CROSSWORD ANSWERS<br />
37) Kid's "seat" on Santa<br />
38) Alternative to .net<br />
39) Less extroverted<br />
40) TV's "Cosmos" creator<br />
41) Author's explanation<br />
43) Yuletide songs<br />
44) Backup sounds<br />
45) Random sampling<br />
46) "Monkey Trial" teacher<br />
48) Seafood choice<br />
49) Josh<br />
52) Door section<br />
53) John Wayne character,<br />
larger-than-life?<br />
56) More than suggest<br />
57) Recording studio alert<br />
58) Water sport<br />
59) Some antique autos<br />
60) Family men<br />
61) Bud holder<br />
1M l.1 1 b<br />
Richard Auer<br />
ATA<br />
N A p<br />
I G H 5<br />
0<br />
T 30 1 3e<br />
D D<br />
E E<br />
N<br />
7th June<br />
DOWN<br />
1) Island south of Florida<br />
2) Dismounted<br />
3) Archer or Heche<br />
4) Endless faultfinder<br />
5) Home of the John Deere<br />
headquarters<br />
6) Like beverages at barbecues<br />
7) A 1 Capp character<br />
8) Fielder's choice?<br />
9) Trooper's warning<br />
10) Wood-surface applications<br />
11) Tropical fruit dance?<br />
12) Great Salt Lake state<br />
13) Adjusts, as a spark plug<br />
18) Multicolored gems<br />
23) "_ on Down the Road"<br />
24) Traffic tangles<br />
25) Eagerness<br />
26)_ the land (how things stand)<br />
27) Alamogordo's county<br />
28) Kinshasa drum?<br />
<strong>29</strong>) Australian bush call<br />
30) Just right<br />
31) Wonderlands<br />
33) Southern breakfast dish<br />
36) Auto despair site?<br />
37) Marx or Benz<br />
39) Pirate's knife<br />
40) Town of many trials and hunts<br />
42) Plains homes<br />
43) Plays with crayons<br />
45) Lecterns<br />
46) Tim Duncan, for one<br />
47) Kind of package<br />
48) Cold spell<br />
49) Nautical mile<br />
50) Not going anywhere<br />
51) Condemn<br />
54) "Put_ Happy Face"<br />
55) Photo_ (media events)<br />
Read online www.iwk.co.nz<br />
SUDOKU SOLUTIONS<br />
46 47<br />
52<br />
56<br />
59<br />
SUDOKU<br />
1; 4c 0 p<br />
Si><br />
E<br />
A N E<br />
S<br />
5lJ R G E b N<br />
S<br />
R E 0 5 6'p A<br />
S<br />
b<br />
E 1< 5 01<br />
Mb N D 0<br />
A I R 51> L 0<br />
p A 5 E M<br />
Your Weekly Horoscope: 30 <strong>March</strong> - 4 April, <strong>2024</strong><br />
ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20)<br />
You are likely to do well for yourself on the<br />
professional front. Realising a handsome<br />
amount from someone is possible on the<br />
financial front. Your health consciousness is<br />
likely to contribute towards maintaining good<br />
health. Busy schedule may not leave enough<br />
time for you to enjoy the social scene. You can expect the<br />
full support of your family in all your endeavours. An evening<br />
out, just for a drive, will give you much fun. Shifting to a new<br />
house is indicated, especially for those getting transferred.<br />
.TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 20)<br />
Your professional prospects look bright.<br />
Career enhancement through promotion<br />
is possible for people in uniform. A social<br />
event may engross you totally and give you a<br />
solid sense of achievement. Diet control may<br />
become the key to your remaining fit. On the<br />
home front, looking at the positive side of life will help boost<br />
optimism. If you are undertaking a journey today, you are<br />
certain to make good time. A suitable accommodation is<br />
yours and that too is within your budget.<br />
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21)<br />
Popularity on the social front is set to rise,<br />
as you remain at your helpful best. <strong>The</strong><br />
chances of enjoying a vacation look strong.<br />
Efforts to grow financially strong are likely to<br />
show positive results soon. Health remains<br />
good. Today, you are likely to impress those<br />
who matter on the professional front. Your foresight is likely<br />
to prove a big asset on the academic front. You are set to<br />
enjoy a family gathering today.<br />
CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 20)<br />
Some of you are likely to top an exam or crack<br />
a competition. Homemakers may organise a<br />
function at home. Some of you are likely to<br />
get a good bargain on property. A new vehicle<br />
is on the cards for some. <strong>The</strong> much-awaited<br />
feedback on the work front is likely to come<br />
positively in your favour. Selective eating will keep you fit as<br />
a fiddle. Money from some unexpected source may come to<br />
you and make your bank balance healthy.<br />
LEO (JUL21-AUG 20)<br />
Payments may get delayed but will be<br />
received. Health needs to be guarded,<br />
especially for those suffering from lifestyle<br />
diseases. <strong>The</strong> family will go all out to make<br />
you comfortable. <strong>The</strong> chance of meeting<br />
a celebrity on a journey is possible. This<br />
is the right time to plan for the future on the professional<br />
front. Seizing an opportunity to go on a trip will be in your<br />
interest. Don't be hasty in disposing of your property as loss<br />
is foreseen.<br />
VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 23)<br />
Financially, you are likely to remain in a<br />
comfortable position. Regular workouts<br />
will help in keeping fit. Things turn<br />
favourable at work, as your contribution gets<br />
acknowledged. <strong>The</strong> home front requires your<br />
attention, so don't neglect it. A pilgrimage is<br />
possible and is likely to prove most fulfilling. Buying a new<br />
property cannot be ruled out for some. Expect to get VIP<br />
treatment, as your social life perks up.<br />
LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23)<br />
You will be keen to impress those who matter<br />
on the professional front. Being regular in<br />
your workouts will prove good for your health.<br />
You will be much more conscious of your<br />
financial situation now, than previously and<br />
budget your expenses. Organising a function<br />
or an event on the home front can keep some busy today.<br />
A good understanding with someone influential will be of<br />
much advantage to you. A long journey is possible.<br />
SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22)<br />
Good financial planning can get you in a<br />
happy state. Professional front brightens<br />
up for some as new projects come your way.<br />
Some of you are likely to participate in a funfilled<br />
activity on the home front. Resuming an<br />
exercise routine is indicated for some. Getting<br />
something new may get some youngsters all excited. A trip<br />
may get cancelled or postponed. Some sacrifice on your part<br />
will be required to get close to your partner emotionally.<br />
SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21)<br />
You are likely to adopt healthy options to<br />
achieve total fitness. You are likely to grasp<br />
a situation on the work front quickly and turn<br />
it to your advantage. <strong>The</strong>re are indications<br />
that some of you can be asked to travel out<br />
of the station on short notice. A lucrative deal<br />
that brings in good returns is likely to be seized. Religiousminded<br />
will be able to achieve total peace of mind. Socialise<br />
more. Nearness to partner brings comfort and immense<br />
happiness.<br />
CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 21)<br />
Completing an assigned job will give you<br />
the edge at work. Discussing investment<br />
options with a financial expert will help you<br />
make the correct decision. Homemakers may<br />
be tempted to buy an appliance or gadget.<br />
Your fitness regime will benefit. Property<br />
investments may not get immediate results but promise big<br />
money at a later date. <strong>The</strong> desire for a change of scene may<br />
take you out on an exotic vacation. <strong>The</strong> feeling of something<br />
good happening to you may persist today.<br />
AQUARIUS (JAN 22-FEB 19)<br />
You are likely to benefit immensely by making<br />
health your priority. Despite rising expenses,<br />
you will be able to remain fairly well off<br />
financially. You may have to seek alternatives<br />
if you are unable to accomplish something at<br />
work. Efforts on the academic front put in now<br />
will pay rich dividends later. People are likely to appreciate<br />
your upholding the family traditions. A chance to convert an<br />
official trip into a leisurely one may come to some.<br />
PISCES (FEB 20-MAR 20)<br />
An active lifestyle will help keep minor<br />
ailments at bay. You will manage to plan your<br />
expenses well to remain within the budget.<br />
Homemakers will need to be motivated to<br />
go in for cleaning and painting of the house.<br />
A promotion or increment is likely for some,<br />
especially those in the armed forces. Those travelling on a<br />
long journey will be able to find entertaining company en<br />
route. <strong>The</strong> social front can keep some busy entertaining<br />
guests.
Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, <strong>29</strong> <strong>March</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
FEATURE 17<br />
Healthy cooking every day<br />
Five-spice roast chicken<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 1 kilograms chicken legs<br />
• For Marination<br />
• 1 tablespoon 5 spice powder<br />
• 1/4 cup soy sauce<br />
• 2 tablespoon ginger<br />
• 2 tablespoon Chinese rice wine<br />
• 1/4 cup virgin olive oil<br />
• 2 tablespoon garlic paste<br />
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt<br />
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar<br />
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt<br />
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice<br />
Method<br />
• To prepare this amazingly delicious<br />
chicken recipe, first, you need to prepare<br />
the marinade.<br />
• For the same, take a medium bowl and<br />
mix together 5 spice powder, lemon<br />
juice, Chinese rice wine, garlic paste,<br />
grated ginger, garlic salt, soy sauce,<br />
sugar, kosher salt and virgin olive oil.<br />
• Next, when you are done with the<br />
marinade, take the chicken leg pieces<br />
and put them in a large bowl.<br />
• Pour the marinade over these leg<br />
pieces and marinate them using<br />
your hands.<br />
• Let these chicken leg pieces marinate<br />
for about 2-3 hours.<br />
• You can even cover the bowl with a foil<br />
and put inside the refrigerator.<br />
• Once the chicken leg pieces are<br />
marinated, take them out of the<br />
refrigerator and spread them on a<br />
baking sheet in a tray.<br />
• Place this baking tray in a preheated<br />
oven and bake these chicken leg pieces<br />
at 190 degree Celsius for about 15-20<br />
minutes.<br />
• After 15 minutes, turn them upside d<br />
• own and bake once again for another 15<br />
minutes at the same temperature until<br />
golden brown in colour.<br />
• Take out the chicken leg pieces after<br />
they are done and transfer them to a<br />
serving plate and serve warm along<br />
with lemon wedges. Enjoy!<br />
Vegetable and chicken skewers<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 400 gm chicken breasts<br />
• 240 gm onion<br />
• 240 gm yellow bell pepper<br />
• 5 gm oregano<br />
• salt as required<br />
• 240 gm zucchini<br />
• 240 gm red bell pepper<br />
• 5 gm powdered black pepper<br />
• 150 ml virgin olive oil<br />
• lemon wedges as required<br />
Method<br />
• Soak the bamboo sticks in water for<br />
about 10 minutes.<br />
• Cut the chicken, zucchini, onion, red<br />
and yellow capsicums (bell peppers)<br />
into 1’’ square pieces.<br />
• Take one mixing bowl and put olive<br />
oil, salt, crushed black paper, oregano<br />
herbs and mix properly.<br />
• Marinate the chopped vegetables<br />
and chicken. Ensure all the pieces are<br />
Zucchini and cashew pasta<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 200 gm pasta spaghetti<br />
• 3 tablespoon peas<br />
• 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow<br />
pepper<br />
• 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes<br />
• 2 tablespoon chopped parsley<br />
• 2 pinches salt<br />
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese<br />
• 3/4 cup water<br />
• 1/4 cup lemon juice<br />
• 1 dash sesame seeds<br />
• 3 zucchini<br />
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red peppers<br />
• 1 chopped,peeled carrot<br />
• 2 tablespoon chopped basil<br />
• 2 teaspoon lime zest<br />
• 1 dash black pepper<br />
• 1 cup soaked cashews<br />
• 1 clove chopped garlic<br />
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut water<br />
Method<br />
• In a saucepan containing boiling water,<br />
add the pasta, salt and a couple of<br />
drops of oil.<br />
• Boil them till tender.<br />
• In a large bowl, peel one cm wide<br />
coated well. You need not leave them<br />
to marinate for long. 5-6 minutes is<br />
enough.<br />
• Insert the chicken pieces and veggies<br />
into the bamboo skewers. Cook<br />
the skewers on preheated grill until<br />
vegetables and chicken are tender.<br />
Keep turning the skewers to cook<br />
evenly and prevent burning.<br />
• Once cooked, your Vegetable and<br />
Chicken Skewers are now ready to<br />
be served. Serve with some lemon<br />
wedges on the side. Enjoy!<br />
strips of zucchinis so that it resembles<br />
pencil shavings. You can do so using a<br />
vegetable peeler.<br />
• Take a pan over medium flame and add<br />
peas, bell peppers, carrots, tomatoes,<br />
basil, parsley, lemon zest, salt and<br />
pepper. Toss all these ingredients well<br />
into a salad and set aside.<br />
• Prepare the sauce by using a blender<br />
on high speed to mix cashews, water,<br />
coconut nectar, garlic and lemon juice<br />
into a smooth paste.<br />
• Add a little salt.<br />
• In a serving dish, lay out the pasta. Add<br />
a layer of zucchini salad on it. Top the<br />
salad with a layer of sauce.<br />
• Garnish with the grated Parmesan<br />
cheese and indulge in the goodness.<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 400 gm halved chicken breasts<br />
• 3 tablespoon virgin olive oil<br />
• 1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
• 30 ml white wine<br />
• 30 gm broccoli<br />
• 20 ml red wine<br />
• 3 tablespoon chopped thyme<br />
• 1 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic<br />
• 1 pinch powdered black pepper<br />
• 2 stick blanched asparagus<br />
• 40 gm barbeque sauce<br />
For <strong>The</strong> Main Dish<br />
• 1 medium sliced thick<br />
zucchini<br />
Method<br />
• Get the grill started on medium<br />
high heat.<br />
• While the grill is heating up, whisk together<br />
half of the thyme, oil and 1/4 teaspoon of<br />
the minced garlic in a shallow dish.<br />
• Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken<br />
and add it to thyme mixture. Leave it for<br />
ten minutes.<br />
• Saute garlic in a large<br />
heavy-bottomed pan.<br />
• Add zucchini and handful of chopped<br />
thyme. Let it cook uncovered<br />
Lighter Takes<br />
& Easy Tips<br />
Pepper chicken with braised zucchini<br />
Chicken Momos<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 450 gm all purpose flour<br />
• 1 tablespoon refined oil<br />
• 2 large onion<br />
• 1 inch ginger<br />
• water as required<br />
• 1 tablespoon chilli garlic paste<br />
• 300 gm boiled chicken<br />
• 5 green chilli<br />
• salt as required<br />
• 2 teaspoon soy sauce<br />
• black pepper as required<br />
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper<br />
Method<br />
• Chicken Momos is a dish that needs no<br />
introduction. However, it is pretty easy to<br />
prepare it at home without putting in much<br />
effort. Here’s how you go about preparing<br />
it at home: To begin with, rinse the veggies<br />
and chicken with lukewarm water to<br />
thoroughly clean them.<br />
• <strong>The</strong>n take a clean chopping board, chop the<br />
vegetables separately and keep them aside.<br />
• <strong>The</strong>n take a pan or a pressure cooker and<br />
boil the chicken, with a pinch of salt and<br />
pepper. If you want to make it aromatic,<br />
you can add a small teaspoon of ginger and<br />
chilli garlic paste. If you like the flavour of<br />
garlic, you can add some more garlic paste.<br />
Once done, carefully mince the boiled<br />
chicken. Keep it aside.<br />
• Now, take a deep mixing bowl and add<br />
refined oil in it followed by all-purpose flour<br />
and salt. Mix well with enough water and<br />
knead the mixture into a smooth dough.<br />
on low flame.<br />
• Heat a new skillet and add white wine.<br />
Reduce it to half and add zucchini. Cook<br />
for a minute and<br />
remove the pan.<br />
• Grill chicken until brown for approx 5<br />
minutes on each side.<br />
• Blanch the broccoli and asparagus in hot<br />
water and keep them aside.<br />
• Take barbecue sauce and dilute it with red<br />
wine, and add black pepper.<br />
Knead well and ensure that no lumps are<br />
formed.<br />
• Take another mixing bowl and add chicken<br />
followed by chopped vegetables, mix well<br />
and combine everything together. <strong>The</strong>n,<br />
add soy sauce to the chicken mix and stir<br />
well. Now take the prepared dough and roll<br />
out small balls out of it.<br />
• Using a rolling pin, flatten the balls in a<br />
square shape and add the chicken and<br />
veggies stuffing at the centre. Bring the<br />
edges close and secure them to make a<br />
momo.<br />
• Repeat this step with the remaining balls.<br />
Transfer the prepared momos to a steamer<br />
and steam for 20 minutes or until they turn<br />
soft and tender. Serve fresh and hot with<br />
your choice of chutney or dip.<br />
Tips<br />
• <strong>The</strong> very first rule to make Chicken Momos<br />
is that always roll your edges thin and the<br />
centre should be thick. Many people miss<br />
this part, which makes the momo break<br />
apart.<br />
• You can also freeze Chicken Momos for<br />
20-30 days and boil them for 5 minutes and<br />
they will be ready to eat.<br />
• If you don’t have a steamer at home, you<br />
can always use aluminium foil for steaming<br />
your momos. Aluminium foil balls can<br />
help you create that steam in any type of<br />
container.<br />
• You can also pan fry or deep fry your<br />
chicken momos if you don't have a<br />
steamer at home.
18<br />
ENTERTAINMENT<br />
As makers of most awaited<br />
film 'Bade Miyan Chote<br />
Miyan' unveiled the trailer<br />
today, team has been receiving<br />
appreciation from fans. Actor<br />
Salman Khan also gave a special<br />
shout-out to Akshay Kumar and<br />
Tiger Shroff.<br />
Taking to Instagram, Salman<br />
shared the trailer video along with<br />
the message.<br />
He wrote, "'Bade Miyan Chote<br />
Miyan', akki n tiger best of luck for<br />
the movie yeh bohut badi hit hogi."<br />
Salman also praised director Ali<br />
Abbas Zafar, with whom he shares<br />
a successful collaboration history<br />
in films like 'Tiger Zinda Hai' and<br />
'Sulta'.<br />
He wrote, "Loved the trailer and<br />
Ali u need to break tiger n sultan<br />
ka record with this one."<br />
Salman ended by saying, "<br />
Umeed hai ke Hindustan ko aap aur<br />
aap ko Hindustan Eidi dengein...@<br />
akshaykumar@tigerjackieshroff."<br />
Makers launched the actionpacked<br />
trailer in Mumbai today.<br />
Loaded with action, the almost<br />
4-minute-long trailer showed<br />
Akshay and Tiger as two egotistical<br />
SRK, Kajol, Shilpa<br />
Shetty-starrer<br />
'Baazigar' all set to<br />
re-release in theatres<br />
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and<br />
Shilpa Shetty-starrer cult classic film<br />
'Baazigar' is all set for re-release in<br />
cinemas. King Khan shared this exciting news<br />
with his fans.<br />
"Flashback to a time when magic unfolded<br />
on the silver screen! Inviting you to relive<br />
those moments at our Retro Film Festival with<br />
the iconic Bollywood classic - 'Baazigar.' As<br />
someone who had the privilege to bring this<br />
magic to life, I'm thrilled to join you in this<br />
nostalgic journey. Let's celebrate the timeless<br />
era of Bollywood together!," King Khan<br />
announced on his Instagram post.<br />
After his post, fans expressed their<br />
excitement. One of them wrote, "FAVOURITE<br />
CHILDHOOD MOVIE". Another mentioned, "All<br />
time fvrt srk"<br />
Kajol and Shilpa Shetty also posted the<br />
announcement.<br />
Shilpa mentioned, "So proud to be a part of<br />
both these 'Iconic Retro' films, with Baazigar<br />
being my debut..Save the dates: 22/03/24 |<br />
23/03/24 | 25/03/24 | 26/03/24..Join us for an<br />
unforgettable cinematic experience. Be there to<br />
witness the magic unfold!..."<br />
Released on November 12, 1993, Baazigar<br />
featured Shah Rukh as an anti-hero. <strong>The</strong> thriller,<br />
also one of Kajol's earliest successes, turned<br />
into a blockbuster.<br />
'Break Tiger, Sultan<br />
record': Salman<br />
praises Akshay-<br />
Tiger's 'Bade Miyan<br />
Chote Miyan'<br />
psychos tasked with taking down<br />
Prithviraj Sukumaran's masked<br />
villain.<br />
"Sabse jyada khatarnak wo<br />
dushman hota hai, jisme maut ka<br />
darr he na ho. Ek aisa dushman<br />
jiska na naam ho, na pehchaan ho<br />
aur na chehra ho. Jiska sirf bas<br />
ek lakshya ho, badla," Prithviraj<br />
Sukumaran said at the beginning<br />
of the trailer.<br />
As per the trailer, what one can<br />
understand is that Prithviraj has<br />
hijacked a potent, powerful and<br />
dangerous weapon and Akshay<br />
Kumar and Tiger Shroff are<br />
entrusted with the task of getting<br />
it back safely.<br />
Towards the end of the trailer,<br />
Tiger Shroff and Akshay Kumar<br />
were seen fighting each other<br />
as well. As they locked horns<br />
with each other, Akshay Kumar's<br />
character in the background said,<br />
"Hum bahut purane dost hai, ek<br />
dusre ke liye jaan de sakte hai<br />
aur ek dusre ki jaan le bhi sakte<br />
hai (We can sacrifice our lives for<br />
each other, but we can also take<br />
each other's lives)"<br />
<strong>The</strong> film,<br />
helmed by director duo Abbas-Mustan, is still<br />
famed for its dialogues and songs.<br />
SRK's dialogue "Kabhi Kabhi Kabhi kabhi<br />
jeetne ke liye kuch haarna bhi padta hai ... aur<br />
haar kar jeetne waale ko baazigar kehte hai<br />
(Sometimes to win you must l ose something<br />
... and one who wins from a losing position is<br />
called a gambler)," is still etched in the minds<br />
of his fans.<br />
Recently, SRK has had three back-to-back<br />
hits in his kitty with Pathaan, Jawan and Dunki.<br />
Friday, <strong>29</strong> <strong>March</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Ronit Roy, Alay F, Manushi<br />
Chhillar and Sonakshi Sinha<br />
are also a part of the film. It is<br />
produced by Pooja Entertainment<br />
and AAZ Films and is scheduled<br />
to release on April 10, <strong>2024</strong> on<br />
the occasion of Eid. It will face a<br />
box-office clash with Ajay Devgn's<br />
'Maidaan'.<br />
At the trailer launch, Akshay<br />
expressed his gratitude to the<br />
makers. He said, "A special thanks<br />
to Jackky Bhagnani, Deepshikha,<br />
and Vashu ji for making such a<br />
huge film. It's one of the biggest<br />
films I've worked with, and it's all<br />
thanks to them."<br />
Ali Abbas Zafar's directorial<br />
is shot across locations such<br />
as Mumbai, London, Abu Dhabi,<br />
Scotland, and Jordan.<br />
Meanwhile, Salman is currently<br />
basking in the success of his<br />
action thriller film 'Tiger 3'.<br />
Helmed by Maneesh Sharma,<br />
'Tiger 3' was released in theatres<br />
on November 12, 2023. It is now<br />
streaming on Prime Video. <strong>The</strong><br />
film also starred Katrina Kaif and<br />
Emraan Hashmi in the lead roles.<br />
On a day she turned<br />
a year older,<br />
Bollywood beauty<br />
Rani Mukerji shared<br />
how she felt when her<br />
women-centric films like<br />
'Mardaani' and 'Hichki'<br />
emerged as box-office<br />
successes.<br />
Over the course of her<br />
Bollywood career, Rani<br />
has shone in a variety of<br />
roles and performances,<br />
both in commercial and<br />
experimental cinema.<br />
Speaking to ANI on<br />
Thursday, the actor said,<br />
"I feel very happy (when<br />
her women-centric films<br />
score at the box office)<br />
because it shows that our<br />
audience wants to watch<br />
all kinds of cinema. <strong>The</strong>y<br />
want to see all kinds of<br />
content and if we provide<br />
good, interesting content<br />
with a good story to go<br />
with it, they will definitely<br />
come to watch the film."<br />
On whether she prefers<br />
working on commercial<br />
films, as opposed to<br />
content-driven ones, Rani<br />
said, "I enjoy both types<br />
of cinema because when<br />
I do the kind of cinema<br />
that I have been doing,<br />
where there are songs,<br />
it's also a very big part of<br />
our <strong>Indian</strong> culture. In our<br />
weddings or any function,<br />
music and dance play a<br />
Read online www.iwk.co.nz<br />
Manoj Bajpayee<br />
is back with<br />
second<br />
installment of<br />
'Silence'<br />
Actor Manoj Bajpayee is<br />
all set to come up with<br />
the second installment of<br />
'Silence'.<br />
Helmed by Aban Bharucha<br />
Deohans, 'Silence: <strong>The</strong> Night<br />
Owl Bar Shootout' stars Manoj<br />
Bajpayee as ACP Avinash Verma.<br />
Prachi Desai, Sahil Vaid and<br />
Vaquar Shaikh also feature in<br />
the film. In the first installment,<br />
ACP Avinash along with his team<br />
solves the enigmatic murder of a<br />
woman. As the suspense mounts,<br />
viewers are taken on a riveting<br />
journey culminating in a startling<br />
revelation. Now, with 'Silence<br />
2: <strong>The</strong> Night Owl Bar Shootout',<br />
audiences can expect another<br />
intriguing storyline teeming with<br />
dark secrets and unforeseen<br />
twists, read a statement.<br />
Excited about Silence 2,<br />
Manoj in a statement said, "ACP<br />
Avinash Verma is back! He is<br />
here to restore peace and order.<br />
I am excited for the audience to<br />
witness how the plot unravels<br />
this time. Season 1 was loved by<br />
the audience, and I hope that we<br />
will meet the expectations of our<br />
viewers and provide them with an<br />
immersive experience yet again."<br />
Director Aban Bharucha<br />
Deohans also shared her<br />
excitement about the launch of<br />
the sequel.<br />
She said, "I am thrilled to<br />
announce the release of 'Silence<br />
2: <strong>The</strong> Night Owl Bar Shootout' an<br />
exhilarating project even bigger<br />
than its predecessor. Working with<br />
Manoj Bajpayee again was an<br />
absolute joy, and his dedication to<br />
the role brought an added depth to<br />
the film."<br />
'Our audience wants to watch all<br />
kinds of cinema': Rani Mukerji<br />
very important role. So,<br />
when we dance, sing, or<br />
play music in films, we are,<br />
in a way, showcasing our<br />
culture and traditions. So,<br />
I can relate to that a lot."<br />
"When I bring stories<br />
inspired by true events,<br />
it's also very interesting<br />
because maybe we are<br />
bringing something to<br />
the audience that they<br />
didn't know about before.<br />
And through our films,<br />
we are giving them that<br />
information. So, both have<br />
their own importance. It's<br />
not that one is good and<br />
the other is not. I think<br />
both are very important<br />
in their own way," Rani<br />
added.<br />
<strong>The</strong> actor, who is<br />
married to producer<br />
Aaditya Chopra, has<br />
featured in acclaimed<br />
hits such as 'Hichki',<br />
'Mardaani', and 'Mrs.<br />
Chatterjee Vs Norway',<br />
among others, win the<br />
hearts of the audience<br />
with her captivating<br />
screen presence and<br />
performances.
“As a new startup, we joined the Auckland<br />
Business Chamber to tap into all the<br />
resources that were offered, such as the<br />
Alliance Partners, the Chamber Mentors,<br />
and also the Awards. While savings were<br />
a big reason for us, it has gone far beyond<br />
that, helping us to network and meet a lot<br />
of like-minded people that has been really<br />
beneficial for our business.”<br />
Haman Shahpari<br />
Whether you’re looking for business savings like Haman from WaHiki Coconut Creamery, or interested<br />
in international trade, networking or range of our other services. Auckland Business Chamber is here to<br />
make it easier for you to do business no matter where you are in your business journey.<br />
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