The Indian Weekender, 5 April 2024

Friday, 05 April 2024 

Volume 1 / Issue 02 

Read • Watch • Engage 

760A Dominion Road, Mt. Eden, Auckland – 1041 

www.iwk.co.nz /indianweekendernz /indianweekender 

Surya Phutane 

Chartered Accountant 

Financial Adviser 

O: 09 218 6206 | M: 021 202 0331 I EMAIL - surya.phutane@pasl.co.nz 

RAVI BAJPAI 

Tel. 09 625 5060 

Police have failed to even identify 

culprits in nearly half of the 

raim raids reported across New 

Zealand in the last seven years, new 

police data shows. 

That means robbers behind every 

second ram raid, on an average, are 

roaming free with no consequences 

for their actions, a failure the police 

are attributing in part to “limited 

opportunities” to identify culprits. 

The Indian Weekender obtained 

data on every ram raid reported in the 

country since 2017 under the Official 

Information Act. 

Technically speaking, ram raid is 

not defined as a unique offence in the 

country’s criminal code. 

But for the purpose of our request, 

the police included all crimes that met 

all of these three criteria–a burglary 

or aggravated robbery, it happened 

at a retail/commercial premise, and 

text describing the incident in police 

records mentioned “ram raid”. 

A total of 2,186 such ram raids were 

reported between January 2017 and 

January 2024. 

The police couldn’t manage to 

identify even a single culprit in 1,155 

cases, the police data shows. 

In the four years to 2020, the total 

ram raids in any single year were less 

than 200. 

But in 2021, that number more than 

doubled to 410. 

The year 2022 was the worst of the 

lot, with 712 ram raids being reported 

at an average of nearly two incidents 

every day. 

• Continued on Page 9 

Serving the Indian community for the past 

15 years. Contact us for expert advice on: 

• Life Insurance 

• Trauma Insurance 

• Total Disablement Cover 

• Income Protection Cover 

• Mortgage Protection Cover 

• Medical Insurance 

• Redundancy Cover 

• Home Loans 

• Business Insurance 

• Household Expense Cover 

20B Hoskins Avenue, Hillsborough, Auckland 1042 | info@insuresecure.co.nz 

Since 2017, police have 

failed to even identify 

robbers behind every 

second ram raid 

DO NOT 

ASK THE 

POLICE! 

THE WORLD IS ABOUT TO END AND... 

OUR HEROES WILL RISE

2 

NEW ZEALAND 

Ravinder Singh, owner of 

Counties Liquor Inn, Kwik 

Vape, and Kwik Mart in 

Pukekohe, has expressed deep 

concern over the safety of his 

staff and family following a series 

of violent incidents at his stores. 

Singh, who moved to New Zealand 

from India 15 years ago, described 

feeling terror and distress after 

being stabbed once and robbed 

numerous times, the news portal 

Stuff reported 

Singh's ordeal includes a 

recent incident where a customer 

threatened him with a shotgun 

during a robbery attempt. "Right 

now, as we are talking, he can 

walk in any time with a shotgun," 

Singh stated during an interview 

with Stuff at his liquor store. 

Despite the trauma of these 

events, Singh has been resilient, 

investing over $50,000 in security 

measures over the past five 

years. His stores are equipped 

with 16 CCTV cameras, security 

alarms, bollards, fog cannons, and 

automatic doors with an override 

button. 

The community of Pukekohe 

has shown support for Singh, with 

locals rallying around him during 

difficult times. 

"The community brought me 

cemented blocks last time it [a 

Friday, 05 April, 2024 

ram raid] happened. Within 10 

minutes, the community was here 

looking after me," Singh shared. 

While Singh remains determined 

to keep his business open, he is 

Read online www.iwk.co.nz 

Auckland store owner robbed 

19 times, now sees it as normal 

IWK BUREAU 

also concerned about the impact 

on his family. He has chosen not 

to share the full extent of the 

violent incidents with his young 

daughters, wanting to shield them 

from fear. 

to use food scrap bins 

MAHVASH IKRAM/RNZ 

sits there." 

And for those who do use the bin, Thomas 

said they were not sturdy enough. 

"I've seen them blowing down the street. 

I've seen ones that have been run over on our 

streets." Victoria Slapper also said the bin was 

not heavy enough and blew over during winter. 

"This little stupid bin should have been 

weighted at the bottom," she said. 

Auckland Council said there were no plans to 

It has been nearly six months since every 

Auckland household received a green food 

waste bin. 

The rollout began about a year ago and was 

completed around October 2023, with the 

council charging homeowners an annual fee of 

$77.20 for the bin. 

But some Auckland residents are still 

refusing to use them. 

Colleen Lewis said she tried giving it a go. 

"I was on board when we first were sent the 

bin," she said. 

"I'm absolutely wanting to try to reduce our 

waste in general because we have to for the 

the planet and try to keep everything out of 

landfill." 

But half-way through summer she put it in 

the too hard basket. 

"It just got too gross and too much. So I 

just gave up." 

Lewis said the pink waste bags that go 

inside the bin "completely disintegrated". 

"They just aren't strong enough to hold the 

waste.They just would fall apart as you are 

lifting it out of your small bin from inside." 

For Elesha Thomas, the bin just did not 

meet her family's requirements. 

"I have six children and myself at home, 

and actually [at first] I thought, 'Oh yeah, 

that's cool'. But what I've found over time is 

that we don't actually really use it. 

"I've got a small freezer for a start. So when 

I do my grocery shopping, I don't have space 

in there to put leftover food in the freezer." 

Auckland Council said residents could 

request a second bin at no charge. 

But Thomas said she will not be taking up 

that offer. 

"I just won't use it. I have a compost at 

home." 

She said the council food waste bin was 

like "an extra accessory". 

"You buy that appliance at home in 

the kitchen and it just sits in your in your 

cupboard, in your pantry and and you just 

don't, you might use it once and then it just 

Auckland liquor store owner shares fear and frustration amidst persistent attacks. 

"We are just serving the 

community, paying our 

mortgages, and paying rent. 

We are not doing anything 

wrong. I don't see any reason 

to close down my business." 

The Aucklanders who refuse 

change the size and weight of the bins, which 

were determined after careful consideration, 

and because they were picked up and emptied 

by hand. 

Slapper said the carbon footprint of the bins 

off-set any environmental benefit the Auckland 

Council was hoping to achieve 

"[There is] massive carbon footprint, the 

bins are made in Australia. Then you bring in 

the bags from China, then you have a truck, a 

diesel truck, come and collect all your scrap. 

Those that put them out got nothing to do 

with sustainability. It's got nothing to do with 

recycling." 

Auckland Council said no one in New 

Zealand was interested in manufacturing the 

bins. 

"Unfortunately, we did not receive a proposal 

for a food scraps bin manufactured in New 

Zealand. We understand from our suppliers 

that no compostable liners are made in New 

Zealand. All the material components come 

from China, so it is more cost effective to make 

them in China." 

Jay Backhouse said the only time he used 

the bin was to store burley when he went 

fishing. 

He said it would have been easier for council 

to give out compost bins. 

"It would probably be more more effective 

than having bins that they have. 

"They have to be collected. It just seems 

like a whole lot of fuss over something that 

doesn't really need to be an issue." 

And with rates set to rise, residents who did 

not use the bin said they would have preferred 

the option to say no to being charged for the 

bin. But Auckland Council said all seemed to 

be going to plan. 

"Our target for total tonnage of food scraps 

collected for the first full year is 40,000 tonnes. 

Currently weekly tonnage collected across 

all areas suggests that we are on target to 

collect between 35,000 and 40,000 tonnes in 

one full year of collections. We have already 

seen a reduction in the weight of refuse in 

kerbside rubbish bins - by up to 20 percent in 

some areas." 

Singh believes 

that addressing 

the root causes 

of crime, such as 

good parenting 

and community 

education, is 

crucial. "I think 

it has a lot to 

do with good 

parenting of 

these young people and that's 

being ignored," he told Stuff 

Despite the challenges he has 

faced, Singh remains committed 

to serving the Pukekohe 

community. "We are just serving 

the community, paying our 

mortgages, and paying rent. We 

are not doing anything wrong. 

I don't see any reason to close 

down my business," he affirmed. 

More houses 

for sale, high 

interest rates 

keep price 

gains low 

Continuing high interest 

rates and an increase in 

the number of houses for 

sale are keeping a lid on price 

growth. 

CoreLogic's House Price Index 

rose 0.5 percent in March, similar 

to January and February's muted 

gains, taking values 1.1 percent 

up over the first quarter of 2024. 

CoreLogic NZ chief property 

economist Kelvin Davidson said 

the run of three softer results in 

a row at the national level was 

expected. 

"NZ's housing market can 

probably be described as 'not 

too hot, not too cold'," Davidson 

said. 

There had also been an 

increase in listings in the first 

quarter, which had helped to take 

the heat out of price increases. 

"The general sense is that the 

so-called sellers' market of late 

2023 has now switched back 

in favour of credit-approved 

purchasers," Davidson said. 

The average property value 

rose 3.2 percent in March to 

$934,806, but still more than 10 

percent down (-$108,455) on the 

most recent peak. 

"High mortgage rates remain 

a big challenge at the forefront 

of all borrowers' minds, whether 

they're taking out a new loan or 

repricing an existing mortgage," 

he said. 

"While the new tax year and 

80 percent mortgage interest 

deductions will help cashflow for 

property investors, it's unlikely to 

be enough to trump high interest 

rates." 

He said price growth over the 

first quarter was patchy.

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 05 April, 2024 

NEW ZEALAND 3 

'Pulled out a gun': Papatoetoe 

vape store closing after robbery 

RAVI BAJPAI 

The Kiwi-Indian owner 

of a vape store in south 

Auckland’s Papatoetoe 

has decided to close down his 

business after a robbery over the 

Easter weekend, another one just 

within weeks. 

Himanshu Batra says he had 

requested a friend to mind his 

Great South Road shop, Fume 

Store, on March 30 as he was 

travelling out of Auckland. 

His friend was at the cash 

counter at about 7pm when a man 

wearing a hoodie walked into the 

store nonchalantly. 

He picked up as many as 

40 vapes and approached the 

counter. 

“He made me scan each of the 

40 vapes. When the time came 

to make the payment, he reached 

inside his trouser pocket and 

pulled out a small gun,” recounts 

the man who does not wish to be 

named. 

The robber pointed to the gun 

and told the man to let him take 

the vapes for free or else he will 

shoot. 

“He even told me to not chase 

him. I didn’t.” 

Himanshu told The Indian 

Weekender the latest robbery was 

the final nail in the coffin for his 

Fume store at Great South Road was robbed on March 30. 

retail business in Papatoetoe. 

“I’ve been losing more money 

than I earn. As it is insurance 

companies don’t offer us 

coverage. 

"It’s a last resort and we aren’t 

too happy doing it, but we cannot 

go on like this. We’ll be shutting 

soon.” 

Just two months back, robbers 

broke into a neighbouring shop, 

worked their way through the 

walls in an adjoining property and 

eventually entered Fume Store 

through a vent in the wall. 

“They cleared out the entire 

store! Not even a single vape was 

left. That robbery cost me nearly 

$20,000,” Himanshu says. 

A few days later, two girls 

in school uniforms walked in 

brandishing a pocketknife at the 

father of Himanshu’s business 

partner who was at the store at 

that time. 

“Luckily, uncle managed to 

shove them and scare them away. 

But ever since we’ve had gang 

members trying to rob us every 

now and then,” Himanshu says. 

“I’ve been losing 

more money than 

I earn. As it is 

insurance companies 

don’t offer us 

coverage. It’s a last 

resort and we aren’t 

too happy doing it, 

but we cannot go 

on like this. We’ll 

be shutting soon.” 

Himanshu Batra 

The police were called in after 

the latest robbery, but Himanshu 

says he isn’t holding his breath 

for the investigation to conclude. 

“Nothing ever comes of it. I 

remember once when our store 

had been robbed earlier, the 

culprit had posted a video of the 

robbery on TikTok. I even provided 

the account details to the police 

but there have been no arrests as 

yet.” 

Small business owners have for 

long been calling for stricter laws 

to punish robbers and ram raiders, 

pointing out a lack of serious 

consequences only emboldens 

criminals. 

Prime Minister Christopher 

Luxon this week announced that 

formulating stricter laws to curb 

such crime is on his government’s 

agenda for the next 100 days. 

Among those measures is 

a plan to open military-style 

bootcamps where repeat 

offenders will be rehabilitated and 

trained to have a greater chance 

of landing a job and, hopefully, 

mend their ways.

4 

NEW ZEALAND 

CRAIG MCCULLOCH/RNZ 

Luxon lays 

out his 

priority list 

for next 3 

months 

Fresh off completing 

the Coalition's 100-day 

plan, Christopher Luxon has 

laid out a new priority list for the 

next three months and it includes 

the delivery of long-promised tax 

relief. 

Luxon told Morning Report the 

Government had a clear action 

plan to get the country "back on 

track". "Every one of these 36 

actions ladders up to that". 

While some of the priorities 

were discreet and easy to 

complete, other bigger goals had 

been broken down into steps, 

Luxon said. 

The new "action plan" - 

published on Tuesday - includes 

36 bullet points to be achieved by 

30 June, and, like its predecessor, 

contains a mix of concrete tasks 

and more ambiguous easilyachievable 

objectives. 

Number one job is to deliver 

a budget 

Luxon last month celebrated 

the fulfilment of all 49 tasks on 

his government's initial to-do list, 

boasting a clean sweep, though a 

closer analysis delivered a more 

ambiguous report card. 

While 100-day plans have 

been utilised by numerous 

former governments, the notion 

of an ongoing public quarterly 

programme was much less 

common but in keeping with 

Luxon's self-professed CEO-style. 

"Having a clear plan with 

specific actions and timeframes 

for delivery creates momentum 

and drives focus," Luxon said in a 

statement. 

"New Zealanders expect and 

deserve delivery from their 

government, and that is exactly 

what they are getting from us." 

The number one job is "deliver 

a budget that reduces wasteful 

spending while investing in 

frontline services like health, 

education and police", set down 

for 30 May. 

That is followed by 

commitments to pass laws 

delivering personal income 

tax relief and the FamilyBoost 

childcare tax credit outlined last 

week. 

A Regional Infrastructure Fund 

will also be established within 

the quarter, though the amount 

of funding to be allocated is not 

specified. New Zealand First 

secured the fund in its coalition 

agreement with National to the 

tune of $1.2 billion over the threeyear 

term. 

A new school Attendance Action 

Plan will be launched, presumably 

by Associate Education Minister 

David Seymour, who has 

responsibility for addressing 

truancy and recently mused 

about fining more parents whose 

children are frequently absent. 

Twelve of the tasks require the 

coalition only "take decisions" 

on various policies or promises, 

meaning some could arguably 

have already been delivered. They 

include taking decisions on the 

return of Three Strikes, tighter 

controls on youth vaping, and 

stronger teacher training. 

The full second-quarter action 

plan: 

The economy and cost of living 

1. Deliver a budget that reduces 

wasteful spending while 

investing in frontline services 

like health, education and 

police. 


2. Legislate for personal income 

tax relief. 

3. Legislate to introduce the 

FamilyBoost childcare tax 

credit. 

4. Finalise the Government 

Policy Statement on Land 

Transport, freezing fuel 

tax until the end of 2026 

and delivering significant 

investment for transport. 

5. Take decisions to implement 

the Going for Housing Growth 

plan while making the MDRS 

optional for councils. 

6. Respond to the independent 

review of Kāinga Ora's 

financial situation, 

procurement, and asset 

management. 

7. Introduce legislation to 

improve the rental market. 

8. Release draft plan to ease 

restrictions on building 

materials from overseas for 

public consultation. 

9. Take decisions on measures 

to increase investment 

in renewable electricity 

generation. 


amend the RMA to clarify 

application of National Policy 

Statement on Freshwater 

Management in relation 

to individual consents for 

freshwater and to extend 

marine farm consent. 


suspend the requirement on 

councils to identify and adopt 

new Significant Natural Areas. 

12. Finalise policy to keep 

agriculture out of the ETS. 

13. Commence an independent 

review of the methane 

science and targets for 

consistency with no 

additional warming from 

agricultural methane 

emissions. 

14. Reform the CCCFA regime to 

improve access to credit for 

home buyers. 

15. Initiate the first regulatory 

sector review. 

16. Take decisions on the scope 

of the extension to the 

Covid-19 inquiry. 

17. Take decisions on reform of 

the Holidays Act 

18. Raise the energy New Zealand 

brings to key relationships 

through international 

engagements, focussing on 

our traditional partners, the 

Pacific, and South East and 

South Asia. 

19. Take decisions on the 

removal of the ban on 


offshore oil and gas 

exploration. 

20. Commission a study into 

New Zealand's fuel security, 

including investigating the 

feasibility of reopening the 

Marsden Point Oil Refinery. 

21. Establish a Regional 

Infrastructure Fund. 

Law and order 

22. Progress legislation to 

improve rehabilitation, 

reintegration and safety 

outcomes in the corrections 

system, including by 

extending eligibility to 

offence-based rehabilitation 

programmes to remand 

prisoners. 

23. Take decisions to restore 

Three Strikes. 

24. Launch a review of the 

firearms registry. 

25. Take decisions on 

establishing a Youth 

Serious Offender Category 

and making Youth Military 

Academies a standalone 

sentencing option for the 

Youth Court. 

Public services 

26. 26. Set targets for improving 

public service outcomes. 

27. 27. Take decisions on the 

rollout of structured literacy 

for year 1-3 students, 

including a phonics check. 

28. Take action to strengthen 

teacher training, including 

refocusing Professional 

Learning and Development 

for teachers on numeracy, 

literacy and assessment. 

29. Take action to develop 

standardised assessment and 

regular reporting to parents. 

30. ntroduce legislation to 

reintroduce charter schools. 

31. Launch an Attendance Action 

Plan and introduce the first 

phase of initiatives to lift 

school attendance. 

32. Take decisions to disestablish 

Te Pūkenga and consult on a 

proposed replacement model. 

33. Issue a new Government 

Policy Statement on Health, 

setting the government's 

priorities for the health 

system for the next three 

years. 

34. Take decisions to streamline 

the Medsafe approval 

process. 

35. Take decisions to tighten 

controls on youth vaping. 

36. Take decisions on the repeal 

of Section 7AA of the Oranga 

Tamariki Act 

Gunshots, 'commotion' in Auckland kidnapping 

RNZ 

Neighbours have described 

hearing gunshots and a 

commotion as police look 

for three people over a woman's 

kidnapping on Auckland's North 

Shore. 

Three locations on Auckland's 

North Shore were under police 

cordon overnight after a woman 

was forced into a car. 

Police said they were called 

to Beach Haven this week after 

three people arrived at a home on 

Sunnyhaven Ave. 

Detective Inspector Callum 

McNeill said a woman was forced 

into a car during an 'altercation'. 

Police at the scene of an 

Police at the scene of the incident on Auckland's North Shore. Photo: Jordan Dunn / RNZ 

incident on Auckland's North 

Shore, April 3. "As this has 

unfolded the firearm has been 

discharged." 

Despite more officers being 

called out and the use of the Eagle 

helicopter, the vehicle was not 

located. 

But police were soon called 

to Mackay Drive in Greenhithe, 

where they found the woman from 

the Beach Haven address. 

"She has sustained injuries and 

is in a stable condition, receiving 

treatment," McNeill said, noting 

they were not gunshot injuries. 

She was being treated at North 

Shore Hospital. 

No arrests had yet been made. 

"We're making inquiries at this 

stage. There's still a lot of enquiry 

work that needs to take place in 

order to locate people that we 

need to speak to." 

Two armed police were still 

stationed outside the Beach 

Haven property, on the corner of 

Sunnyhaven Ave and Drome View 

Place, on Wednesday morning 

Three locals RNZ spoke to 

in Beach Haven on Wednesday 

morning said they heard the 

helicopter hovering in the area 

overnight. Some people reported 

on a lo 

cal Facebook page of hearing 

gunshots and "a commotion". 

All cordons in both Greenhithe 

and Beach Haven were lifted by 

dawn on Wednesday, though 

police remained in the area. 

Anyone with information could 

call police on 105 or use the 

online form, and cite file number 

240402/3715.


NEW ZEALAND 5 

Kiwi-Indian World 

War II veteran passes 

away in Auckland 

IWK BUREAU 

The Sikh community across 

New Zealand is mourning the 

demise of Kiwi-Indian World 

War II veteran Bhai Sahib Tejinder 

Singh, affectionately known as Babaji. 

The 98-year-old passed away on 

the morning of April 1 at his home in 

Auckland, leaving behind a legacy that 

reverberates through generations. 

Born on November 2, 1925, in 

Lyallpur, undivided India, Babaji's 

journey through life was marked 

by unwavering dedication to Sikh 

principles and remarkable acts of 

service. 

As a valiant veteran of World War II, 

he honourably served in the Indian Air 

Force, retiring with the distinguished 

rank of Honorary Flying Officer. 

In 1947, amidst the tumult of the 

Partition, Babaji married Sardarni 

Amar Kaur and traversed the newlydrawn 

borders to settle in the village 

of Rasulpur in Punjab. 

Throughout his life, Babaji bore 

witness to the turbulent currents of 

history, from the agonising events 

of the Partition to the harrowing 

massacres and the 1984 Sikh 

riots that scarred the collective 

consciousness. 

Yet, amidst the trials and 

tribulations, his unwavering faith and 

steadfast resolve served as a beacon 

of hope for those around him. In his 

later years, Babaji immigrated to New 

Zealand, where he continued to inspire 

and uplift the Sikh diaspora with 

his spiritual guidance and profound 

wisdom. 

Babaji's vibrant personality and 

profound spirituality endeared him to 

countless individuals, both within and 

outside the Sikh community. 

Renowned for his soul-stirring 

kirtans and compelling religious 

sermons, he had the remarkable 

ability to touch hearts and transform 

lives. 

Babaji's strict yet compassionate 

demeanor, coupled with his 

unyielding commitment to truth 

and righteousness, left an indelible 

impression on all who had the 

privilege of crossing his path. 

In the wake of his passing, Babaji 

leaves behind a grieving family, 

including his beloved wife, five 

children, nine grandchildren, and six 

great-grandchildren, all of whom 

cherish his memory dearly. 

His son Kharag Singh, a prominent 

businessman who also contested the 

2023 general elections on a Labour 

ticket from Botany, stood by his 

father's side as he bid farewell to this 

world. 

Reflecting on Babaji's legacy, 

Kharag Singh remarked, "My father's 

unwavering faith and profound 

spirituality have been guiding lights 

for our family and the community at 

large. His teachings will continue to 

resonate in our hearts, inspiring us to 

walk the path of righteousness and 

compassion." 

Babaji's young grandson Teghbir 

Singh, who works with Harcourts, 

exemplified the traditional Indian 

value system instilled in the family, 

taking great care of the nonagenarian 

till his last breath. 

"I had the good fortune to look 

after him over the past years. 

His unwavering ideals and value 

system will remain as a guiding light 

throughout my life," Teghbir said. 

Babaji's youngest grandson, 

Kanwarbir Singh, says his 

grandfather's greatest legacy lies 

in the imprint he left upon those 

fortunate enough to have crossed 

paths with him. 

"His presence was a beacon of 

strength, radiating warmth and 

wisdom in equal measure. His 

resilience will live on in my heart.” 

As tributes pour in from around the 

world, the Sikh community prepares to 

bid farewell to their beloved Babaji. 

• IMMIGRATION LAW 

• CRIMINAL LAW 

• FAMILY LAW 

• EMPLOYMENT LAW 

• PROPERTY LAW 

• WILLS & TRUSTS 

Winner of 

Indian Business 

Award 2018 

• Supreme Business of the year 

•Excellence in marketing 

• Best Young Entrepreneur 

of the Year 

• Businesswoman of the 

year(Special award) 

Winner of Indian 

Business Awards 2017 

• Best Employer of choice 

• Best Medium-sized 

Business 

Winner of Indian 

Business Awards 2016 

• Best Businesswoman 

of the year 

* Terms & conditions apply 

Raj and Ashima Singh 

• 31, East Tamaki Road, Level–1 Papatoetoe, Auckland.Ph: +64 9 2799439 | 02102417161 | Fax: +64 9 2799419 

• PO BOX 23445, Hunters Corner, Papatoetoe, Auckland. 2025 (Above Bank Of India) | www.legalassociates.co.nz 

CONTACT US AT: RAJ:raj@legalassociates.co.nz / ASHIMA: ashima@legalassociates.co.nz 

LEGAL CLINIC 

FREE 2-hour legal consultation. 

Saturday - 10 am to 12 pm

6 

NEW ZEALAND 



'Really, really 

terrifying': 

Kiwis caught in 

magnitude 7.7 

Taiwan quake 

RNZ 

New Zealanders in Taiwan 

when a major 7.7 

earthquake struck off 

the eastern coast say everyone 

is on edge, waiting for the next 

aftershock. 

The 7.7 magnitude quake had its 

epicentre 18km south of the city 

of Hualien and struck around 9am 

local time. 

Media in Taiwan are reporting 

people have been trapped under 

collapsed buildings. Military 

personnel have been dispatched 

to help with disaster relief and 

schools and workplaces have 

closed as aftershocks hit. 

A tsunami warning was issued 

following the quake with residents 

on the island's northern coast told 

to evacuate to higher ground. 

The earthquake is the strongest 

to hit Taiwan in 25 years. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

and Trade said there were 137 New 

Zealanders registered in Taiwan at 

the time of the quake. 

One of those was former RNZ 

employee Delphine Herbert, who 

told Checkpoint she had arrived 

in the capital Taipei the previous 

afternoon and was just waking up 

when it hit. 

"Today was meant to be our 

first full day of sightseeing here in 

Taiwan. 

"But I was just kind of waking 

up and I'm from Canterbury... I've 

experienced the February [2011] 

and September [2010] earthquakes, 

and I felt a jolt and thought, 'Oooh, 

that's quite interesting - is that 

going to be an earthquake?' And 

sure enough, it slowly starting 

building and building to quite a 

significant earthquake." 

Herbert's accommodation was 

on the 16th floor, so she and her 

partner were unable to run outside. 

"So we just had to stand in 

the doorway, and I think it was 

probably one of the most longest 

and strongest earthquakes I've 

ever felt. 

"It was long and intense - I think 

it probably went on for about a 

minute ... it was really terrifying." 

As the earthquake eased, 

Herbert said hotel staff told her to 

evacuate. 

"We had to run down 16 

flights of stairs and, being from 

Christchurch, [I knew] there were 

going to be aftershocks," she said. 

"One of the things running 

through my mind was: I hope there 

isn't an aftershock while we're 

in the stairwell. There was glass, 

plaster, it's the last place you want 

to be during an aftershock." 

She said the damage in the 

district there were staying in had 

been minimal. 

"No damage where we are, we've 

walked to the next district 

and we've seen a little bit 

of damage but nothing 

compared to the next city 

over," she said. 

Herbert said they were 

now "out and about" 

and looking for a place 

to eat. Not only had 

she experienced the 

Christchurch earthquakes, 

but her partner had also 

been in Nepal in 2015, 

when a 7.8 magnitude 

quake left about 9000 

people dead and 22,000 

injured. 

"You don't believe it's 

happening - you've lived 

through the Christchurch 

ones, now you've just 

landed in a foreign country, 

you don't know what the buildings 

are like, you don't know what 

emergency services are like, it's 

just really, really terrifying." 

Herbert said frequent 

aftershocks were keeping many 

people on edge, but others were 

carrying on as normal. 

"In our area... we walked 

past a school and kids are still 

there playing on the playground, 

people are still using public 

transport," she said. 

"But I know in other districts 

20 or 30 minutes from here, it's a 

Haircut & Treatment Deal 

Yogis Haircut 561 Great North 

Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021 

Valid until 31/12/2024. Must show the photo of this 

offer. You can share/forward to your family & friends. 

All Staffs Are Senior Level & Fully Qualified 

"So we just 

had to stand in 

the doorway, and I 

think it was probably 

one of the longest and 

strongest earthquakes 

I've ever felt." Delphine 

Herbert 

completely different story." 

Other Kiwis have spoken 

about their experiences of 

today's quake in Taiwan. 

Former Wellingtonian 

Ron Hanson has lived in 

Taichung City for close to 

25 years, where he says 

earthquakes occur often - 

but they were not usually 

this big. 

"It must have been 

around eight o'clock 

in the morning 

and I was still 

asleep and 

it started 

rocking and 

at first I 

thought, 'Oh 

whatever'. 

"I usually 

just sleep 

through them to 

be honest. But this one 

just kept building in intensity and 

it lasted for well over a minute 

I'd say. The scary thing was the 

shaking." 

Hanson said he immediately 

thought of Taiwan's last major 

earthquake in 1999, where more 

than 2000 people died, and he 

hoped this quake was not as 

catastrophic. 

Meanwhile, another Kiwi Nick 

van Halderen said it was the 

biggest earthquake he had felt 

during his six years living in Taipei. 

"I had just woken up in my 

apartment, which is on the 11th 

floor of a highrise building in 

central Taipei. There was a violent 

shaking up and down, then left to 

right and big rolling movements," 

he said. 

"Luckily nothing fell over in our 

house, but I know other people 

have had a lot of damage." 

He said he was grateful to live in 

a newer building. 

"Our building is quite new 

and is connected to the [metro] 

system so it's a very sturdy, solid 

structure," he said. 

"If I was living in one of the 

older buildings which are very 

dilapidated I would feel much 

more afraid." 

Van Halderen said a number of 

buildings in the city were unsafe. 

"It is quite a problem in Taipei - a 

lot of the buildings are very aged 

and not so safe. They're trying to 

demolish a lot of them. I think this 

is going to be a big motivation to 

keep pushing that."


NEW ZEALAND 7 

Parent, partnership visa conditions 

to be revised: immigration minister 

RNZ 

Immigration Minister Erica 

Stanford is looking at reforms 

to family visas this term, 

bringing hope of long-stay 

visits for overseas parents and 

grandparents. 

She also signalled she wants 

changes to the partnership visa 

policy, describing the culturally 

arranged marriage visa as not fit 

for purpose. 

But partnership changes 

may not happen this 

parliamentary term as other work, 

including reforming the accredited 

employer work visa needs to be 

prioritised. 

National and ACT both put 

forward temporary, long-term 

visas for parents of overseas-born 

permanent residents and citizens 

at the last election. 

ACT's coalition agreement 

commits the government to 

creating a five-year, renewable 

parent visa, conditional on 

families covering healthcare 

costs. 

Aside from the residence visa, 

which had been on hold for six 

years when it was reintroduced, 

parents can currently stay for 

up to 18 months in a three-year 

period on a multiple-entry visitor 

visa. 

The timing of changes will 

depend on other policy changes 

but as a coalition commitment, it 

will happen this term. 

"We're working through that at 

the moment," Stanford said. 

"There are some some 

immediate things that have 

taken our attention like AEWV 

"There are some immediate 

things that have taken 

our attention like AEWV 

(accredited employer 

work visa) and migrant 

exploitation that we've 

been working very hard 

on and will be announcing 

[updates]." Erica Stanford 

(accredited employer work visa) 

and migrant exploitation that 

we've been working very hard 

on and will be announcing. 

Everything else at the moment 

we're putting into a a pipeline of 

work about when it will happen 

and what sort of changes are 

required." 

The Association for Migration 

and Investment said it would be 

welcomed by parents of migrants 

and would take the pressure off 

parent residence visas. 

The annual quota of residence 

visas brought in by the last 

government in 2022 for parents 

and grandparents is 2500, and 

it is already significantly oversubscribed. 

About 13044 people in 8564 

expressions of interest (EOI) 

have been submitted to a ballot 

of parent resident visas and 308 

people (200 EOIs) have so far 

been selected. That will speed 

up slightly, taking the full annual 

2500 quota, now that pre-2022 

applications have been cleared. 

The coalition document says 

for the renewable five-year 

visa, a healthcare levy might be 

considered. 

Partnership visas 

Culturally arranged marriage 

visas became a significant 

bone of contention under the 

Labour-led coalition in 2019, 

when Immigration New Zealand 

tightened up rules around partners 

who had not lived together before 

coming to New Zealand. 

Couples in arranged marriages 

were among those affected. 

New Zealand First MP Shane 

Jones was reprimanded by then 

prime minister Jacinda Ardern 

for telling members of the Indian 

community to 'tame down their 

rhetoric' when they complained 

about the spike in wait times and 

visa rejections. 

"You have no legitimate 

expectations in my view to bring 

your whole village to New Zealand 

and if you don't like it and you're 

threatening to go home - catch 

the next flight home," Jones had 

said then. 

Critics said the subsequent 

policy of culturally arranged 

marriage visas did not take 

account of other relationships 

where partners had not lived 

together, for religious or practical 

reasons. 

Figures from 2022 show 319 

such visas were approved and 275 

were declined. 

Between 2015 and 2021, India, 

Fiji and Afghanistan were the 

countries with the highest number 

of applications, followed by 

Pakistan, Cambodia and Iraq. 

"I admit that we do have some 

issues with our criteria and certain 

visas like the culturally arranged 

marriage visa," Stanford said. 

"Whether or not we get to that 

in our first term, I'm not sure yet 

- we've got a really, really heavy 

policy programme this term. 

And so it's certainly on my mind, 

because I know the culturally 

arranged marriage visa, for 

example, is not fit for purpose, we 

do need to turn our minds to that."

8 

NEW ZEALAND 

Father, grandfather 

drown saving toddler 

in Gold Coast pool 

IWK BUREAU 



Hundreds fined, cars impounded 

at street race meet-ups 

The Gold Coast was 

left reeling after a 

heartbreaking incident that 

claimed the lives of a man and 

his father, who drowned while 

attempting to rescue a toddler 

from a pool, The New Zealand 

Herald reported. 

The incident has prompted 

authorities to issue a warning 

about water safety, especially 

during the busy school holiday 

and Easter break period. 

The young child was playing 

near the edge of a pool at an 

apartment block when they 

slipped and fell into deeper water, 

setting off the chain of events. 

Dharmvir Singh, 38, and 

Gurjinder Singh, 65, immediately 

jumped into the pool to save 

the toddler but tragically found 

themselves in distress. 

Despite efforts by bystanders to 

revive them with CPR, both men 

succumbed to the water's grasp 

and passed away at the scene. A 

woman known to the family was 

also present and was taken to the 

hospital in a distressed but stable 

condition. 

Mitchell Ware from the 

Queensland Ambulance Service 

Gurjinder (L) and Dharmvir Singh drowned in a Gold Coast hotel pool on Easter weekend. 

Photo: Supplied 

described the scene as highly 

emotional, emphasizing the 

impact on the family, witnesses, 

and emergency responders. 

He urged the community, 

especially non-swimmers and 

those with young children, to 

exercise caution around water, as 

tragedies like this can unfold in a 

matter of seconds. 

The family, believed to be 

holidaying from Victoria, was not 

alone at the pool, but it remains 

unclear if safety flotation devices 

were available. 

Queensland police are 

conducting an investigation, and 

a report will be prepared for the 

coroner. 

Ware acknowledged the lasting 

effects such incidents have on 

everyone involved and extended 

condolences to the family and all 

affected. 

He highlighted the importance 

of support networks for 

emergency responders and the 

broader community in dealing 

with such traumatic events. 

RNZ 

More than 200 fines were 

issued and half a dozen 

cars impounded when 

police targeted planned street 

racing events in Auckland at the 

weekend. 

Police on Saturday night were 

"right across the region at various 

hot spots where these vehicles 

would travel to meet up, drive 

dangerously and do burnouts" 

Acting Inspector Tyson Martin said 

on Wednesday. 

Locations included Quay Street 

in central Auckland, to Westgate, 

Onehunga, the North Shore and as 

far south as Mangatāwhiri. 

"As soon as groups moved into 

these areas, police were there to 

disrupt their plans and, in some 

areas, quickly set up checkpoints," 

Martin said. 

"We found in some cases our 

staff's presence meant those 

taking part actually moved on and 

didn't form into larger groups." 

Dubbed 'Operation Tread', police 

said the effort involved more than 

1700 breath tests - 11 of which 

came back over the limit. One 

person blew 908mcg, nearly four 

times the legal limit. 

In addition to 209 infringement 

notices, police issued 28 green and 

pink stickers to defective vehicles, 

made five arrests and laid 13 

charges that will be heard in court. 

Several drivers failed to stop for 

police, they said, including near 

Ramarama, Onehunga and Albany. 

Police in Waikato handed out 

another 55 infringements and 

impounded one vehicle while 

disrupting a "large convoy of 

vehicles" heading north. 

"It's not only a nuisance to 

residents and other road users, 

but the foolish behaviour is putting 

people at risk of serious harm," 

Martin said. 

"We know the public are 

frustrated when they see public 

roads used in this way, and we are 

continuing to take action to disrupt 

and hold these people to account." 

APRIL SPECIAL 

Cake Slices Bundle & Tiramisu Log 

OFFER VALID : 01/04/2024~30/04/2024 

Get 6 slices for the price of 5 

Tiramisu Log 

[ $66 NOW $55 ] [ $48 NOW $43 ] 

www.gateauhouse.co.nz 

Albany / Botany / Glen Eden / Glenfield / Henderson / Mt Eden / Newmarket / Queen St / Stonefields


NEW ZEALAND 9 

Ram raid whodunnit: Don’t 

ask police, they don’t know 

• Continued from Page 1 

The National Party, which 

formed a coalition government in 

2023, pegged their poll campaign 

heavily on what it described as 

the Labour government’s “soft 

on crime approach” that had 

exacerbated crime in the country. 

Responding to a specific query 

by The Indian Weekender whether 

a 50 per cent rate of identifying 

ram raiders was good enough, a 

police spokesperson said, “Police 

has focussed on curbing and 

preventing ram-raids and there 

has been a sustained trend of 

reduction since the peak in late 

2022 although we recognise the 

devastating effect on businesses 

of any ram-raid.” 

The spokesperson pointed out 

that the police investigate every 

reported occurrence of ram raid. 

“However, sometimes we can’t 

identify the offenders and that 

means there is no opportunity to 

take action against those that are 

responsible. 

“We continue with our 

investigations until we have 

exhausted all justifiable lines of 

enquiry. In particular, ram-raid 

scenes there may be limited 

opportunities for forensic 

evidence such as DNA or the 

CCTV footage may not be of 

sufficient quality to identify 

suspects.” 

IWK BUREAU 

Dive into the vibrant world of 

RangGheli—a mesmerizing 

journey through an 

anthology of one-act plays that 

unfolds in a 75-minute spectacle. 

Each play paints a unique canvas, 

showcasing distinct stories with 

their own compelling characters 

and settings. 

From laughter to tears, suspense 

to revelation, RangGheli weaves 

together a tapestry of emotions, 

delivering an unforgettable 

theatrical experience that 

transcends boundaries. 

Join for a night filled with 

drama, laughter, and poignant 

moments—a celebration of the 

diverse hues that make up the rich 

tapestry of life on stage. 

RangGheli promises to be 

an evening of spellbinding 

performances, with each act 

offering a glimpse into the myriad 

facets of human experience. 

The plays are crafted by talented 

playwrights, directed by seasoned 

The spokesperson went on to 

add that of the nearly 50 per cent 

cases in 2023 where the police 

did identify culprits, prosecution 

action was initiated in 89 per 

cent cases, while the remaining 

11 per cent went through nonprosecution 

pathways–mostly 

youth referral. 

“We know that 80 per cent 

of ram raids involve young 

people, sometimes aged 10- 

13. Prosecution is not the most 

appropriate response for these 

young people. 

“We want to see if we can turn 

their lives around and steer them 

away from offending. That is 

where youth referral programmes 

such as Fast Track can be 

successful in providing support 

for the young people and their 

whānau,” the spokesperson said. 

The Dairy and Business 

Owners Group, which represents 

thousands of dairies and other 

RangGheli: An anthology 

of emotions on stage 

directors, and brought to life by a 

talented ensemble cast. 

Audiences can expect to be 

transported to different worlds 

and time periods as the plays 

range from historical dramas to 

contemporary comedies. 

The intimate setting of the 

theatre allows for a close 

connection between performers 

and the audience, enhancing the 

overall experience. 

The production has already 

garnered critical acclaim, with 

reviewers praising its innovative 

storytelling and powerful 

performances. 

RangGheli is a testament to the 

vibrant theatre scene in the region, 

showcasing the talents of local 

artists and playwrights. 

Don't miss this opportunity to 

witness the magic of RangGheli. 

Date: 16 April, 2024 - 20 April, 

2024 

Venue: 

Basement Theatre, 

Auckland, New Zealand 

small businesses across New 

Zealand, says the government 

must first acknowledge the 

emergency if it were to solve the 

problem meaningfully. 

Chairperson Sunny Kaushal 

says, “The unprecedented 

levels of retail crime have Kiwi 

business owners feared for their 

lives. These businesses are 

being bashed, robbed, burgled, 

ramraided and smash-and-grab 

daily. They were burgled and 

robbed 18 times a day, and ramraided 

every 10 hours. 

“The dangerous message this 

sends to us is that we’re on our 

own, and last year we’ve seen few 

retailers take matters into their 

own hands. All we are asking is 

for safety of our businesses and 

communities.” 

Auckland Council stuck on 

how to keep buses running 

ALKA PRASAD/RNZ 

Auckland Council is 

rushing through decisions 

that align with revised 

policy statements from central 

government, leaving councillors 

and committee members 

concerned and frustrated with the 

"truncated" process. 

The council's transport 

and infrastructure committee 

met Wednesday to review the 

government's new draft policy 

statement on land transport, 

which first went out for review last 

August.Councillor Wayne Walker 

commented that Auckland faces 

significant rises in rail network 

costs, but there was a "massive 

lack of funding". 

"We don't think there's enough 

[government] money to match 

what council has set aside," Walker 

said. 

Auckland Transport (AT) chief 

financial officer Mark Laing said 

that if government funding did not 

support AT projects, the city could 

see both significant fare increases 

and services being cut."What 

concerns us most is our ability 

to keep buses running on July 1," 

Laing said. 

Howick councillor Maurice 

Williamson told the council: "This 

is impossible." 

He revealed that councillors had 

only received updated documents 

Our Fruit Box's entire 

juice product line recalled 

RNZ 

Kiwis are being warned 

to avoid a raw fruit juice 

brand potentially operating 

without proper food safety 

controls. 

New Zealand Food Safety, part of 

the Ministry for Primary Industries, 

on Thursday issued a recall for Our 

Fruit Box (OFB) juice. 

"This raw fruit juice presents a 

food safety risk because it has not 

been through the required checks 

and balances to make sure it is 

safe to consume," deputy directorgeneral 

Vincent Arbuckle said. 

"The company making these 

juices has not been registered 

under the Food Act, so consumers 

cannot be certain that risks have 

been properly identified and 

managed." 

The risks include E.coli, 

salmonella, cryptosporidium and 

norovirus, "making it unsafe to 

consume, particularly for people 

who are young, older, pregnant or 

with weakened immune systems". 

The raw juice "has limited 

identifying labelling or branding", 

officials said, but is often sold in 

20L plastic containers labelled 

'OFB' and in "unlabelled bottles of 

different shapes and sizes". 

It was believed the dangerous 

juice was being sold informally, 

door-to-door, at local markets and 

online. 

They were advertised as frozen, 

partially frozen or defrosted 

Buses in Auckland parked during the Covid-19 ouutbreak. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook 

about an hour before the 10am 

meeting. 

"This is a massive amount of 

material that needs to researched. 

There's numbers in here that I think 

are wrong and to get this at 8.37 on 

the morning of a meeting like this 

Auckland Transport 

(AT) chief financial 

officer Mark 

Laing said that if 

government funding 

did not support 

AT projects, the 

city could see 

both significant 

fare increases and 

services being cut. 

"If you have bought this product 

- either labelled OFB or Our 

Fruit Box, or with limited or no 

identifying labelling or branding 

- do not consume it and throw it 

out," Arbuckle said. 

"If you are unsure of whether 

an unlabelled product you have 

bought is OFB, ask the supplier." 

Our Fruit Box's website said 

it only used "spray-free/organic 

fruit", and had stock in both the 

North and South Islands. Its juices 

cost up to $25 a litre. 

There have been no reported 

illnesses as a result of consuming 

Our Fruit Box juice yet. 

Food Safety said anyone 

with concerns should contact 

their doctor or ring Healthline 

on 0800 611 116. 

Our Fruit Box has been contacted 

for a response. 

is just hopeless," Williamson said. 

Committee chairperson John 

Watson responded that Auckland 

Council was disappointed with 

the short timeframe for the draft 

transport policy statement. 

The draft's focus is how 

$20 billion of the national land 

transport fund will be allocated 

over the next three years. 

But Auckland Council is 

concerned the draft does not 

outline funding needed for 

Auckland's complex transport 

system. 

When asked by councillor 

Christine Fletcher about 

the difficulty in getting the 

presentation across the line in 

a short timeframe, transport 

strategy manager Robert Simpson 

said the team spent "many late 

nights and early mornings" to pull 

the information together.

10 

NEW ZEALAND 


South Asians reflect on 

U19 cricket WC experience 

BLESSEN TOM/RNZ 

Snehith Reddy is back at 

school after posting the 

highest individual score in 

a match at the 2024 under-19 

Cricket World Cup in South Africa. 

The all-rounder's unbeaten 147 

against Nepal during the group 

stage propelled New Zealand to 

victory in the match. 

"It was extremely special to 

have the family there and for 

them to watch it," Reddy says. "I 

love to remember it." 

Based in Hamilton, the 17-yearold 

originally hails from Andhra 

Pradesh, a southern state in India. 

Despite New Zealand's early 

elimination from the tournament 

during the Super Sixes stage, 

Reddy considers the experience 

to be invaluable. 

"I believe that coming from a 

tournament like that, you can 

gather a wealth of insights and 

apply them to your own game, 

ultimately enhancing your skills," 

Reddy says. 

He hopes to transition to 

professional domestic cricket 

later this year and aims to secure 

a spot in the 2026 under-19 World 

Cup squad. 

All-rounder Oliver Tewatiya also 

took a lot away from his time in 

South Africa. 

"It was a unique experience and 

I definitely learned a lot from it," 

he says. 

The 2024 tournament was 

Tewatiya's first appearance at a 

World Cup. 

Having relocated from New 

Delhi to New Zealand at the age 

of 10, the 17-year-old currently 

resides in Wellington. 

"My most significant takeaway 

was probably realizing the 

extensive preparation required to 

compete in tournaments of this 

magnitude," he says. 

"Training is one aspect, but 

understanding the importance 

of nutrition, sleep cycles and 

Snehith Reddy's unbeaten 147 against Nepal was the highest individual score in a match at the 2024 under-19 Cricket World Cup. Photo: 

Supplied 

establishing routines was eyeopening." 

He admits that nerves ran 

particularly high during the 

games, but wearing the New 

Zealand jersey was a dream come 

true for Tewatiya. 

He recalls the thrill of 

performing on Sky Sports in front 

of a large audience, describing 

it as an "unreal" and "incredible" 

experience. 

Tewatiya is also eager to 

incorporate the lessons learned 

from the tournament into his 

personal development. 

He is also looking forward 

to another under-19 national 

tournament towards the end of 

the year. 

Tewatiya says his parents were 

proud of his achievements. 

"They missed me for more than 

a month while I was away, but 

they were really proud of me for 

going out there and playing for 

New Zealand," he says. 

Oliver Tewatiya wants to play more cricket for New Zealand. Photo: Supplied 


Ministry 

of Health 

proposes 

134 job 

losses 

JEMIMA HUSTON/RNZ 

The Ministry of Health 

is proposing to cut 134 jobs 

to meet the government's 

demands to reduce costs, RNZ 

understands. 

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Social 

Development (MSD) is calling for 

mass voluntary redundancies. 

NZ Doctor earlier reported the 

Ministry of Health needed to reduce 

spending, and was expected to 

slash its budget by $78 million 

between 2023/24 and 2024/25. 

More than a quarter of all 

positions could be directly 

affected. 

Ministry of Health staff 

are meeting on Thursday and 

Friday to discuss the proposal. 

Consultation will close on 26 April 

and a final decision will be made in 

June. 

At MSD, workers affected were 

in the service delivery and Māori 

communities and partnerships 

teams, as well as those in human 

resources, policy, strategy and 

communications. 

The Public Service Association 

said the voluntary redundancies, 

along with vacant roles not being 

filled, could see hundreds of 

workers leave. 

Spokesperson Duane Leo said 

the government was out of touch 

and it was "disgraceful" to cut a 

workforce that supported so many 

New Zealanders. 

"Every day we are seeing the 

fiction of 'no cuts to the frontline', 

Leo said. 

"Make no mistake, those 

supporting New Zealanders 

and communities will be under 

more pressure than ever before. 

How can that be good for the 

care and support they provide?" 

Choose New Zealand’s 

most trusted paint brand! 

resene.co.nz 

Visit your local Resene ColorShop 

or shop online at shop.resene.co.nz 

The most visited 

Indian news website 

in New Zealand 

For advertising options 

email: 

ravi@indianweekender.co.nz 

Contact: 

Ravi Bajpai: 

Ph: 021 952245


NEW ZEALAND 11 

'Very significant' rise in home 

insurance premiums revealed 

KATE NEWTON/RNZ 

House insurance premiums 

jumped by more than 

30 percent in a year in 

some parts of New Zealand, 

price monitoring data provided to 

Treasury shows. 

The same data reveals that, 

while insurance is still widely 

available, some home insurers 

appear to have withdrawn online 

quotes for entire regions. 

A climate change researcher 

specialising in disaster economics 

says the data is a taste of what 

could come as the risk of climate 

change-driven natural hazards, 

especially flooding, increases. 

Actuarial consultancy Finity has 

monitored insurance premiums 

since late 2022 for a dataset of 

2000 properties throughout New 

Zealand, chosen to match the 

country's natural hazards profile - 

including earthquake, flooding and 

tsunami risk. 

The addresses are real but other 

information, such as property age, 

sum insured and construction 

materials, has been randomised 

so that the 'houses' in the dataset 

are not real people's homes. 

The data, provided to Treasury 

and government ministers every 

three months and released to RNZ 

under the Official Information Act, 

showed that insurance remained 

widely available in all regions 

between September 2022 

and July 2023. 

However, premiums have been 

steadily increasing since Finity 

first began price monitoring. 

The average cheapest quote 

across the main dataset of 

1400 houses, chosen to reflect 

earthquake risk across the 

country, rose 22.6 percent, from 

$1423 to $1744. 

The two most recent quarterly 

reports, including one from 

January this year, were withheld 

from RNZ as they have not been 

shared with Cabinet ministers 

yet.Has your house insurance 

increased or have you had 

difficulty getting or renewing a 

policy? 

The most expensive regions 

tallied with the highest earthquake 

risk - still considered New 

Zealand's biggest natural hazard 

risk despite recent severe weather 

events. 

However, some of those regions 

- including all parts of Wellington 

- only had small percentage 

increases to premiums, after the 

previous government increased 

the amount EQC will pay out on 

claims to $300,000 in October 

2022.As well as monitoring price, 

Finity also reported on how many 

of four major underwriters in 

New Zealand - AA Insurance, 

IAG, Tower and Vero - would 

provide insurance quotes online, 

as a way of measuring insurance 

availability. 

More than 80 percent of 

properties in the main dataset 

could get online quotes from three 

or more underwriters. 

However, choice was more 

A severely damaged house in Esk Valley, Hawke's Bay in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. (Photo: Tom Kitchin) 

Ilan Noy says the rate of premium increases 

and the lack of online availability in some 

regions both concern him. (Supplied photo) 

limited for the 303 properties in 

Wellington and the Hutt Valley: 

none were able to get an online 

quote from more than two of the 

underwriters. 

Just seven percent of 

Marlborough homes in the dataset 

were able to get a third quote. 

A small proportion of homes 

in central Wellington, Hutt Valley, 

Marlborough and Canterbury 

could not even get two quotes 

online. Houses in some towns 

with high flood risk, such as 

Westport, were also less likely to 

be able to access multiple online 

quotes, along with houses in 

areas with high tsunami risk. 

The data did not report which 

companies rejected online quotes, 

or if the same companies were 

rejecting the same properties. 

Victoria University's chair of 

economics of disasters and 

climate change Professor Ilan Noy 

said the jump in premiums was 

"very significant". 

"It doesn't look like a spike, 

because you have a rolling over 

of contracts… You see it slowly, 

within a 12-month period, 

emerging." 

The third-party risk modelling 

used by insurers was improving 

and some insurers were now 

pricing at individual property level 

- meaning some people would be 

noticing even bigger increases 

than the data suggested, he said. 

"The increase in the average 

is obscuring the fact that there's 

more differentiation between 

different types of properties in 

different locations, and even 

within the same sort of region." 

The "more worrying" signal 

from the data was that some 

properties were already struggling 

to automatically get insurance, 

Noy said. 

"You clearly see some evidence 

that some locations are not giving 

quotes [online]. 

"In some locations they're 

saying, no, we need to look more 

carefully - we're worried about 

this, we need to have some human 

look at this before we approve." 

Insurance might still be 

available, "but it definitely means 

that they're more cautious about 

offering contracts for those 

properties". 

In the short term that meant 

less choice - and possibly 

higher premiums - for those 

homeowners. The long-term 

outlook was more concerning. 

"It's almost an inevitable 

outcome that once some insurers 

start retreating, especially in a 

market where there are not that 

many players, then eventually all 

of them will." 

'Unusual' increases caused by 

cost pressures 

Outgoing Insurance Council 

chief executive Tim Graffton, 

whose tenure ends this week, 

was more circumspect about 

availability, saying the Finity data 

only represented some insurers. 

Of those insurers, many 

might be prepared to insure a 

property once they had spoken 

to a customer on the phone and 

gathered more details, he said. 

The size of recent premium 

increases was "unusual", Grafton 

said. 

Part of that was due to 

construction inflation, which had 

pushed up rebuild costs by about 

30 percent over the last two years. 

The Finity data included a 17.5 

percent increase to the total sum 

insured for each property to reflect 

that. 

The other major factor was a 

jump in costs for reinsurance - 

essentially, insurance for insurers 

in the event of a major natural 

disaster. 

That had increased by 25 to 40 

percent for many insurers in the 

last year as a response to multiple 

severe weather events around the 

world, including Cyclone Gabrielle 

and the Auckland Anniversary 

floods, Grafton said. 

"The increase in the 

average is obscuring 

the fact that there's 

more differentiation 

between different 

types of properties 

in different 

locations, and even 

within the same sort 

of region." 

"Some reinsurers have made 

it quite clear that they've been 

somewhat surprised by the 

number that have occurred, and 

the severity of those events, 

globally." 

Finity Principal Simon Young 

said prior to last year, a severe 

weather event in New Zealand 

that cost insurers more than $300 

million was "inconceivable". 

"And suddenly you have two 

billion-dollar events that are not 

earthquakes. Reinsurance costs 

have skyrocketed - and the way 

that we allocate that reinsurance 

to customers has changed as well 

to reflect that [risk]." 

It was not in anyone's interests 

for the cost of insurance to keep 

increasing at that rate and he did 

not expect the same increases 

this year. 

"But it's definitely going in one 

direction only, and you're going 

to have a greater degree of the 

cost falling on those that have the 

highest probability of making a 

claim." 

Young said he was "not worried 

about availability on the whole". 

"It's just harder for people to 

get insurance in those [higher 

risk] regions - they've got to jump 

through a few more hoops." 

There was no wholesale shift to 

refuse coverage in any areas yet, 

Young said. 

"I would anticipate over the very 

long term - that 30 to 50-year 

period - we will see areas that 

the insurance industry as a whole 

might decide are just uninsurable. 

But that's not going to be the bulk 

of New Zealand - they'll be very 

small areas." 

Ilan Noy believed insurers would 

rather quietly retreat from a very 

high-risk area than continue to 

hike premiums. 

"Sometimes it's better for them 

reputationally just to say, sorry, we 

can't insure you anymore." 

Political vacuum 

Noy, Grafton and Young all 

said that, ultimately, insurance 

availability would require a 

political solution - starting by 

ensuring that development did not 

continue in high-risk areas. 

Grafton hoped work on a 

National Policy Statement 

on Natural Hazard Decision- 

Making - which began under the 

previous government and would 

give councils greater direction 

to prevent such developments - 

would continue. 

"It is really important that 

we do have a risk framework 

for decisions around where we 

consent for new building in the 

future." 

Noy believed there was currently 

little political appetite for coming 

up with a solution to rising 

insurance costs - and the wider 

question of what to do about 

communities already in high-risk 

areas. 

"There's a problem here: if 

it's becoming difficult for you 

to insure your house, you don't 

necessarily want to be very vocal 

about it. So the media doesn't 

know, and so there's no reporting 

and [therefore] there's no political 

problem." 

However, he was not in favour 

of "heavy regulation" of insurance, 

saying it created perverse 

incentives for people to remain 

in hazardous locations even 

after a disaster. Tim Grafton said 

natural hazard risk and insurance 

availability were not issues he 

believed many people put a lot of 

thought into when buying a home 

at the moment. 

"There's a huge amount of 

emotion invested in purchasing 

a home, and once you've secured 

that, you're looking first at, can 

I afford it and does the location 

work for me… When you've 

done all of that, it's not like the 

insurance is high on your list - it's 

just something I need to get to get 

my mortgage." 

Some people purchased a 

Land Information Memorandum 

(LIM) but they added several 

hundred dollars to the cost of due 

diligence, he said.

Editorial 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK 

Optimism is essential to achievement and 

it is also the foundation of courage and true 

progress. — Nicholas Murray Butler 

IN FOCUS : Picture of the week 

Finally, hope 

for a pragmatic 

approach toa 

immigration reform 

In the realm of immigration policy, few topics evoke as much emotion and anticipation 

as reforms to family visas. For immigrant communities, particularly the Indian diaspora 

in New Zealand, the prospect of easing immigration restrictions to facilitate family 

reunification is not just a matter of bureaucratic procedure; it strikes at the heart of cultural 

values and familial bonds. 

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford’s contemplation of reforms to family visas this term 

offers a glimmer of hope to many who have long yearned for the opportunity to be reunited 

with their loved ones. 

Central to the Indian cultural ethos is the paramount importance of family. It is not merely 

a social construct but a deeply ingrained value system that shapes individual identities and 

life trajectories. In a society where familial ties are cherished above all else, the separation 

of families due to immigration barriers can inflict profound emotional and psychological 

distress. 

The proposed reforms, particularly the possibility of long-stay visits for overseas parents 

and grandparents, hold the promise of alleviating this burden and fostering greater cohesion 

within immigrant communities. 

Beyond the realm of sentimentality, however, lies a pragmatic rationale for facilitating 

family reunification through immigration policy. Parents and grandparents coming to live 

with their children and grandchildren not only enrich family life but also play a crucial role in 

alleviating the strain on societal systems, such as caregiving and childcare. 

In an era where aging populations and changing family structures pose significant 

challenges, harnessing the potential of intergenerational support networks can contribute to 

the overall well-being and resilience of communities. 

It is well known that family unity has tangible benefits for individuals navigating life in a 

foreign land. Immigrants often grapple with feelings of isolation and cultural dislocation, 

particularly in the initial stages of settlement. 

The presence of family members provides a vital anchor, offering emotional support, 

practical assistance, and a sense of belonging. By fostering a supportive environment 

conducive to integration and adaptation, family reunification not only enhances the welfare of 

immigrant populations but also contributes to their productivity and economic participation. 

Many countries including Australia have realised this fact and have already put in place 

arrangements for conditional long term visas for parents – something that has been greatly 

lauded by immigrant communities. 

The proposed reforms extend beyond mere gestures of goodwill; they reflect a recognition 

of the vital role that immigrant families play in the fabric of society. However, it is imperative 

that such reforms are implemented with careful consideration of the broader context and 

practical implications. 

As Immigration Minister Stanford rightly acknowledges, the overhaul of family visa 

policies must be accompanied by a comprehensive review of related issues, including the 

partnership visa policy. 

The inadequacies of the current partnership visa framework, particularly concerning 

culturally arranged marriages, have been a source of contention and frustration for many 

immigrant communities. 

By addressing these shortcomings and ensuring that immigration policies are equitable 

and inclusive, the government can uphold the principles of fairness and social cohesion. 

While the path to meaningful reform may be fraught with challenges and competing 

priorities, the imperative to prioritise family reunification cannot be overstated. 

As New Zealand’s population continues to grow at a rapid pace, fuelled in part by 

immigration, the government must seize the opportunity to enact policies that promote the 

well-being and resilience of immigrant families. 

In charting the course for immigration reform, Minister Stanford and her colleagues must 

remain steadfast in their commitment to fostering a society that values and embraces 

diversity, inclusivity, and compassion. 

By championing reforms that facilitate family reunification and support the integration 

of immigrant communities, New Zealand can reaffirm its reputation as a progressive and 

compassionate nation on the world stage. 

In the final analysis, the true measure of success lies not merely in the enactment of 

policies but in the tangible impact they have on the lives of individuals and families. 

As we embark on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate society, let us 

heed the call to reunite families, strengthen communities, and build a brighter future for all. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a special family dinner hosted for him by King 

of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, at Lingkana Palace. Queen Jetsun Pema and 

their three children Jigme Namgyel, Jigme Ugyen, and Sonam Yangden were also present. 

This week in New Zealand’s history 

7 April 1856 

First state secondary school opens 

The first state secondary school in New Zealand, Nelson College, opened in temporary 

premises in Trafalgar St with a roll of just eight boys. 


Smallpox epidemic kills 55 

Mormon missionary Richard Shumway arrived at Auckland from Vancouver on the 

steamer Zealandia for a hui attended by Māori from around the country. 


Sisters of Mercy arrive in New Zealand 

Nine Sisters of Mercy arrived in Auckland on the Oceanie with Bishop Pompallier and a 

number of priests. 


NZ votes for prohibition – until soldiers’ votes are counted 

A 

special liquor referendum initially gave prohibition a majority of 13,000 over continuance 

(the status quo), raising the hopes of those who had for decades campaigned against 

the manufacture and sale of alcohol. 


Wahine wrecked in Wellington Harbour 

The sinking of the Lyttelton–Wellington ferry Wahine is New Zealand’s worst modern 

maritime disaster. 


New Zealand's first royal visit 

The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Alfred Ernest Albert, arrived in Wellington as captain of the 

frigate HMS Galatea. The first member of the British royal family to visit New Zealand, he 

was greeted with haka, speeches and bunting. 


New Zealand Division arrives in France 

The Minnewaska, a troopship carrying the headquarters of the recently formed New 

Zealand Division, arrived in Marseilles, France. 

Indian Weekender : Volume 1 - Issue 2 

Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited 

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

General Manager: Ravi Bajpai | 020 441 2233 | ravi@indianweekender.co.nz 

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

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

Senior Digital Producer: Urjita Bhardwaj | 021 952 246 | urjita@indianweekender.co.nz 

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

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

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

the views of the team at the Indian Weekender 

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

Printed at NZME, Auckland, New Zealand. 

Copyright ® 2022. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved. 

Send your suggestions and feedback to editor@indianweekender.co.nz


NEW ZEALAND 13 

For all your digital and print advertising requirements, 

call us on 020 441 2233 / 0223078920 Or email at 

sales@indianweekender.co.nz / ravi@indianweekender.co.nz

14 

INDIA 

India will get 

permanent UNSC 

seat, but it will 

have to work 

harder this time: 

EAM Jaishankar 

The world is amazed at India permanent member of the world 

moving towards 7 per cent growth body. 

despite the COVID-19 pandemic The United Nations was 

hampering growth, he said. formed around 80 years ago, five 

External Affairs Minister S nations — China, France, Russian 

Jaishankar on Tuesday said India Federation, the United Kingdom, 

will definitely get permanent and the United States — decided 

membership of the United Nations among themselves to become 

Security Council as there is a permanent members of its 

feeling in the world that it should security council, Jaishankar said. 

get the position, but the country At that time, there were a 

will have to work harder this time total of around 50 independent 

for it. 

countries in the world, which has 

He was speaking during an over time increased to around 193, 

interaction with intellectuals he said. 

in Gujarat’s Rajkot city and 

“But these five nations have 

was asked by the audience on kept their control, and it is 

India’s chances of becoming the strange that you have to ask 

Education 

could 

snowball into 

a major poll 

issue in Bihar 

There are thousands of 

teachers and retired 

employees of universities 

and colleges across the state who 

have not been paid their dues 

Patna: Sushila Devi, 72, is a 

widow. She lives with her only son 

in Patna and does not keep well. 

Her one son died during the 

Covid-19 pandemic. Her husband 

Yogendra Narayan, a Botany 

teacher in Magadh University 

College, passed away in 2008. 

Pension is the only source of 

sustenance for her. But that money 

not reached her since January. 

Bishwanath Agrawal, 90, 

lives with his wife. He retired as 

professor and head of the Political 

Science department in at a college 

in 1994. 

“At this age, I survive on care and 

medicines and everything requires 

money, but for January, February 

and March there has been no 

pension payment. When I tried to 

find out, I was surprised to know 

that even salary has not been paid 

in colleges and universities,” he 

said. 

These cases are not isolated. 

There are thousands of teachers 

and retired employees of 

universities and colleges across 

the state who have not been 

paid their dues. This is so when 

the overall strength of working 

teachers has shrunk to around 

35% of the sanctioned number 

due to lack of timely appointment. 

“The anarchy is being encouraged 

and the teachers and employees 

are being denied salary,” said A 

Kumar of All India Federation of 

University and College Teachers’ 

Organisation (AIFUCTO). 

them to give us their consent 

for a change. A few agree, a few 

others put forward their position 

with honesty, while others do 

something from behind,” he said. 

This has been going on for 

several years, the minister said. 

“But now, there is a feeling 

across the world that this should 

change, and India should get a 

permanent seat. I see this feeling 

increasing every year,” he said. 

“We will definitely get it. But 

nothing big is ever achieved 

without hard work,” Jaishankar 

said. “We will have to work hard, 

and this time we will have to work 

even harder,” he added. 

Manmohan Singh became 

a member of the Upper 

House for the first time in 

October 1991. He was elected for 

the sixth term in 2019. 

As former Prime Minister 

Manmohan Singh retired as a 

member of the Rajya Sabha, 

officially bidding adieu to active 

politics, Congress president 

Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday 

wrote to him, saying he will always 

remain a hero to the middle class 

and the aspirational youth, a leader 

and guide to the industrialists and 

entrepreneurs and a benefactor to 

the poor. Singh’s Rajya Sabha term 

comes to an end on Wednesday. 

“As you retire today from 

the Rajya Sabha… an era comes 

to an end… Very few people have 

accomplished as much as you 

for the nation and its people,” he 

wrote. 

Singh became a member of the 

Upper House for the first time in 

October 1991. He was elected for 

the sixth term in 2019. Kharge, a 

minister in the UPA II government, 

noted that Singh had made it 

a point to be available for the 

Congress over the last few years 

despite personal inconveniences 

“You have shown that it is 


The Union minister said India, 

Japan, Germany and Egypt have 

put forward a proposal together 

before the UN and he believes this 

will take the matter a bit forward. 

“But we must build pressure, 

and when this pressure 

increases…There is a feeling in the 

world that the UN has weakened. 

There was a deadlock in the UN on 

the Ukraine war and no consensus 

was reached in the UN regarding 

Gaza. 

"I think as this feeling increases, 

our chances of getting a 

permanent seat will increase,” he 

said. 

'Always a hero to the middle class': Kharge 

pens letter as Manmohan Singh retires 

Rajiv Gandhi assassination case: India 

deports three ex-convicts to Sri Lanka 

India deported Rajiv 

Gandhi assassination case 

ex-convicts Murugan, Robert 

and Jayakumar to Sri Lanka 

on Wednesday. The three exconvicts 

were deported from 

Chennai airport after they got 

their passports and received a 

green signal from the Sri Lankan 

government, reported news 

agency ANI. In India, Murugan, 

Jayakumar and Robert were 

staying at the Trichy refugee 

camp. Murugan's wife, Nalini, 

who was also a convict in the 

Rajiv Gandhi assassination 

case, came to send him off, at 

the Chennai airport. Nalini and 

Murugan were released from jail 

following a Supreme Court order 

on November 12, 2022. 

In March, Nalini filed a petition 

in the Madras High Court seeking 

an order from the Central and 

State governments to permit 

her husband Murugan for an 

possible to pursue economic 

policies that were equally 

beneficial to large industries, young 

entrepreneurs, small businesses, 

the salaried class and the poor… 

Thanks to your policies, India was 

able to lift 27 crore people, the 

highest number of poor people, 

out of poverty… The MGNREGA 

scheme launched under your 

government continues to provide 

relief to the rural workers… the 

rural poor will always remember 

you for ensuring that they can… 

live with self-respect,” he said. 

Kharge recalled Singh’s pursuit 

to secure the India-US nuclear 

deal, an issue on which the Left 

parties withdrew support to the 

UPA government in 2008. 

“The patriotic legacy of the 

Congress and its spirit of sacrifice 

was ably demonstrated by you 

when you decided to pursue the 

Indo-US Nuclear Deal even if it 

meant putting your government 

at risk… The respect and regard 

that… other world leaders had… 

further increased during the Global 

Financial Crisis… I remember 

President Obama mentioning 

about you that ‘Whenever the 

Indian Prime Minister speaks, the 

whole world listens to him." 

interview in the Sri 

Lankan Embassy in 

Chennai. She said 

that through the 

interview Murugan 

wanted to obtain 

a passport for 

travelling to the 

United Kingdom in 

order to settle with their daughter 

there. In the petition, she also 

requested the court to order 

the police to provide adequate 


Indians 

seeking 

permanent 

residency 

in Canada 

to pay 

more fees 

Canada's Department 

of Citizenship and 

Immigration had issued a 

notice on March 30 stating that 

it would increase the permanent 

residence fees for international 

residents seeking permanent 

residency there. 

The notice said, “The permanent 

residence fees will increase at 

9:00:00 a.m. Eastern daylight 

time on April 30, 2024, by the 

cumulative percentage increase 

to the Consumer Price Index for 

Canada, published by Statistics 

Canada, for the two previous 

years, rounded to the nearest five 

dollars.” 

It added that the ‘Right of 

Permanent Residence Fee’ will 

increase from CAD 515 to CAD 

575, which means a hike of about 

12 per cent. 

The permanent residence 

application process requires the 

submission of a specific fee. 

However, this financial 

obligation is waived for dependent 

children, providing relief for 

families seeking to establish 

permanent residency. 

The fee will also increase for 

Federal Skilled Workers, — which 

several Indians apply for — 

Provincial Nominee Program, 

Quebec Skilled Workers, and 

Atlantic Immigration Class from 

CAD 850 to CAD 950. 

The fee is also applicable 

for accompanying spouses or 

common-law partners. For an 

accompanying dependency child, 

it increased from CAD 230 to CAD 

260. The fee for Business (federal 

and Quebec) rose from CAD 1,625 

to CAD 1,810. 

Under the family reunification 

immigration programme, the 

sponsorship fee, which applies 

to sponsors bringing in spouses/ 

partners, children, parents, 

grandparents, and other relatives, 

has been raised from CAD 75 to 

CAD 85. 

Additionally, the application fees 

for principal applicants in this 

stream have seen an increase, 

jumping from CAD 490 to CAD 

545. 

Sri Lankan nationals who were convicted in the Rajiv Gandhi 

assassination case address the media before leaving for Sri Lanka, 

at Chennai airport 

security if required. 

Nalini mentioned that while the 

Supreme Court released all seven 

people, her husband Murugan had 

been kept in a special camp.


WORLD 15 

Australian navy chief receives 

guard of honour in Delhi 

Vice Admiral Mark 

Australian warship is a reflection 

Hammond, chief of the 

of the close maritime partnership 

Royal Australian Navy 

between the two countries. 

received the Guard of Honour at 

South Block Lawns in Delhi. 

The Australian Navy officer 

received the honour in the 

presence of the Indian Navy Chief 

Admiral R Hari Kumar. 

In a move to bolster maritime 

cooperation between Australia 

and India, Vice Admiral Mark 

Hammond, Chief of the Royal 

Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, chief of the Royal Australian Navy (Photo/ANI) 

India - Australia have shared 

a Comprehensive Strategic 

Partnership since June 2020 

and defence is a key pillar of this 

partnership. India and Australia's 

partnership is based on a shared 

vision of a free, open, inclusive 

and prosperous Indo-Pacific 

region. 

The two democracies have a 

Australian Navy embarked a 

significant five-day visit to India 

on Tuesday. 

The visit comes amid increasing 

efforts from both nations to 

enhance naval ties and strategic 

collaboration in the Indo-Pacific 

region. 

Earlier in February, HMAS 

Warramunga, an Anzac-class 

frigate of the Royal Australian 

Navy on Sunday arrived in 

Visakhapatnam to take part in 

the multilateral naval exercise, 

'MILAN 2024,' the Eastern Naval 

Command said. 

According to the Eastern Naval 

Command, the participation of the 

common interest in peace and 

prosperity of the entire region, 

according to the Ministry of 

Defence old release. 

The two countries have a 2+2 

mechanism at the Ministerial 

Earthquake of 7.7 magnitude hits Taiwan; 

Japan, Philippines issue tsunami alerts 

A five-storey building in Hualien suffered heavy damage, with its first floor collapsing and the rest of the building 

leaning at a 45-degree angle. 

Why Taiwan is exposed to earthquakes 

and well prepared to withstand them 

Taiwan is no 

stranger to powerful 

earthquakes yet 

their toll on the high-tech 

island's 23 million residents 

has been relatively 

contained. 

Taiwan was struck 

Wednesday by its most 

powerful earthquake in 

a quarter of a century. At 

least nine people were 

killed and hundreds injured, 

buildings and highways 

damaged and train service 

interrupted. 

Taiwan is no stranger 

to powerful earthquakes 

yet their toll on the hightech 

island's 23 million 

residents has been 

relatively contained thanks 

to its excellent earthquake 

preparedness, experts say. 

What was billed a 

self-checkout 

system powered 

by cameras and censors, 

giving the illusion of an 

automated system turned 

out to be a little different… 

Amazon is phasing 

out its Just Walk Out 

tech from all of its Fresh 

grocery stores in the US, 

according to a report in 

The Information. It would 

appear that what was 

billed as an AI endeavour 

included thousands of 

Indians adding items to 

carts and charging the 

customers depending on 

what objects they walked 

out with. 

Just Walkt Out was billed 

a self-checkout system 

powered by cameras and 

censors, giving the illusion 

of an automated system. 

Amazon had claimed: 

“The feat is a combination 

of computer vision, object 

recognition, advanced 

The jump in 

immigration 

numbers has caused 

a housing affordability 

crisis in Canada, while 

also impacting services 

and infrastructure and 

has contributed to the 

plummeting political 

fortunes of Justin Trudeau 

and the ruling Liberal Party. 

Canadian Prime 

Minister Justin Trudeau 

acknowledged on Tuesday 

that the surge in temporary 

immigrants to the country 

was “beyond” what it was 

“able to absorb” and said 

his government wanted to 

get those numbers down. 

Responding to questions 

at an unrelated event in 

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, 

Trudeau said, “Over the 

past few years, we’ve seen a 

massive spike in temporary 

immigration whether its 

sensors, deep machine 

learning models, and 

generative AI—a type of 

artificial intelligence that 

has recently captured the 

public’s imagination.” 

Jon Jenkins, vice 

president of Just Walk Out 

technology had said: “Our 

tech is able to distinguish 

shoppers from one another, 

without collecting or using 

any of their biometric 

information. Just Walk 

Out technology detects 

when a shopper’s hand 

interacts with a product 

on the shelf. When that 

happens, machine learning 

temporary foreign workers 

or whether its international 

students, in particular, that 

have grown at a rate far 

beyond what Canada has 

been able to absorb.” 

He said that in 2017, the 

percentage of the overall 

population comprising 

temporary immigrants was 

just 2, but it has ballooned 

to 7.5% presently. 

“That’s something we 

need to get back under 

control,” he said, adding 

his government wanted 

to “get those numbers 

level. The 8th DPT reviewed 

the outcomes of the maiden 

2+2 conducted in September 

2021. Both sides agreed to early 

finalization of the hydrography 

agreement. The two sides also 

exchanged views on geo-political 

situation and regional and global 

issues of shared interest. 

Earlier on April 2, the 2nd edition 

of the high level virtual interaction 

MAHASAGAR was hosted by 

the Indian Navy. Admiral R Hari 

Kumar, CNS interacted with Heads 

of Navies/ Maritime Agencies 

and Senior Leadership from IOR 

littorals, Bangladesh, Comoros, 

Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives and 

Mauritius among others. 

1,000 Indians part of Amazon's 'generative AI' 

driven Just Walk Out project in Fresh stores: Report 

algorithms make sure the 

correct item is added to the 

virtual cart—all without any 

specific knowledge about 

the person.” 

The truth however is a 

little less exciting. 

A report in Gizmodo 

states: “Just over half 

of Amazon Fresh stores 

are equipped with Just 

Walk Out. The technology 

allows customers to skip 

checkout altogether by 

scanning a QR code when 

they enter the store. A user 

wrote: “Amazon billed its 

'Just Walk Out' stores as 

some triumph of AI." 

Surge in temporary immigrants beyond 

Canada’s capacity to ‘absorb’: Trudeau 

down” and they “caused 

so much pressure in our 

communities”. 

The jump in immigration 

numbers has caused 

a housing affordability 

crisis in Canada, while 

also impacting services 

and infrastructure and 

has contributed to the 

plummeting political 

fortunes of Trudeau and the 

ruling Liberal Party. 

At the time Trudeau first 

came into office, in 2015, 

the number of international 

students totalled 219,035.

16 

TIME OUT 

i FreeDailyCrosswords.com 

ACROSS----------- 

1) "Brian's Song" star James 

5) Comes out of one's skin 

10) Self-congratulatory 

14) Radius' comrade-in-arms? 

15) Youngest-ever Oscar 

winner 

16) Folkestone farewell 

17) "B 5!" "C 11!"? 

19) Took_ (snoozed) 

20) Downed 

21) Typing type 

22) Considers carefully 

24) "Emma" author Austen 

25) Hersey's bell town 

26) Place or site 

29) Transverse beam 

32) Itsy-bitsy bits 

33) "In_ tn1st" 

34) Recipe word 

35) Cravings 

36) Emulate "Old Blue Eyes" 

O, O! 

1 2 3 

14 

17 

20 

26 27 28 

32 

35 

38 

41 42 

CROSSWORD 

37) Kid's "seat" on Santa 

38) Alternative to .net 

39) Less extroverted 

40) TV's "Cosmos" creator 

41) Author's explanation 

43) Yuletide songs 

44) Backup sounds 

45) Random sampling 

46) "Monkey Trial" teacher 

48) Seafood choice 

49) Josh 

52) Door section 

53) John Wayne character, 

larger-than-life? 

56) More than suggest 

57) Recording studio alert 

58) Water sport 

59) Some antique autos 

60) Family men 

61) Bud holder 

Richard Auer 

11 12 13 

7th June 

DOWN 

1) Island south of Florida 

2) Dismounted 

3) Archer or Heche 

4) Endless faultfinder 

5) Home of the John Deere 

headquarters 

6) Like beverages at barbecues 

7) A 1 Capp character 

8) Fielder's choice? 

9) Trooper's warning 

10) Wood-surface applications 

11) Tropical fruit dance? 

12) Great Salt Lake state 

13) Adjusts, as a spark plug 

18) Multicolored gems 

23) "_ on Down the Road" 

24) Traffic tangles 

25) Eagerness 

26)_ the land (how things stand) 

27) Alamogordo's county 

28) Kinshasa drum? 

29) Australian bush call 

30) Just right 

31) Wonderlands 

33) Southern breakfast dish 

36) Auto despair site? 

37) Marx or Benz 

39) Pirate's knife 

40) Town of many trials and hunts 

42) Plains homes 

43) Plays with crayons 

45) Lecterns 

46) Tim Duncan, for one 

47) Kind of package 

48) Cold spell 

49) Nautical mile 

50) Not going anywhere 

51) Condemn 

54) "Put_ Happy Face" 

55) Photo_ (media events) 

i FreeDailyCrosswords.com 

ACROSS----------- 

1) "Brian's Song" star James 

5) Comes out of one's skin 

10) Self-congratulatory 

14) Radius' comrade-in-arms? 

15) Youngest-ever Oscar 

winner 

16) Folkestone farewell 

17) "B 5!" "C 11!"? 

19) Took_ (snoozed) 

20) Downed 

21) Typing type 

22) Considers carefully 

24) "Emma" author Austen 

25) Hersey's bell town 

26) Place or site 

29) Transverse beam 

32) Itsy-bitsy bits 

33) "In_ tn1st" 

34) Recipe word 

35) Cravings 

36) Emulate "Old Blue Eyes" 

O, O! 


CROSSWORD ANSWERS 

37) Kid's "seat" on Santa 

38) Alternative to .net 

39) Less extroverted 

40) TV's "Cosmos" creator 

41) Author's explanation 

43) Yuletide songs 

44) Backup sounds 

45) Random sampling 

46) "Monkey Trial" teacher 

48) Seafood choice 

49) Josh 

52) Door section 

53) John Wayne character, 

larger-than-life? 

56) More than suggest 

57) Recording studio alert 

58) Water sport 

59) Some antique autos 

60) Family men 

61) Bud holder 

1M l.1 1 b 

Richard Auer 

ATA 

N A p 

I G H 5 

0 

T 30 1 3e 

D D 

E E 

N 

7th June 

DOWN 

1) Island south of Florida 

2) Dismounted 

3) Archer or Heche 

4) Endless faultfinder 

5) Home of the John Deere 

headquarters 

6) Like beverages at barbecues 

7) A 1 Capp character 

8) Fielder's choice? 

9) Trooper's warning 

10) Wood-surface applications 

11) Tropical fruit dance? 

12) Great Salt Lake state 

13) Adjusts, as a spark plug 

18) Multicolored gems 

23) "_ on Down the Road" 

24) Traffic tangles 

25) Eagerness 

26)_ the land (how things stand) 

27) Alamogordo's county 

28) Kinshasa drum? 

29) Australian bush call 

30) Just right 

31) Wonderlands 

33) Southern breakfast dish 

36) Auto despair site? 

37) Marx or Benz 

39) Pirate's knife 

40) Town of many trials and hunts 

42) Plains homes 

43) Plays with crayons 

45) Lecterns 

46) Tim Duncan, for one 

47) Kind of package 

48) Cold spell 

49) Nautical mile 

50) Not going anywhere 

51) Condemn 

54) "Put_ Happy Face" 

55) Photo_ (media events) 


SUDOKU SOLUTIONS 

46 47 

52 

56 

59 

SUDOKU 

1; 4c 0 p 

Si> 

E 

A N E 

S 

5lJ R G E b N 

S 

R E 0 5 6'p A 

S 

b 

E 1< 5 01 

Mb N D 0 

A I R 51> L 0 

p A 5 E M 

Your Weekly Horoscope: 05 April - 11 April, 2024 

ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20) 

You are likely to do well for yourself on the 

professional front. Realising a handsome 

amount from someone is possible on the 

financial front. Your health consciousness is 

likely to contribute towards maintaining good 

health. Busy schedule may not leave enough 

time for you to enjoy the social scene. You can expect the 

full support of your family in all your endeavours. An evening 

out, just for a drive, will give you much fun. Shifting to a new 

house is indicated, especially for those getting transferred. 

.TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 20) 

Your professional prospects look bright. 

Career enhancement through promotion 

is possible for people in uniform. A social 

event may engross you totally and give you a 

solid sense of achievement. Diet control may 

become the key to your remaining fit. On the 

home front, looking at the positive side of life will help boost 

optimism. If you are undertaking a journey today, you are 

certain to make good time. A suitable accommodation is 

yours and that too is within your budget. 

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21) 

Popularity on the social front is set to rise, 

as you remain at your helpful best. The 

chances of enjoying a vacation look strong. 

Efforts to grow financially strong are likely to 

show positive results soon. Health remains 

good. Today, you are likely to impress those 

who matter on the professional front. Your foresight is likely 

to prove a big asset on the academic front. You are set to 

enjoy a family gathering today. 

CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 20) 

Some of you are likely to top an exam or crack 

a competition. Homemakers may organise a 

function at home. Some of you are likely to 

get a good bargain on property. A new vehicle 

is on the cards for some. The much-awaited 

feedback on the work front is likely to come 

positively in your favour. Selective eating will keep you fit as 

a fiddle. Money from some unexpected source may come to 

you and make your bank balance healthy. 

LEO (JUL21-AUG 20) 

Payments may get delayed but will be 

received. Health needs to be guarded, 

especially for those suffering from lifestyle 

diseases. The family will go all out to make 

you comfortable. The chance of meeting 

a celebrity on a journey is possible. This 

is the right time to plan for the future on the professional 

front. Seizing an opportunity to go on a trip will be in your 

interest. Don't be hasty in disposing of your property as loss 

is foreseen. 

VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 23) 

Financially, you are likely to remain in a 

comfortable position. Regular workouts 

will help in keeping fit. Things turn 

favourable at work, as your contribution gets 

acknowledged. The home front requires your 

attention, so don't neglect it. A pilgrimage is 

possible and is likely to prove most fulfilling. Buying a new 

property cannot be ruled out for some. Expect to get VIP 

treatment, as your social life perks up. 

LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23) 

You will be keen to impress those who matter 

on the professional front. Being regular in 

your workouts will prove good for your health. 

You will be much more conscious of your 

financial situation now, than previously and 

budget your expenses. Organising a function 

or an event on the home front can keep some busy today. 

A good understanding with someone influential will be of 

much advantage to you. A long journey is possible. 

SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22) 

Good financial planning can get you in a 

happy state. Professional front brightens 

up for some as new projects come your way. 

Some of you are likely to participate in a funfilled 

activity on the home front. Resuming an 

exercise routine is indicated for some. Getting 

something new may get some youngsters all excited. A trip 

may get cancelled or postponed. Some sacrifice on your part 

will be required to get close to your partner emotionally. 

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21) 

You are likely to adopt healthy options to 

achieve total fitness. You are likely to grasp 

a situation on the work front quickly and turn 

it to your advantage. There are indications 

that some of you can be asked to travel out 

of the station on short notice. A lucrative deal 

that brings in good returns is likely to be seized. Religiousminded 

will be able to achieve total peace of mind. Socialise 

more. Nearness to partner brings comfort and immense 

happiness. 

CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 21) 

Completing an assigned job will give you 

the edge at work. Discussing investment 

options with a financial expert will help you 

make the correct decision. Homemakers may 

be tempted to buy an appliance or gadget. 

Your fitness regime will benefit. Property 

investments may not get immediate results but promise big 

money at a later date. The desire for a change of scene may 

take you out on an exotic vacation. The feeling of something 

good happening to you may persist today. 

AQUARIUS (JAN 22-FEB 19) 

You are likely to benefit immensely by making 

health your priority. Despite rising expenses, 

you will be able to remain fairly well off 

financially. You may have to seek alternatives 

if you are unable to accomplish something at 

work. Efforts on the academic front put in now 

will pay rich dividends later. People are likely to appreciate 

your upholding the family traditions. A chance to convert an 

official trip into a leisurely one may come to some. 

PISCES (FEB 20-MAR 20) 

An active lifestyle will help keep minor 

ailments at bay. You will manage to plan your 

expenses well to remain within the budget. 

Homemakers will need to be motivated to 

go in for cleaning and painting of the house. 

A promotion or increment is likely for some, 

especially those in the armed forces. Those travelling on a 

long journey will be able to find entertaining company en 

route. The social front can keep some busy entertaining 

guests.


FEATURE 17 

Healthy cooking every day 

Quinoa and corn griddle pancake 

Quinoa and Corn Griddle Pancake is a healthy and interesting recipe that you can make at home to show your 

culinary skills. This easy recipe is perfect for occasions like kitty parties, potlucks, birthdays, anniversaries 

or a surprise party for someone special. This pancake recipe is one such quick-fix which will relish your taste 

buds and satiate your soul with its refreshing quinoa and corn flavours. 

Ingredients 

• 1/2 cup quinoa 

• 1/2 cup vegetable broth 

• 1/2 cup boiled American corn 

kernels 

• 1/4 cup shredded low fat 

mozzarella cheese 

• 2 tablespoon milk 

• 8 dashes virgin olive oil 

• 1/4 cup arugula 

• 1/2 cup water 

• 1 egg 

• 2 scallions 

• 1/4 cup wheat flour 

• 1 teaspoon salt 

• 1 avocados 

Method 

• Add quinoa, water and vegetable 

broth in a small saucepan, place 

it over a medium flame and let 

it boil. 

• Cover the pan with a lid and 

simmer it for 15 minutes on low 

flame. 

• Add quinoa, egg, corn kernels, 

scallions, cheese, wheat flour, 

milk, hot pepper sauce, and 

black pepper in a medium bowl 

Homemade cake 

Ingredients 

• 3 cup all purpose flour 

• 2 beaten egg 

• 2 teaspoon baking soda 

• 2 teaspoon vanilla essence 

• 2 cup powdered sugar 

• 1 cup butter 

• 2 cup milk 

Method 

• If you think you can never make that perfect sponge 

cake, then try this simple recipe and you will 

surely become a master in rolling out the perfect 

homemade cake. 

• It is a simple recipe and you can begin by mixing 

sugar and butter together. Whisk well until light and 

fluffy. 

• Then, take a manual whisker or a fork, if you do not 

have one. 

• Even electrical blenders are good. Once done, add 

the beaten eggs and blend well. 

• Beat further so that the mixture gets a light, white 

appearance. 

• Sift together the maida and baking soda. It is done 

to evenly distribute the baking soda in flour. 

• Gradually add this to the egg mixture. If required 

add a little milk and mix till the batter is fluffy and 

soft. 

• Add vanilla essence and blend well. Vanilla essence 

is important to camouflage the smell of eggs. 

• Sprinkle some maida on a greased baking tin. It will 

prevent sticking of the cake to the base, you can 

also line it with a butter paper. 

• Pour the prepared mixture into the tin and place it 

and mix properly. 

• Heat a large non-stick skillet 

over medium flame. 

• Add 1/4 cup of the quinoa 

mixture and flatten it with a 

spatula to give it the shape of 

a pancake. Repeat the process 

with the remaining quinoa 

mixture. 

Irish lamb stew 

Ingredients 

• 1 kilograms lamb 

• 8 carrot 

• salt as required 

• water as required 

• 10 large potato 

• 4 onion 

• black pepper as required 

For Garnishing 

• 1 stalk parsley 

Method 

• The first step is to prepare 

the vegetables. Chop the 

potatoes in quarter, the carrots 

in medium-sized pieces and 

roughly chop the onions. Also 

slice the lamb into small pieces. 

• Now, take a large pot and fill it 

with water, and place over high 

heat. 

• Add the meat and potato pieces 

in the pot and bring it to a boil. 

• Then add the chopped carrots 

and onions in the pot. 

• Keep the pot low flame and 

cover the pot with a lid. Let it 

simmer, until the vegetables 

• Fry the pancakes in the skillet 

just like kebabs for about 5 

minutes. Flip carefully and fry 

the other side of the pancake 

for about 5-10 minutes more. 

Garnish the pancake with 

arugula leaves and serve with 

chopped avocado and toppings 

of your choice. 

in a pressure cooker. 

• Do not add water in the cooker and ensure that the 

tin does not touch the base of cooker. You can keep 

the baking dish on an inverted steel plate. Increase 

the flame and pressure cook for two minutes. 

• Now remove the whistle and cook on low flame for 

35-40 minutes. 

• If you are using an electric oven, cook at 180 

degrees for 30-35 minutes. 

• Insert a knife or a metal skewer into the cake and if 

it comes out clean, then the cake is ready to devour 

in. 

• Remove from the oven/cooker and allow to cool on 

a wire rack. 

and the meat are cooked, and 

the gravy thickens. 

• Garnish with chopped parsley 

before serving. 

Lighter Takes 

& Easy Tips 

Grilled lemon and rosemary chicken 

Ingredients 

• 1 1/2 tablespoon 

lemon juice 

• 1 1/2 tablespoon 

dijon mustard 

• 2 cloves garlic 

• powdered black 

pepper as 

required 

• 1 bunch arugula 

• 50 ml virgin olive 

oil 

• 1 1/2 tablespoon rosemary 

• kosher salt as required 

• 700 gm chicken cutlet 

• 1 lemon 

Method 

• In a large bowl, whisk together 

lemon juice, olive oil, dijon 

mustard, rosemary, garlic, 

kosher salt and black pepper 

powder. 

• In the same bowl add chicken 

cutlet pieces and leave it 

for marination at room te 

mperature. 

• Meanwhile, heat the grill to 

medium high. 

• Grease the grill grates using 

olive oil with the help of a brush. 

• Check for the marinated chicken 

now. 

• Remove the chicken from the 

marinate paste and place them 

on the grill. 

• Cook for 3-4 minutes till it 

cooks well from all the sides. 

• Place the lemon halves on the 

grill and let them cook. 

• Now, on a serving plate spread 

arugula leaves and place the 

grilled chicken on top if it. Now, 

squeeze the lemon juice on top 

of it and serve. 

Potato chip cookies 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup crushed potato wafers 

• 1 cup chocolate chips 

• 1 cup chopped mixed dry fruits 

• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 

• 2 cup brown sugar 

• 1 teaspoon soda 

• 2 egg 

• 1 cup fresh cream 

For The Main Dish 

• 2 cup flour 

Method 

• To begin with this delicious 

recipe, take a bowl and add 

sugar, cream in it. 

• Beat the eggs onto it and mix it 

well. 

• Next, add soda, choco chips, 

vanilla essence, flour, dry fruits 

and potato chips to the mix. Mix 

it very well. 

• When the mixture is finally 

ready, pour the mixture carefully, 

by using a spoon, in the cookie 

plate. 

• Put the cookie plate inside the 

Chicken broccoli 

Ingredients 

• 500 gm chopped chicken 

• 1 cup mayonnaise 

• 1 teaspoon curry powder 

• 1 tablespoon mixed herbs 

• 500 gm frozen broccoli 

• 1/2 cup skimmed milk 

• salt as required 

Method 

oven and bake it at 180 degrees 

for 15-20 minutes depending on 

your oven type. 

• Keep checking in between 

so that you do not burn your 

cookies. Once baked, take out 

the cookies from the oven and 

serve warm. 

• To prepare this recipe, boil 

chicken in saucepan over 

medium flame. 

• Then, place chicken, broccoli, 

and other ingredients into a 

casserole dish mixed together. 

• Cover it with a foil and bake 

in the oven at 375°F for 30 

minutes. Serve hot on rice and 

enjoy!

18 

ENTERTAINMENT 

Bhumi 

Pednekar 

finds the term ‘femaleled 

projects’ annoying: 

‘I hate it from my gut’ 

Bhumi Pednekar says, “It's high time we discard all 

misconceptions and back projects led by women 

and give it the scale and mounting that we truly 

deserve.” 

Actor Bhumi Pednekar does not like the term "femaleled 

projects". Sharing her views, Bhumi said, "There is a 

misconception that people are not immediately drawn to 

watch films or content headlined by women. Such projects 

are immediately bracketed as 'female-led projects'. This is 

an annoying term and I hate it from my gut. Gender doesn't 

define people's watching preferences. Audience wants to 

see good cinema, and good content. They aren't choosing 

to watch it basis gender. It's ridiculous." (Also 

"If that was the case, I wouldn't have survived and I have 

built a career out of essaying remarkably strong women on 

screen! I got lucky because I started working at a time that 

coincided with how women characters were being written 

for cinema. There were author-backed roles written for me. 

I was fortunate that directors liked my performances and 

chose me to headline in some of these incredibly beautiful 

projects that showed women as agents of change," she 

explained. 

Supporting her views, she mentioned how well her film 

Bhakshak performed. "My last hit Bhakshak was about a 

woman's willpower to fight the system for social good and 

it went on to become a huge hit globally. So audiences saw 

a female actor headline a subject that took on patriarchy 

and showed it in all its ugliness. Such a project should 

have never become a hit if the audience were selecting to 

watch male-actor-driven projects," she said. 

As per Bhumi, filmmakers should take the punt and 

produce more and more projects with the same budget and 

scale that male actors get in our country. "Toilet: Ek Prem 

Katha, Lust Stories, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Saand Ki Aankh, 

Bala, Pati Patni Aur Woh are all films that had women 

driving the story and they are all successful projects. So, I 

feel it's high time we discard all misconceptions." 

"Else, I 

wouldn’t have 

been here today. 

The beauty of this vast 

industry is that merit always 

survives... your mettle 

determines how you deal 

with it (failures). Fear of 

failure drives away 

complacency." 


Apart from being a successful actor, 

Ayushmann Khurrana is also a 

popular singer and is known for his 

hit numbers including 'Pani Da Rang', 'Saadi 

Gali Aaja', among others. Now, he is taking 

his music to different parts of the world and 

connecting with the audience globally. 

The 'Dream Girl' actor has recently signed 

a global record deal with Warner Music 

India. He expressed his excitement about the 

collaboration. 

"I have always wanted to collaborate with 

like-minded people in my pursuit of creative 

excellence. I want to take my music to a 

global audience and I'm confident that with 

Warner Music India by my side, I will make 

some significant strides in this realm. I cannot 

wait to unveil my next song to people. It will 

be a new sound that people 

haven't heard from me 

before which is extremely 

exciting personally for 

me," Khurrana said in a 

statement. 

Taking to his Instagram 

handle, he dropped a post, 

sharing an update about the 

partnership. The post reads, 

"Ayushmann Khurrana has 

signed a global recording 

deal with Warner Music 

India, the country's leading 

music label, to take his 

sound to a global audience. 

"Ayushmann falls in the 

rare breed of actor-artistes 

in the world who have 

left a mark not only with 

his blockbuster forwardthinking 

films but has also 

disrupted the music space 

with massive hit songs. 

With access to our global 

ecosystem, this creative 

partnership will connect Ayushmann to 

audiences and artists beyond India's borders. 

Stay tuned for his new release dropping this 

month!" 

Jay Mehta, Managing Director of Warner 

Music India and SAARC added, "Ayushmann 


Ayushmann to make his music 

cross boundaries, signs global deal 

Vikrant Massey is riding 

high on the success of 

12th Fail. The actor, who 

turned 37, once opened up about 

declining a well-paying project 

for this reason. 

Vikrant 

Massey celebrated 

his 37th birthday on 

April 3. 

The actor, who 

began learning 

dance from 

an early age 

and became 

an assistant 

instructor 

with famous 

choreographer Shiamak 

Davar, was just 16 when he 

got a casting call for a serial, 

which never went on air. In a 

2018 interview with Filmfare, the 

actor opened up about his career 

and revealed how money is not 

something that floats his boat. 

Vikrant Massey on rejecting a 

big role 

Vikrant revealed at the time 

that he had recently ‘rejected a 

"Ayushmann falls 

in the rare breed of 

actor-artistes in the 

world who have left a 

mark not only with his 

blockbuster forwardthinking 

films but has 

also disrupted the 

music space with hit 

songs. With access to 

our global ecosystem, 

this creative 

partnership will 

connect Ayushmann 

to audiences and 

artists beyond India's 

borders." 

celebrated filmmaker’s offer’ for 

a role he wasn’t convinced about. 

Vikrant had said, “I was tempted 

to take the plunge for monetary 

purpose alone. 

I was being paid a lot of money. 

But better sense prevailed. I 

feared I was going against my 

ethics and social conscience. I 

thought paisa kama lenge aage 

phir kabhi (I could earn money 

later in life)." 

Vikrant on nepotism 

The actor admitted it’s difficult 

for an outsider to make it big in 

the film industry, but added that 

if nepotism exists, free and fair 

opportunities are also there. He 

had said, “Else, I wouldn’t have 

been here today. The beauty of 

this vast industry is that merit 

always survives... your mettle 

determines how you deal with it 

(failures). Fear of failure drives 

away complacency." 

Vikrant's career 

Vikrant's performance in his 

last film, 12th Fail, has been 

lauded by many celebs. The 2023 

film, directed by Vidhu Vinod 

has experienced 

unparalleled success 

with his films, and we're 

excited to see him now 

scale new heights as a 

pop star. With his passion 

for music, a versatile sonic 

identity, and our artist-first 

ecosystem, we are thrilled 

to build an iconic roadmap 

for him on his music 

journey." 

Talking about his film 

front, Ayushmann made 

his Bollywood debut with 

'Vicky Donor' (2012), 

a film set against the 

background of sperm donation and infertility, 

themes that are often seen as taboos in 

Indian society. 

He was last seen in the comedy-drama 

'Dream Girl 2'. The film also starred Ananya 

Panday, Annu Kapoor and Abhishek Banerjee. 

It emerged as a hit. 

When Vikrant Massey rejected 

a big film even though he ‘was 

being paid a lot of money’ 

Chopra, is based on Manoj Kumar 

Sharma's life, with Vikrant playing 

the real-life IPS officer on screen. 

Earlier this year, both Alia Bhatt 

and Deepika Padukone gushed 

over 12th Fail. 

Earlier, filmmaker Rohit Shetty, 

veteran actor Kamal Haasan, 

actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty, 

actors Kangana Ranaut and 

Sanjay Dutt, and actor-filmmaker 

Farhan Akhtar also praised the 

film. 

In January, Vikrant won Best 

Actor (Critics) for his role in 12th 

Fail at Filmfare Awards 2024. 

The film also features actor 

Medha Shankr as Manoj Kumar 

Sharma's IRS officer wife, 

Shraddha Joshi. 

Vikrant made his acting debut 

with Dhoom Machaao Dhoom 

and worked in TV serials such as 

Dharam Veer, Balika Vadhu and 

Qubool Hai before joining films. 

He has worked 

in Chhapaak (2020), Dolly Kitty 

Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare (2020), 

Haseen Dillruba (2021), among 

many other films.

Introducing 

Kashish Chakki 

F r e s h A t t a 

Nourish your family with the goodness of our pure atta. 

PESTICIDE FREE 

BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT 

RICH IN DIETARY FIBRE 

SOFT & FLUFFY ROTIES 

100% ATTA 

0% MAIDA 

www.kashishfood.co.nz

The Indian Weekender, 5 April 2024

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?