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Friday, <strong>12</strong> <strong>April</strong> <strong>2024</strong><br />
Volume 16 / Issue 03<br />
P R E S E N T S<br />
Jashn - Ae<br />
Su<br />
Read • Watch • Engage<br />
Looking to buy<br />
or sell a business?<br />
www.iwk.co.nz /indianweekendernz /indianweekender<br />
Awarded ABC’s Top Trusted Advisor 2021<br />
PERFORMING:<br />
Ibaadat By<br />
Kartik<br />
20TH<br />
APRIL<br />
AUCKLAND<br />
VOGUE LOUNGE<br />
IN CINEMAS NOW<br />
Confused about the immigration reset<br />
announced this week? Here's everything you<br />
need to know about what has changed<br />
LOW SKILL,<br />
RAVI BAJPAI<br />
If the slew of changes<br />
to immigration settings<br />
announced this week have<br />
tied you up in knots, we have got<br />
you covered.<br />
Here’s the one line takeaway.<br />
Low-skilled overseas workers<br />
will find it difficult to find jobs in<br />
New Zealand, and even tougher<br />
to settle down in the country.<br />
Requirements to land a<br />
job in ANZSCO level 4 or<br />
5 occupations, the official<br />
classification for low-skill work,<br />
have been tightened.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se include roles like<br />
hospitality workers, bus and<br />
truck drivers, supervisors, fastfood<br />
cooks, labourers, kitchen<br />
hand, cleaners, factory workers,<br />
etc. <strong>The</strong> new English threshold<br />
means these applicants now<br />
need to score at least Band 4<br />
in IELTS, or equivalent in PTE.<br />
HIGH BAR<br />
It’s still much less than the 6.5<br />
needed for higher-education<br />
courses or for those applying<br />
for residency under the Skilled<br />
Migrant Category.<br />
“<strong>The</strong> rationale given is<br />
that you need that level of<br />
English proficiency to, at<br />
least, understand your job<br />
contract correctly and avoid<br />
exploitation,” says Vandana Rai<br />
of Auckland-based Immigration<br />
Advisers New Zealand Limited.<br />
<strong>The</strong> change does mean that<br />
applicants will now have to take<br />
an English test, unlike before.<br />
A change around how and<br />
when low-skilled workers can<br />
be hired would perhaps have a<br />
bigger impact. <strong>The</strong> department<br />
tasked with finding jobs for<br />
people on benefit, Work and<br />
Income, will now have to verify<br />
that none of the unemployed<br />
locals qualify for the role.<br />
• Continued on Page 3
2<br />
NEW ZEALAND<br />
Friday, <strong>12</strong> <strong>April</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Read online www.iwk.co.nz<br />
AMAN<br />
GULIA<br />
021 082 86266<br />
AS SEEN IN<br />
YOUR RESIDENTIAL &<br />
DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, <strong>12</strong> <strong>April</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
NEW ZEALAND 3<br />
Racist post on 'foreign'<br />
landlords in NZ raises<br />
hell on Reddit<br />
RAVI BAJPAI<br />
A<br />
Reddit post blaming<br />
“foreigners from poorer<br />
countries” spoiling the<br />
quality of life in New Zealand is<br />
being called out for race baiting.<br />
A user with the name<br />
LobsterAgile415 posted the<br />
message titled ‘<strong>The</strong> effect of<br />
foreign landlords’ on Reddit on<br />
<strong>April</strong> 10, <strong>2024</strong>, calling on the<br />
government to “put restrictions<br />
and measurements” around<br />
foreign investment into property,<br />
“specifically when the landlords<br />
are foreign and from a non-English<br />
speaking community".<br />
“Firstly I was going to highlight a<br />
specific ethnicity who has a lot of<br />
property investment, however it's<br />
not those of that ethnicity that are<br />
the problem,” the post read.<br />
“It's those that don't live here and<br />
are from countries where people<br />
have less rights and they feel<br />
entitled to exercise those rights<br />
here like they're in a country where<br />
they can't be held accountable for<br />
it.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> user goes on to say they are<br />
currently living as a tenant with a<br />
foreign landlord, who walked into<br />
their room to wake them up to<br />
make them do gardening.<br />
“<strong>The</strong>y've also just dropped their<br />
child off in the house for the day<br />
without asking (yes I've called<br />
tenancy services). I just don't<br />
think the government really has an<br />
eye on what introducing a foreign<br />
perspective which has a lot of day<br />
to day power over the lives of those<br />
who rent, has done to renters.<br />
“I'm just concerned that<br />
foreigners from poorer countries<br />
are coming here to get a better<br />
life, but actually in the process are<br />
pulling the quality of NZ life down<br />
to a level we're not used to living<br />
in.” Some users were quick to call<br />
out the post for race-baiting. “Lol<br />
race bait post,” posted one user.<br />
“Ethnicity, race and nationality<br />
do not define if you're a c4n#!. A<br />
c4n# can be foreign, a c4n# can be<br />
local, a c4n# can be an "apostle" a<br />
c4n# can be a politician. Trying to<br />
overlay it with race, nationality or<br />
ethnicity is a c4n# thing to do.”<br />
Another user questioned if<br />
calling the landlord a foreigner<br />
was correct in the first place. “Who<br />
cares what ethnicity their landlord<br />
is? It also doesn't sound like they're<br />
foreigners either. It sounds like<br />
they reside permanently in NZ.”<br />
TurkDangerCat didn’t see the<br />
post as racist though, and in<br />
fact agreed with the sentiment .<br />
“Yeah, I try not to rent places with<br />
overseas landlords. Too much<br />
risk they don’t know the rules and<br />
they have zero commitment to the<br />
country. You are just there to pad<br />
the numbers..."<br />
Immigration changes:<br />
All you need to know<br />
about the new rules<br />
• Continued from Page 1<br />
Employers will also need to<br />
advertise the job vacancy for a<br />
week more.<br />
If they do make it through,<br />
these low-skilled workers can<br />
work only up to two years, and a<br />
third year if their employers take<br />
a fresh Job Check.<br />
Another hurdle is the new<br />
requirement around education<br />
levels. Most roles under the<br />
Accredited Employer Work Visa–<br />
the country’s main temporary<br />
work visa–now require<br />
applicants to have a minimum<br />
Level 4 NZQA qualification or<br />
three years of related work<br />
experience. Low-skilled workers<br />
didn’t have any such threshold in<br />
the previous settings. Overseas<br />
qualifications lower than a<br />
bachelor’s now have to be<br />
assessed by NZQA.<br />
<strong>The</strong> news is more sombre for<br />
overseas bus and truck drivers,<br />
roles that have been removed<br />
from the green list–meaning<br />
they no longer qualify for<br />
residency after working for two<br />
years on the threshold wage.<br />
<strong>The</strong> only other residence<br />
pathway–Skilled Migrant<br />
Category–imposed requirements<br />
that low-skilled workers don’t<br />
meet, virtually leaving them with<br />
no residence pathway.<br />
Those already in the country<br />
working in these roles can<br />
still apply under the green list<br />
criteria–but they now have to<br />
meet English requirements same<br />
as for those applying for higher<br />
studies or as skilled migrants.<br />
Some construction roles,<br />
like panel beaters, etc, have<br />
also been removed from the<br />
green list, making the residence<br />
pathway difficult.<br />
<strong>The</strong> government says despite<br />
how it looks the changes are<br />
not hostile to migrants, and<br />
will stem the historically-high<br />
migration rates seen lately that it<br />
says are unsustainanble.<br />
Immigration Minister Erica<br />
Stanford says the rules largely<br />
aim at making sure New<br />
Zealanders get priority when it<br />
comes to jobs that are not in the<br />
skills shortage category.<br />
Vandana Rai of Immigration<br />
Advisers New Zealand Limited<br />
says the government has its<br />
heart in the right place but it<br />
must be careful about losing the<br />
perception battle when it comes<br />
to attracting migrants.<br />
“If we keep making frequent<br />
changes to the immigration<br />
settings, it sends out mixed<br />
signals to prospective migrants.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y become wary."
4<br />
NEW ZEALAND<br />
Friday, <strong>12</strong> <strong>April</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Jagran in Delhi inspired<br />
this Kiwi-<strong>Indian</strong> rising<br />
Read online www.iwk.co.nz<br />
Sufi star in Auckland<br />
URJITA BHARDWAJ<br />
In Auckland's music circuit,<br />
Kartik Arora, a 25-year-old<br />
vocalist from New Delhi, is<br />
emerging as a crowd favourite.<br />
Since making the move to<br />
Auckland last year to pursue<br />
music full-time, he has been<br />
captivating audiences with<br />
his performances at Jalsa,<br />
Auckland, every Friday and<br />
Saturday.<br />
Arora's musical journey<br />
began at a young age, singing<br />
devotional songs with his<br />
father.<br />
Despite lacking formal<br />
training, he developed a deep<br />
passion for music and began<br />
his professional singing career<br />
in 2014.<br />
Kartik’s big feature event<br />
called “ Ibadat” is this month at<br />
Vogue, Auckland.<br />
"My family has always<br />
supported my passion for<br />
composing, playing, and<br />
singing new songs," Kartik<br />
shared with <strong>The</strong> <strong>Indian</strong><br />
<strong>Weekender</strong>.<br />
His interest in percussion<br />
instruments, such as the tabla<br />
and dholak, blossomed during<br />
a jagran celebration at his<br />
Delhi home in 20<strong>12</strong>, where he<br />
was inspired by the musicians'<br />
performances.<br />
This event marked the<br />
inception of his professional<br />
singing career, leading him to<br />
perform at more than 2,000<br />
events in India and more than<br />
20 events in Auckland, where<br />
his unique musical style has<br />
been well-received.<br />
About two years ago,<br />
Kartik shifted his<br />
focus to Sufi music,<br />
drawing inspiration<br />
from legends like<br />
Nusrat Fateh Ali<br />
Khan.<br />
He began<br />
composing his<br />
own songs, blending<br />
traditional Sufi<br />
elements with his style,<br />
attracting a diverse audience<br />
in Auckland.<br />
"I listen to everything for<br />
inspiration. I am a fan of<br />
John Mayer's music, Alicia<br />
Keys, Linkin Park, and also<br />
Norah Jones. I believe every<br />
budding singer should listen<br />
to every artist there is," Arora<br />
emphasised.<br />
Despite his brief tenure in<br />
Auckland, Kartik has already<br />
performed at more than<br />
20 regular music events,<br />
showcasing his talent and<br />
spreading the joy of Sufi<br />
music. His aim is to introduce<br />
this genre to mainstream<br />
audiences, hoping to cultivate<br />
a new appreciation for its<br />
depth.<br />
"I want to convey to<br />
"I<br />
listen to<br />
everything for<br />
inspiration. I am a fan<br />
of John Mayer's music,<br />
Alicia Keys, Linkin Park,<br />
and also Norah Jones. I<br />
believe every budding<br />
singer should listen to<br />
every artist there<br />
is."<br />
people that music<br />
is all about<br />
the feeling. If<br />
you do not<br />
understand<br />
what I am<br />
saying, that<br />
is okay. I just<br />
want people to<br />
close their eyes<br />
and listen to how<br />
I am conveying," he<br />
expressed.<br />
With his soulful voice,<br />
compositions, and<br />
performances, Kartik Arora is<br />
making a mark in Auckland's<br />
music scene, bringing the<br />
essence of Sufi soul to<br />
audiences across the city by<br />
also writing his own poems.<br />
Kartik is gearing up for<br />
more shows in the<br />
future and hopes<br />
to connect with<br />
people through one<br />
of his own shayaris,<br />
which is scheduled<br />
to release soon. Here<br />
is an excerpt from his<br />
upcoming shayari:<br />
ek din kuch ban kar<br />
dikhaunga<br />
jo roye hai mere liye<br />
unhe zaroor hasaunga<br />
phil haal main kho gya hu is<br />
duniya ke khel main<br />
lakin jaldi yaha se nikal<br />
jaunga<br />
dhoka dene wale dhoka<br />
dekar chle<br />
lakin pyaar karna unko bhi<br />
sikhaunga<br />
logon ka kehna hai bhagwan<br />
pe bharosa rakh sab thik hoga ,<br />
lakin sab kuch thik main<br />
karke dikhaunga<br />
waqt de raha hu sab chijo ko<br />
shayd kuch bachpana bhi<br />
kar raha hu<br />
lakin apne ap par vishavash<br />
todne nahi dunga<br />
toh haan tum sab ko kehna<br />
hai<br />
ek din kuch ban kar<br />
dikhaunga
Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, <strong>12</strong> <strong>April</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
NEW ZEALAND 5<br />
Celebrating 29 years of Nagar Kirtan in NZ<br />
IWK BUREAU<br />
Since its inception in 1996, the annual<br />
Nagar Kirtan in Otahuhu, Auckland,<br />
has undergone a remarkable<br />
transformation, evolving from a smallscale<br />
event to a grand celebration that<br />
attracts thousands of participants.<br />
As the Sikh community commemorates<br />
29 years of this vibrant parade, it is an<br />
opportune moment to reflect on the<br />
journey that has led the event to where it<br />
is today.<br />
In its early years, the Nagar Kirtan faced<br />
numerous challenges as the concept was<br />
unfamiliar to local authorities and the<br />
wider community.<br />
Seeking approval and understanding for<br />
the event required persistent efforts and<br />
patient advocacy.<br />
However, through unwavering<br />
determination and perseverance, the<br />
organisers succeeded in laying the<br />
groundwork for what would become a<br />
beloved tradition in Otahuhu.<br />
Over the decades, the Nagar Kirtan has<br />
transcended its initial hurdles to become<br />
a symbol of cultural unity and diversity.<br />
What was once met with skepticism<br />
and resistance is now embraced<br />
wholeheartedly by the community,<br />
reflecting the power of dialogue and<br />
education in fostering inclusivity.<br />
“<strong>The</strong> transformation speaks volumes<br />
about the capacity of individuals and<br />
communities to overcome barriers and<br />
build bridges through shared experiences<br />
and mutual respect,” says Daljit Singh of<br />
the Supreme Sikh Society of NZ.<br />
<strong>The</strong> group was established in 1978,<br />
and the first gurdwara in Otahuhu opened<br />
doors to devotees in 1986. <strong>The</strong> largest<br />
gurdwara in the country opened in Takanini<br />
in 2005. Daljit Singh, who was among<br />
those who organised the first Nagar Kirtan<br />
in 1996 with a budget of $200, says as<br />
the management committee gathers to<br />
celebrate the Nagar Kirtan, it’s essential<br />
to recognise the contributions of everyone<br />
who has been part of this journey.<br />
“From organisers and volunteers<br />
to participants and supporters, each<br />
individual has played a crucial role in<br />
nurturing and preserving Sikh culture in<br />
New Zealand.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>ir dedication and commitment have<br />
ensured that the Nagar Kirtan continues<br />
to thrive and evolve, enriching the cultural<br />
tapestry of Otahuhu and beyond.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> first procession was carried out on<br />
a trailer owned by Ranbir Singh Sidhu back<br />
in 1996, and since then he has continued<br />
the tradition the last 29 years.<br />
At this year’s edition, Sidhu was<br />
honoured for his service.<br />
Beyond its significance within the Sikh<br />
community, the Nagar Kirtan serves as<br />
a testament to the strength of diversity<br />
and the spirit of community that binds us<br />
together.<br />
It’s a celebration of unity amidst<br />
differences, reminding us of the<br />
importance of mutual respect and<br />
understanding in building a harmonious<br />
society.<br />
“As we look ahead to the future, guided<br />
by Waheguru’s grace and the unwavering<br />
support of our community, we anticipate<br />
many more years of joyous celebrations<br />
and cultural exchange through the Nagar<br />
Kirtan in Otahuhu.<br />
"May this annual tradition continue to<br />
inspire and unite us for generations to<br />
come,” says Singh.
6<br />
NEW ZEALAND<br />
Kiwi-<strong>Indian</strong>’s travel agency<br />
hits 10-year milestone<br />
IWK BUREAU<br />
Friday, <strong>12</strong> <strong>April</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
A<br />
decade ago, nestled in<br />
the vibrant suburb of<br />
Papatoetoe in South<br />
Auckland, a dream was born in the<br />
humblest of places — a garage.<br />
Fast forward to today, and that<br />
dream has blossomed into a<br />
flourishing travel agency<br />
named Indo Kiwi Travel<br />
that has not only<br />
weathered storms<br />
but also soared<br />
to extraordinary<br />
heights.<br />
Celebrating its<br />
remarkable 10-<br />
year journey, the<br />
Navdeep Kataria (left) and Puneet Kataria<br />
business stands<br />
clients from memories “<br />
as a testament<br />
all walks of <strong>The</strong> agency continues to give<br />
to resilience,<br />
life.<br />
back to the community, supporting<br />
dedication, and the<br />
What sets the local causes and initiatives that<br />
power of entrepreneurial Navtej Randhawa agency apart is aim to make the world a better<br />
spirit.<br />
From its modest beginnings<br />
not just its impressive<br />
trajectory but also its<br />
place.<br />
As the business raises a toast<br />
from a garage at 44 Hoteo Avenue, unwavering commitment to to its monumental milestone, it<br />
Papatoetoe, the business that was excellence, say the owners. not only celebrates a decade of<br />
a brainchild of community leader Reflecting on the agency’s unparalleled success but also<br />
Navtej Singh Randhawa and cofounder<br />
remarkable journey, Kataria looks ahead to a future filled with<br />
Navdeep Singh Kataria attributes its success to a endless possibilities.<br />
began in 2014, with a vision to combination of factors. “It’s been As the agency looks towards<br />
redefine the travel experience for a labour of love fuelled by the the future, Kataria remains<br />
locals and tourists alike.<br />
unwavering support of our clients optimistic about the opportunities<br />
With a vision to provide and the dedication of our team. that lie ahead. “<strong>The</strong> sky’s the<br />
unparalleled service and “While we’ve come a long way, limit,” he declares. “We’re just<br />
unforgettable adventures, the we remain committed to our core getting started. As we enter our<br />
agency that has been operating<br />
from 158 Kolmar Road Papatoetoe<br />
since 2016 quickly gained traction,<br />
earning the trust and loyalty of<br />
values of integrity, excellence,<br />
and customer satisfaction. We<br />
pride vourselves on delivering not<br />
just vacations, but unforgettable<br />
second decade in business, we’re<br />
excited to continue pushing the<br />
boundaries of what’s possible in<br />
the travel industry.”<br />
Read online www.iwk.co.nz<br />
New language rules could force<br />
indebted migrants to leave NZ<br />
LUCY XIA/RNZ<br />
Exploited migrants are<br />
concerned that the<br />
new English language<br />
requirement for work visas could<br />
force them to return home, tens of<br />
thousands of dollars in debt.<br />
People applying for lowskilled<br />
jobs - level 4 and level 5<br />
roles in the Australian and New<br />
Zealand Standard Classification<br />
of Occupations (ANZCO) - under<br />
the accredited employer work visa<br />
(AEWV) scheme must now meet a<br />
basic standard of English.<br />
<strong>The</strong> government said the<br />
changes will help protect migrants<br />
from exploitation and address<br />
unsustainable net migration.<br />
However, many of the hundreds<br />
of migrants who were issued with<br />
migrant exploitation protection<br />
visas (MEPVs), fear they can't<br />
meet the requirement.<br />
Yu, who only wants to give her<br />
surname, is one of nearly 900<br />
migrants on a MEPV and among<br />
52,000 low-skilled migrants who<br />
entered the country last year.<br />
She said she had to borrow<br />
about $20,000 for her visa and job<br />
at a commercial laundry facility in<br />
Auckland, but was paid less than<br />
the minimum wage.<br />
"We sometimes work up to 300<br />
hours a month, but we only get<br />
about $3200, it comes to about<br />
less than $13 an hour," she said.<br />
Yu left that job in February<br />
still owed six weeks' wages and<br />
alongwith three other workers is<br />
now taking legal action against<br />
her former employer, but due to<br />
her lack of English knowledge, she<br />
now has little hope of getting a<br />
work visa under the new rules.<br />
She said while she understood<br />
why the changes were brought<br />
in, she hoped people who had<br />
already been exploited might be<br />
exempt.<br />
"It's got its reasons, they can<br />
put these rules on people applying<br />
in the future, but for people who<br />
are already here, they should be<br />
more considerate, because when<br />
we first came here these rules<br />
didn't exist, otherwise we wouldn't<br />
have come."<br />
Gong, who also doesn't want his<br />
full name used, is also on a MEPV<br />
after paying about $15,000 for a<br />
construction job that didn't exist.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 42-year-old carpenter<br />
with more than two decades of<br />
experience has now found another<br />
job, but believed he had no chance<br />
under the new language rule.<br />
"I'm just starting to familiarise<br />
myself with the environment<br />
here, and starting a normal job<br />
after this new boss gave me an<br />
opportunity, but now I can't go on<br />
to a new work visa and they need<br />
language skills, it's too unfair," he<br />
said.<br />
Gong said his new boss has<br />
applied for his visa under a<br />
lower skill level role which has a<br />
language requirement, rather than<br />
carpentry which doesn't.<br />
He said his boss hasn't<br />
explained to him why it was done<br />
this way.<br />
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Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, <strong>12</strong> <strong>April</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
NEW ZEALAND 7<br />
Building better lives: Classic<br />
Property leading the way<br />
SUPPLIED CONTENT<br />
In the realm of property<br />
development, Classic Property<br />
stands out as a company of<br />
excellence, weaving together<br />
multiple businesses under<br />
the Classic Group umbrella to<br />
create a seamless experience<br />
for clients. It’s latest addition to<br />
the portfolio is Classic Property,<br />
which is driven by a singular<br />
mission: to enrich lives by<br />
crafting exceptional homes and<br />
communities.<br />
What sets Classic Property<br />
apart?<br />
Prioritisation of modern living<br />
standards. <strong>The</strong>ir new townhouses<br />
aren’t just structures; they’re well<br />
designed homes that meet and<br />
exceed healthy home standards.<br />
For aspiring homeowners,<br />
Classic Property offers options<br />
priced below the first home<br />
buyer’s cap, making the dream of<br />
homeownership a tangible reality.<br />
Moreover, they understand<br />
that a house is more than just a<br />
physical structure – it’s a place<br />
where bonds are forged, and<br />
memories are made.<br />
By fostering a sense<br />
of community in each<br />
development, Classic<br />
Property creates<br />
neighbourhoods<br />
where residents<br />
feel a true sense of<br />
belonging.<br />
Nathan Watkins,<br />
GM at Classic<br />
Property, says, “In<br />
today’s competitive<br />
market, we aim to<br />
provide appealing<br />
options for residents.<br />
Our product is<br />
especially a good option for firsttime<br />
home buyers, considering<br />
the current high interest rates.”<br />
Navigating the journey to<br />
homeownership can be daunting,<br />
but Classic Property makes it a<br />
breeze with their comprehensive<br />
service. From guiding clients<br />
through the intricacies of<br />
investing in new housing<br />
developments to ensuring a<br />
seamless process from start<br />
to finish, they are committed to<br />
providing exceptional support<br />
every step of the way.<br />
Central to Classic Property’s<br />
ethos is their unwavering<br />
commitment to excellence,<br />
backed by over 25 years of<br />
building expertise. With a keen<br />
eye for detail and a dedication<br />
to quality craftsmanship,<br />
they consistently deliver<br />
housing solutions that exceed<br />
expectations.<br />
Take for instance the Rāpoi<br />
development in Takanini,<br />
Auckland. Boasting modern<br />
design elements and a prime<br />
New<br />
developments<br />
in Takanini<br />
and Mt Roskill<br />
are ready for<br />
market.<br />
location,<br />
Rāpoi<br />
exemplifies<br />
Classic<br />
Property’s vision of creating<br />
vibrant, inclusive communities.<br />
“<strong>The</strong> feedback has been great.<br />
Residents are very pleased about<br />
the quality and location of these<br />
projects” Nathan told <strong>The</strong> <strong>Indian</strong><br />
<strong>Weekender</strong>.<br />
<strong>The</strong> development will be<br />
made up of 81 homes upon its<br />
completion. <strong>The</strong>re are currently<br />
six new townhouses complete &<br />
move-in ready. Living in Takanini<br />
means embracing the ease of<br />
access to amenities and stressfree<br />
commuting with highways<br />
and public transport at your<br />
doorstep.<br />
Similarly, the Richardson<br />
Road development in Mt Roskill<br />
seamlessly blends individuality<br />
with community cohesion,<br />
offering residents a harmonious<br />
blend of tranquillity and<br />
convenience.<br />
This development is made up<br />
of 19 townhouses in a variety<br />
of two, three and three bedroom<br />
+ study layouts and facades<br />
that give a level of individuality<br />
to each house, while sitting<br />
harmoniously within the rest of<br />
the community.
8<br />
NEW ZEALAND<br />
Christchurch attack<br />
hero appears in court<br />
for alleged assault<br />
RNZ<br />
Abdul Aziz Wahazadah,<br />
50, hailed as a hero for<br />
his actions during the<br />
2019 Christchurch terror attacks,<br />
appeared in court on Tuesday,<br />
facing a charge of assault with<br />
intent to injure.<br />
Aziz, who chased the gunman<br />
from the Linwood Islamic Centre,<br />
denies the charge and has opted<br />
for a judge-alone trial, <strong>The</strong> New<br />
Zealand Herald reported.<br />
In a special ceremony in 2022,<br />
Aziz was recognised for his<br />
bravery. During the attacks, Aziz<br />
picked up a discarded rifle and<br />
shouted at the gunman, diverting<br />
his attention and preventing<br />
further loss of life at the Linwood<br />
Islamic Centre.<br />
He then chased the terrorist to<br />
his car, smashing the back window<br />
with the rifle before the gunman<br />
drove off, with Aziz in pursuit down<br />
Linwood Ave.<br />
Mr. Aziz's actions were praised<br />
for deterring the gunman from<br />
re-entering the mosque and<br />
potentially causing more harm.<br />
Representing himself in the<br />
Christchurch District Court,<br />
Aziz pleaded not guilty and was<br />
remanded on bail.<br />
His next court appearance is<br />
scheduled for July.<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> dad fights for NZ reunion after 427 days in prison<br />
IWK BUREAU<br />
An <strong>Indian</strong> computer<br />
engineer, known only as<br />
Mr K in court, is seeking to<br />
return to New Zealand after being<br />
involved in a domestic dispute in<br />
2019.<br />
This incident led to his<br />
imprisonment for 427 days and<br />
eventual departure from the<br />
country, <strong>The</strong> New Zealand Herald<br />
reported.<br />
Mr K's conflict began when<br />
he assaulted his wife during<br />
an argument over cooking rice.<br />
Although he admitted to the<br />
assault, he was later acquitted<br />
of more serious sexual offenses<br />
against her. <strong>The</strong>se accusations<br />
complicated his plans to apply<br />
for permanent residency in New<br />
Zealand.<br />
Abdul Aziz Wahazadah has denied<br />
one charge of assault during his court<br />
appearance. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon<br />
Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King<br />
Mr K and his family had<br />
moved to New Zealand in 2016,<br />
where he worked as a computer<br />
engineer under an essential<br />
skills work visa. However, the<br />
assault conviction jeopardized his<br />
immigration status.<br />
After a lengthy legal battle, Mr<br />
K was acquitted of all charges,<br />
but his work visa had expired.<br />
Despite his acquittal, he was<br />
unable to contact his daughter,<br />
whom he had not seen since his<br />
imprisonment.<br />
In a surprising development,<br />
the High Court at Wellington<br />
granted Mr K a discharge without<br />
conviction for the assault,<br />
stating that the consequences<br />
of a conviction would be<br />
disproportionate to the offense.<br />
This discharge means Mr K can<br />
now apply for visas without<br />
disclosing his past offenses and<br />
may have a chance to return to<br />
New Zealand.<br />
Mr K's journey to reunite with<br />
his daughter and rebuild his life<br />
in New Zealand now seems more<br />
hopeful, despite the challenges he<br />
has faced.<br />
Friday, <strong>12</strong> <strong>April</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Read online www.iwk.co.nz<br />
Boot camps: Human<br />
rights watchdog<br />
advises caution<br />
PHIL PENNINGTON<br />
<strong>The</strong> Human Rights<br />
Commission says boot<br />
camps need a chance<br />
to work but only if they take a<br />
therapeutic approach.<br />
Advice to the government<br />
says research has concluded<br />
a "military regime" - or 'scare<br />
them straight'-type camp is<br />
ineffective, but ones with lots<br />
of support before and after can<br />
change young criminals.<br />
Acting Chief Human Rights<br />
Commissioner Saunoamaali'i<br />
Dr Karanina Sumeo said the<br />
government now knew not to<br />
take the too-tough track.<br />
"It's unfortunate that they use<br />
the term 'boot camp'," she said.<br />
"It kinda signals the use of<br />
violence to counter violence."<br />
But Sumeo "really supported"<br />
a more "therapeutic, helpful<br />
approach to them".<br />
"We have to give this idea a<br />
chance to work."<br />
'Boot camps' are defined by<br />
researchers as emphasising<br />
military-style discipline, drills<br />
and ceremonies, and rigorous<br />
exercise.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y are based on the idea<br />
that the routine, discipline, and<br />
interaction with staff teach<br />
offenders self-control and<br />
respect, and "also shock them<br />
into behaving in a respectful and<br />
obedient manner", the advice<br />
to Children's Minister Karen<br />
Chhour said. This clashes with<br />
what Oranga Tamariki told her<br />
next: "Traditional military-based<br />
approaches for those who have<br />
experienced trauma or have a<br />
disability will not lead to better<br />
long-term outcomes.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>se young people have very<br />
high and complex needs and<br />
are likely to have experienced<br />
trauma, abuse, and family<br />
violence, have a disability, have<br />
issues with addiction and mental<br />
health, and/or poor outcomes in<br />
education."<br />
<strong>The</strong> National Party approach<br />
since 2022 has been that the<br />
year-long programme within<br />
youth justice residences would<br />
include schooling, vocational<br />
training, counselling, drug and<br />
alcohol treatment, mentoring,<br />
and cultural support.<br />
Community groups say an<br />
offender being ordered by a<br />
judge into a boot camp might<br />
perversely earn them attention<br />
from gang recruiters.<br />
<strong>The</strong> pitfalls upon release had<br />
not been addressed in past<br />
attempts, the advice said.<br />
Previous boot camps<br />
foundered inside - "lack of<br />
robust support (that addresses<br />
the causes of the young person's<br />
offending), meant improved<br />
outcomes were not realised" -<br />
and outside - "lack of transitional<br />
support and intervention with<br />
family and whānau were also<br />
identified as shortcomings",<br />
Chhour was told.<br />
She told RNZ that transition<br />
planning involving whānau,<br />
iwi and communities was her<br />
number one focus.<br />
Sumeo said the commission<br />
wanted input but had not had it<br />
so far.<br />
"Normally we are given an<br />
opportunity to input, so we want<br />
an opportunity to input, to give<br />
the best advice to them.of the<br />
group that's consulted."<br />
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Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, <strong>12</strong> <strong>April</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
NEW ZEALAND 9<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> student applications<br />
surge at Unitec-Te Pūkenga<br />
DON ISHAN SIRIMANNE<br />
Aotearoa New Zealand’s<br />
tertiary institutions<br />
have long been some<br />
of the world’s most soughtafter<br />
for international students,<br />
and the current data indicates<br />
that numbers among some key<br />
demographics have not only<br />
bounced back but are in fact<br />
exceeding pre-pandemic levels.<br />
For instance, Unitec-Te<br />
Pūkenga’s applications for the<br />
first semester of <strong>2024</strong>, from <strong>Indian</strong><br />
students alone, have already<br />
equalled what was received from<br />
that cohort throughout the entirety<br />
of 2023.<br />
As institutions watch numbers<br />
keenly to detect a resurgence,<br />
applications to Unitec from<br />
students from India have reached<br />
3,097 for Semester 1 this year,<br />
compared with 1,550 for Semester<br />
1 in 2019. <strong>The</strong>se numbers are<br />
indicative but will firm up by<br />
mid-March, when late enrolments<br />
close and the academic year kicks<br />
off in earnest.<br />
As for our sector overall, in 2019<br />
about 11,000 full-time equivalent<br />
students from overseas studied<br />
with New Zealand polytechnics.<br />
By August 2023, as the effects<br />
of the pandemic receded, the<br />
demand from overseas students<br />
was exceeding projections: Te<br />
Pūkenga was expecting about<br />
4,900 international students<br />
through the year, up from 2,800 in<br />
2022.<br />
Based on what we are seeing<br />
at Unitec, we expect our own reenrolment<br />
cycle to come back to<br />
pre-pandemic levels by 2025, a<br />
year faster than what is projected<br />
for the sector as a whole.<br />
Based on what we<br />
are seeing at Unitec,<br />
we expect our<br />
re-enrolment cycle<br />
to come back to<br />
pre-pandemic<br />
levels by 2025.<br />
Aotearoa as a site of advanced<br />
studies and a doorway to success<br />
It is important to note that<br />
Unitec’s international students<br />
from India are already highly<br />
educated – they are typically<br />
doing their Bachelor’s degree in<br />
India and coming to New Zealand<br />
for postgraduate study that will<br />
set them on a path to career<br />
success, whether they remain in<br />
New Zealand or return to their<br />
homeland.<br />
International education is not a<br />
path to residency, though the vast<br />
majority of students from India –<br />
at least 80% who come through<br />
Unitec – want to set up their lives<br />
and build their careers here, often<br />
in the fields of tech, construction,<br />
and business. <strong>The</strong>y have ambition<br />
and they see New Zealand as<br />
more of a family-orientated<br />
society than their other options,<br />
such as the United Kingdom and<br />
Canada.<br />
Numbers for different cohorts of<br />
international students vary across<br />
institutions and course types, and<br />
Unitec’s status as a dominant<br />
player in the <strong>Indian</strong> market reflects<br />
the substantial investments we<br />
have made to attract this interest<br />
and demand; I visit India regularly<br />
and made a trip in January <strong>2024</strong><br />
to visit education agents who<br />
serve as conduits for inbound<br />
students, supporting their visa<br />
applications so they can set<br />
themselves up here, meet their<br />
obligations, and make the most of<br />
their study and work experience<br />
entitlements.<br />
<strong>The</strong> sector is enormously<br />
valuable and has built-in capacity<br />
Export revenues for the<br />
country’s international education<br />
sector overall were worth more<br />
than $5 billion pre-pandemic and<br />
were the fourth largest contributor<br />
to our economy.<br />
Importantly, we can grow this<br />
sector without adding extra cost<br />
– in other words, we already have<br />
the institutions and structures to<br />
meet the demand and grow the<br />
sector further.<br />
We have also developed new<br />
ways to help overseas students<br />
put down roots here and add<br />
their skills and talents to the<br />
New Zealand economy. Over the<br />
2023-24 summer Unitec held a<br />
summer job fair which attracted<br />
a huge cohort of international<br />
students – the first time we had<br />
done this, and students loved it<br />
and derived enormous value. <strong>The</strong>y<br />
are extremely keen to feed in what<br />
they are learning at Unitec and<br />
about how we do things in New<br />
Zealand back into the companies<br />
they work for – building our<br />
cultural and economic ecosystem<br />
and helping our country operate<br />
on a global scale.<br />
(<strong>The</strong> author is Head of Product<br />
& International Market Development,<br />
Unitec-Te Pūkenga)<br />
MP for Panmure-Ōtāhuhu<br />
Electorate office:<br />
7 Fulton Cres, Ōtara<br />
09 274 9231<br />
Panmure.OtahuhuMP@parliament.govt.nz<br />
Pan Asian New Year Celebrations 2023 was held at New Zealand Parliament on <strong>April</strong> 3 last year | Photo: <strong>The</strong> Bhartiya<br />
Samaj Charitable Trust<br />
Embracing diversity: Pan Asian<br />
new year <strong>2024</strong> in Auckland<br />
IWK BUREAU<br />
<strong>The</strong> Bhartiya Samaj Charitable<br />
Trust and Communities<br />
Action Trust (CATNZ)<br />
warmly invite you and members of<br />
your organisation to celebrate the<br />
Pan Asian New Year <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
This auspicious festival marks<br />
the commencement of the Solar<br />
New Year across diverse South<br />
Asian and Southeast Asian cultures<br />
worldwide. Scheduled annually in <strong>April</strong><br />
according to the Solar Calendar, this event<br />
holds immense cultural significance.<br />
CATNZ's endeavour is to unite and<br />
celebrate the rich cultural heritage of<br />
various South Asian and Southeast Asian<br />
communities, including Punjab, Tamil Nadu,<br />
Karnataka, Kerala, Nepal, Cambodia, Laos,<br />
Myanmar, and Thailand.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y aim to foster cultural harmony and<br />
social cohesion by commemorating the<br />
Solar New Year.<br />
<strong>The</strong> celebration is scheduled on Sunday,<br />
21 <strong>April</strong> <strong>2024</strong>, from 6 pm to 8.00 pm, at the<br />
Mahatma Gandhi Centre, 145 New North<br />
Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland.<br />
Your presence and participation would<br />
greatly enhance the significance of the<br />
communities coming together.<br />
Ōtāhuhu and Riverside Clinic:<br />
Ōtāhuhu Town Hall,<br />
10-<strong>12</strong> High St<br />
Monday Mornings<br />
9.30am to 11.30am<br />
Panmure and<br />
Point England Clinic:<br />
By Appointment<br />
Phone 09 274 9231
10<br />
NEW ZEALAND<br />
IWK BUREAU<br />
An electrifying evening<br />
awaits on Wednesday, <strong>April</strong><br />
17 at Q <strong>The</strong>atre, Tāmaki<br />
Makaurau, as Satellites proudly<br />
presents the renowned filmmaker<br />
Anurag Kashyap.<br />
<strong>The</strong> exclusive event promises<br />
a deep dive into Kashyap's work,<br />
his fearless storytelling approach,<br />
and the defining moments of his<br />
illustrious career.<br />
Since his debut in 1998 as a<br />
writer for the crime drama Satya,<br />
which was later hailed as one of<br />
the 100 greatest <strong>Indian</strong> films of all<br />
time, Kashyap has been a pivotal<br />
figure in <strong>Indian</strong> cinema.<br />
He is celebrated for his bold<br />
departure from traditional<br />
Bollywood conventions, focusing<br />
instead on the intricate and often<br />
contradictory facets of <strong>Indian</strong><br />
society, thus establishing himself<br />
as a pioneer in India's independent<br />
filmmaking landscape.<br />
Described by <strong>The</strong> Guardian UK as<br />
"talented, prolific and provocative<br />
to his core," Kashyap has also<br />
been a vocal advocate for creative<br />
freedom and artistic expression<br />
within the <strong>Indian</strong> film industry.<br />
In recognition of his<br />
Friday, <strong>12</strong> <strong>April</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Anurag Kashyap in<br />
Auckland: Cinematic<br />
journey unveiled<br />
JOGAI BHATT/RNZ<br />
Auckland's Ramadan<br />
Night Markets<br />
returned for a<br />
successful third year at<br />
the New Lynn Community<br />
Centre on Saturday night.<br />
Street vendors and<br />
patrons alike enjoyed a<br />
luxurious variety of halal<br />
foods, clothing stalls and<br />
festivities in honour of the<br />
Islamic holy month.<br />
During each day of<br />
Ramadan, Muslims observe<br />
a fast from dawn until<br />
sunset, forgoing food<br />
and water to deepen their<br />
spiritual connection with<br />
God and empathise with<br />
those less fortunate. For<br />
many, the night market<br />
brought a sense of<br />
community and provided<br />
sustenance as people broke<br />
their daily fasts.<br />
Yalda Hashemi was one<br />
of the vendors serving<br />
the community. Her stall<br />
offered traditional Afghan<br />
foods such as mantu: a<br />
steamed dumpling full of<br />
spiced meat and copious<br />
amounts of diced onion.<br />
For iftar - the fastbreaking<br />
evening meal<br />
of Muslims in Ramadan<br />
- Hashemi says she is<br />
looking forward to a cup of<br />
tea.<br />
"I feel more thirsty today.<br />
My favourite iftar treat is<br />
soft drinks and tea, but I<br />
will try to eat a date first<br />
because it's sweet."<br />
Like Hashemi, many of<br />
the street vendors have<br />
spent the day preparing<br />
several slow-cooked meals<br />
and baked treats while<br />
fasting. However, there are<br />
exceptions to fasting for<br />
people who are ill, elderly,<br />
pregnant or facing specific<br />
health conditions.<br />
Over at the Sepahan<br />
Kitchen stall, Mandy<br />
Asadpour is not fasting, but<br />
she has prepared a feast for<br />
the market's dwellers.<br />
Asadpour is serving<br />
traditional Iranian food:<br />
lamb kebabs cooked over<br />
contributions, he has been<br />
honoured with the Ordre des<br />
Arts es det Lettres (Knight of<br />
the Order of Arts and Letters) by<br />
the Government of France and<br />
the Yash Bharati Award by the<br />
Government of Uttar Pradesh.<br />
Kashyap will be in conversation<br />
with filmmaker and academic<br />
Shuchi Kothari, promising an<br />
engaging and insightful dialogue<br />
that no cinema enthusiast<br />
should miss.<br />
In reviewing his work, Danny<br />
Boyle remarked on AK vs<br />
AK (2020), stating, "It joins<br />
the pantheons of great films<br />
about filmmaking," while <strong>The</strong><br />
New York Times praised Gangs<br />
of Wasseypur (2015), calling<br />
it "a frequently spectacular<br />
achievement: five hours — and then<br />
some — of gliding camera moves,<br />
brutal action and dizzying revenge<br />
plotting, often set to a peppy pop<br />
music backbeat."<br />
Don't miss this rare opportunity<br />
to engage with the genius behind<br />
these cinematic marvels.<br />
Mark your calendars for a night<br />
of cinematic exploration and<br />
intellectual discourse.<br />
Deatils: Wed 17 <strong>April</strong>, 7.00 pm -<br />
8.20 pm, Q <strong>The</strong>atre<br />
charcoal and saffron rice.<br />
Sepahan Kitchen is one of<br />
the busiest stalls all night.<br />
Asadpour says her patrons<br />
know what they're in for.<br />
She began the business 10<br />
years ago and has catered<br />
weddings and many other<br />
occasions over the years.<br />
"We just cook most<br />
traditional Iranian foods,"<br />
she says. "Tonight I am<br />
going to have pash - a<br />
medley of rice, chicken<br />
chunks and potatoes - and<br />
some dessert."<br />
Asadpour points over to<br />
something called sholezard<br />
at the stall next to hers.<br />
It's a rice pudding with<br />
saffron, sugar, almonds and<br />
cinnamon.<br />
"I will also have ash reste,<br />
Read online www.iwk.co.nz<br />
Auckland's Ramadan night markets in New Lynn<br />
Mandy Asadpour, left, serves Iranian food at her Sepahan Kitchen stall.<br />
Photo: Supplied/ Pratik Navani<br />
Vendors and patrons at a Ramadan Night Market clothing stall. Photo:<br />
Supplied/ Pratik Navani<br />
Scarves and shawls for sale at the<br />
<strong>2024</strong> Ramadan Night Market in<br />
New Lynn. Photo: Supplied/ Pratik<br />
Navani<br />
Yalda Hashemi's stall at the Ramadan Night Market<br />
offered traditional Afghan foods. Photo:<br />
Supplied/ Pratik Navani<br />
Job cuts at<br />
MBIE double in<br />
size to 286 roles<br />
<strong>The</strong> number of jobs going<br />
or gone at the ministry has<br />
more than doubled to 286,<br />
up from 111 reported in March, the<br />
Ministry of Business, Innovation<br />
and Employment (MBIE) has<br />
confirmed.<br />
Further cuts were possible, it<br />
said. MBIE employs 6650 staff.<br />
An MBIE spokesperson said<br />
the 111 staff to go were in the first<br />
round of voluntary redundancies.<br />
A further 175 full-time roles<br />
were disestablished between<br />
December and March.<br />
Corporate services deputy<br />
secretary Richard Griffiths said the<br />
ministry was "actively managing"<br />
the size of its workforce.<br />
"<strong>The</strong> removal of 87 of these roles<br />
was as a result of implementation<br />
of stop work notices, function<br />
disestablishment and legislation<br />
repeal."<br />
Formal change processes were<br />
under way to cut the workforce<br />
further. It includes those in the<br />
Digital Data and Insights Group<br />
(DDI) and Te Whakatairanga<br />
Service Delivery group's branches<br />
of employment services, and<br />
engagement and experience.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>se proposals are subject to<br />
the formal consultation process.<br />
As these are active change<br />
processes we are not in a position<br />
to provide a confirmed number<br />
until final decisions have been<br />
made."<br />
Applications for a second round<br />
of voluntary redundancy for those<br />
not in scope during an initial one<br />
closed this week with decisions to<br />
be made by 15 <strong>April</strong>.<br />
which is Iranian noodle<br />
soup. In advance I say Eid<br />
Mubarak to all the Muslim<br />
people in the world."<br />
Patron Mustafa Ali is at<br />
the night market with his<br />
wife and two sisters. He<br />
broke his fast with a date<br />
but said he didn't have an<br />
appetite beyond that.<br />
"It's kind of weird, in a<br />
sense. Towards the end<br />
of the day you think about<br />
food, and then the moment<br />
you break your fast, it's like<br />
you're full.<br />
"Growing up, we ate a lot<br />
of fried stuff for iftar, like<br />
spring rolls, samosas and<br />
meatballs and that. I think<br />
over time you become kind<br />
of health-conscious, partly<br />
because when you grow<br />
older and you break your<br />
fast with oily food, you don't<br />
feel the best."<br />
Ali lives in a mixedheritage<br />
household; he's<br />
Fijian-<strong>Indian</strong> but born in<br />
Saudi Arabia, and his wife is<br />
Pakistani, so there's always<br />
a mix of food on offer.<br />
"At our place there's Arab<br />
food, Western food, but I<br />
must say I love Italian food<br />
the most. My wife's real<br />
good with pastries, that's<br />
been real addicting this<br />
Ramadan."
Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, <strong>12</strong> <strong>April</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
NEW ZEALAND 11<br />
Truck drivers barred from<br />
work to residence pathway<br />
FINN BLACKWELL/RNZ<br />
Shutting truck and bus drivers out of<br />
the Work to Residence Pathway could<br />
slow the economy and increase costs<br />
for businesses and families, Transporting<br />
New Zealand says.<br />
Immigration New Zealand announced<br />
on Sunday that drivers who applied for an<br />
Accredited Employer Work Visa would not<br />
be eligible to apply for a Transport Work to<br />
Residence Visa.<br />
It also said 18 previously announced<br />
roles would be removed from the 'Green<br />
List', a fast track to residency, and the<br />
Construction and infrastructure Sector<br />
Agreement.<br />
Some of these roles include panel<br />
beaters, road traffic controllers, road roller<br />
operators and linemakers.<br />
Transporting New Zealand's policy<br />
advisor, Billy Clemens, said the pathway<br />
helped local businesses compete with<br />
international employers.<br />
"Offering that pathway to residence after<br />
two years of commitment to New Zealand<br />
was an important incentive to attracting<br />
those skilled, experienced operators in a<br />
highly competitive international market."<br />
Clemens said the pathway should be kept<br />
open for at least <strong>12</strong> months.<br />
"That would allow our sector and<br />
members just a more adequate time period<br />
to address those acute skill shortages."<br />
<strong>The</strong> national association for civil<br />
construction and engineering, Civil<br />
Contractors New Zealand, has also taken<br />
issue with the changes.<br />
Chief executive Alan Pollard said the<br />
"Offering that pathway to<br />
residence after two years<br />
of commitment to<br />
New Zealand was an<br />
important incentive to<br />
attracting those skilled,<br />
experienced operators<br />
in a highly competitive<br />
international market."<br />
Billy Clemens<br />
changes to the Green List jobs were putting<br />
big infrastructure projects at risk.<br />
"We need to be able to move very quickly<br />
when the projects that are promised by the<br />
government are actually properly funded<br />
and committed," he said.<br />
"Without access to a smooth running<br />
immigration pathway, we're going to<br />
struggle to resource it."<br />
Projects like new Roads of National<br />
Significance, water network upgrades<br />
and cyclone recovery work would all suffer<br />
under the changes, Pollard said.<br />
<strong>The</strong> announcement took the association<br />
by surprise, he said.<br />
"We are very keen to work with the<br />
government to find a better solution that<br />
allows for the reinstatement of the roles."<br />
Pollard said some of the roles removed<br />
from the Green List were critical to deliver<br />
on some of the large scale infrastructure<br />
projects proposed by the government.<br />
<strong>The</strong> transport minister, Simeon Brown,<br />
declined to comment.<br />
Sinkhole<br />
opens up on<br />
Auckland<br />
road as water<br />
main bursts<br />
RNZ<br />
A<br />
sinkhole has opened up on a busy<br />
Auckland road.<br />
<strong>The</strong> pothole is due to a burst<br />
water main, an Auckland Transport<br />
spokesperson said.<br />
Police said they were told there was<br />
a sinkhole on Queenstown Road in<br />
Onehunga shortly before 8am.<br />
A police spokesperson said officers<br />
were helping with traffic management in<br />
the area.<br />
<strong>The</strong> sinkhole is in the northbound<br />
lanes, so traffic in both directions is being<br />
managed through the southbound lanes.<br />
Watercare said there were two water<br />
leaks on the road which were unrelated to<br />
the pothole.<br />
<strong>The</strong> spokesperson said crews were at<br />
the scene repairing the leaks and it was<br />
expected water would be restored to 17<br />
affected homes on the road by about 1pm.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK<br />
“Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What's important is the<br />
action. You don’t have to wait to be confident. Just do it<br />
and eventually the confidence will follow.” — Carrie Fisher<br />
Editorial<br />
Govt shouldn’t go<br />
crazy over Angrezi<br />
In recent years, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic, New Zealand has<br />
witnessed an unprecedented surge in its population due to record levels of<br />
immigration.<br />
Faced with mounting pressure on infrastructure, housing, and social services, the Nationalled<br />
coalition government is now taking steps to address what it sees as unsustainable<br />
migration levels.<br />
One of the key changes being introduced is a requirement for migrants, even those<br />
applying for low-skilled jobs, to demonstrate fluency and competency in English.<br />
While this move is aimed at aligning immigration policies with the country’s<br />
economic needs and prioritising the interests of New Zealanders, it also raises<br />
questions about fairness and inclusivity.<br />
On the one hand, the emphasis on English proficiency seems to make sense.<br />
Proficiency in English has been linked to better integration into society, higher<br />
employability, and increased earning potential for migrants in English-speaking<br />
countries.<br />
This has been shown by numerous academic studies throughout the English<br />
speaking world. Reports indicate that migrants with strong English skills tend to<br />
secure better-paying jobs, thereby contributing positively to the economy.<br />
By prioritising highly skilled migrants who are proficient in English, New Zealand<br />
aims to address labour shortages in critical sectors while ensuring that newcomers<br />
can readily adapt to their new environment.<br />
However, the requirement for English proficiency may inadvertently create barriers<br />
for competent individuals from non-English-speaking backgrounds. Many migrants<br />
come to New Zealand seeking opportunities for a better life, often escaping socioeconomic<br />
challenges in their home countries.<br />
For these individuals, English proficiency may not necessarily reflect their abilities<br />
or potential contributions to the workforce.<br />
By imposing strict language requirements, New Zealand risks excluding a pool<br />
of talented individuals who could fill gaps in the labour market and enrich the<br />
country’s cultural fabric.<br />
<strong>The</strong> intense focus on English proficiency overlooks the diverse skills and<br />
experiences that migrants bring to the table. Not all jobs require advanced<br />
language skills, and by prioritising language over other qualifications and learned<br />
and certified skills, New Zealand may miss out on valuable talent in sectors such as<br />
agriculture, hospitality, and construction.<br />
It is crucial to recognise that diversity in skills and backgrounds is essential for a<br />
thriving and innovative economy.<br />
Finding the right balance between attracting skilled migrants and safeguarding<br />
the interests of local workers is undoubtedly a complex task.<br />
While it is essential to address concerns about population growth and strain<br />
on infrastructure, immigration policies should also uphold principles of fairness,<br />
inclusivity, and diversity.<br />
Instead of strongly focusing on English proficiency as a measure of suitability for<br />
migration, New Zealand should consider a more holistic approach that takes into<br />
account a range of factors, including work experience, qualifications, and cultural<br />
adaptability.<br />
One possible solution could be to offer language support and integration<br />
programmes to migrants upon their arrival in New Zealand. By investing in language<br />
education and cultural orientation, the government can help newcomers overcome<br />
language barriers and integrate more effectively into society.<br />
Additionally, employers could be encouraged to provide language training and<br />
support to migrant workers, thus facilitating their transition into the workforce. <strong>The</strong><br />
government has successfully run such schemes for several years in the past.<br />
Also, the government should explore ways to streamline the immigration process<br />
and reduce bureaucracy, making it easier for employers to recruit skilled workers<br />
from overseas.<br />
Simplifying visa procedures and providing clearer pathways to residency would<br />
not only benefit businesses but also attract the talent needed to drive economic<br />
growth and innovation.<br />
Ultimately, the goal should be to create an immigration system that is both<br />
selective and inclusive, one that attracts skilled individuals who can contribute to<br />
New Zealand’s prosperity while also supporting the integration and well-being of<br />
migrant communities.<br />
By striking a balance between economic priorities and social considerations,<br />
New Zealand can build a more sustainable and resilient future for all its residents.<br />
IN FOCUS : Picture of the week<br />
Devotees break their fast (Roza) with Iftar in the ongoing Ramadan month at Jama Masjid in<br />
New Delhi on Sunday.<br />
This week in New Zealand’s history<br />
13 <strong>April</strong> 1896<br />
National Council of Women formed<br />
Three years after New Zealand became the first self-governing country in which all women<br />
could vote, representatives of 11 women’s groups met in Christchurch’s Provincial<br />
Council Buildings to form the National Council of Women (NCW).<br />
15 <strong>April</strong> 1868<br />
First Māori MPs elected to Parliament<br />
<strong>The</strong> Maori Representation Act 1867 established four Māori seats in the House of<br />
Representatives, initially for a period of five years. <strong>The</strong> act gave the vote to all Māori<br />
males aged 21 and over.<br />
16 <strong>April</strong> 19<strong>12</strong><br />
News of Titanic sinking reaches New Zealand<br />
More than a century after it sank on its maiden voyage after hitting an iceberg, our<br />
fascination with the Titanic continues. In <strong>April</strong> 20<strong>12</strong> the cruise ship Braemar sailed<br />
from Southampton on a sold-out ‘Titanic Memorial Cruise’. Closer to home, Wellingtonians<br />
enjoyed a Titanic-themed dinner. Across the ditch, Melburnians were promised ‘the most fun<br />
you will have in one night’ at the Titanic <strong>The</strong>atre Restaurant.<br />
18 <strong>April</strong> 1840<br />
Samuel Revans prints first newspaper<br />
<strong>The</strong> first newspapers published in New Zealand were printed by Samuel Revans a month<br />
after he arrived in Port Nicholson (Wellington).<br />
19 <strong>April</strong> 1884<br />
First royal honour for New Zealand woman<br />
<strong>The</strong> Royal Red Cross was awarded to Miss Annie Alice Crisp, Lady Superintendent of<br />
Auckland Hospital, in a ceremony at Government House, Auckland, attended by six or<br />
seven hundred ‘ladies and gentlemen’.<br />
19 <strong>April</strong> 1893<br />
State buys Cheviot Estate<br />
In the 1890s the Liberal government, and especially Minister of Lands John McKenzie, was<br />
determined to ‘burst up’ large landholdings for settlement by prospective small farmers,<br />
who were among its key supporters<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Weekender</strong> : Volume 1 - Issue 3<br />
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited<br />
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the views of the team at the <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Weekender</strong><br />
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Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, <strong>12</strong> <strong>April</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
NEW ZEALAND 13<br />
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14<br />
INDIA<br />
Chandrayaan-4 first<br />
step towards putting<br />
astronaut on moon:<br />
ISRO Chief<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> Space Research<br />
Organisation (ISRO) chief S<br />
Somanath said that the next<br />
instalment of the Chandrayaan<br />
programme is under development,<br />
which will take forward the<br />
country's moon exploration.<br />
He stated that Chandrayaan-4<br />
is the first step towards achieving<br />
the goal of India landing an<br />
astronaut on the moon in 2040.<br />
Addressing a press conference,<br />
Somanath said, "Chandrayaan-4<br />
is a concept that we are now<br />
developing as a continuation<br />
of the Chandrayaan series...our<br />
honourable Prime Minister has<br />
announced that an <strong>Indian</strong> will land<br />
on the moon in 2040. So, if that<br />
has to happen, we have to have<br />
continuous moon exploration of<br />
various kinds."<br />
"Chandrayaan-4 is the first<br />
step in the direction....to step a<br />
craft on the moon and collect<br />
sample and bring it back to Earth.<br />
It demonstrates the full cycle of<br />
going to the moon and coming<br />
back to Earth," he added.<br />
Somanath further said that<br />
ISRO is working on plenty of other<br />
projects ranging from rocket and<br />
satellite projects to technology<br />
development projects.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>re are plenty. We have<br />
major projects, rocket projects, we<br />
have satellite projects, application<br />
projects and technology<br />
development projects. Rocket<br />
projects are around 5-10, satellite<br />
projects are about 30-40, and<br />
application projects are in 100s<br />
and R&D projects are in 1000s," he<br />
added.<br />
India took a giant leap as the<br />
Chandrayaan-3 lander module<br />
successfully landed on the<br />
moon's South Pole on August 23,<br />
making it the first country to have<br />
achieved the historic feat.<br />
In January, India placed its<br />
first dedicated solar mission, the<br />
Aditya-L1 spacecraft, in the Halo<br />
orbit.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Gaganyaan project is<br />
another major <strong>Indian</strong> mission<br />
that envisages a demonstration<br />
of human spaceflight capability<br />
by launching a crew of three<br />
members into an orbit of 400 km<br />
for a 3-day mission and bringing<br />
them safely back to earth by<br />
landing in <strong>Indian</strong> waters.<br />
Friday, <strong>12</strong> <strong>April</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Read online www.iwk.co.nz<br />
Lok Sabha polls mission to build ‘new India’: PM Modi<br />
<strong>The</strong> Congress and the Samajwadi Party<br />
(SP) “insulted” Lord Ram by rejecting<br />
an invitation to the consecration<br />
ceremony at the Ayodhya Temple earlier<br />
this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi<br />
said on Tuesday, adding that the <strong>2024</strong> Lok<br />
Sabha elections were a mission for the<br />
development of a “new India”.<br />
Addressing two poll rallies at Pilibhit<br />
in Uttar Pradesh and Balaghat district<br />
in Madhya Pradesh, Modi listed his<br />
government’s achievements in the last 10<br />
years and sought the people’s blessings to<br />
take “big and historic decisions” in the third<br />
term of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led<br />
NDA government.<br />
Praising India's developmental<br />
journey, US Ambassador to India,<br />
Eric Garcetti, said that anyone who<br />
wants to "see the future" should come to<br />
India. He called it a "great privilege" to<br />
head the US mission in India.<br />
In his address at the 'Impact &<br />
Innovation: 25 Years of IPE Global<br />
Making Development a Ground Reality'<br />
event in Delhi, Garcetti said that if<br />
anyone wants to work on the future, they<br />
should come to India.<br />
Jagjit Pavadia re-elected to<br />
global narcotics watchdog?<br />
India's Jagjit Pavadia was reelected<br />
to the International<br />
Narcotics Control Board (INCB)<br />
after receiving the most votes<br />
in a closely contested election<br />
conducted by the UN Economic<br />
and Social Council (ECOSOC).<br />
“Today, India’s nominee Ms<br />
Jagjit Pavadia has been re-elected<br />
to the International Narcotics<br />
Control Board at elections held<br />
in New York, for the term 2025-<br />
2030," he said.<br />
“India secured the highest<br />
number of votes amongst all<br />
elected member states to the<br />
Board,” he said, lauding the<br />
permanent mission of India to the<br />
UN and the team at the ministry of<br />
external affairs.<br />
India won 41 votes out of the 53<br />
voting members of the ECOSOC,<br />
the highest among all winning<br />
member states. Pavadia had a<br />
comfortable win as the runnerup<br />
received 30 votes in the<br />
competitive election, which saw<br />
24 candidates vying for five seats.<br />
What is the International<br />
Narcotics Control Board?<br />
• <strong>The</strong> International Narcotics<br />
Control Board (INCB) was<br />
established in 1968 to serve<br />
as an independent and quasijudicial<br />
monitoring body for the<br />
implementation of the United<br />
Nations international drug<br />
control conventions.<br />
• <strong>The</strong> INCB comprises 13 members<br />
elected by the Economic and<br />
Social Council, serving in<br />
their capacity rather than as<br />
Eric Garcetti said, "We have the most<br />
beautiful view, I think, of this ballroom of<br />
the passion, of the belief, of the purpose<br />
of the peace that you live in, the work<br />
that is done by IPE and the collaboration<br />
between so many of us that are lucky to<br />
call India our home for a period of our<br />
lives. I often say, if you want to see the<br />
future, come to India. If you want to feel<br />
the future, come to India. And if you want<br />
to work on the future, come to India. And<br />
I have the great privilege of being able to<br />
do that every single day as a leader of<br />
the United States mission."<br />
US envoy recalled that he had learned<br />
a saying, 'Alag Desh Alag Rivaaj' which<br />
means another nation, another custom<br />
as each place has different customs.<br />
However, he said that they are now<br />
working together towards one vision.<br />
Garcetti said, "When I was studying<br />
Hindi as an 18 year old, I learned a<br />
saying, 'Alag Desh Alag Rivaaj', it was<br />
kind of another country, another custom.<br />
“People of INDI alliance had hatred even<br />
before the construction of the Ram Temple<br />
and they have hatred even today. <strong>The</strong>y had<br />
moved court so that the Ram Temple is not<br />
constructed. <strong>The</strong>y insulted Lord Ram by<br />
rejecting the invitation for the pran pratishtha<br />
(consecration ceremony),” Modi said in<br />
Pilibhit, his first rally in the district as the<br />
prime minister, claiming that the Congress<br />
expelled its leaders who participated in the<br />
temple event.<br />
Modi further alleged that the Congress<br />
and the SP were opposing the Citizenship<br />
(Amendment) Act (CAA) due to their politics<br />
of “appeasement”. “Owing to the pressure of<br />
appeasement, the Congress and the SP are<br />
government representatives.<br />
• Among the members, three with<br />
medical, pharmacological, or<br />
pharmaceutical expertise are<br />
elected from a list of nominees<br />
by the World Health Organization<br />
(WHO).<br />
• Additionally, 10 members are<br />
elected from a list of nominees<br />
by governments.<br />
• Jagjit Pavadia has been a<br />
member of the International<br />
Narcotics Control Board (INCB)<br />
since 2015.<br />
• She was re-elected by the<br />
Council for a five-year term from<br />
2020 to 2025 in May 2019.<br />
• Pavadia served as the president<br />
of the Board for 2021-2022.<br />
• Born in 1954, she held senior<br />
positions in the <strong>Indian</strong> Revenue<br />
Service for 35 years in the<br />
Government of India.<br />
• Her roles included Narcotics<br />
Commissioner of India at the<br />
Central Bureau of Narcotics<br />
(2006-20<strong>12</strong>), Commissioner<br />
of Legal Affairs (2001-2005),<br />
and Chief Vigilance Officer at<br />
the Power Finance Corporation<br />
(1996-2001).<br />
'If you want to see the future, come to India': US envoy<br />
Eric Garcetti hails India's developmental journey<br />
"When I was studying Hindi<br />
as an 18-year-old, I learned a<br />
saying, 'Alag Desh Alag Rivaaj',<br />
it was kind of another country,<br />
another custom. And the saying<br />
we have this in many languages<br />
is, you know, do in Rome, as the<br />
Romans do.<br />
And the saying we have this in many<br />
languages is, you know, do in Rome, as<br />
the Romans do. In other words, every<br />
place is different. And those customs are<br />
unique. And while that is true, certainly<br />
the customs of America are different<br />
than those of India."<br />
"Even within our countries, the custom<br />
from one town or city to the next is<br />
different, one state to the next is different.<br />
I think increasingly the work that we are<br />
doing here, that we are privileged to do is<br />
the American mission. We now feel more<br />
that it is do desh and there is ek Dil, one<br />
heart, that when we come together, it is<br />
no longer two different systems, but one<br />
vision," he added.<br />
Praising IPE for having gender equality<br />
at the panel discussion, he said, "We<br />
want to make sure that whenever we<br />
sponsor something and participate in<br />
something, we don't just give lip service<br />
to the idea of gender equity, but we try to<br />
embody that."<br />
opposing the CAA as well,” he said, asserting<br />
that Hindus and Sikhs were compelled to<br />
flee from foreign soil owing to the atrocities<br />
committed on them.<br />
He also invoked Sikh gurus in Pilibhit,<br />
where the community holds a sizeable say in<br />
poll outcome, and asked many such families<br />
living in the district to apply for citizenship<br />
under CAA.<br />
“But the Congress and the SP have<br />
objections to this as well... What the<br />
Congress had done to our Sikh brothers and<br />
sisters in 1984, nobody can forget,” Modi<br />
said, referring to the anti-Sikh riots. “<strong>The</strong><br />
BJP stands with Sikhs and respects their<br />
sentiments.”
Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, <strong>12</strong> <strong>April</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
WORLD 15<br />
Arizona top court reinstates<br />
160-year-old ban on abortions<br />
Arizona's top court said that<br />
live under an even more extreme<br />
the draconian local law,<br />
and dangerous abortion ban,"<br />
dating back to the US Civil<br />
Biden said in the statement.<br />
War era, could stand.<br />
<strong>The</strong> top court in Arizona, a key<br />
presidential election swing state,<br />
on Tuesday ruled that a 160-yearold<br />
near total ban on abortion is<br />
<strong>The</strong> ruling comes the day after<br />
de facto Republican presidential<br />
candidate Trump said he favored<br />
letting states decide their own<br />
rules on abortion.<br />
enforceable, meaning that doctors<br />
Trumpeting his role in the<br />
performing the procedure could be<br />
US Supreme Court's decision<br />
jailed for five years.<br />
<strong>The</strong> legal ruling triggered major<br />
political shock waves, ensuring<br />
that the deeply divisive issue of<br />
reproductive rights will feature<br />
heavily in November when Arizona<br />
will be one of the states President<br />
Protesters hold signs as Barbara DeVane of the Tallahassee National Organization for Women<br />
speaks outside the Florida Historic Capitol (AP)<br />
to overturn Roe vs Wade -- the<br />
half-century-old framework that<br />
established a national right to<br />
reproductive freedom -- Trump<br />
said the law was now where<br />
American wanted it.<br />
"My view is now that we have<br />
Joe Biden and his Republican<br />
abortion where everybody wanted<br />
state when the law was drafted stain on our state," she said.<br />
challenger Donald Trump both<br />
it from a legal standpoint, the<br />
and women in the United States at "This is far from the end of the<br />
have a good chance to win.<br />
states will determine by vote or<br />
the time had no right to vote. debate on reproductive freedom,<br />
In a statement issued almost<br />
legislation or perhaps both," the<br />
Further clouding the issue is and I look forward to the people<br />
immediately after the news broke,<br />
Republican said in a video posted<br />
the fact that Attorney General Kris of Arizona having their say in the<br />
Biden slammed the "cruel ban."<br />
on his Truth Social network.<br />
Mayes, a Democrat, has vowed she matter.<br />
Citing the US Supreme<br />
"And whatever they decide must<br />
will not enforce a ruling she called "And let me be completely clear,<br />
Court's 2022 ruling that ended a<br />
be the law of the land, in this case,<br />
an "unconscionable... affront to as long as I am Attorney General,<br />
nationwide guarantee of abortion<br />
the law of the state."<br />
freedom."<br />
no woman or doctor will be<br />
access, Arizona's top court said<br />
Biden has said that if reelected<br />
"Today's decision to reimpose prosecuted under this draconian<br />
the draconian local law, dating<br />
and Democrats regain full control<br />
a law from a time when Arizona law in this state."<br />
back to the US Civil War era, could<br />
of Congress he will push for<br />
wasn't a state, the Civil War was Biden said Republicans were<br />
stand.<br />
federal abortion rights to become<br />
raging, and women couldn't even "ripping away" women's rights.<br />
Arizona was not even a separate<br />
law again.<br />
vote will go down in history as a "Millions of Arizonans will soon<br />
Biden talks tough on Netanyahu's approach<br />
in Gaza: ‘What he’s doing is a mistake’<br />
An outspoken supporter of<br />
Israel’s war against Hamas,<br />
US President Joe Biden<br />
has come down heavily on Prime<br />
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over<br />
his handling of the war in Gaza,<br />
calling it a mistake.<br />
<strong>The</strong> United States has lately<br />
turned critical of Israel's approach,<br />
especially after an air strike killed<br />
seven workers with the food<br />
charity World Central Kitchen,<br />
most of them foreigners.<br />
Biden told Spanish-language<br />
broadcaster Univision, “What he’s<br />
doing is a mistake. I don’t agree<br />
with his approach.”<br />
Biden was responding to a<br />
question on whether Netanyahu<br />
was prioritising his political<br />
survival over the national interest.<br />
<strong>The</strong> conflict has led to a dire<br />
humanitarian situation in Gaza,<br />
with warnings of famine and<br />
widespread displacement. Despite<br />
Peru's Andean mountains<br />
may hold the secret to<br />
longevity and the world's<br />
oldest ever person, if a new claim<br />
by state officials of a <strong>12</strong>4-year-old<br />
man born in 1900 are<br />
proven to be true.<br />
<strong>The</strong> country's government<br />
has claimed that local resident<br />
Marcelino Abad from the central<br />
Peruvian region of Huanuco is<br />
<strong>12</strong>4, which would make him by a<br />
distance the oldest living person<br />
and even top the oldest ever<br />
independently verified human.<br />
"Among the tranquility of the<br />
flora and fauna of Huanuco,<br />
Marcelino Abad Tolentino or<br />
'Mashico' developed a healthy way<br />
of life and inner peace, reflected<br />
in his good health and friendly<br />
personality," the government said<br />
Israel's claims of increasing<br />
aid deliveries, aid groups have<br />
criticised the slow distribution<br />
of supplies, citing logistical<br />
challenges and security concerns.<br />
<strong>The</strong> challenge of distributing aid<br />
in the war-torn region was further<br />
hit by the Israeli air strike that<br />
killed WCK workers. Netanyahu<br />
admitted that its armed forces<br />
killed seven aid workers in an air<br />
strike in Gaza but claimed it was<br />
Peruvian Marcelino "Mashico" Abad smiles while celebrating his <strong>12</strong>4th birthday on <strong>April</strong> 5,<br />
<strong>2024</strong>, as local authorities claim he might be the world's oldest person ever.<br />
in a statement.<br />
"This allowed him, with<br />
resilience and skill, to overcome<br />
<strong>12</strong> decades of life and on <strong>April</strong> 5th<br />
"unintentional".<br />
"Unfortunately, in the last day<br />
there was a tragic case of our<br />
forces unintentionally hitting<br />
innocent people in the Gaza Strip,"<br />
he said.<br />
"It happens in war, we will<br />
investigate it right to the end...<br />
We are in contact with the<br />
governments, and we will do<br />
everything so that this thing does<br />
not happen again."<br />
he just blew out <strong>12</strong>4 candles."<br />
Peruvian authorities say they<br />
are helping Abad apply to the<br />
Guinness World Records for<br />
However, Biden expressed<br />
outrage over the incident and<br />
Washington warned of a sharp<br />
shift in its policy over Israel's war<br />
against Hamas.<br />
"It happens in war,<br />
we will investigate it<br />
right to the end... We<br />
are in contact with the<br />
governments, and we<br />
will do everything so<br />
that this thing does not<br />
happen again."<br />
This prompted Israel to<br />
announce that it would allow<br />
"temporary" aid deliveries into<br />
famine-threatened northern Gaza.<br />
Biden said Israel was acting<br />
on the requests he had put to<br />
Netanyahu. "I asked them to do<br />
what they're doing," he said.<br />
Peru stakes claim to world's oldest human, born in 1900: Celebrates ‘<strong>12</strong> decades of life’<br />
independent verification.<br />
"Guinness World Records<br />
receives many applications<br />
from individuals who claim to<br />
be the oldest living person," a<br />
spokesperson for the body said in<br />
a written statement to Reuters.<br />
Verifying the claim would<br />
involve official documents and<br />
other evidence being scrutinized<br />
by an expert team to "prove their<br />
achievement beyond doubt."<br />
<strong>The</strong> Guinness World Records<br />
currently lists the oldest living<br />
man as a 111-year-old Briton who<br />
got the title this month after the<br />
death of a Venezuelan man who<br />
was 114.<br />
<strong>The</strong> oldest living woman is<br />
117, while the oldest person ever<br />
verified reached <strong>12</strong>2.<br />
Abad, who was born in the<br />
In a first, India<br />
to send military<br />
attaches to African<br />
states, Armenia,<br />
Philippines<br />
Africa is a focus area in a<br />
move by India to bolster<br />
and rationalise its military<br />
diplomacy in key regions across<br />
the world, with defence attachés<br />
being sent for the first time to<br />
Mozambique, the Ivory Coast and<br />
the Philippines, people familiar<br />
with the matter said.<br />
As part of this move, India will<br />
also post defence attachés for<br />
the first time to Poland, whose<br />
importance as a security partner<br />
in Europe has increased in recent<br />
years, and to Armenia, with<br />
which the <strong>Indian</strong> side recently<br />
concluded a big-ticket arms deal,<br />
the people said on the condition of<br />
anonymity.<br />
After a gap of several decades,<br />
India will also post a defence<br />
attaché in Ethiopia.<br />
India had a military officer at the<br />
mission in Addis Ababa during the<br />
term of Mengistu Haile Mariam,<br />
who came to power in the mid-<br />
1970s. A new military attaché is<br />
also being posted to Djibouti and<br />
will be only the second officer to<br />
hold the post.<br />
<strong>The</strong> move to increase India’s<br />
military diplomacy footprint<br />
in Africa dovetails with efforts<br />
by New Delhi to substantially<br />
increase its engagement with<br />
countries of the continent in<br />
areas ranging from trade and<br />
investment to education and<br />
defence and security.<br />
Under the external affairs<br />
ministry’s plan to set up 26 new<br />
missions around the world, 18 are<br />
being set up in African countries.<br />
India also played a crucial role in<br />
leading efforts to make the African<br />
Union a member of the G20 during<br />
last year’s summit of the world’s<br />
largest economies in New Delhi.<br />
“<strong>The</strong>se postings will send out a<br />
message that Africa matters. <strong>The</strong>y<br />
will also open up possibilities for<br />
military cooperation and arms<br />
sales at a time when many African<br />
states are working to modernise<br />
their militaries,” one of the people<br />
cited above said.<br />
As part of efforts to rationalise<br />
the deployment of defence<br />
attachés, the <strong>Indian</strong> side is set to<br />
pare down the number of military<br />
officials posted at missions in<br />
Russia and the UK.<br />
small town of Chaglla, has lived<br />
off the radar until the Peruvian<br />
government identified him in 2019,<br />
securing him a government ID and<br />
pension.<br />
Celebrating his <strong>12</strong>4th birthday<br />
on <strong>April</strong> 5, Abad says his secrets<br />
to vitality include a diet rich<br />
in fruits, as well in lamb meat,<br />
according to a statement issued<br />
by the pension program that Abad<br />
is part of.<br />
<strong>The</strong> centenarian also made a<br />
habit of chewing coca leaves,<br />
a tradition in Peru's Andean<br />
communities.<br />
Abad now lives in a home for<br />
seniors, where for his birthday<br />
this month he was treated to a<br />
special celebration, complete with<br />
a birthday cake with a figurine in<br />
his likeness.
16<br />
TIME OUT<br />
i FreeDailyCrosswords.com<br />
ACROSS-----------<br />
1) "Brian's Song" star James<br />
5) Comes out of one's skin<br />
10) Self-congratulatory<br />
14) Radius' comrade-in-arms?<br />
15) Youngest-ever Oscar<br />
winner<br />
16) Folkestone farewell<br />
17) "B 5!" "C 11!"?<br />
19) Took_ (snoozed)<br />
20) Downed<br />
21) Typing type<br />
22) Considers carefully<br />
24) "Emma" author Austen<br />
25) Hersey's bell town<br />
26) Place or site<br />
29) Transverse beam<br />
32) Itsy-bitsy bits<br />
33) "In_ tn1st"<br />
34) Recipe word<br />
35) Cravings<br />
36) Emulate "Old Blue Eyes"<br />
O, O!<br />
1 2 3<br />
14<br />
17<br />
20<br />
26 27 28<br />
32<br />
35<br />
38<br />
41 42<br />
CROSSWORD<br />
37) Kid's "seat" on Santa<br />
38) Alternative to .net<br />
39) Less extroverted<br />
40) TV's "Cosmos" creator<br />
41) Author's explanation<br />
43) Yuletide songs<br />
44) Backup sounds<br />
45) Random sampling<br />
46) "Monkey Trial" teacher<br />
48) Seafood choice<br />
49) Josh<br />
52) Door section<br />
53) John Wayne character,<br />
larger-than-life?<br />
56) More than suggest<br />
57) Recording studio alert<br />
58) Water sport<br />
59) Some antique autos<br />
60) Family men<br />
61) Bud holder<br />
Richard Auer<br />
11 <strong>12</strong> 13<br />
7th June<br />
DOWN<br />
1) Island south of Florida<br />
2) Dismounted<br />
3) Archer or Heche<br />
4) Endless faultfinder<br />
5) Home of the John Deere<br />
headquarters<br />
6) Like beverages at barbecues<br />
7) A 1 Capp character<br />
8) Fielder's choice?<br />
9) Trooper's warning<br />
10) Wood-surface applications<br />
11) Tropical fruit dance?<br />
<strong>12</strong>) Great Salt Lake state<br />
13) Adjusts, as a spark plug<br />
18) Multicolored gems<br />
23) "_ on Down the Road"<br />
24) Traffic tangles<br />
25) Eagerness<br />
26)_ the land (how things stand)<br />
27) Alamogordo's county<br />
28) Kinshasa drum?<br />
29) Australian bush call<br />
30) Just right<br />
31) Wonderlands<br />
33) Southern breakfast dish<br />
36) Auto despair site?<br />
37) Marx or Benz<br />
39) Pirate's knife<br />
40) Town of many trials and hunts<br />
42) Plains homes<br />
43) Plays with crayons<br />
45) Lecterns<br />
46) Tim Duncan, for one<br />
47) Kind of package<br />
48) Cold spell<br />
49) Nautical mile<br />
50) Not going anywhere<br />
51) Condemn<br />
54) "Put_ Happy Face"<br />
55) Photo_ (media events)<br />
i FreeDailyCrosswords.com<br />
ACROSS-----------<br />
1) "Brian's Song" star James<br />
5) Comes out of one's skin<br />
10) Self-congratulatory<br />
14) Radius' comrade-in-arms?<br />
15) Youngest-ever Oscar<br />
winner<br />
16) Folkestone farewell<br />
17) "B 5!" "C 11!"?<br />
19) Took_ (snoozed)<br />
20) Downed<br />
21) Typing type<br />
22) Considers carefully<br />
24) "Emma" author Austen<br />
25) Hersey's bell town<br />
26) Place or site<br />
29) Transverse beam<br />
32) Itsy-bitsy bits<br />
33) "In_ tn1st"<br />
34) Recipe word<br />
35) Cravings<br />
36) Emulate "Old Blue Eyes"<br />
O, O!<br />
Friday, <strong>12</strong> <strong>April</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
CROSSWORD ANSWERS<br />
37) Kid's "seat" on Santa<br />
38) Alternative to .net<br />
39) Less extroverted<br />
40) TV's "Cosmos" creator<br />
41) Author's explanation<br />
43) Yuletide songs<br />
44) Backup sounds<br />
45) Random sampling<br />
46) "Monkey Trial" teacher<br />
48) Seafood choice<br />
49) Josh<br />
52) Door section<br />
53) John Wayne character,<br />
larger-than-life?<br />
56) More than suggest<br />
57) Recording studio alert<br />
58) Water sport<br />
59) Some antique autos<br />
60) Family men<br />
61) Bud holder<br />
1M l.1 1 b<br />
Richard Auer<br />
ATA<br />
N A p<br />
I G H 5<br />
0<br />
T 30 1 3e<br />
D D<br />
E E<br />
N<br />
7th June<br />
DOWN<br />
1) Island south of Florida<br />
2) Dismounted<br />
3) Archer or Heche<br />
4) Endless faultfinder<br />
5) Home of the John Deere<br />
headquarters<br />
6) Like beverages at barbecues<br />
7) A 1 Capp character<br />
8) Fielder's choice?<br />
9) Trooper's warning<br />
10) Wood-surface applications<br />
11) Tropical fruit dance?<br />
<strong>12</strong>) Great Salt Lake state<br />
13) Adjusts, as a spark plug<br />
18) Multicolored gems<br />
23) "_ on Down the Road"<br />
24) Traffic tangles<br />
25) Eagerness<br />
26)_ the land (how things stand)<br />
27) Alamogordo's county<br />
28) Kinshasa drum?<br />
29) Australian bush call<br />
30) Just right<br />
31) Wonderlands<br />
33) Southern breakfast dish<br />
36) Auto despair site?<br />
37) Marx or Benz<br />
39) Pirate's knife<br />
40) Town of many trials and hunts<br />
42) Plains homes<br />
43) Plays with crayons<br />
45) Lecterns<br />
46) Tim Duncan, for one<br />
47) Kind of package<br />
48) Cold spell<br />
49) Nautical mile<br />
50) Not going anywhere<br />
51) Condemn<br />
54) "Put_ Happy Face"<br />
55) Photo_ (media events)<br />
Read online www.iwk.co.nz<br />
SUDOKU SOLUTIONS<br />
46 47<br />
52<br />
56<br />
59<br />
SUDOKU<br />
1; 4c 0 p<br />
Si><br />
E<br />
A N E<br />
S<br />
5lJ R G E b N<br />
S<br />
R E 0 5 6'p A<br />
S<br />
b<br />
E 1< 5 01<br />
Mb N D 0<br />
A I R 51> L 0<br />
p A 5 E M<br />
Your Weekly Horoscope: <strong>12</strong> <strong>April</strong> - 18 <strong>April</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20)<br />
You are likely to do well for yourself on the<br />
professional front. Realising a handsome<br />
amount from someone is possible on the<br />
financial front. Your health consciousness is<br />
likely to contribute towards maintaining good<br />
health. Busy schedule may not leave enough<br />
time for you to enjoy the social scene. You can expect the<br />
full support of your family in all your endeavours. An evening<br />
out, just for a drive, will give you much fun. Shifting to a new<br />
house is indicated, especially for those getting transferred.<br />
.TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 20)<br />
Your professional prospects look bright.<br />
Career enhancement through promotion<br />
is possible for people in uniform. A social<br />
event may engross you totally and give you a<br />
solid sense of achievement. Diet control may<br />
become the key to your remaining fit. On the<br />
home front, looking at the positive side of life will help boost<br />
optimism. If you are undertaking a journey today, you are<br />
certain to make good time. A suitable accommodation is<br />
yours and that too is within your budget.<br />
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21)<br />
Popularity on the social front is set to rise,<br />
as you remain at your helpful best. <strong>The</strong><br />
chances of enjoying a vacation look strong.<br />
Efforts to grow financially strong are likely to<br />
show positive results soon. Health remains<br />
good. Today, you are likely to impress those<br />
who matter on the professional front. Your foresight is likely<br />
to prove a big asset on the academic front. You are set to<br />
enjoy a family gathering today.<br />
CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 20)<br />
Some of you are likely to top an exam or crack<br />
a competition. Homemakers may organise a<br />
function at home. Some of you are likely to<br />
get a good bargain on property. A new vehicle<br />
is on the cards for some. <strong>The</strong> much-awaited<br />
feedback on the work front is likely to come<br />
positively in your favour. Selective eating will keep you fit as<br />
a fiddle. Money from some unexpected source may come to<br />
you and make your bank balance healthy.<br />
LEO (JUL21-AUG 20)<br />
Payments may get delayed but will be<br />
received. Health needs to be guarded,<br />
especially for those suffering from lifestyle<br />
diseases. <strong>The</strong> family will go all out to make<br />
you comfortable. <strong>The</strong> chance of meeting<br />
a celebrity on a journey is possible. This<br />
is the right time to plan for the future on the professional<br />
front. Seizing an opportunity to go on a trip will be in your<br />
interest. Don't be hasty in disposing of your property as loss<br />
is foreseen.<br />
VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 23)<br />
Financially, you are likely to remain in a<br />
comfortable position. Regular workouts<br />
will help in keeping fit. Things turn<br />
favourable at work, as your contribution gets<br />
acknowledged. <strong>The</strong> home front requires your<br />
attention, so don't neglect it. A pilgrimage is<br />
possible and is likely to prove most fulfilling. Buying a new<br />
property cannot be ruled out for some. Expect to get VIP<br />
treatment, as your social life perks up.<br />
LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23)<br />
You will be keen to impress those who matter<br />
on the professional front. Being regular in<br />
your workouts will prove good for your health.<br />
You will be much more conscious of your<br />
financial situation now, than previously and<br />
budget your expenses. Organising a function<br />
or an event on the home front can keep some busy today.<br />
A good understanding with someone influential will be of<br />
much advantage to you. A long journey is possible.<br />
SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22)<br />
Good financial planning can get you in a<br />
happy state. Professional front brightens<br />
up for some as new projects come your way.<br />
Some of you are likely to participate in a funfilled<br />
activity on the home front. Resuming an<br />
exercise routine is indicated for some. Getting<br />
something new may get some youngsters all excited. A trip<br />
may get cancelled or postponed. Some sacrifice on your part<br />
will be required to get close to your partner emotionally.<br />
SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21)<br />
You are likely to adopt healthy options to<br />
achieve total fitness. You are likely to grasp<br />
a situation on the work front quickly and turn<br />
it to your advantage. <strong>The</strong>re are indications<br />
that some of you can be asked to travel out<br />
of the station on short notice. A lucrative deal<br />
that brings in good returns is likely to be seized. Religiousminded<br />
will be able to achieve total peace of mind. Socialise<br />
more. Nearness to partner brings comfort and immense<br />
happiness.<br />
CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 21)<br />
Completing an assigned job will give you<br />
the edge at work. Discussing investment<br />
options with a financial expert will help you<br />
make the correct decision. Homemakers may<br />
be tempted to buy an appliance or gadget.<br />
Your fitness regime will benefit. Property<br />
investments may not get immediate results but promise big<br />
money at a later date. <strong>The</strong> desire for a change of scene may<br />
take you out on an exotic vacation. <strong>The</strong> feeling of something<br />
good happening to you may persist today.<br />
AQUARIUS (JAN 22-FEB 19)<br />
You are likely to benefit immensely by making<br />
health your priority. Despite rising expenses,<br />
you will be able to remain fairly well off<br />
financially. You may have to seek alternatives<br />
if you are unable to accomplish something at<br />
work. Efforts on the academic front put in now<br />
will pay rich dividends later. People are likely to appreciate<br />
your upholding the family traditions. A chance to convert an<br />
official trip into a leisurely one may come to some.<br />
PISCES (FEB 20-MAR 20)<br />
An active lifestyle will help keep minor<br />
ailments at bay. You will manage to plan your<br />
expenses well to remain within the budget.<br />
Homemakers will need to be motivated to<br />
go in for cleaning and painting of the house.<br />
A promotion or increment is likely for some,<br />
especially those in the armed forces. Those travelling on a<br />
long journey will be able to find entertaining company en<br />
route. <strong>The</strong> social front can keep some busy entertaining<br />
guests.
Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, <strong>12</strong> <strong>April</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
FEATURE 17<br />
Healthy cooking every day<br />
Five-spice roast chicken<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 1 kilograms chicken legs<br />
• For Marination<br />
• 1 tablespoon 5 spice powder<br />
• 1/4 cup soy sauce<br />
• 2 tablespoon ginger<br />
• 2 tablespoon Chinese rice wine<br />
• 1/4 cup virgin olive oil<br />
• 2 tablespoon garlic paste<br />
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt<br />
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar<br />
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt<br />
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice<br />
Method<br />
• To prepare this amazingly delicious<br />
chicken recipe, first, you need to prepare<br />
the marinade.<br />
• For the same, take a medium bowl and<br />
mix together 5 spice powder, lemon<br />
juice, Chinese rice wine, garlic paste,<br />
grated ginger, garlic salt, soy sauce,<br />
sugar, kosher salt and virgin olive oil.<br />
• Next, when you are done with the<br />
marinade, take the chicken leg pieces<br />
and put them in a large bowl.<br />
• Pour the marinade over these leg<br />
pieces and marinate them using<br />
your hands.<br />
• Let these chicken leg pieces marinate<br />
for about 2-3 hours.<br />
• You can even cover the bowl with a foil<br />
and put inside the refrigerator.<br />
• Once the chicken leg pieces are<br />
marinated, take them out of the<br />
refrigerator and spread them on a<br />
baking sheet in a tray.<br />
• Place this baking tray in a preheated<br />
oven and bake these chicken leg pieces<br />
at 190 degree Celsius for about 15-20<br />
minutes.<br />
• After 15 minutes, turn them upside d<br />
• own and bake once again for another 15<br />
minutes at the same temperature until<br />
golden brown in colour.<br />
• Take out the chicken leg pieces after<br />
they are done and transfer them to a<br />
serving plate and serve warm along<br />
with lemon wedges. Enjoy!<br />
Vegetable and chicken skewers<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 400 gm chicken breasts<br />
• 240 gm onion<br />
• 240 gm yellow bell pepper<br />
• 5 gm oregano<br />
• salt as required<br />
• 240 gm zucchini<br />
• 240 gm red bell pepper<br />
• 5 gm powdered black pepper<br />
• 150 ml virgin olive oil<br />
• lemon wedges as required<br />
Method<br />
• Soak the bamboo sticks in water for<br />
about 10 minutes.<br />
• Cut the chicken, zucchini, onion, red<br />
and yellow capsicums (bell peppers)<br />
into 1’’ square pieces.<br />
• Take one mixing bowl and put olive<br />
oil, salt, crushed black paper, oregano<br />
herbs and mix properly.<br />
• Marinate the chopped vegetables<br />
and chicken. Ensure all the pieces are<br />
Zucchini and cashew pasta<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 200 gm pasta spaghetti<br />
• 3 tablespoon peas<br />
• 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow<br />
pepper<br />
• 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes<br />
• 2 tablespoon chopped parsley<br />
• 2 pinches salt<br />
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese<br />
• 3/4 cup water<br />
• 1/4 cup lemon juice<br />
• 1 dash sesame seeds<br />
• 3 zucchini<br />
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red peppers<br />
• 1 chopped,peeled carrot<br />
• 2 tablespoon chopped basil<br />
• 2 teaspoon lime zest<br />
• 1 dash black pepper<br />
• 1 cup soaked cashews<br />
• 1 clove chopped garlic<br />
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut water<br />
Method<br />
• In a saucepan containing boiling water,<br />
add the pasta, salt and a couple of<br />
drops of oil.<br />
• Boil them till tender.<br />
• In a large bowl, peel one cm wide<br />
coated well. You need not leave them<br />
to marinate for long. 5-6 minutes is<br />
enough.<br />
• Insert the chicken pieces and veggies<br />
into the bamboo skewers. Cook<br />
the skewers on preheated grill until<br />
vegetables and chicken are tender.<br />
Keep turning the skewers to cook<br />
evenly and prevent burning.<br />
• Once cooked, your Vegetable and<br />
Chicken Skewers are now ready to<br />
be served. Serve with some lemon<br />
wedges on the side. Enjoy!<br />
strips of zucchinis so that it resembles<br />
pencil shavings. You can do so using a<br />
vegetable peeler.<br />
• Take a pan over medium flame and add<br />
peas, bell peppers, carrots, tomatoes,<br />
basil, parsley, lemon zest, salt and<br />
pepper. Toss all these ingredients well<br />
into a salad and set aside.<br />
• Prepare the sauce by using a blender<br />
on high speed to mix cashews, water,<br />
coconut nectar, garlic and lemon juice<br />
into a smooth paste.<br />
• Add a little salt.<br />
• In a serving dish, lay out the pasta. Add<br />
a layer of zucchini salad on it. Top the<br />
salad with a layer of sauce.<br />
• Garnish with the grated Parmesan<br />
cheese and indulge in the goodness.<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 400 gm halved chicken breasts<br />
• 3 tablespoon virgin olive oil<br />
• 1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
• 30 ml white wine<br />
• 30 gm broccoli<br />
• 20 ml red wine<br />
• 3 tablespoon chopped thyme<br />
• 1 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic<br />
• 1 pinch powdered black pepper<br />
• 2 stick blanched asparagus<br />
• 40 gm barbeque sauce<br />
For <strong>The</strong> Main Dish<br />
• 1 medium sliced thick<br />
zucchini<br />
Method<br />
• Get the grill started on medium<br />
high heat.<br />
• While the grill is heating up, whisk together<br />
half of the thyme, oil and 1/4 teaspoon of<br />
the minced garlic in a shallow dish.<br />
• Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken<br />
and add it to thyme mixture. Leave it for<br />
ten minutes.<br />
• Saute garlic in a large<br />
heavy-bottomed pan.<br />
• Add zucchini and handful of chopped<br />
thyme. Let it cook uncovered<br />
Lighter Takes<br />
& Easy Tips<br />
Pepper chicken with braised zucchini<br />
Chicken Momos<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 450 gm all purpose flour<br />
• 1 tablespoon refined oil<br />
• 2 large onion<br />
• 1 inch ginger<br />
• water as required<br />
• 1 tablespoon chilli garlic paste<br />
• 300 gm boiled chicken<br />
• 5 green chilli<br />
• salt as required<br />
• 2 teaspoon soy sauce<br />
• black pepper as required<br />
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper<br />
Method<br />
• Chicken Momos is a dish that needs no<br />
introduction. However, it is pretty easy to<br />
prepare it at home without putting in much<br />
effort. Here’s how you go about preparing<br />
it at home: To begin with, rinse the veggies<br />
and chicken with lukewarm water to<br />
thoroughly clean them.<br />
• <strong>The</strong>n take a clean chopping board, chop the<br />
vegetables separately and keep them aside.<br />
• <strong>The</strong>n take a pan or a pressure cooker and<br />
boil the chicken, with a pinch of salt and<br />
pepper. If you want to make it aromatic,<br />
you can add a small teaspoon of ginger and<br />
chilli garlic paste. If you like the flavour of<br />
garlic, you can add some more garlic paste.<br />
Once done, carefully mince the boiled<br />
chicken. Keep it aside.<br />
• Now, take a deep mixing bowl and add<br />
refined oil in it followed by all-purpose flour<br />
and salt. Mix well with enough water and<br />
knead the mixture into a smooth dough.<br />
on low flame.<br />
• Heat a new skillet and add white wine.<br />
Reduce it to half and add zucchini. Cook<br />
for a minute and<br />
remove the pan.<br />
• Grill chicken until brown for approx 5<br />
minutes on each side.<br />
• Blanch the broccoli and asparagus in hot<br />
water and keep them aside.<br />
• Take barbecue sauce and dilute it with red<br />
wine, and add black pepper.<br />
Knead well and ensure that no lumps are<br />
formed.<br />
• Take another mixing bowl and add chicken<br />
followed by chopped vegetables, mix well<br />
and combine everything together. <strong>The</strong>n,<br />
add soy sauce to the chicken mix and stir<br />
well. Now take the prepared dough and roll<br />
out small balls out of it.<br />
• Using a rolling pin, flatten the balls in a<br />
square shape and add the chicken and<br />
veggies stuffing at the centre. Bring the<br />
edges close and secure them to make a<br />
momo.<br />
• Repeat this step with the remaining balls.<br />
Transfer the prepared momos to a steamer<br />
and steam for 20 minutes or until they turn<br />
soft and tender. Serve fresh and hot with<br />
your choice of chutney or dip.<br />
Tips<br />
• <strong>The</strong> very first rule to make Chicken Momos<br />
is that always roll your edges thin and the<br />
centre should be thick. Many people miss<br />
this part, which makes the momo break<br />
apart.<br />
• You can also freeze Chicken Momos for<br />
20-30 days and boil them for 5 minutes and<br />
they will be ready to eat.<br />
• If you don’t have a steamer at home, you<br />
can always use aluminium foil for steaming<br />
your momos. Aluminium foil balls can<br />
help you create that steam in any type of<br />
container.<br />
• You can also pan fry or deep fry your<br />
chicken momos if you don't have a<br />
steamer at home.
18<br />
ENTERTAINMENT<br />
Friday, <strong>12</strong> <strong>April</strong>, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Fardeen Khan<br />
gets emotional talking<br />
about his comeback with<br />
Heeramandi<br />
Read online www.iwk.co.nz<br />
Ranjeet says<br />
there's a lot<br />
of vulgarity in<br />
movies and<br />
web series<br />
today: ‘I am<br />
ashamed’<br />
Fardeen Khan is all set to<br />
make his return to screen<br />
after 14 years with the<br />
Netflix release Heeramandi,<br />
directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.<br />
<strong>The</strong> first look poster of Fardeen<br />
Khan in the series Heeramandi<br />
caught the attention of many.<br />
It marks Fardeen's comeback<br />
on screen after a gap of 14 years.<br />
At the trailer launch event of<br />
Heeramandi in Mumbai, the actor<br />
got emotional talking about his<br />
comeback and expressed his<br />
gratitude towards Sanjay Leela<br />
Bhansali for giving him ‘the<br />
perfect role.’<br />
At the trailer launch event,<br />
Fardeen said, "Firstly, it's been<br />
a very long gap for me. It's been<br />
almost about 14 years, to say<br />
the least. I'm extremely grateful<br />
for this opportunity to work<br />
with this stellar star cast and a<br />
platform like Netflix and the man<br />
himself, Sanjay Leela Bhansali. I<br />
couldn't have hoped for a better<br />
opportunity as an actor to return<br />
to the screen.”<br />
He further continued, “For me,<br />
this was something I have never<br />
done and it was the perfect role<br />
for me.<br />
At the age I am in, to come back<br />
to the screen, you come with a<br />
certain amount of life experience,<br />
Kriti Sanon spoke<br />
about feeling<br />
frustrated when<br />
actors from film families<br />
were being preferred over<br />
her. She was last seen with<br />
Kareena Kapoor and Tabu<br />
in Crew.<br />
Kriti Sanon is currently<br />
basking on the success<br />
of Crew. However, the actor<br />
went through ups and<br />
downs in her career.<br />
Kriti, in an interview admitted<br />
on being frustrated<br />
as often stars kids would get<br />
better opportunities. During<br />
her interaction with the portal,<br />
the Crew actor opened<br />
up on feeling restless as she<br />
wanted to prove her potential.<br />
She said, “<strong>The</strong>re was a<br />
phase where I was just very<br />
restless because I knew that<br />
I had way more potential<br />
than what I could portray in<br />
the opportunities that I had<br />
wisdom and you know you can<br />
you can really contribute to the<br />
layers that Sanjay writes into all<br />
his characters.<br />
His characters are very intricate,<br />
very complex. <strong>The</strong>re's nobody like<br />
him who writes characters.<br />
He goes across the spectrum<br />
and emotions, and he has this<br />
intuitive understanding of it. It’s<br />
daunting to work with him, but at<br />
the same time, when you see it all<br />
together, it just all makes sense.<br />
I'm getting emotional now… I am<br />
extremely grateful for this chance<br />
and so happy to be here.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> series also stars Shekhar<br />
Suman, Adhyayan Suman and<br />
in front of me.<br />
I wanted something<br />
deeper. I wanted something<br />
where I could just show my<br />
potential as an actor way<br />
more. I always say this that<br />
as an actor 'Aapko jitna<br />
ghada milega, utna hi aap<br />
bhar sakte ho. Agar aapko<br />
chota vessel diya jayega toh<br />
usme aap utna hi paani bhar<br />
sakte ho. Agar aapko bada<br />
diya jayega toh aap aur bhar<br />
sakte ho.' (You can only fill<br />
a vessel with as much as it<br />
holds. If it's small, you can<br />
only pour in so much water.<br />
If it's big, you can pour in<br />
more.) So I was looking for<br />
that bada vessel for a very<br />
long time.”<br />
She added, “I was getting<br />
frustrated because I was<br />
like, I know I can do it; I<br />
know I can kill it, but I don't<br />
have it in front of me. At<br />
that point, I was also seeing<br />
some new faces, some<br />
Taha Shah.<br />
<strong>The</strong> main ensemble cast of<br />
women who are leading the series<br />
are Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi<br />
Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa<br />
Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh and<br />
Sharmin Segal.<br />
Heeramandi: <strong>The</strong> Diamond<br />
Bazaar explores the cultural<br />
reality of Heeramandi, a dazzling<br />
district, through the stories of<br />
courtesans and their patrons<br />
against the backdrop of the<br />
freedom struggle of the country. It<br />
hits Netflix on May 1.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Kerala Story criticised by religious leaders of the<br />
state during Eid sermons: ‘We should not become tools…’<br />
<strong>The</strong> Kerala Story, which hit<br />
theatres last year, tells the<br />
story of a group of women<br />
from Kerala who were forced to<br />
convert to Islam and join ISIS.<br />
While addressing the faithful at<br />
the famed Palayam Juma Masjid<br />
in Thiruvananthapuram during<br />
Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, Imam V P<br />
Suhaib Maulavi cautioned against<br />
attempts by vested interests to<br />
create division in society. He said<br />
the screening of the controversial<br />
movie <strong>The</strong> Kerala Story and the<br />
ongoing discussions revolving<br />
around it were part of such<br />
attempts.<br />
"Such movies are propagating<br />
things that are completely<br />
baseless. I have only one thing to<br />
tell to those people who screen<br />
such movies... We should not<br />
be become tools in the hands of<br />
those who spread lies," Maulavi<br />
said.<br />
“An art should not be something<br />
that creates division in society, on<br />
the other hand it should be the<br />
one which persuades people to<br />
live a harmonious life,” he added.<br />
During his sermon, prominent<br />
Islamic scholar Hussain Madavoor<br />
also criticised the Bollywood film,<br />
saying that there is no love jihad<br />
in the country as claimed by the<br />
movie.<br />
Sudipto Sen-directed <strong>The</strong> Kerala<br />
Story, which hit theatres last year,<br />
tells the story of a group of women<br />
from Kerala who were forced to<br />
convert to Islam and join ISIS.<br />
<strong>The</strong> controversial movie,<br />
screened by public broadcaster<br />
Doordarshan last week, has been<br />
drawing sharp reactions cutting<br />
across politics in Kerala since its<br />
release.<br />
<strong>The</strong> religious leaders came<br />
out against the movie days after<br />
the Idukki Diocese had screened<br />
it as part of an intense training<br />
programme for teenagers, which<br />
triggered a widespread row in<br />
Kerala.<br />
of them belonging to the<br />
film background, coming<br />
in having not done<br />
anything and getting<br />
opportunities that I<br />
was like, how.…”<br />
Kriti made her<br />
Bollywood debut<br />
with Tiger Shroff's<br />
Heropanti. <strong>The</strong><br />
actor will next be<br />
seen in her homeproduction<br />
Do Patti.<br />
Veteran Bollywood actor<br />
Ranjeet, known for his rape<br />
scenes in the 1970s and<br />
‘80s, opened up on vulgarity and<br />
inappropriate language in movies<br />
and shows today.<br />
Veteran Bollywood actor<br />
Ranjeet has expressed his<br />
concern over the increasing trend<br />
of "vulgarity and inappropriate"<br />
content in films and web series<br />
on OTT platforms. In a recent<br />
interview with ANI, Ranjeet<br />
revealed that despite being in<br />
the entertainment industry, he<br />
has watched only a handful of<br />
web series during the COVID-19<br />
pandemic.<br />
"And during COVID times, will<br />
you believe me if I say I have only<br />
seen two to three web series?<br />
Two were English historical and<br />
one <strong>Indian</strong>. I didn't watch other<br />
projects," he remarked.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Laawaris actor went on<br />
to critique the prevalent use of<br />
explicit language and scenes<br />
in movies, stating that it often<br />
leads to discomfort in front<br />
of family members and staff.<br />
"Nowadays, there is vulgarity<br />
and inappropriate language<br />
used in the movies that make<br />
you embarrassed in front of your<br />
staff and family members," he<br />
expressed.<br />
He also expressed dismay at the<br />
prevalence of molestation scenes<br />
and item numbers sandwiched<br />
between shots in contemporary<br />
films. "What is all happening in the<br />
ads as well in this country, they<br />
are showing gambling in the ads. I<br />
am ashamed," he said.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 82-year-old veteran star<br />
contrasted this with the item<br />
numbers of the bygone era,<br />
particularly the '80s, where<br />
veteran actors like Waheeda<br />
Rehman, Helen, and Bindu<br />
performed with grace and artistry.<br />
Kriti Sanon opens up on star kids getting better opportunities: ‘I had way more potential’
29 TH NAGAR KIRTAN<br />
KHALSA SAJNA DIWAS & VAISAKHI CELEBRATIONS<br />
SATURDAY, 6 APRIL <strong>2024</strong><br />
GURDWARA SRI GURU NANAK DEV JI, OTAHUHU