13DEC2019 | Vol 11 Issue 39 INSIDE:

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13 Kiwi-Indians
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Four Indian-origin persons

amongst the injured
• 47 people including five Kiwis,
24 Australians, nine Americans,
two Chinese, two from UK and one
from Malaysia were on or near the
White Island at the time of eruption
• Eight people confirmed dead
• Eight more are thought to be on island
• 23 injured are being treated in at
four hospitals
• 17 patients are in critical conditions

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 2 NEW ZEALAND
Manurewa Cosmopolitan Club does it again:
Denies entry to Sikh men on the pretext of a
50-year-old archaic rule
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
A
South Auckland based club - Manurewa
Cosmopolitan Club has once again
denied entry to Sikh patrons citing
archaic rules around “headgears,” which is the
fourth such incident in the last decade.
One News on Monday, December 9, reported
that Jagdip Bajwa went to the Manurewa
Cosmopolitan Club with some friends on the
evening of Sunday, December 1 when was
denied entry stating his turban violated the
club’s ban on headwear.
Mr Bajwa’s friend Inderjit Singh was also
present when the incident happened who tried
to explain that its not a hat but a part of the
dressing of a Sikh person to be worn by him
all the time.
Speaking to the host on TVNZ1’s Breakfast,
Mr Bajwa said “I understand why you have the
rules to control the dress, a turban is a formal
part of every dress code.
“People are going to the Queen wearing a
turban, Parliament… everywhere.”
TVNZ reported that the first time the club
denied entry to a turban clad person was in
November 2009 when Karnail Singh was to
attend a party organised in his honour at the
club. The club also denied entry to a Muslim
international student the same year for wearing
a hijab or a religious headscarf.
The Indian Weekender’s story of the fourth
such case of prejudice against Sikhs
However, The Indian Weekender had
reported in 2009, when an avid golfer and
member of the Kiwi-Indian community Kharag
Singh - who recently stood in local elections for
Botany-Howick seat on Labour Party’s ticket -
was also denied entry into the club citing same
reasons. (Read The Indian Weekender story
here: https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/
Pages/ArticleDetails/7/1232/New-Zealand/
Deepening-turban-row-disappoints-Sikhs)
At that time the Sikh Council of New Zealand
had also raised the issue with the Human
Rights Commission, although the majority of
community had then sought to resolve the issue
with negotiation and not any conflict.
Kharag Singh was asked to leave the Aviation
Country Golf Club in Auckland in February
after playing a round of golf and later going to
the bar for a few drinks, as is the tradition.
He was refused service by the bar manager
because of his headgear, following which all his
fellow team-mates left the club.
The matter was relayed to the Club’s
executives the next day; they immediately
apologized in a letter to Singh.
Sikhism is the fifth most
followed religion in NZ
In 2015, a Sikh real estate agent, Gurpreet
Singh, was barred from entering the club
because he was wearing a turban. Following
this second outrage in 2015, the then Prime
Minister John Key called the barring of Mr
Friday, December 13, 2019
Kharag Singh
Singh ‘very disappointing’, Stuff had then
reported.
In 2015, the club members voted to uphold
the turban ban at its Annual General Meeting.
Speaking at the interview, Jagdip Bajwa said
a turban cannot be taken off like a hat and worn
The Indian Weekender
Image: TVNZ1
again as it holds a religious significance and is
part of the Sikh faith and culture.
One News reported that according to 2018
census, Sikhism is the fifth most followed
religion in New Zealand with around 40,000
New Zealanders following Sikh religion.
Mr Singh said he found the behaviour of
the club appalling, especially in New Zealand
which is a modern-day multicultural society.
“This is Manurewa, one of the most diversified
Indian communities in the country.’ The guy
told him if [we] had a medical certificate, [he]
would let [us] in.” Mr Singh added.
One News reported that Race Relations
Commissioner Meng Foon called the incident
‘ridiculous’ and added that it’s not a reflection
of New Zealand.
••
 The Indian Weekender
Govt to spend $12 billion in infrastructure
¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH
T
he government will invest
an extra $12 billion in
infrastructure over the next
four years, with major chunk going
to road and rail projects.
“The Government is lifting capital
investment to the highest level
in more than 20 years as it takes
the next step to future-proof New
Zealand,” Finance Minister Grant
Robertson said.
Mr Robertson announced this
while unveiling the spending at the
Half-Yearly Economic and Fiscal
Update (HYEFU), on Wednesday,
December 11.
Of the $12 billion of new
investment, $8 billion will be
earmarked for specific capital
projects and $4 billion to be added to
the multi-year capital allowance.
The investment spree has been
announced on the backdrop of a
slowing economy, a rising deficit,
and the need for a fiscal stimulus
to fund the long felt infrastructure
deficit in New Zealand.
The economic growth was earlier
forecasted at the time of Budget
(May 2019) to be 3 per cent, but that
has been revised down to 2.5 percent
since then.
However, the economy is expected
to pick up from late next year, and
the government is counting on that
projected growth and borrowing
from the market and international
funds.
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Transport sector will be
getting the major chunk
of the new infrastructure
spree with $6.8 billon
dedicated for roads and
rail projects.
Another $300 million
each will go to regional
investment opportunities
and District Health Board
asset renewal.
The specific projects will
be announced in early
2020.
“The new investment is forecast to
increase the size of the economy by
a further $10 billion over five years,
with further positive impacts on GDP
costs at record lows, the conditions
beyond that period,” Mr Robertson
are right for the Government to
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NEW ZEALAND 3
National Party criticizes
spending spree
N ational Party Leader Simon
Bridges has slammed the
spending spree saying, “This is
a ‘tax, spend, borrow, and hope
government.”
Mr Bridges said the government
inherited surpluses and a fast
growing economy and has blown it
in “two short years.”
Mr Bridges also said the
government’s infrastructure package
is an election year slush fund and
he seriously doubted any significant
projects would be underway before
The economic invest to future-proof New Zealand.” the end of the term.
growth “We inherited neglected The Party’s Finance Spokesperson
infrastructure when we took office,
Paul Goldsmith has also criticised
was earlier including run-down hospitals, roads
the government for delivering deficit
that had been announced but not paid
forecasted at the for, overcrowded classrooms and a
and a weaker economy.
“Treasury has slashed its economic
time of Budget state housing shortage.
growth forecasts which mean fewer
“This package shows New
(May 2019) to be opportunities for Kiwis to get ahead,
Zealanders that this Government
3 per cent, but less money to go around and more
is serious about tackling the
debt. The Government has turned the
that has been infrastructure deficit we were
strong growth and huge surpluses it
left with.
revised down inherited into deficits, weak growth
“It will provide further support
and more debt with nothing to show
to 2.5 percent to boost the New Zealand economy
for it,” Mr Goldsmith said.
in the face of slowing international
since then growth and stronger global
“The Government has also broken
its promise to New Zealanders to
headwinds. It will also give certainty
reduce debt below 20 per cent of
to the construction industry about
GDP by 2022. This promise was only
upcoming infrastructure projects and
“With debt low and borrowing made because Labour knew New
will create more job opportunities for
Zealanders didn’t trust them to spend
Kiwis,” Mr Robertson said.
wisely,” Mr Goldsmith added.
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 4 NEW ZEALAND Friday, December 13, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Four Indian-origin persons

injured in White Island eruption
¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH Pic: geonet.org.nz (name changed) told the Indian Weekender.

T
“Their condition is stable at the moment.
he total number of Indian-origin people
We have a group of distant family and group
affected in the White Island eruption
of friends from Wellington and Palmerstone
has increased to four.
North who have arrived in Auckland to support
Two more survivors of his tragic volcanic
the couple,” Mr Ramesh said.
eruption have been identified as Indian origin
However, Mr Ramesh could not confirm with
Australian citizens Jatin Sachdeva (47) and
certainty about how the couple got caught up in
Mohita Sachdeva (46).
the tragic incident, and it is just being assumed
Earlier the Indian Weekender has reported
that they were also part of the cruise ship
a US-based Indian-origin couple Pratap Singh
that brought most of the visitors to the White
(49) and Mayuri Singh (42) recovering in New
Island when it suddenly erupted at 2.11 p.m. on
Zealand hospitals.
Monday, December 9.
Jatin and Mohita have, however, been
The official death toll released by New
repatriated to Australia as a part of the two-
Zealand authorities is eight, following two
nation (New Zealand and Australia) joint plan
deaths overnight in the hospital, one in
to assist those directly impacted and their
Middlemore Hospital and the other in Waikato.
families.
Eight others on the island are presumed dead.
Jatin is reported to be born in the Indian city
The official death toll released by New Zealand authorities is eight, Meanwhile, the office of the US Consulate
of Agra, whereas Mohita is New Delhi born.
General Auckland has refused to divulge any
Meanwhile, the Indian Weekender has earlier following two deaths overnight in the hospital, one in Middlemore further information of the injured Indian-
reported that the Indo-American couple were Hospital and the other in Waikato American couple citing privacy reasons.
recovering in one of the New Zealand hospitals.
Natalie Wilkins, Public Affairs Officer, at
They are being supported by the couple’s New
Speaking to the Indian Weekender, Jeet if needed at all, to further support our Kiwi the US Consulate told the Indian Weekender,
Zealand based distant relative and family
Suchdev of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable doctors and first responders,” Mr Suchdev said. “Identification and recovery efforts are ongoing.
members.
Organisation, who was coordinating efforts Meanwhile, the Indian Weekender had also This process is complex. Many of the victims
A small group of distant family members
to form a support network for the couple in spoken with a distant relative of the injured of this natural disaster, both those in hospitals
residing in different parts of New Zealand
Auckland, said, “This is very tragic incident couple, who had chosen to remain anonymous and the deceased, suffered severe injuries. The
along with some leading Indian community
and has affected too many families and the for privacy reasons of the couple who had nature and extent of these injuries continue to
organisations are currently collaborating with
wider community with so many deaths and confirmed that the condition of the couple was make certainty around identification difficult.”
each other to form a support network for the
injuries.” stable. “Additionally, we recognise that the
injured couple.
“The news of Indian-origin couple being Both Pratap and Mayuri have roots in the eruption’s victims and their families need time
Few close family members of the injured
caught-up in this eruption is a source of further Indian state of Gujarat and are citizens of the and space to come to terms with this tragedy and
couple have arrived from the US to support
concern for our Indian community.” United States. its implications. We will not be releasing any
since the Indian Weekender has first reported
“We are trying to ensure there is a community “Pratap’s parents still live in India, whereas, details about the victims without appropriate
the story.
support network around the injured couple, Mayuri’s parents are in America,” Mr Ramesh permissions,” Natalie said.

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 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 13, 2019 NEW ZEALAND 5

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¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH The drop in the numbers of Indian visitors

T
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 6 NEW ZEALAND Friday, December 13, 2019 The Indian Weekender

White Island eruption: What you need to know

¡¡ IWK BUREAU

Figures at a glance at the time of going to press

• 8 People confirmed dead, 2 Australian nationals declared dead at
the hospital overnight
• Another 8 people missing on the island and presumed dead
• The number of patients in hospital with injuries is down to 23 -
with five people being air-lifted to Australia since Wednesday night
• 47 people were on or near the island when the volcano erupted on
Monday, December 9, at 2:11 p.m. as per GNS Science

What happened?
An eruption occurred on Whakaari
/ White Island in the Eastern Bay of
Plenty, sending a massive fume of
smoke and ash into the sky. GNS
Science says the eruption occurred at
2.11 p.m.
The initial report said
approximately 100 visitors were on
the island, which was later retracted
to less than 50 and confirmed 47 on
Monday evening.
NZ Civil Defence warned the
public around the island to beware
of the ash fall- closing all windows
and doors and wear a dust mask or
handkerchief.
Tuesday, December 10: Police
worked with the National Emergency
Management Agency to coordinate a
search and rescue operation. 5 people
were confirmed dead by search
and rescue team and 31 patients
were transported to seven different
hospitals around the country for
specialist care with victims- burn
on victims injuries ranging from
moderate to critical. 3 people were
discharged from Whakatane hospital.
Police worked through a complex
Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)
process to confirm the identities of
the victims as the nature of injuries
was severe. WorkSafe New Zealand
had opened a health and safety
investigation into the harm and loss
of life caused by the eruption.
Rescue helicopters, the Police
Eagle helicopter, and NZDF aircraft

Ngāti Awa to play a key

undertook a number of aerial
reconnaissance flights over the island

role in the Whakaari / White

since the eruption. Police confirm
both New Zealanders and overseas
tourists were involved, including 37
passengers and one crew member
from the Ovation of the Seas cruise
ship. Wednesday, December 11:
Island recovery operation
¡¡ RADIO NEW ZEALAND
At the request of NZ Police, New Missing 19 year old earlier presumed “Ngāti Awa will conduct the assessed at the time.

Zealand Red Cross has activated the
Family Links website for people
wanting to register themselves as
safe or register an enquiry about a
loved one.
Late on Tuesday, police confirmed
the sixth death, a patient being treated
at Middlemore Hospital passes away.
Police confirmed the nationalities
of the 47 people who were on
the island at the time of volcanic
erruption. There were 24 people
from Australia, 2 people from China,
4 people from Germany, 1 person
from Malaysia, 5 people from New
Zealand, 2 people from the United
Kingdom, 9 people from the United
States of America.
dead found alive. Jesse Langford
was one of four members of the
Australian family on tour- his sibling
and parents have been reported to be
dead.
Thursday, December 12: Police
confirmed two more fatalities,
making the total death count to
8. Australian brothers Matthew
Hollander and Berend Hollander,
16 died in hospital overnight, one
at Middlemore Hospital and other at
Waikato Hospital. The boys’ parents,
Martin and Barbara Hollander,
remain unaccounted for.
Body recovery mission: Body
recovery mission to Whakaari/White
Island cancelled due to heightened
risk of eruption with 40-60 per cent
chance in the next 24 hours indicated
by GNS Science.
D
eputy Police Commissioner
Wally Haumaha said while
police will make a decision
regarding the timing of recovery
efforts,  Ngāti Awa will lead the
process itself.
“Ngāti Awa are front and centre
of this operation so for the uplifting
of the deceased, once that decision
is made, Ngāti Awa will be going
across to Whakaari / White Island on
HMNZS Wellington.”
A tohunga (expert) from Ngāti
Awa, as well as a support person,
will carry out the karakia, blessings
and the uplifting of the tūpāpaku
(deceased) in the most appropriate
way, he said.
Once the tūpāpaku are back on the
whenua, they will be transferred to
Auckland Hospital.
karakia and blessings before they
depart the rohe of Ngāti Awa,”
Haumaha said.
Decisions made regarding Ngāti
Awa whānau will be left up to the
iwi, he said.
Police to attempt body
recovery on Friday
According to the last media
briefing for Thursday, December
12 by Deputy Commissioner Mike
Clement, the police will launch a
body recovery operation on Friday
morning. our plan is subject to things beyond
“Tomorrow morning we have a
plan, the resources and the capability
to the recover the bodies on Whakaari
/ White Island.
“The plan is contingent on a
number of risk factors which will be
“These factors include the
conditions on the island and the
weather.
“Tomorrow morning New Zealand
Defence Force assets and people
with specialist capabilities from
Defence, Police and other agencies
will undertake the operation.
“Returning the bodies on the island
to their loved ones remains our focus.
“We have the right people with the
right skills and the right equipment.
“We will make every effort to
recover all of the bodies however
our control such as the island and the
weather,” Mike Clement said.
The police said that there is no
zero risk option in regard to the plan
but they have carefully considered it.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 13, 2019 NEW ZEALAND 7

Auckland Indian
Association launches
centenary celebrations
¡¡ IWK BUREAU

E
xcitement is
mounting as
Auckland’s
Indian community
prepares to celebrate 100
years in the City of Sails.
2020 marks the centenary
of the Auckland Indian
Association Inc. (AIAI),
and an inauguration
dinner will take place
at the Mahatma Gandhi
Centre on Saturday,
December 14 to officially
launch the festivities.
More than 700 guests are expected to attend, have also embraced and contributed to the
as AIAI representatives unveil the dynamic greater Auckland community through the
line-up of exhibitions and events planned for the building of iconic landmarks such as the much-
2020 centennial. These will include a religious loved Mahatma Gandhi Centre and Shri Radha
programme (katha) for up to ten days, cultural Krishna Temple as well as extensive fundraising
celebrations and a Gala Dinner to conclude the initiatives for a wide range of charities.
celebration. Recipients have included the Auckland City
“It’s going to be a fantastic night, and we are Mission, Child Cancer Foundation, Alzheimers
so excited to share our centennial plans with New Zealand, Shine, Ronald McDonald House,
everyone,” AIAI President, Narendra Bhana Breast Cancer Foundation, Starship Foundation
said. and many more.
The AIAI has played an integral role in “India has a very rich and diverse culture.
providing Auckland’s Indian community One of the primary objectives of the AIAI is
with vital links to their culture and heritage, to protect and preserve Indian culture in New
hosting more than 25 weddings each year, and Zealand. The centennial celebration in 2020
delivering education to over 70 students at their will be a great opportunity for us to showcase
Gandhi Gruh Gujarati School. how we have achieved our objective over the
The Association and its over 3,500 members last 100 years.”
 8 NEW ZEALAND Friday, December 13, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Franklin Institute of Agri-technology:

Creating fantastic career opportunities
¡¡ SUPPLIED CONTENT Grace van den Brink whilst embedded in the land of its learning, and we go out to look after broad knowledge of the Industry.

A
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I love studying at FIAT. It’s a
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day.  The teachers are attentive and finishing studies at FIAT and I am
have lots of knowledge to share enjoying my work. Thanks to Dr
about the horticulture industry. It’s Saini for his guidance and support.
interesting to learn about things
Rudrik Tripathi
like the supply chain, how the PSA
kiwifruit bacteria got into NZ and
how government legislation such as
the Resource Management Act affect
the industry.
Jaspreet Singh
It was a great experience to educate
myself under two horticulture
specialists, whatever I learn from
Dr.Saini and Dr.Gagan Jain at FIAT
I am practically using the knowledge
at my current work.
In general, almost all the FIAT
graduates are working gainfully
in relevant jobs and servicing the
horticulture Industry tangibly.
FIAT is one of the best Institute
that I have ever studied. Teachers are
friendly and professionally trained.
Dr.Gagan & Mr Singh both have

Hunua Falls Camp 100th Enrollment open for Bhartiya Samaj’s

summer camp 2020 for children
Celebration ¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD development, leadership, community

B
involvement and understanding of multiple
hartiya Samaj Charitable Trust that
¡¡ IWK BUREAU cultures/ethnicity at an early age,” Ms Suchdev
works round the year offering different
added.

W
hat a wonderful day had by all
who attended. Around 100 people
arrived on a rather a wet afternoon
for the Hunua Falls Camp 100th with a lovely
high tea, beautifully set tables including an
array of entertainment and speakers.
Maree Allan (Chairman Presbyterian Camps
Board) introduced various speakers throughout
the afternoon. A speech by John Treneman
a past Board member for over forty years
on the earlier times of the camp; buildings
being constructed over weekends and a few
misadventures along the way. From taking the
bookings from six camps per year in 1960, to
over sixty camps in the 1970’s. The camp today
is used by a huge variety of the community
from, weddings, Scouts, family reunions and
orchestra’s to just name a few.
Easter Camp, the reason for the Hunua Falls
Camp starting with under canvas Bible Class
Boys Camps after WW1, taking the train from
Auckland City to Papakura then a 15km walk,
carrying all the tents and equipment - imagine
that today. Iona Robinson (Easter Camp
Director) brought us back to reality and the
importance of Easter Camp in today’s social
climate.
The National MP for Hunua. Andrew
Bayly kindly gave an impromptu speech
on the importance of camp experiences as
this is where leaders learn leadership skills.
Furthermore, that more children in the lower
social economic group should be attending
camps. Youth of today need to understand risk
and team-building, and that not all learnt in life
is academic.
Steve Whelan (Assets & Maintenance Hunua
Regional Park) gave a brief picture of where the
Restored ships bell and the
Presbyterian Camps Board with
MP Mr Bayly
Hunua Regional Park will be heading with the
closure of the Waitakeres due to Kauri dieback.
A restored former ship’s bell that was used by
the camp in decades gone by was presented by
Barry Wood and Chris Flinn; the work that has
gone into the restoration and the bell stand was
impressive. The ringing of the bell during camp
was well remembered by camp stalwarts and
played a special part in the structure of camps.
Maree thanked the team for all the work that
has gone into the camp with the upgrading of
the adventure playground and maintaining the
buildings to a high standard.
The event concluded with the cutting of the
centenary cake by the Reverend Murray Hall
(95) and John Treneman (84) the two eldest
present at the celebration and a closing prayer
by Reverend Margaret Anne Low to end the
Hunua Falls Camp centennial.
services to the senior members of the
South Asian community is once again bringing
its annual summer camp in January 2020.
The Children Wing of Bhartiya Samaj has
opened the enrollment for the 18th Annual
Summer Camp that will take place from
Monday, January 13 till Friday, January 17 at
its premises in Mt Roskill.
Children from the age of six to 14 can get
their name enrolled for this program that
extends to five days and has over 100 children
participating from different parts of the city.
“This camp provides an avenue for the
children not just to learn some new skills but
also make friends, have fun activities, dance,
exercise and yoga activities etc.,” Roopa
Suchdev, the Education Chairperson for
Bhartiya Samaj told The Indian Weekender.
The five days at the Summer Camp are
aimed at enrichment of young minds through
our various educational and fun activities/
workshops related to sports, life enrichment
skills, fitness, music, dance, creative craft,
drama, yoga, motivational and communication
Skill sessions, developmental games and a full
day outing.
“We focus on imparting skills like personality
For the entire five days Bhartiya Samaj’s
volunteer teachers, trainers and coaches will
come in at various times to devote their skills
and knowledge for nurturing the young minds.
In the last few years, the Trust has received
an overwhelming number of enrollments
that at one point they had to politely decline
applications as they reached the cap for
maximum students.
“We encourage our community members to
spread the word so that we get children from
different cultures and ethnic backgrounds to
participate and get new faces to the camp,” Ms
Suchdev added.
The camps in the past have been incredibly
successful with different government bodies
participating and hosting different sessions
around safety at the house, school, public
places, around water and fire etc. The enrolled
students also participate in a spelling contest,
quiz, recitation, drawing, painting, crafts etc.
Interested parents can contact Educational
Chairperson of the Summer Camp on
021665609 or email roopasuchdevnz@yahoo.
co.nz OR can also contact Ruchika Agarwal
on 02108881461, email bsct1995@gmail.com.
The camps will start at 8 a.m. and end at 5 p.m.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 13, 2019 NEW ZEALAND 9

Five workers’ rights to know about Xmas time

¡¡ SUPPLIED CONTENT holidays aren’t entitled to an alternative day reach agreement about the timing of employees’ in writing. The employer must reply in writing

A
s Christmas is near, it’s time to set the
record straight on some of the most
commonly misunderstood aspects
of employment law that apply to the festive
season.
We’ve made it easy for both employees or
employers with a five-point quick guide. It is
focused on minimum legal employment rights.
However, the parties can agree to rights above
the minimums and these should be written into
an employment agreement.
1. Is closing down a workplace for a
determined period lawful? (Yes or No)
Employers may close down a workplace if
the process is managed lawfully, so it’s a Yes.
An employer may have a regular closedown
once a year and this is common over the
Christmas/New Year period. Employees, who
are entitled to annual holidays at the time
of a closedown, are required to take annual
holidays or other leave arrangements during the
closedown. The closedown can apply to part
or all of the business, but employees must be
given at least 14 days’ notice.
Whether employees should be paid depends
on a number of factors, including whether
they have built up enough annual holidays,
or otherwise if agreed, they can take annual
holidays in advance or unpaid leave.
2. Should employees working a public
holiday always get time and a half, plus an
alternative day off? (Yes or No)
Employees working on a public holiday
should always be paid time and a half.
However, they only get an alternative holiday
(a paid ‘day in lieu’) if the public holiday they
worked was a day that they normally worked,
(ie, an otherwise working day for them), unless
the employee only works on public holidays.
Therefore, all employees working public
off, so it’s a No.
When a public holiday falls on a Saturday
or Sunday, and this is a day the employee does
not normally work, then an employee’s public
holiday might be moved to the following
Monday (or in some cases Tuesday).
For example, an employee who normally
works weekends is required to work on
Christmas Day this year, Wednesday 25
December. This is not a normal working day
for this particular worker, so they don’t get an
alternative holiday, but still get paid time and
a half. However, if the Wednesday was their
normal working day, they would also get an
alternative holiday.
3. Can employers refuse a request when their
employees ask to take their annual holidays?
(Yes or No)
Employers and employees should try to
work out annual holiday arrangements that are
acceptable for both parties.
For example, an employee might request to
take two of their four weeks annual holidays
over the Christmas break for an extended family
holiday. Employees may need to take holidays
for important and legitimate personal, family
and community responsibilities. Employers
must give their employees the opportunity
to take at least two of the four weeks’ annual
holidays continuously. This rule is to ensure
staff are given an extended opportunity for rest
and recreation at least once a year. However, an
employer also has the right to run their business
as well eg to ensure that they have enough staff
to continue to operate. The key point here is
that the employer must have fair and reasonable
grounds to refuse a request to take annual
holidays at the requested time.
On those occasions when both parties can’t
annual holidays, then the employer can decide
the dates, providing they are being fair and
reasonable. However, the employee must be
given at least 14 days’ notice to take annual
holidays on those specified dates. So it is a Yes.
4. Do employers have to provide their
employees with annual holidays (annual
leave) in advance? (Yes or No)
Employees don’t have a minimum legal right
to take annual holidays in advance before they
complete one year of work. If an employer
provides this, it is at their discretion, so it is
a No.
All employees become entitled to at least
four weeks’ annual holidays after 12 months of
continuous employment.
However, it is also common for some
employers to allow their staff to take annual
holidays in advance, even when they haven’t
“accrued” enough days. “Accrued” is like a
balance that staff have accumulated since they
started working for a business. However, there
is no legal requirement for an employer to
provide annual holidays in advance.
5. Can employees cash-up all their annual
holidays during their employment? (Yes or
No)
Employees can ask to be paid out up to one
week’s worth of annual holidays per year for
each entitlement year, but the employer can say
no to the request, so it’s a No. If the employer
agrees, employees must not cash-up more than
one week’s worth of annual holidays per year
for each four weeks holiday.
For example, an employee might want extra
money for Christmas gifts and expenses and
want to cash-up some of their annual holidays’
balance. The employee must have completed
12 months’ employment and make the request
and doesn’t have to give a reason for their
decision.
An employer can also opt out of having
to consider such cash-up requests by stating
this into a workplace policy or employment
contract.
Also, an employer cannot force an employee
to cash up a portion of their annual holidays,
if the employer has not been given a written
request from the employee. In this case, the
employee can keep both the cash up money and
still take the portion of annual holidays cashed
up as paid holidays. The employer may also
face a penalty.
How did you do?
If you didn’t get all the answers right, we
hope you learnt some useful knowledge.
We focussed on minimum employment
rights and responsibilities. Also, employers
and employees should always treat each
other in “good faith” (with respect and open
communication). Acting positively towards
each other, with advance notice and a flexible
approach, means the parties can work out win-
win arrangements.
More information
For more information visit the Ministry
of Business Innovation and Employment,
Employment New Zealand website: www.
employment.govt.nz.
Also, you can get free online learning via
www.employment.elearning.ac.nz that has the
popular “An Introduction to Your Employment
Rights” module.
Employment New Zealand hopes this guide
helps all employers and employees to have
better working relationships. And of course
we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy
New Year!

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 10 NEW ZEALAND Friday, December 13, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Tamil Pasanga wins the All Nations Cricket

Festival 2019 in Christchurch
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD “Thanks to the Christchurch

A
fter three weekends of
intensive pool games
between twelve teams, Ara
All Nations Cricket Festival 2019,
team Tamil Pasanga has emerged as
the champion defeating Firangi XI
by seven runs.
The 3rd Ara Institute of Canterbury
All Nations Tournament started on
November 24 with pool games every
Sunday and finals on December 8.
In the first two rounds of the game
held earlier, Tamil Pasanga has been
leading from Pool B and Firangi XI
in pool A who ultimately had a face-
off in the grand finale on Sunday.
In the last round of the tournament,
Tamil Pasanga defeated XI Kings of
Punjab securing their position for the
final and Firangi XI beat Cornered
Tigers to land themselves for decider
match.
Team Action Indoor Sports
Central beat PlaceMe; Afghan Fine
Legs beat Everest Warriors, Falcons
beat Doon Tiger Club and second-
leading in Pool B Strikers beat
Afghan XI.
In the final match, Daz Collins
once again scored well giving Tamil
Pasanga the lead with 159 runs
losing seven wickets. Chasing the
total, Firangi XI fell short of seven
runs losing nine wickets at the end of
20 overs.
Qudrat Miyakhel from Afghan XI
was awarded the best bowler for the
tournament.
“We had over hundred spectators
for the final match on Sunday
including players from other teams
had already finished.
Multicultural Council and
Christchurch City Council for
partnering with us to deliver this
important event on the CMCA
Calendar, Mike Harvey, General
Manager of Christchurch Metro
Cricket told The Indian Weekender.
The organisers are also looking
forward to a robust competition
and bigger participation in the
tournament that will be held
November-December in 2020.
“We had an amazing participation
in this tournament with players
and families from different ethnic
backgrounds supporting the
event- it showed diversity and
multiculturalism that we aim for
through these events,” Surinder
Tandon, president of Christchurch
Multicultural Tournament told The
Indian Weekender.

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 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 13, 2019 NEW ZEALAND 11

AIS United and TANZ City Christchurch man ‘bowled’

Boyz lead in 22nd Spirit over by ANZ cricket prize ¡¡ IWK BUREAU

of Cricket tournament
J
ay Kumar Patel had no idea
he was about to became the
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD proud owner of a cricket bat

T
signed by the Black Caps when
he 22nd annual Spirit of Cricket
he filled in an ANZ questionnaire
Tournament started on December
at the 2019 Diwali Market Day in
1 at the Auckland Domain has seen
Christchurch.
teams AIS United and TANZ City Boyz in
“It’s a great feeling to have won,
the lead winning two matches each in the
I’m a big cricket fan and I’ll be
first two Sundays of the tournament. putting the bat to good use thanks to
The eleven teams competing in this ANZ,” said JayKumar. and Invercargill, which were held this year on 24
tournament are Mighty Blues (the “I visit the Christchurch Diwali festival each November and 19 October, respectively.
defending champion), AIS United (2018 year. It’s a great way to celebrate our culture and the “It’s a privilege to support the Diwali festivals that
runner-up), former champion Probasee Indian community here in New Zealand”. bring so much joy to our communities and a cultural
Bengalee, Deccan Acers, Rising Stars, Locals attending the festival could enter the diversity that enriches New Zealand,” said Cassandra
NZ Telugu Tigers, Black Hawks, Royal competition at the ANZ stall. Of several hundred Lee, ANZ Senior Manager - Migrant Business and
Knights, Tamil Thunders, Telangana City entries, JayKumar’s name was randomly selected as Community Development.
Boyz and founder TUFXI. the winner. “As migration grows in New Zealand, the
Organised by Migrant Community The Christchurch Diwali Market Day, sponsored vibrant, hardworking and forward-thinking Indian
Cricket Trust and supported by a number by ANZ since 2016, has seen significant growth community plays an increasingly significant role in
of community organisations, retail brands since its inception in 2008 and now sees more than our national identity.”
20,000 visitors each year. ANZ also celebrates Diwali through special staff
and Auckland Cricket, the tournament
ANZ also sponsors Diwali festivals in Wellington and customer events held across New Zealand.
has a dedicated website that has details

Kiwi Indian Adithya Ashok in the squad

of every match, scorecard, player and
team statistics, best performers, schedule,

for ICC U19 Cricket World Cup

points table and results.
The matches will be held every Sunday
until the finale in March 2020- and in the
first two days batsman, Suhas Shanbhogue
from AIS has scored the highest run so far
each, NZ Telugu Tigers and defending
champions Mighty Blues with four points
each, Royal Knights and Black Hawks
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
with just one point, and Deccan Acers

with 79 runs in one match with a strike
rate of 121.54.
Bowler Sukeerth Madaka from
TANZ City Boyz grabbed ten wickets
in two innings with an economy of 3.25,
following him is Krishna Paruchuri from
AIS with six wickets in one inning with an
economy of 0.75.
In the overall ranking, Sukeerth Madaka
is leading with 487 points followed by
Suhas Shanbhogue with 311 points.
After AIS and TANZ City Boyz,
Probasee Bengali and Deccan Rising Stars
are at third and fourth rank with five points
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points table.
A minimum of four matches will be
played each Sunday with the finale in the
last week of March 2020.
“This tournament is one of the longest-
running cricket tournaments in New
Zealand (on a community and domestic
level), and the players who once started
and played in different teams are now
part of the organising team bringing this
massively successful event together,”
Prashant Belwalkar, organiser of the event
told The Indian Weekender.
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the New Zealand for the upcoming ICC U19 Cricket
World Cup to be held in January 2020.
New Zealand Under-19 men’s coach Paul
Wiseman is forecasting a challenging few months for
our young cricketers, after naming a 15-strong squad
for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in South
Africa early next year.
The squad boasts players from all six Major
Associations and will travel to South Africa for a
warm-up tournament starting on January 3, before
the World Cup officially begins for them on January
18.
Adithya earlier this year was also selected for
the U19 squad for New Zealand to play against
Bangladesh where he gave a consistently good
performance.
After a “highly competitive” U19 National
their future cricketing endeavours.”
Tournament held in Lincoln over the past two weeks,
Wiseman said narrowing the squad down to just 15 Playing for Auckland UN-17 Boys in January
2019, Adithya had shown exemplary performance
names was an unenviable challenge for him and the
selection group. and was awarded bowler of the tournament.
“There will be pressure at certain times throughout “It was a match-winning performance by Adithya,
their time in South Africa and finding out how they which showed great control,” Assistant Coach Matt
react to that pressure will be valuable learning for Cowie of Auckland U17 Boys had then said.
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 12 NEW ZEALAND
LAUTOKA FC LIFTS THE PACIFIC CUP 2019
TROPHY IN AUCKLAND
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
O
ne of the biggest sporting
events of New Zealand Fiji
community Pacific Cup
2019 was hosted in the last week
on November that saw Fiji’s team
Lautoka lifting the trophy again this
year defending their title against
aspiring Labasa Football Club from
Fiji. In the Pacific 40’s Cup, New
Zealand Nadro Masters became
the champions defeating NZ Rewa
Masters in the finale on December 1.
Hosted at the Home of Fiji
Soccer, Bill McKinlay Park in Mt
Wellington, ten teams participate
in the tournament five each in Pool
A & B for the main trophy, and the
40’s Cup category has seven teams.
Traditional teams such as Lautoka,
Labasa, Suva and Nadi took part
in the competition playing against
players from overseas nations.
Lautoka FC received $10,000 as
the winning prize besides lifting the
2019 trophy while runner-up Labasa
FC received $3000. 40’s Cup winners
NZ Nadro Masters received $2000 as
winning prize money and NZ Rewa
Masters $1000 for being on number
2 at the finale.
“Two Ni-Vanuatu players, Alex
Saniel and Jason Thomas helped
the team in blue to win the cup,”
OceaniaFootballCentre website
reported.
The event hosted over five days
in Auckland by New Zealand Fiji
Football Inc. was a massive success
14-year-old Fiji Indian in NZ’s U15
baseball squad
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
1
4-year-old Zachary Ryan from
Auckland has been chosen as
one of the eighteen players in
New Zealand’s U15 Baseball team
travelling to Guam for the Oceania
World Cup Qualifier 2020.
Also going by the name ‘Zak’,
he has been playing and training
in baseball since the age of six at
Howick-Pakuranga Club and aims
to be the youngest to join the elite
Major League Baseball (MLB) in the
United States.
Zak is raised by his single mother
Mez-Mehnaaz Shabnam and says his
mother has dedicated her entire life
towards his passion for baseball and
works multiple jobs to support him
both financially and being physically
present for practice sessions and
games.
As Zak has been selected in the
squad, he has to pay all the expenses
to the qualifier tournament in Guam in
the US in January 2020. His mother,
Ms Shabnam, created a Givealittle
page request the community to help
the talented young boy take one step
closer to his goals.
The cost to the tournament
includes travel fares, kit upgrade,
accommodation, tournament fee,
visa, transportation, food etc.
Friday, December 13, 2019 The Indian Weekender
with hundreds of football fans these individuals
turning up on all days of the matches, the satisfaction of
especially the grand finale. their commitment
“This event was from the word and sacrifices.
go meant to be a great success with “This event was
the participation of seventeen teams purely organised
and the support of the patrons who for the community
came out in numbers to get behind to enjoy and
their teams follow their progress witness Fijian
through the tournament,” Secretary Football in their
own backyard and
of NZFFI, Mohammed Asaf told The
NZFFI is pleased
Indian Weekender. to have played host
“New Zealand Fiji Football Inc. as to this event,” ” Mr
the host of Pacific Cup 2019 didn’t Asaf added.
leave any stones unturned in terms of With the finalisation of Pacific Cup
DAY 4 – 30 NOVEMBER
preparation and presentation of this 2019, NZFFI is now preparing to host
the International Veterans Football Auckland All Stars 0-5 AUFFI All
event, and this was well noted and
Championship in February 2020 Stars
received by everyone present at the
tournament. where team from Fiji, New Zealand Lautoka 3-1 USA All Stars
“In the first semifinal, Labasa and Australia will participate in three Suva 2-0 Auckland All Stars
faced AUFFI All-Stars and won with categories namely grade 35, grade 40 AUFFI All Stars 2-0 USA All Stars
a goal scored by Siotame Kubu in and grade 45. This event is organised
for the players of yesteryears to come GROUP B
the last minute of the extra time to
and display their talents to the public DAY 1 – 27 NOVEMBER
advance through the final match,” Nadi 0-1 NZFFI All Stars
at large.
OceaniaFootballCentre website read. Labasa 1-0 Northshore All Stars
“Lautoka won the final by 1-0 Full scorecard of
(goal scored by Samuela Gavo) and Pacific Cup 2019 DAY 2 – 28 NOVEMBER
lifted the Pacific Cup’s trophy for the DAY 1 – 27 NOVEMBER Nadi 3-2 Northshore All Stars
second straight year,” the blog site Auckland All Stars 2-4 USA All Labasa 2-0 Victoria All Stars
noted. Labasa 2-0 NZFFI All Stars
Stars
The Pacific Cup & Pacific 40’s Cup NZFFI All Stars 2-1 Northshore
Lautoka 2-0 Suva DAY 3 – 29 NOVEMBER
2020 is scheduled to be hosted in Fiji All Stars
Nadi 1-0 Labasa
Islands from November 24 to 29 by DAY 2 – 28 NOVEMBER NZFFI All Stars 4-1 Victoria All SEMIFINALS
America Fiji Sports Commission. Suva 0-2 USA All Stars Stars Lautoka 3-1 Nadi
“NZFFI, board members, the Lautoka 1-2 AUFFI All Stars Labasa 1-0 AUFFI All Stars (at
board of control members and the DAY 4 – 30 NOVEMBER extra time)
entire organising committee which DAY 3 – 29 NOVEMBER Victoria All Stars 1-12 Northshore
is overall volunteers, sacrificed a lot Lautoka 4-0 Auckland All Stars All Stars FINAL
of time and effort for this event and Suva 0-1 AUFFI All Stars Nadi 4-0 Victoria All Stars Lautoka 1-0 Labasa
the success of this event has given all
“This is a great opportunity for
me and my baseball career as it
contributes to putting my name out
there and potentially could help me
to be referred to in the unforeseeable
future,” Zak mentioned on his
Givealittle page.
Zak plays as a pitcher in the team
and has received Young Best Pitcher
Award twice in the last three years.
Zak represented U12 SuperCity
Spartans twice in Australia and
represented NZ in the U14 category To
at the Asia Pacific Little League
Qualifying Tournament in Wai Hei help Zak, visit
Zak plays as a
in China. https://givealittle.
He was also awarded Best pitcher in the co.nz/cause/help-
Offensive Player of the tournament team and has
at Gold Coast Summer Classic with get-zak-to-the-u15-
the highest batting percentage and
received Young oceania-baseball-
told 5 home runs. Best Pitcher world-cup
“Besides baseball, I love playing able to represent their country game has
cricket but over the last five years-
Award twice in in an international tournament, and brought him
my skills have really spiked in the last three through their hard work our goal is here,” Ms Shabnam added.
Baseball through rigorous practice to win the qualifying tournament to The last date to make the payment
years. compete in the U-15 World Cup in to Baseball New Zealand for the
and training and performing at
different regional, domestic and 2020,” Scott Drinkwater, U15 New tournament expenses is Thursday,
international tournaments,” Zak told Zealand Baseball Manager said in January 9, 2020.
The Indian Weekender. the congratulatory letter to Zak for “I humbly request our fellow
Zak’s long term goal is to play for “Due to the high cost of this his selection in the national team community members and friends to
the Yankees someday and also aim to trip, we are encouraging families squad. come forward and raise funds for
to reach out for sponsorship and “He is a bright child, very hard this self-funded trip to the qualifier
get a sports scholarship to Harvard
grant opportunities, as the players working and his intensive practise tournament Guam, which is around
that Baseball and his studies can take
have worked extremely hard to be and determination to improve his $5500.”
him there.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 13, 2019
Officers who took down alleged
Christchurch gunman named
¡¡ IWK BUREAU
T
he court has
lifted name
suppressions on
two ‘hero’ officers who
down and arrested the
alleged gunman on March
15 attacks on Al Noor
and Linwood mosques in
Christchurch.  Constable Carmody at an appropriate time
The two officers who
apprehended the alleged
gunman were Senior
Constable Jim Manning and Senior Constable
Scott Carmody of Canterbury District.
The name suppression order has been lifted
by the court today.  Constables Manning and Carmody.
“This was an extraordinary event and we want
to acknowledge the victims of this tragedy,” say
Senior Constables Manning and Carmody.  “Every day when we go to work the safety of
“Since 15 March we have received a huge
amount of support from leaders at New Zealand
Police such as Canterbury District Commander
John Price, Commissioner Mike Bush and the
Police Association,” say Senior Constables
Manning and Carmody.
In the weeks following 15 March Senior
Constable Manning and Senior Constable
Carmody were visited by the Commissioner
and His Royal Highness the Duke of
Cambridge Prince William and presented with
the Commissioner’s Gold Merit Award.
“Such honours are very humbling but
this award is for all Police officers who put
themselves in harm’s way every day.
NEW ZEALAND 13
of the Commissioner’s While name suppression has been lifted
Gold Merit Award,” that does not change the fact that the matter
said Commissioner is still before the courts and given this Senior
Bush.  Constable Manning and Senior Constable
Senior Constable Carmody are not in a position to speak further
Manning joined New to their actions on 15 March.
Zealand Police in Media are asked to refrain from contacting
the two officers at this time.
1987 while Senior
Media will get an opportunity to speak
Constable Carmody
with Senior Constable Manning and Senior
joined Police in 1993.
Both have worked
when all matters before the court have been
in Canterbury District
completed.
for the last 26 years.
From our perspective we were doing our job
and I know our colleagues would have done
the same thing in that situation,” say Senior
“Our actions are reflective of who we are as
Police officers and as Kiwis.
the community is our priority and that was our
focus when we made that arrest on 15 March,”
said Senior Constables Manning and Carmody.
“The actions of Senior Constable Manning
and Senior Constable Carmody on 15 March
speak volumes to who they are as people and
as police officers.
They put their lives at risk to stop the
alleged gunman and stop further harm,” said
Commissioner Mike Bush.
“The events of 15 March were truly tragic
and something we as a country have never seen
before and I would hope never see again.
I am proud to have been able to acknowledge Level 1, 2 Princes Street, Auckland Central 1010
the actions of Senior Constable Manning and
Senior Constable Carmody with the presenting P. 09 950 4856 F. 09 366 0302 | www.jclegal.co.nz
 14 NEW ZEALAND Friday, December 13, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Spending strong Building Consent

in November costs set to reduce
R
etail card sales bounced back strongly
in November 2019, with much more
spent on long-lasting goods such as
recreational, hardware, and appliances, as well
as food and drink, Stats NZ said today.
Total retail card spending was up 2.6 percent
in November, when adjusted for seasonal
effects. This is the largest increase since January
2017 when spending was up 3.6 percent, though
sales have generally been flat this calendar year.
“The lift in November sales coincided with
Singles Day and Black Friday sales promotions
by retailers during the month,” retail statistics
manager Sue Chapman said.
“Black Friday has become a more popular
sales period in recent years, though monthly
retail sales typically peak in December.”
Spending rose across all six of the retail
industries when compared with October 2019.
The largest increase came from the durables
industry, up $77 million (5.4 percent).
Spending on groceries and liquor
(consumables) was up $29 million (1.4 percent),
after a small dip in October.
Core retail spending which excludes
spending on fuel and vehicles rose 2.6 percent
in November, after a 0.5 percent fall in October.
The total value of electronic card spending,
including the two non-retail categories (services
and non-retail), rose 1.0 percent ($83 million)
in November, following a 0.2 percent drop in
October.
In actual terms, retail spending using
electronic cards was $6.2 billion, up 5.1 percent
($297 million) from November 2018.
A
change has been approved to reduce
the Building Levy rate by 13 percent,
meaning homeowners will soon
see a drop in building consent costs, says
Anna Butler, General Manager of Building
Performance at MBIE.
“As part of the changes to building laws that
are currently underway, we’re easing some
of the cost of building for New Zealanders,
starting with lowering the Levy rate,” Ms
Butler says.
“Under the new levy rate consent fees for a
residential build of $300,000 will reduce from
$603 to $525. This is great news for those
looking to build or do other building work
requiring a building consent.
“And for the anticipated $35.5 billion
of work needing consent by 2021 in the
construction pipeline report, that is over $9
million in savings for Levy payers.
The approved changes mean that from 1
July 2020, the levy rate will reduce to $1.75
including GST, for all building work that is
over the $20,444 threshold (including GST).
“Further changes to building laws aimed at
taking further costs out of the building system
will be announced early next year,” Ms Butler
says.
This is the first change that will come into
force as part of the largest reforms to the
Building Act in over a decade.
The changes to the Building Act aim to
address a number of long-standing problems
which have been holding back the sector.
They focus on lifting the efficiency and
quality of building work in New Zealand, and
providing fairer outcomes if things go wrong.
Auckland Airport advice
for festive flyers
A
s Santa readies his sleigh for Christmas
deliveries, Auckland Airport is
preparing for its busiest time of the
year.
Traveller numbers hit their highest at the
international terminal in the two and a half
weeks from 19 December to 6 January.
The holiday peak comes at the end of a
busy year which has seen several of Auckland
Airport’s major infrastructure projects get
underway, including an upgrade of the Airport’s
inner core roading network, which will add in
priority lanes, and the expansion of the airfield
to develop a new taxiway and remote stands.
The projects are part of a multi-billion-dollar
infrastructure development programme to take
place over the next decade that will transform
Auckland Airport into an airport of the future.
Construction activity at the airport will
go into a hiatus for several weeks over the
Christmas break but visitors to the airport may
notice some changes since the last time they
visited, says Anna Cassels-Brown, Auckland
Airport’s General Manager Operations.
“Work on George Bolt Memorial Drive has
been underway for several months now, so
frequent visitors to the airport will be familiar
with the new road layout. But if you’re flying
out of Auckland Airport for the first time in a
while, take some time to re-check your journey
to ensure you have a stress-free start to your
holiday.
“The newly updated Auckland Airport app
provides real time travel information to take
you from home to the departure gate of any
flight, with a personalised itinerary.”
“As we move things around, we are working
hard to keep people up to date with any changes.
Check our stayintheknow.co.nz website or the
Auckland Airport app for the latest construction
news,” says Anna.
Auckland Airport’s top tips for a smooth
holiday journey include:
¡¡ Check in online or use the kiosks at the Park
& Ride or Novotel Hotel
¡¡ Have your boarding pass ready to go through
the new eGates at the entrance to the Customs
and Aviation Security areas
¡¡ Prepare for security – get all loose items,
such as keys, headphones, and wallets, into
hand luggage, big electronic items out onto
the tray and make sure sharp items or liquids
over 100ml are in your checked luggage
¡¡ Take an empty water bottle and use the water
fountains once you’re through security
¡¡ Enjoy the views over the runway after
security and charge your devices in one of
the charging points.
The top ten busiest days at Auckland Airport’s
international terminal during this summer peak
season are expected to be:
1. 20 December 2019
2. 21 December 2019
3. 3 January 2020
4. 4 January 2020
5. 5 January 2020
6. 19 December 2019
7. 26 December 2019
8. 2 January 2020
9. 6 January 2020
10. 22 December 2019

Great Indian Kite Festival

to be hosted at Eastdale
Reserve, Avondale
¡¡ RIZWAN
MOHAMMAD

O
ne of the most popular
festivals for the Kiwi
Indian community
hosted in Summer, Kite
Festival will be held at the vast
Eastdale Reserve in Avondale
on Sunday, January 2020.
Hosted every year in the
second Sunday of January by
Vaishnav Parivar (NZ) Inc., the
festival has grown every year
with hundreds more adding to
the visitor’s list every year. The decade-old Indian Kite festival follows the
Kite Festival is one such event that allows footprints of the prominent cultural activity of kite
families, especially children, to camp at the venue- flying prevalent in Gujarat and parts of Western
fly kites, eat delicious Indian snack and food and India to mark the celebration of Makar Sankranti.
have a full family day out. There will be a number of stalls offering food,
The organisers of the event are arranging Indian art and crafts at the event, hourly lucky
thousands of kites especially flown from India and draws, gifts, and day-long cultural entertainment
along with strings and rolls carry them. Last year, presented by different groups.
the organisers arranged 3500 kites and ran out of “We have made sure that everyone who comes to
them towards the end of the event. the event participates in some activities and enjoy
“We aim to bring more kites year so that everyone a complete family day out and picnic with their
can enjoy flying the kites and no one misses the friends and loved ones,” Mr Patel said.
fun,” Manhar Patel from Vaishnav Parivar told The “We also have plenty of parking for everyone and
Indian Weekender. gazebo under which families and senior citizens can
The visitors are allowed to bring their own kites sit during the day.”
as well, and many come to the event with custom The organisers are aiming to see a record number
made kites, and giant kites, especially stitched and of attendees for this year and rain day for the event
prepared for this event. is Sunday, January 19.
The Indian Weekender Friday, December 13, 2019 FIJI 15

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 16 NEW ZEALAND Friday, December 13, 2019 The Indian Weekender

High FIVE fro

The Occasion: 

W
e have turned 5 on 3rd Nov
2019! Over the past five years,
we have grown into a big
family that gave us the reason to celebrate
this occasion which was graced by a large
gathering of ladies belonging to different
ethnic backgrounds, cultures and age
groups.
About Us: 

W oman Care Trust is a a non-profit

organisation that has empowered
and helped women by providing free
advice and support on health, education,
counselling services, mediation for family
conflicts, women’s well being, community
development, creating a social network.
Awards & Recognitions
• Chairperson Baljit K Dheil received
Kiwi Bank 2020 Local Hero Award in
November 2019. Kiwi Bank recognised
for the enormous contribution, sacrifice
and commitment for the selfless work WCT team

Baljit has done to make our local

communities a better place.
• Woman Care Trust was awarded by NZ
Sikh Women’s Association in November
2019
  In appreciation and recognition
of WCT's excellent services towards
supporting women›s well being and
community development, the organisation
was felicitated with an award by NZ Sikh
Women's Association
History: 
A Charitable Organisation founded
by Mrs Baljit K Dheil in 2014 has
a proud history of working for socially
isolated senior citizens & new migrants of
Punjabi Indian Community living in the
Auckland region. other migrants out of their isolation and give community by providing social, cultural & Our work and services for the
Baljit K Dheil realised the urgent need of them a better life. educational and healthy activities daily. Community are completely FREE
supporting elderly men & women who were
W
Baljit K Dheil had a very clear motive Ladies Cultural Night e feel privileged to announce
struggling the most to settle down in a new
I
in her mind, making migrants’ lives better, n addition to conducting Senior Ladies that Woman Care Trust has been
country after spending the biggest chunk of and she started conducting FREE classes in day every month at the centre, WCT successful in changing the lives of 1208
their life in their home country. order to achieve it. also organises annual events such as Ladies members (800 female, 80 male, 328 children
She found new migrants finding Baljit K Dheil’s hard work and Cultural Night every year attended by more enrolled) of the organisation in many ways.
hard to perform day to day tasks due to determination to support the community than 2500 ladies that gives all the women These classes are now not only attended
communication and cultural barriers. has made successful in her aim of Women’s an opportunity to participate in the cultural by Punjabi Indian Community but other
She stared conducting English class in a well- being and community development. activities in a ladies-only event.  community people as well -Chinese, Fiji
small room with only two ladies and faced Woman Care Trust supports the Indian, Maori, Islanders, Kiwi and other
many hurdles in bringing out the seniors and
 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 13, 2019
om Woman Care Trust!
community people are also getting benefited
and have helped us to foster cross-cultural
connections.
WCT also conducts free bus trips for the
members to make them understand New
Zealand Culture and improve socialisation.
All the classes are held at the Centre after
getting feedback from the members to fulfil
their requirement.
Woman Care Trust is not only supporting
women & Punjabi Immigrants to settle
down in New Zealand but also help them
in gaining confidence, become independent,
and develop a social network, overcome
loneliness & depression and start living a
happy life.
WCT Activities and its timings:
• English Class: Monday -Friday 10 am - 1 pm
• Computer Class: Monday -Friday 1 pm - 2
pm
• Yoga class - Monday & Friday 12:30 pm -
1:30 pm
• Aquacise: Every Wednesday 12 pm - 1 pm
• Gym open Monday-Friday 10 am - 5 pm
• Zumba: Monday & Wednesday 6:30 pm -
7.30 pm
• Senior Gidha Class: Every Friday 11 am - 12
pm
• Children Bhangra Class: Every Friday 6 pm
- 7 pm
• Girls Bhangra Class: Every Friday 7 pm - 8
pm
• Bollywood Class: Every Sunday 11:30 am -
1.30 pm
• Stitching & Knitting Club: Every Friday 10
am -1 pm
• Sukhmani Sahib Ji Paath: First Thursday of
NEW ZEALAND 17
every month from 11 am - 1 pm
• Punjabi Folk dance Class: Second Tuesday
of every month from 11.00 am-1.00 p
• Senior Ladies Day on the last Monday of
every month from 11 am - 2 pm
• WCT Playgroup is certified from the Ministry
of Education 
• Monday & Friday from 10 am - 2 pm, &
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 11
am - 3 pm.
Contact: Abha Khanna: 022 340 4423
Soni Dheil: 021 269 7050
 Thought of the week
"If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall
surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may
not have it at the beginning."
–Mahatma Gandhi

Editorial 13 December – 19 December

Abe’s visit and Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu

importance of
Act East Forum
On-and-off Partly Parlty Clouds and A touch o Sunshine A few
rain and sunny sunny sun dafr and pactcy morning
drizzle clouds showers

I
12° 12° 13° 14° 14° 16° 16°
ndia-Japan relations have grown into a close strategic partnership in the past decade. 10° 8° 8° 9° 8° 10° 10°
Regular annual summits between their leaders have helped nurture the relations
and made them among the fast-growing ties for each country. Japan Prime Minister
Shinzo Abe’s visit to India from December 15 to 17 will be his sixth bilateral summit This week in New Zealand’s history
with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to further consolidate the bilateral relationship. 13 December 1642
The summit will take place in Guwahati this time, which will bring a focus on Japan’s
development cooperation in the North-Eastern states. Japanese organisations are actively
First recorded European sighting of New Zealand
involved in a variety of projects in the North-East under the Act East Forum that was set
up during Abe’s visit to India in 2017.
T owards noon the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sighted ‘a large land, uplifted high’. His
vessel was probably off Punakaiki, so this may have been the peaks of the Paparoa Range.

The Act East Forum aimed to expand cooperation between Japan and India in the
North-Eastern region. Japan is the only country that the Indian government has allowed
to take up developmental projects in the sensitive North-Eastern region.
India-Japan summits have a wide agenda of bilateral and global issues. But during
the discussions, the Japanese side is likely to inquire about the implications of the
Maharashtra government’s recent decision to review the bullet train project.
The Mumbai-Ahmadabad High Speed Rail project, or bullet train project is among the
most prestigious Japan-India projects. A shadow was cast on the project when the new
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray
said that his government would review the bullet train project. However, he clarified
that his government had not taken a decision to cancel the project.
13 December 1939
Battle of the River Plate
W hen the cruiser HMS  Achilles  opened fire on the German pocket battleship  Admiral
Graf Spee in the South Atlantic, it became the first New Zealand unit to strike a blow
at the enemy in the Second World War. With the New Zealand ensign flying proudly from its
mainmast, Achilles also became the first New Zealand warship to take part in a naval battle.
14 December 1843
First Auckland A and P Show
T he Agricultural and Pastoral show demonstrated excellence in agriculture and animal
husbandry. These shows became an annual event in communities throughout New Zealand.

The Maharashtra government is one of the three parties involved in the project and
would find it difficult to cancel the project. But the project is likely to be in the doldrums
if it loses its priority as a Maharashtra government project.
India and Japan held the first Two plus Two meeting of their foreign and defence
ministers, when they reviewed the progress in the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing
Agreement (ACSA), which is in the final stages of negotiations.
The logistics agreement is similar to those signed with the United States and France
and would provide access to each other’s naval facilities.
Defence and security cooperation has expanded steadily and India and Japan hold a
series of defence exercises involving all three wings of the armed forces. The two sides
have recently agreed to hold a joint exercise of fighter jets from Japan’s Air Self-Defence
Force and the Indian Air Force next year.
The Act East Forum brought together various agencies on both sides to identify
specific projects for development in the North-Eastern states.
The cooperation between Japan and the North-Eastern states ranges from key
infrastructure projects such as road connectivity, bridges, electricity, water supply and
sewage, to social and environmental sustainability such as afforestation and community
empowerment, as well as people-to-people exchanges, including inviting youth from the
North-East to Japan.
It has taken up construction of roads and highways in Meghalaya and Mizoram, a
biodiversity conservation and forest project in Sikkim, other forest management projects
in Nagaland, Meghalaya and Tripura.
Japan supported the construction of the Imphal Peace Museum, which was inaugurated
in June this year to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Imphal during
World War ll at Maibam Lokpa Ching, also known as Red Hills.
It was constructed with the support of the Nippon Foundation in collaboration with the
Manipur government and the Manipur Tourism Forum.
The museum displays exhibits from the war as well as lists the casualties in the battle
including the names of the local people of Manipur who joined the Indian National
Army (INA) forces. It also has a section on the arts and culture of Manipur.
The Imphal Peace Museum is located 20 km south-west of Imphal at the base of the
Red Hills, where the last battle between the British India Army and the Japanese army
was fought during World War II.
About 55,000 Japanese soldiers died in the India offensive of the Japanese army.
14 December 2009
Cabinet endorses Tino Rangatiratanga flag
T he government recognised the Māori (Tino Rangatiratanga) flag as the preferred national
Māori flag. While it does not carry official status, flying it alongside the New Zealand flag on
days of national significance is intended to symbolise and enhance the Crown–Māori relationship.
15 December 1915
The evacuation of Gallipoli begins
I n a well-planned operation, which contrasted sharply with those mounted earlier in the Gallipoli
campaign, Allied forces successfully withdrew from Anzac and Suvla between 15 and 20
December.
17 December 1889
New Zealand’s own Eiffel Tower opens
J ust 8½ months after Gustave Eiffel’s famous Paris tower was officially completed in March
1889, a wooden replica Eiffel Tower opened at the 1889–90 New Zealand and South Seas
Exhibition in Dunedin.
Indian Weekender : Volume 11 Issue 39
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz
Chief Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz
Chief Technical Officer: Rohan deSouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz
Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz
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Editor at Large: Dev Nadkarni | dev@indianweekender.co.nz
Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher
is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication
Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent
the views of the team at the Indian Weekender
Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland.
Printed at Horton Media, Auckland

Many of them died in the Imphal and Kohima battles, from March 8 to July 18, 1944 Copyright 2017. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.

which are regarded among the fiercest battles of the Second World War. Prime Minister
Abe is expected to visit the Peace Museum.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 13, 2019 INDIA 19

ISRO to launch one Indian, nine NEWS in BRIEF

customer satellites in space
W
ithin a fortnight of
launching an Indian and
13 customer satellites
from the US, ISROs workhorse
launch vehicle PSLV will put one
Indian and nine customer satellites
in space. This will be the 50th flight
of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.
The rocket will take off from the
second launch pad at Sriharikota,
Andhra Pradesh at 03:25 pm. This
will be the sixth launch of the year,
including the big ticket Chandrayaan
2 mission.
The space agency is planning to
complete another PSLV launch in
December, which will carry another
five customer satellites along with its
main payload.
The Indian satellite to be launched
by PSLV C48 today – RISAT 2BR1
– is a 628 kg radar imaging earth
observation satellite that will have
applications in agriculture, forestry,
and disaster management support. In
just over 16 minutes from the launch,
India among
top performing
countries on
climate action:
Report
ISROs workhorse launch vehicle PSLV will put one Indian and nine customer
satellites in space
the satellite will be placed at an
altitude of 576 km.
Following the separation of the
India satellite, the nine customer
satellites will separate from the
launch vehicle between 17 and
21 minutes. The foreign satellite
launches were secured by the newly
created commercial arm of ISRO, the
NewSpace India Limited.
The commercial satellites being
launched on Wednesday include six
satellites from the USA – four remote
sensing satellites, one earth imaging
satellite, and one for technology
demonstration, one radar earth
observation satellite from Japan, one
remote sensing satellite from Israel,
and one satellite for search and
rescue from Italy.
Endangered mahseer multiplying in Himachal
T he golden mahseer
has been saved from
extinction through a
conservation plan launched
to improve its status in
reservoirs and rivers of
Himachal Pradesh, according
to conservationists.
India's nearly extinct
'tigers of the water', which
suffered severe population
declines in recent years and declared endangered by the Washington-based
International Union of Conservation of Natural Resources due to pollution,
habitat loss and over-fishing, is thriving in Machhial in the Mandi district
through artificial breeding in captivity.
The state is setting up another mahseer hatchery-cum-carp breeding unit
at Sunni in the Shimla district with an outlay of Rs 296.97 lakh.
An estimated 10-12 thousand hatching was expected of the 41,450 eggs
produced this year, a government statement said. Around 19,800, 20,900
and 28,700 eggs of the golden mahseer were produced in the state in 2016-
17, 2017-18 and 2018-19, respectively.
PM: Govt committed to empower SC/STs
S
oon after Parliament unanimously passed the the Constitution (One
Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2019 which extends
reservations for the SC/ST category for ten more years, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi took to Twitter to express his happiness.
"I am overjoyed on the unanimous passage of The Constitution (One
Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2019 that extends SC/ST
reservations for ten more years," the PM tweeted.
Modi said he and his government are "unwaveringly committed" towards
the empowerment of the marginalised sections of society.
The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Bill with voice vote to extend the
reservation of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) for the
next 10 years up to January 25, 2030, with the government announcing that

I
ndia was placed ninth on the the reservation will "never" be removed.
list prepared by Germanwatch, In his concluding remarks, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said
an independent group, mainly the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2019
because of its aggressive renewable amends provisions related to reservation of seats for SCs and STs and that
energy deployment target for 2030. assigns every country scores on performed well enough across all reservation is the right of these under-privileged community.
An aggressive renewable energy each of these indicators to assess its the indicators to deserve a ‘very high
overall ranking.
India, Australia inch closer to logistics support pact
performing’ rating and therefore
A
deployment target for 2030 has
“While the country receives head of Australian
ensured India a listing among the top three slots were left vacant.
the top-performing countries on an overall medium rating in the Sweden and Denmark top the Prime Minister Scott
climate action in a new report by Renewable Energy category, India’s rankings at the 4th and 5th positions, Morrison’s visit next month,
Germanwatch, an independent 2030 renewable energy followed by Morocco, the UK, India and Australia moved
group. "The target is rated very high Lithuania and India. closer to the Logistics
The new Climate Change current for its well-below 2 China is ranked at the 30th Support Agreement (LSA)
Performance Index report levels of per capita degree (Celsius) position, while the United States is at on Monday as Foreign and
assesses the climate emissions and energy use compatibility. the bottom of the rankings. Defence secretaries from
are still comparatively low,
programmes of 57 and along with ambitious National expert The report notes that in 31 of both sides met in New Delhi.
countries and the European 2030 targets, result in high commend the the 57 countries assessed, falling The media has learnt that Morrison is visiting India from January 13 to
Union, which together ratings for the greenhouse government for emission trends were noticed. Global 16, and will travel to Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru during his visit. He will
account for more than 90 per gas emissions and strong policies coal consumption has been reducing address the Raisina Dialogue during the visit.
cent of the global greenhouse energy use to support the while a boom in renewable energy The two sides are working hard on negotiating the LSA, which will allow
gas emissions. categories" expansion of continues, it says. the countries to use each other’s military bases for logistical support. This
India is one of the only two renewable energy which The report is in line with similar will be one of the key items on the agenda during Morrison’s visit, and they
countries within the G-20 group is needed to meet the ambitious earlier assessments that have would want to conclude the agreement in time for the Australian PM’s visit
assessed to be “high” performers, the targets as recent renewable energy found India to be doing well on its next month.
other being United Kingdom. India capacity additions are below the climate actions. Some time ago, On Monday, the two sides carried out a comprehensive review of their
has been placed ninth on the list level required,” the report reads. an assessment by Climate Action strategic engagement and the regional security scenario during the defence
while the UK is seventh. “The current levels of per capita Tracker had found India amongst a and foreign secretarial-level talks.
The index is based on a number emissions and energy use are still handful of countries whose climate The Defence Ministry said the two sides deliberated on prevailing
of criteria, like the country’s energy comparatively low, and along with actions were compatible with the
ambitious 2030 targets, result in regional security concerns and explored ways for cooperation in field of
use, its per capita emissions, its Paris Agreement goal of keeping
high ratings for the greenhouse defence industry and technology.
emission reduction targets for 2030, global rise in temperatures to below
its national and international climate gas emissions and energy use The Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar and
2 degree Celsius as compared to pre- Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, while the Australian side was headed by
policy, renewable energy deployment categories,” it says. industrial levels.
and past trends of emissions. It The report says that no country Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty and Foreign Secretary Frances Adamson.

PM Modi’s Lok Sabha victory message is India’s ‘Golden Tweet’ of the year
A
tweet by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections
attracted maximum engagement on
Twitter this year and was the most ‘retweeted’
and ‘liked’ message in 2019. Twitter India
Tuesday said the ‘Golden Tweet’ was retweeted
over 1,17,300 times and liked over 4,20,600
times.
The message posted by the Prime Minister
read: “Together we grow. Together we prosper.
Together we will build a strong and inclusive
India. India wins yet again! #VijayiBharat”
As the news was announced, the engagement
on the tweet increased.
Incidentally, the most-used hashtag on
Twitter was #loksabhaelections2019. Hastags,
as described by Twitter, tie ideas together
around a topic of conversation. They take
conversations across timelines, increase
engagement and discoverability of a topic.
The second most-used hashtag was
#Chandrayaan2, followed by #CWC19, used
during the Cricket World Cup, and #Pulwama,
in reference to the terror attack on February 14.
The fifth was #Article370.
PM Modi, who is active on Twitter and has
51.8 million followers on the micro-blogging
website, is among the most followed leaders in
the world. Not just Twitter, he recently became
the most followed leader on Instagram too.
Twitter has also announced that in 2019,
PM Modi was the most tweeted about Indian
leader. He was followed by Congress leader
Rahul Gandhi, Home Minister Amit Shah,
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath. The next
five ranks were taken by Railways Minister
Piyush Goyal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh,
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, BJP MP Gautam
Gambhir and Minister of Road Transport and
Highways of India Nitin Gadkari.
 20 ENTERTAINMENT

SONAKSHI SINHA:
Friday, December 13, 2019 The Indian Weekender

I do get nervous before film's release
S Mangeshkar
onakshi Sinha understands that the fate of a
film is not in one's hands and audience is the
final judge, but that doesn't deter her from
getting nervous before the release of a new project.
"Every film has its own journey in your life, and
holds importance. I do get nervous before a release,
like anyone," Sonakshi said when asked if she has
the same amount of anxiety almost a decade later,
as she had when her first film released.
"I learned quite early in my career to not take
it too seriously, since the fate of a film is not in
your hands. You do your best and give your 100
per cent and rest is up to the audience eventually,"
too. She returns as Rajjo with "Dabangg 3".
Directed by Prabhu Deva, the Salman Khan-
starrer also features Arbaaz Khan, Amole Gupte,
Mahie Gill, and Tinnu Anand. Preity Zinta makes
a special appearance, and the film marks the debut
of actor-filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar's daughter
Saiee Manjrekar. "Dabangg 3" is scheduled to
open on December 20.
Asked if she fears getting trapped in the Rajjo
image, Sonakshi said: "Not at all! End of the day it
was my first film and I take it in a positive stride
that I made that kind of an impact on some."
Sonakshi says she has evolved
Dilip Kumar's
warm note
for 'choti
behen' Lata
She is quite active on social media, and seems
to have mastered the art of tackling trolls over the
years. However, she admits he used to be affected
by the trolls initially.
"I have now grown to let social media be a
source of communication with me and my fans,
conveying what I want," she said.

B
she added. Sonakshi, daughter of actor-turned- as an artiste with experience.
politician Shatrughan Sinha and Poonam Sinha, ollywood legend Dilip
"I have been lucky enough
entered Bollywood with Salman Khan's "Dabangg" Kumar has tweeted a warm
to have worked on films
in 2010. She credits Salman for making her realise message for "choti behen"
from different genres Lata Mangeshkar, expressing joy at
her "true calling". enhancing my
"'Dabangg' is what made me realise what my true her release from hospital.
experience," she "Overjoyed to hear the good news
calling is. I never thought I would end up being an said.
actor till Salman told me that I am doing this film. that My 'choti behen' Lata, is feeling
But from Day one on set I knew this is where I "Every much better and is at her home now.
belong. So the franchise is like homecoming film has its own Please take good care of yourself
for me," she said. journey in your life, @mangeshkarlata," tweeted @
Talking about her bond with Salman, the and holds importance. TheDilipKumar
actress said: "My bond with him goes beyond I do get nervous Dilip Kumar posted his tweet
a professional relationship of co-actors. before a release, along with an old picture where he is
like anyone" seen with Lata Mangeshkar and his
I knew him before I started acting. Our
families have known each other for a wife Saira Banu.
long time now, and I have known him Melody queen Mangeshkar was
more as a friend than a co-star." admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy
After making a successful debut hospital after she complained of
with "Dabangg", she has starred in hits chest pain and breathing trouble.
such as "Rowdy Rathore", "Lootera" The doctors diagnosed that she was
and "Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off suffering from pneumonia and she
Duty". However, many of her films like had to stay in hospital for 28 days,
"Tevar", "Akira", "Noor", "Force 2" during which she was in the ICU and
and "Kalank" fared below expectations, was also put on ventilator.

Bollywood movies get comicbook avatars Karan Johar: I'm going through a mid-life crisis

B F
ollywood films are painted on the
big-screen canvas with myriad hues
of drama, melodrama, music and
dance, romance and violence. The genre that
has wooed worldwide audience is now being
reimagined in the pages of comic books, at
ComiCon Mumbai 2019.
Among the first set of comics released over
the weekend are the classic Amitabh Bachchan
hit "Amar Akbar Anthony", the Shahid
Kapoor-Kareena Kapoor rom-com "Jab We
Met", the black comedy "Ishqiya" which stars
Naseeruddin Shah, Vidya Balan and Arshad
Warsi, the cop drama "Khakee" starring
Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar and Ajay
Devgn, and the comedy "Masti", starring Ajay
Devgn, Vivek Oberoi, Ritesh Deshmukh,
Aftab Shivdasani and Lara Dutta.
With an aim to engage and entertain
Bollywood fans, Shemaroo Entertainment has
released the comic books in English as well as
Hindi.
ilmmaker Karan Johar says he is going
through a mid-life crisis, and that's
why he has added colour and
bling to his personal wardrobe.
"Manish Malhotra has a very specific
sense of his own. He's very flashy and
flamboyant as a designer but very sober
when it comes to his personal sense. I
think I'm going through a mid-life crisis
so I'm wearing a lot of colour and bling. So,
in our own ways we're combating the age and
stage we are at," Karan said.
Karan opened up about his personal style
when he appeared on chat show "Not Just
Supper Stars" along with fashion designer
Manish Malhotra. The filmmaker then looked
at Manish, and joked: "My mid-life crisis is in
my head, yours is possibly in the bed."
Asked if he enjoys stalking on social
media, Karan said: "All the time. I have
no problem being on it. I love stalking
and it's my midnight activity. When
I'm lying in bed and right before I
sleep, I'm at my stalking optimum
best."
Karan also opened up about his plan
to lose weight.
"I've been on some eight thousand diets and
that's ruined my metabolism. Also, I've been
one of those silent eaters -- those who don't eat
in front of others but eat silently at night. I'm
that kind of an eater but Manish starts getting
into a bad mood, if you don't feed him," the
filmmaker sai

Waheeda Rehman: It’s sheer ecstasy, shooting wildlife–

with my camera when were outdoors amidst nature. The legendary Waheeda-jee fondly
CHAITANYA PADUKONE
Shooting nature and wildlife would blessed her ‘partner-in-camera-

I
conic charming veteran give me a sheer ecstatic creative joy. crime’ Roopkumar as he launched
Bollywood actress Waheeda You need lots of patience , alertness his coffee-table photo-book perfectly
Rehman known for her and a stroke of good luck to capture titled Wild Voyage.
memorable roles in numerous retro those rare candid moments .” The occasion was the opening
classic movies like Guide, Chaudhvin She continues,“Along with preview of Meraki, a group
Ka Chaand, Khaamoshi’and‘Teesri popular Bollywood playback singer photography classic exhibition at
Kasam’finally unveiled her secret Roopkumar Rathod we formed a Nine Fish Art Gallery in central
‘wild’ passion. small team and we would travel to Mumbai in the presence of photo-

T
hat of being an adept still-
photographer, who loves to
click nature and wildlife in
safari parks.
Speaking to this senior film
journalist, the dignified senior actress
Waheeda-ji said,“Hardly anyone
knew about my photo-clicking
hobby,, not even our legendary
movie cameraman V.K.Murthy-
saab.That’s because with my small
personal camera I would click mostly
various countries in East Africa like
Tanzania and Kenya and even to
Indian wild-life sanctuaries for our
shooting spree.
Maybe I may also consider
bringing out my image-collections
in the form of a coffee-table book,
in future, ” smiled the revered senior
actress-danseuse, as she indulged
in cheerful banter with her former
showbiz colleagues and close
buddies Asha Parekh and Helen.
safari ‘guru’ Himanshuu Sheth ,Urvi
Piramal, immensely talented young
photographers Puja Shah and U.S,-
based Natasha Sawhney ( grand-
niece of Waheeda).
Speaking exclusively to me,the
modest dance-icon Helen said that
she would refer to Waheeda-ji and
Roopkumar as the“‘Chuppa Rustom-
s’with extraordinary hidden talents--
being behind the camera and making
wild-life animals the silent stars”.
Discloses Rathod,“Whenever I
went for these ‘jungle-mein-mangal’
photo-shoot safaris, I had to request
show-organizers to re-schedule my
live concerts, during that period—
such was and is my passion,”who
along with his charming singer-
actress daughter Reewa and talented
singer wife Sunali personally
attended to all the celeb guests,
whom they had invited that evening
including actors Satish Shah with
wife Madhu, singer Hariharan,
famed multi-faceted restaurateur Dr.
Suhas Awchat with his wife Deepa
and film-maker Rakeysh O P Mehra .
The crowning glory for
Roopkumar’s coffee-table book is
that, the inspiring eloquent foreword
is written by superstar Amitabh
Bachchan, who has also blessed him.
 FEATURES

Beauty
22 Friday, December 13, 2019 The Indian Weekender

is ouch
FOZIA YUSUF

L
ately been talking to few of my girlfriends, and topic of
beauty comes up. Beauty has become so generic in this
day and age. When we start to think about it as girls we
go through so much. Just to not age and be adorable. Society has
pushed it and Men have desired it. So as women we have pushed
our limits and increased the boundaries of pain threshold. Will
look at a few beauty regimes we as women have adopted. Let’s
start with our basics.
can tolerate having a high pain threshold, but different parts of changes in skin Color, can cause scarring rarely but typically on
Waxing body have different sensitivity, like upper lip is more painful. the lower part of face. Heart, Kidney and liver Damage. Yikes
am stirring clear from this one.
Vampire Facial
Botox

W axing well known to women, for hair removal. Let’s face

it, it’s not much fun. Compared to shaving I will admit, it
removes hair from the roots and exfoliates skin. Unless you have
particularly sensitive skin. There are disadvantages to waxing, it
T he new kid on the block, do I really want to try this?
Taken the fashion industry by storm, after Kim Kardashian
explored this option. Let’s investigate this method, Vampire
can damage your skin, most waxes are not natural and contain
Facial also known as blood Facial or PRP Facial, involves blood

chemicals. The biggest issue I had with this it was painful and I
had to endure every 4 weeks. It doesn’t come cheap and leaves
a dent in your wallet, not a permanent solution for hair removal.
Laser Hair Removal
extraction of Clients arms and using a centrifuge to separate the
Platelets and plasma cells and then injecting them with needles
on face. Sounds Ouch right. You do have to ensure you are
getting a safe and sterile facial. So, make sure you look out for a
certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. I think I will stick with
more natural anti-aging process thank you.
Bee Venom Facial
B
otox also known as Botulinum Toxin used to help reduce
fine lines and wrinkles, how does it work you may ask it
paralyses the underlying muscle. Common side effect of this
muscle weakness where the medicine was injected. Trouble
swallowing for several month after treatment, muscle stiffness,
Dry mouth, drooping eyebrows, blurred vision, headache,
Tiredness.
Microblading

T ried and tested, at my first appointment I was told you will

need only 8 sessions and no more hair. Is this my magic
solution to waxing, I have been waiting for? Laser hair removal
works by heating the hair follicles, this puts the hair in dormancy
state for long time slows hair growth, hair grows back slower and
fewer. Laser hair removal doesn’t hurt as much as waxing. Feels
like tiny pin pricks. If you can’t handle the pain, you can ask to
increase the cooling. Verdict I am still going even after 8 sessions
not hair free but slow growth.
Threading to shape Eye Brows and hair
removal from lip area

S o, Bee Venom is anaphylactic, relaxes your face temporarily

natural Botox, improves circulation. It can make your face
appear more plum and firmer, reducing fine lines and wrinkle
appearance. So, what’s the harm you think. Ensure you are not
allergic to bees, not suitable for sensitive skin, Leaves a stinging
effect on skin. You may not be able to apply this to sensitive
areas of your skin unless you want to break down in tears.
Chemical Peels
C hemical peel technique is used to improve appearance of skin
I t’s a semi – permanent tattooing done to make eyebrows look
more fuller and lushes.
A small handheld tool made of several tiny needles is used to
add the pigment to the skin.
Apparently Micro Blading doesn’t hurt much as numbing
cream is applied to the surface of the skin. But if you are anxious
the scratching sound of blades will put you off. It is safe, you must
ensure blades are sterilized otherwise there is risk of infection.
In Saying so, we as women still like to explore options that
enhance us.
Not only to Impress others, but to also feel confident in

W
on body. A chemical solution is applied to the skin which
ell I opt to go for threading to shape my eyebrows and ourselves. As you look good you feel good.
causes skin to “blister” and peel off. New Skin is smoother. Side
upper lip. Reason threading differs as it targets the Author – Fozia Yusuf
Effects of this treatment are Redness of skin, Risk of infection, Photo Credits – Instagram
hair follicle and leaves the skin in place. Pain level I
 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 13, 2019 TIME OUT 23
CROSSWORD NO: 41 ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK'S QUESTIONS

SUDOKU NO:41

HITORI NO: 41
Hitori – a logic puzzle with very simple rules and challenging solutions. Can you eliminate
numbers until there are no duplicates in any row or column? Objective / Rules. Eliminate
numbers until there are no duplicates in any row or column. Eliminate numbers
by marking them in Black. You are not allowed to have two Black squares touching
horizontally or vertically (diagonally is ok). Any White square can be reached from any
other (i.e. they are connected).
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE NO: 40
See how many differences you can find in the right or left photo.
1. In the song “Frosty the Snowman,” what made Frosty
come to life? An old silk hat
2. What Christmas decoration was originally made from
strands of silver? Tinsel
3. Who played George Bailey in the Christmas classic
“It’s a Wonderful Life?” Jimmy Stewart
4. Per a recent holiday fad, what “spy” hides around
the house, reporting back to Santa on who has been
naughty and nice? The Elf on the Shelf
5. What Christmas beverage is also known as “milk
punch?” Eggnog
6. One of Santa’s reindeer shares a name with a famous
symbol of Valentine’s Day. Which reindeer is that?
Cupid
7. What Christmas-themed ballet premiered in Saint
Petersburg, Russia in 1892? The Nutcracker
8. In 1981, Bob and Doug McKenzie released their own
version of a classic Christmas song. Which song is
that? The Twelve Days of Christmas
9. What animated 2004 film is about a train that carries
kids to the North Pole on Christmas Eve? The Polar
Express
10. What much-reviled Christmas edible is known for its
long shelf life? Fruitcake
11. In Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” what was
Mr. Scrooge’s first name? Ebenezer
12. What Bing Crosby song is the best-selling single ever?
White Christmas
13. In the early 1800s, the first gingerbread houses were
reportedly inspired by what famous fairy tale? Hansel
and Gretel
14. “Miracle on 34th Street” centers on what real-life
department store? Macy’s
15. In the song “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,”
what “incriminating” evidence was found on
Grandma’s back? Claus marks
16. How many reindeer are featured in the poem “Twas the
Night Before Christmas?” Eight (no Rudolph!)
17. What traditional Christmas decoration is actually a
parasitic plant? Mistletoe
18. In “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” who played
Scrooge? Hint: It wasn’t a muppet. Michael Caine
19. What beverage company has been using Santa Claus in
its advertising since 1931? Coca-Cola
20. According to legend, what holiday goodies were
shaped to resemble a shepherd’s staff, as a way to
remind children of the shepherds who visited baby
Jesus? Candy canes
21. In the movie “A Christmas Story,” what was the
name of the next door neighbors whose dogs ate the
Christmas turkey? The Bumpuses
22. What figure from English folklore came to be
associated with Santa Claus? Father Christmas
23. In the 1964 classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed
Reindeer,” what was the name of Rudolph’s faithful
elf companion? Hermey
24. According to the folklore of Austria and other
countries, what horned figure punishes naughty
children at Christmastime? Krampus
25. In the TV special “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,”
what three words best describe the Grinch? Stink,
stank, stunk
26. What well-known Christmas carol became the first
song ever broadcast from space in 1965? Jingle Bells

Send us stories, drawings, poems and other contributions by your little ones along with their
photographs for this page. E-mail us at reporter@indianweekender.co.nz
 24 FEATURES
A
collection of recipes from Gujarati cuisine that are not just easy but also delicious to cook
and eat. If you are a lover of Gujarati food but don't know how to cook the cuisine, try
out recipes from this amazing list. Gujarati recipes are known for its hearty and flavourful
breakfast recipes.
Saragva nu lot valu shaak
(Drumsticks cooked in curd curry)
B atata Nu Rasa Valu Shaak is a traditional
Gujarati style potato curry often paired with
a Gujarati meal. It is a popular accompaniment
to rice, roti and puris.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 Drumstick, cut into pieces and steamed
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 3 Curry leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon Sesame seeds / Til seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon Cumin seeds / jeera
• 1/4 teaspoon Mustard seeds / rai
• 1/2 teaspoon Red chilli powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida (hing)
• 1/2 cup Curd
• 1/2 cup besan / gram flour
• Salt to taste
Method
• Make yogurt paste by combining yogurt
with gram flour, turmeric, asafoetida, red
chili powder and salt. Add 1.5 cup water and
Khaman Dhokla
D
hokla is one of the specialities of Gujarati
cuisine and is enjoyed as a snack. This
is an easy-to-make snack recipe that can
be prepared anytime and is best enjoyed
with tempered or pan-fried green chillies.
Ingredients
• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon refined oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 11/2 cup water
• 1 3/4 teaspoon lemon juice
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 15 curry leaves
• 1 teaspoon coconut powder
• For Garnishing
• 4 sliced green chilli
• 1 handful coriander leaves
Method
• To prepare this delicious Khaman Dhokla
recipe, take a glass bowl and add gram flour,
salt, water, lemon juice and baking soda
in it. Mix well all these ingredients. Allow
the batter to ferment for 1-2 hours. In the
meantime, pour boiled water in a steamer
and grease the utensil with oil.
• Pour the dhokla batter in the utensil and
cook on low flame for 15-20 minutes. Check
with knife after 15 minutes by inserting it
Rice flour khichu
C
raving for a lip-smacking recipe?
Try out Rice Flour Khichu, made
with boiled rice flour, green chilies,
cumin seeds and sesame seeds to give
you a brilliant combination of amazing
flavors. This Gujarati dish is delectable
and simultaneously very nutritious. If you
don't feel like cooking on a lazy monsoon
afternoon and want to eat something
How to make Rice Flour Khichu
healthy as well as nutritious then don't miss
out on this recipe.
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoon peanut oil
beat until thick lumpfree batter is prepared.
• Heat little oil and roast yogurt mixture. Stir
till mixture thickens.
• Add steamed drumsticks to mixture. Cover
and cook for few minutes. Adjust taste with
salt.
• Stir. Add seasoning / tadka made of hot
oil and fried mustard seeds, cumin seeds,
sesame seeds and curry leaves.
• Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve
Saragva (Shing) Nu Lotvalu Shaak along
with Phulka.
inside the dhokla. If the knife comes out
clean, remove it from the stove. Allow the
dish to cool and then cut into pieces.
• For the tempering, heat another pan with
oil in it over moderate flame. Once the oil
is sufficiently hot, add mustard seeds, curry
leaves and vertically sliced green chilli. Add
1/2 cup of water in the pan and allow it to
boil. On 2-3 boils, squeeze 1/2 lemon, add
sugar and green coriander leaves. If you
are someone who likes it spicy you can
add some finely chopped green chilies to
the top coating. You can also make Dhokla
sandwich by layer Dhokla and adding your
favourite sauce to it.
• Turn off the heat and pour the tempering on
the dhokla. Transfer the dish to a serving
bowl and serve it with green coriander
chutney. Khaman Dhokla is best enjoyed
when paired with Faafda and Jalebi. Try this
delicious snack recipe at home with your
family and friends.
• 2 1/4 cup rice flour
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoon finely chopped green chillies
• 1 ounce finely chopped spring onions • Now, add the rice flour and stir, as to
• salt as required
• 1/7 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 3 1/3 cup water
• Transfer Rice Flour Khichu in a serving
• To prepare this recipe, take a pan and
place it on medium flame. Add enough
water along with sesame seeds, cumin
seeds, chopped green chilies, baking
Friday, December 13, 2019 The Indian Weekender
Gujrati Recipes
Methi Ka Thepla
H
ow Flour kneaded with methi, ginger, • 1 tsp Sugar
chilies, herbs and yogurt and made into • To knead Yogurt
crisp paranthas. • As needed Water
Ingredients Method
• 2 Cups Atta • Take all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well.
• 2 Tbsp Oil • Knead the ingredients well with yogurt and
• 1 Tbsp Dried Methi some water.
• 2 tsp Salt • Make thin paranthas out of the dough.
• 2 tsp Ginger and Green Chillies (make paste) • Cook the paranthas from both sides, over
• 1 tsp Garlic high flame till greenish brown.
• 2 tsp Coriander Powder • Serve hot.
Trevti Dal
T
revti Dal is a delectable Gujarati recipe that can be a best wholesome dish if paired with roti,
chapati, naan, paratha, steamed rice and pulao. This scrumptious recipe is prepared using
moong dal, toor dal, chana dal and a melange of Indian spices which make this dish super
delicious and equally pleasing to your taste buds.
Ingredients
• 1 cup chana dal
• 1 cup toor daal
• salt as required
• refined oil as required
• 1 cup finely chopped tomato
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 1/2 dry red chili
• 1 cup moong dal
• 3 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon powdered
turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger paste
• 12 pinch asafoetida
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped
coriander leaves
Method
for few seconds.
• To make this recipe, take a bowl and add
• Next, add chopped tomatoes and stir the
chana dal, moong dal, toor dal. Wash them
mixture.
well and soak for one hour. Once done,
• Add red chili powder and saute again for
drain the water and transfer the lentils in a
another 3-4 minutes or until the tomatoes
pressure cooker.
becomes soft. Once done, transfer the
• Add turmeric powder and required amount
cooked lentils in the mixture along with
of water.
water and salt. Mix them well and simmered
• Pressure cook the dal for 5-7 whistles or
for 7 minutes.
until they becomes tender. Then, mash the
• Add lime juice and chopped coriander
lentil. Now, take a pan over medium flame
leaves. Stir for another few minutes and turn
and heat oil in it.
off the flame.
• Once heated, add cumin seeds, when it
• Your Trevti Dal is ready.
starts crackling add dry red chilli, asafoetida
• Serve hot with pulao or chapati.
powder, ginger and garlic paste. Saute them
soda and salt according to your taste
and boil the mixture for the next 10-12
minutes.
prevent any lumps. Cover the mixture
with a lid and let cook for another
two minutes. Add peanut oil and keep
stirring occasionally.
dish and enjoy. Normally, Khichu is
prepared with these simple ingredient
mentioned above but you can even add
vegetables and cashews as per your
choice.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 13, 2019
13 December – 19 December 2019 | By Manisha Koushik
ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20)
You will need to be more thorough in whatever
you are handling to avoid errors from creeping
in. Those out shopping need to look for bargains
or they may end up spending more than required.
An ailment may need care. A blame game ensuing
at home may leave a bad taste in mouth. Your
romantic aspirations are likely to be fulfilled in full
measure! A leisure trip can unexpectedly materialise and delight
you. Setting up a new house or buying something new for the house
is indicated. Lucky Number : 3 / Lucky Colour : Yellow
TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 20)
Chances of availing a break by undertaking a fun
trip cannot be ruled out for some. A property issue
is certain to be decided in your favour. You will
need to be better than rivals to come into the eyes
of superiors on the professional front. Financially,
you will need to come into the saving mode at
the earliest. You are likely to keep yourself
entertained by remaining socially active. Tensions cropping up on
the romantic front will subside, as you grow more tolerant towards
lover. Lucky Number : 6 / Lucky Colour : Lavender
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21)
You can be at your ingenious best at making
excuses for refusing money to someone.
Something said in jest on the romantic front may
offend lover. Don’t be in any sort of haste while
driving. You will be able to garner support and
resources for something you have undertaken
on the professional front. A changed mindset is
likely to make you more acceptable to others on the social front.
Avoiding excesses and focussing on health may become the key
factors in attaining total fitness. Lucky Number : 11 / Lucky
Colour : Deep sky blue
CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 20)
A deal that showed all signs of coming to you
threatens to peter out. Living beyond your means
may get you in the red on the financial front. An
ailment not attended to in time can cause problems.
Dilly-dallying may let a property deal slip out of
your hands. Remain available for those in need.
You may feel used on the social front by those
whom you hold dear and feel quite upset about it. Some problem or
the other may continue to bug you at work. Lucky Number :18 /
Lucky Colour : Cream
Manisha Koushik is a practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and
fengshui consultant based in India with a global presence through the online channels. She is
available for consultations online as well. E-mail her at support@askmanisha.com or contact at
+91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp: +91-9716145644 • www.askmanisha.com
LEO (JUL 21-AUG 20)
Betting or speculation may bring some into big
money. You will get the support you need on the
social front. A wedding in the family is likely
to be arranged. Romantic front may turn into a
mutual appreciation club between lover and you!
Don’t take health for granted. Your luck begins
to turn for the better. An unexpected career
move is possible that may bring you greater prosperity and mental
satisfaction. Growing prospects in a venture can turn your focus
totally towards it. Lucky Number : 6 / Lucky Colour : Coffee
VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 23)
Efforts will be needed by those trying to come
back in shape. An unsuitable mode of conveyance
may make the journey uncomfortable, but you
will be able to reach the destination anyhow!
Someone’s support will help in keeping your
confidence high. Luck favours those buying or
selling property. You may need to weigh the
pros and cons of an action that you contemplate at work. Lucky
Number : 17 / Lucky Colour : Dark Grey
LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23)
Changes envisaged on the home front are
likely to be initiated now. You may fail to
deliver something that is expected of you on
the professional front and fall from a superior’s
grace. Your efforts on the social front are likely
to come in for praise. Making your romantic
life lively and happening is on the cards and
promises lots of fun. A group travel is foreseen and will make the
journey interesting. Money earned by you may disappear due to
irresponsible spending. Lucky Number : 1 / Lucky Colour :Light
Red
SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22)
Romantic front may find you and lover pulling
in opposite directions. A ticket for a journey
may remain unconfirmed and give you a rough
time. You can get into a legal hassle regarding
a piece of ancestral property. Some of you can
make efforts to rub shoulders with celebrities
and who’s who on the social circuit. Ill health
threatens to keep you moody and irritable. Work piles up on the
professional front and may undermine your enthusiasm. A bad
financial move is possible and can result in losses. Lucky Number
: 9 / Lucky Colour : Pink
FEATURES 25
SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21)
An invitation may take you out of town for a
marriage or a function. You may have to be a bit
more assertive and aware of what is happening
around you at work. Although you are monetarily
comfortable, you will still choose to conserve
money. A prime property may come into your
name. Socially, this seems to be an excellent
week, when whatever you do is likely to be followed by others.
There seems to be a strong possibility of finding a suitable mate on
the romantic front. Lucky Number : 15 / Lucky Colour : Forest
Green
CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 21)
Financial prosperity is likely to follow closely
at your heels and keep you in a comfortable
situation. Your enthusiasm and gusto will be
much in evidence on the social front and may
prove infectious. Possibility of an office romance
cannot be ruled out. Good company is likely to
make a journey pleasurable. Don’t disclose your
cards to anyone. Things which seemed going
the wrong way at work will suddenly come out right. Your mental
prowess will help you take on the best on the professional front.
Lucky Number : 22 / Lucky Colour : Navy Blue
AQUARIUS (JAN 22-FEB 19)
Money is likely to come in dollops and add to your
wealth. Ailments are likely to disappear, as you
enter a healthy phase of life. Understanding and
love will make you feel closer to the one you love.
Avoid getting at loggerheads with someone over a
trivial issue. You are likely to have a time of your
life on the social front. Much fun is in store for
those on a vacation. Success on the professional front is a foregone
conclusion and will improve your career graph. Lucky Number :
11 / Lucky Colour : Deep sky blue
Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)
Spending time in seclusion and murmuring
sweet nothings is likely to be the highlight on
the romantic front. Enhancing fitness level may
become the sole aim of those in the sports arena.
Avoid delay in a journey by setting out early. Pend
decision regarding property for some more time.
A productive time is foreseen at work, which will
enable you to clear the backlog. Previous investments may start
giving handsome returns now. Attending a wedding or a function
is indicated and will help in expanding your social base. Lucky
Number : 15 / Lucky Colour : Sea Green

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26 FEATURES Friday, December 13, 2019 The Indian Weekender

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 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 13, 2019 FEATURES 27

PAPATOETOE –
prominent multicultural hub
SANDEEP SINGH

I
t would not be an exaggeration to say that
the very mention of the word Papatoetoe
evokes myriad of emotions. To those
who are still caught up in the time-capsule,
Papatoetoe is a mere suburb of the larger-area
commonly referred to as South Auckland.
For the remaining of us, who are slightly
more enlightened, inclusive, and imaginative
(as they refuse to see the world purely on the
basis of economic indices), Papatoetoe is one
of the prominent hubs of our vibrant, energetic,
lively and diverse multicultural communities.
Situated along with three other suburbs of
Otara, Mangere and Manurewa, that forms
the larger area of South Auckland – the region
that is known for its multicultural population,
primarily Polynesian and Maori – Papatoetoe is
the hub of the Kiwi-Indian population.
Over the years, this suburb has seen a
progressive development of so many things
within its realm with a distinct Indian-imprint,
be it – the Hunters Corner, the Papatoetoe High
School or the Papatoetoe Rotary Club – that
the suburb has become a worth claimant of the
popular and the prestigious title of Auckland’s
Little India.
Such is the concentration of the Indian centric
environment - in terms of the population,
businesses, particularly ethnic dresses,
jewellery and food, that at one stage the local
council and the city planners conceptualised to
develop the sprawling strip of Hunters Corner
living in the suburb has a strong sense of
as Auckland’s Little India.
attachment, as the chances are that amongst
Hunter’s Corner most of the members of the Kiwi-Indian
For many, Hunter’s Corner shopping centre community living in the area would have either
in Papatoetoe is the first port of call for buying their or their family’s children going to the
an ethnic Indian dress. Hunter’s corner is a school or have gone in the past. Or in many
prominent shopping complex of the suburb, cases, they have studied themselves in the
where out of probably 60 shops; about 40 are school.
exclusively of Indian clothing stores. According to some estimates of all students
The likes of Roopdarshan, Sona-Sansar going to the Papatoetoe High School, around 36
(Sakhi), Indian style, Namaste India, and many per cent are of the Indian-origin – a figure that
more have become the preferred destination for should bring an immense sense of pride for both
not only kiwi-Indian shoppers but for the wider the school and the Kiwi-Indian community.
communities who want to immerse themselves Befitting, the service being offered to the
in traditional Indian ethnic fashion style. Kiwi-Indian community, the Papatoetoe school
The broader shopping precinct that is located became the first school in the country to offer
on the Great South Road is a centre for ethnic Hindi as part of the curriculum in 2011.
Indian jewellery shops. Talking about the Hindi language in the
At the time of the traditional Indian festivals school, and within the wider communities, it
Papatoetoe High School and receives all Deepak Lane: The first street in Papatoetoe
such as Diwali, Rakshabandhan, and many is pertinent to acknowledge two organisations
resources from the school in its pursuit of Hindi with an Indian name
others, the area witnesses a shopping frenzy that have been playing a major role in not
language promotion. Indeed, there are many streets with typical
of enthusiastic shoppers of traditional Indian only Hindi language education, but also the
Indian name or Indian connections, but this
clothes, sweets, and other vestries that go preservation of the Hindi language - Hindi First Kiwi-Indian MP based in survey of the Papatoetoe area will be incomplete
along with celebratory events that can give Language and Culture Trust and Waitakere Papatoetoe without a mention of Deepak Lane – The first
any other global township with predominant Hindi Language School. An appreciation of the Indian-connection of street in Papatoetoe with an Indian name.
Indian-population, a run for money. Notably, While the Hindi Language and Culture this suburb will not be complete without the The Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board had in
according to the last census about 15 per cent Trust has been operational in this area for mention of first India born Kiwi-Indian MP 2017 named a new road, created by way of a
of all Kiwi-Indian population in New Zealand many decades (starting in 2003), the West of New Zealand parliament Kanwaljit Singh subdivision at 172 and 172A Portage Road in
lives in the Otara-Papatoetoe board area. based Waitakere Hindi School has recently Bakshi. Papatoetoe, as Deepak Lane.
Papatoetoe High School opened a new branch in the suburb signifying Papatoetoe deserves the credit of The gesture was termed as the board’s way
the growing demand for the Hindi language putting Kiwi-Indian community’s political
Papatoetoe High School is not any other of recognising the work other cultures have
learning and education. Notably, Hindi representation in New Zealand’s highest law-
ordinary high school of South Auckland; it is a contributed to the progress of the suburb.
Language and Culture Trust operates from making body – the parliament.
school with which the Kiwi-Indian population
28 NEW ZEALAND Friday, December 13, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Anita’s Beauty Studio brings

unmatched service in Papatoetoe
A
nita Bhola is a renowned name in the beauty
industry of Auckland and has also been featured
in the TV3’s special series on glamorous Indian
marriages, ‘Arranged’ in its first season.
Anita has over 18 years of experience
serving the women with her talent of
doing amazing makeup and makeovers,
especially women who prepare for
big parties and weddings.
“Even before coming to
New Zealand, I had a similar
profession in India which
came handy when she
arrived here in Auckland,”
Anita said.
Migrating from India
almost two decades
ago, Anita offered
her services from
home initially in
South Auckland; her
immense popularity
led her to expand her
business kicking her Anita garnered more attention hence and words about who are specialists in providing every kind of beauty
entrepreneurial goal by her work spread through to many in the community. service to our wide range of customers,” Anita added.
establishing a parlour Anita adding more experience and, an increasing number Anita, over the years, had made a good rapport with not
called ‘Ladies Corner’. of clients to her cart motivated her to take the business to just the Indian community but also with a number of Kiwi,
Anita also took a the next level- with more services for women and a one- Fiji Indian, Maori, and Tongan women who are regular to
professional course for a stop-shop in Papatoetoe. her store.
year at Manukau Institute of Earlier on December 8, Anita opened her state-of-the- “With this new beauty studio, we aim to expand our
Technology and got her laser art beauty salon in the heart of Papatoetoe called Anita’s services and our clientele serving everyone in the South
training as well. Beauty Studio with approximately 100 different services Auckland region,” Anita added.
In the first season of Arranged for women. The services start from haircutting to hair “With summers approaching and then we will have
on TV3, Anita featured as a makeup colouring, hair treatments, bleaching, manicure, pedicure, the wedding and festival seasons early next year- we
artist for three brides- one Muslim spa body treatment, makeup, facials, waxing, threading, are offering many packages and discounted rates for our
Fiji Indian and two Punjabi brides whose etc. services.”
makeup had to be done accordingly. “We offer such a range of services that no one will return For more details, people can visit 157 Great South Road
unserviced once at our doors- we have trained beauticians in Papatoetoe or call 09 279 5585 and 027 550 1968.

Services we Provide: Threading, Waxing,

Tint, Eyelashes, Facial, Manicure & Pedicure,
Bleaching, Spa Body Treatment, Makeup, Colour
& Blow Wave, Hair Treatments, Hair Cuts, Hair
Ups, Massages, Henna Tattoos

Phone: 09279 5585

Mobile 0275501968

www.anitasbeautystudio.co.nz
www.anitasbeautystudio.com.nz
Address:
Address:157
157 Great
Great South Road,Papatoetoe,
South Road, Papatoetoe,Auckland
Auckland2025
2025
 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 13, 2019 NEW ZEALAND 29

New Zealand is a growing

market for Mahindra Cars
G
lobal brand, Mahindra’s venture in
New Zealand promised a huge market
potential for the brand and it is growing
with more Mahindra vehicles on NZ roads.
From its humble beginnings producing
the Willys Jeep in the 1940s, Mahindra is now
famous for its rugged and reliable automobiles.
Mahindra is a US $20.7 billion multinational
group, with a presence in more than 100
countries and employing over 240,000 people,
spanning 20 key industries and 11 diverse
sectors (from Aerospace to Automotive, Farm
Equipment to I.T.)
“Since its genesis in 1945, Mahindra has been
connected to the world through partnerships,
growing presence in multiple geographies, a
diverse and multinational workforce.
Mahindra has significant shareholdings in
Mitsubishi Agricultural Machinery (Japan),
Peugeot Scooters (France), SsangYong Motor
(Korea), and in 2015 secured ownership of the
iconic Italian design company, Pininfarina.
Mahindra started as a legend!
In the late 1930’s with war fast approaching,
the U.S. Army gave 135 car makers the chance
to bid for their military contract. However,
due to a demanding features list and 6 week
deadline only two companies; Bantam and
Willys, made a bid.
With the Willys MB being the more powerful
of the two, they won the contract, and went into
production in 1941. The Jeep was regarded to
have modernised warfare, with Eisenhower
stating the allies “could not have won the war
without it”.
After WW2 the Jeep became a social icon,
and began to garner fierce loyalty among 4WD
enthusiasts.
Mahindra was awarded the contract to
produce Jeeps in 1947, and has been passionate
about improving and refining this hugely
capable off-roader ever since.
Visit www.mahindra.co.nz for more
information.

Coming soon to New Zealand

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30 FEATURES Friday, December 13, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Aspirations Early Learning Centre in the heart of Papatoetoe

A
spirations Early Learning Centre is owned by
an Auckland based couple and has an owner-
operated centre in Papatoetoe.
With complete qualifications, registration and over ten years
of industry experience in Early Childhood, the Centre has a
lot to offer.
“It has been the best journey in the last decade to be
a contributing factor in shaping futures and building a
strong base for so many Tamariki, who I have facilitated
in the past,” owner of Early Learning Centre, Hafiza
Pirani says.
“I have always been in a staunch believer of the
wonders this age group of children between the ages of
0-5yrs can do, and as a Kaiako, this becomes our prime
responsibility to be able to recognise those needs and
appropriately respond to the learning.
“Having my own child and seeing him develop and
grow in the same childcare as I would work in before, has
been my primary motivation behind being so passionate
about this profession.
"We are a beautiful family of three, which includes my
husband and our beautiful son, who is now 6-year-old
and attending primary school. We both are proud of him
and the way he has adjusted into a school environment
and that too with so much ease. We hold firm to our
values, ethics and beliefs which helps us stay alert, more
focused on our goals and having an efficient approach to
life; these are our principles that we live in as a family.
“What we shape today becomes the
future of tomorrow”
Our strong focus to increasing capabilities, building on
strengths, challenging ourselves, focus on literacy and
numeracy, bringing in structure and Robust Transition
to School Programme while keeping the Cultures alive
and inspiring Tamariki to enjoy their learning is what
Aspirations Early Learning Centre is all about.

What makes Aspirations a best place for your children

Providing your child a well – resourced inspiring Environment for their preschool education
• Brand New Purpose Built Centre • Planning for children includes
• Robust Transition To School Programme Literacy, numeracy and scientific concept
• Weekly Primary School Visits development in our children
• Multi Cultural environment – a place where • Loacted next to a Primary School in
all cultures are celebrated and respected Papatoetoe
• 100% Qualified teachers • Play based Learning
• Halal Food Provided • Reggio Approach – we encourage children
• Onsite trained chef who provides nutritious to learn from nature and respect our Nature
freshly cooked meals to children and help preserve it
• Opportunities to teach children to face • Aspirations Early Learning Centre- Where
large crowds and build in Self -confidence Dreams have no boundaries
• Spacious Outdoors
VISION
OUR
STATEMENT
op en.
Enrolments are now
‘At Aspirations Early
Learning Centre, we VALUES
envision an environment
We hold our o r fu rt h e r In fo rm a ti on or to make
F
sit the centre
where children are valued
values close p o in tm e n t to vi
and respected for
to our heart a n a p
10 or
please call 09-95047
their uniqueness and
individuality. Aspirations
)
0508 277 473(ASPIRE
value the need for a
well-resourced, safe and
inspiring environment,
where play and child-led
learning is at the
core.’

Address: 26 Cornwall Road, Papatoetoe Auckland 2025 | Email: info@aspirationselc.co.nz

 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 13, 2019
Health and Beauty
Skin Care: THESE are the reasons why bath
salts are great for your skin and health
Bath salts are increasingly being used in spas around the world. Ever wondered why?
T
he benefits of salt baths may date back
centuries, yet they are being discovered
newly by spas across the world.
They are increasingly used for their beauty,
healthy and therapeutic value.
These days bath salts are also readily
available at cosmetic stores and you can enjoy
its benefits even at home.
All you have to do is soak some bath salt in
a bucket of water and bathe with it once a day.
Bath salts are rich in macro and trace minerals
that are found in sea salt and even our bodies!
These salts are greatly beneficial to our
health, too.
Bath salts contain minerals such as
magnesium and potassium that can be drawn
into the bloodstream during a warm bath.
This eliminates toxins and balances the entire
body. Find out what other health benefits you
can avail by bathing in bath salts!
Heals skin ailments
T he minerals in bath salts can give you
healthy and youthful skin. The salt also
gets rid of impurities from the skin and restores
moisture levels in the skin. Bath salts are also
used to treat psoriasis, itchy skin and acne, and
prevent fungal infections of nails and skin.
Can help you sleep better
A warm salt bath relaxes your body, loosen
muscles and induces sleep. It is also known
to prevent the need to urinate during the night,
which helps you sleep without disturbance.
Boosts immunity
B
athing in bath salts exposes our body to
highly absorptive minerals that boost
increase our immunity against diseases
and infections Bath salts also have anti-
inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Bath
salts can also fight pathogens and kill harmful
microbes.
May alleviate chronic pain
B
ath salts can make chronic pain manageable.
Warm water baths can provide relief from
lower back pain and even rheumatoid arthritis.
Helps you relax and unwind
Bath salts can also promote mental well
FEATURES 31
being. Add a few drops of your favourite
essential oil to your bath. The soak will help
you relax and unwind after a long day of work.
The soothing aroma and warmth can wash off
the tiredness of a long day in no time!
DISCLAIMER: These tips and tricks are
advised based on research and easy accessibility.
However, it is always advised to consult a
doctor or to do a patch test before using them
to avoid allergic reactions. vised based on
research and easy accessibility. However, it is
always advised to consult a doctor or to do a
patch test before using them to avoid allergic
reactions.
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