The English Fortnightly (Since November 1999) Issue 455 | February 15, 2021 | Free

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Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards 2018 Multi-Ethnic staff from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Japan, Winner Tonga, Iraq, Samoa and China Supreme Business of the Year Business Excellence in Marketing Raj Pardeep Singh Shyama Sharma Best Employer of Choice Specialists in Sale and Purchase of Property & Business, Leases, Principal Partner Barrister and Solicitor Best Medium-Sized Business Employment Law, Criminal Law, Family Law, Wills & Trusts, Immigration LLB/BA (Hons.) LLB/MIT/B.Com LLB/ DBM/ BA( Hons) Ashima Singh, Winner of the email: [email protected] Law- all types of visas and appeals (Initial Consultation Free) E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Best Businesswoman of the year 2016 Ph: (09) 2799439 | Level-1, 31 East Tamaki Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland 2025 | PO Box 23445 Hunters Corner, Papatoetoe, Auckland 2155 | www.legalassociates.co.nz Robertson reveals key priorities in Budget 2021 Venkat Raman balanced and careful approach has Projections at the time of the Pre-election improved projections, Mr Robertson update in September showed net debt fforts to reduce employment said that the latest Crown accounts show falling from a peak of about 56% of GDP with increased job opportunities, the deficit in the first five months of this in 2024 to 48% of GDP in 2034. New pro- especially for women and youth, financial year was $1.9 billion smaller jections using Treasury’s Fiscal Strategy investment in more houses (or 30% better) than expected by the model today show net debt now at 36.5% Efor first-home buyers, reducing child Treasury. of GDP in 2034/35. That represents about poverty and continued efforts to contain “New projections out from the Treas- $60 billion less debt at the end of the Covid-19 are some of the highlights of ury today show continued improvement projection period than at the pre-election the New Zealand’s Budget for 2021-2022. in our fiscal position over time. update,” he said. Although it is early to predict the shape and form of the Budget (which is due for introduction to Parliament in May), Finance Minister Grant Robertson Changes to Responsible provided some indications at his Breakfast Speech at BNZ in Wellington Lending Code announced this morning. It was timed for the an- Finance Minister Grant Robertson at the BNZ Breakfast (TV One News) Supplied Content nouncement of the government’s Budget The sustainability of our housing stock projections for prices to fall, out of the Policy Statement announced today. will contribute to our Just Transition and water. “In fact, between June 2020 and he Ministry of Business, Five Wellbeing climate change goals and will greatly December 2020, the nationwide median Innovation and Employment Advisory Group, which includes rep- Budget Objectives influence in improve access to warm, house price rose by 17%, and remained (MBIE) has updated its guidance resentatives from the financial sector, He said that his government will to help lenders comply with their safe, dry and affordable housing, as will 19% higher than in December 2019,” he consumer advocates, academics and continue the concept of ‘Wellbeing physical and mental wellbeing. said. Tresponsible lending obligations. the Commerce Commission. It was Budget,’ and that it will cover four core General Manager (Commerce, “There is a crisis when it comes to House Price Index rises then released for public consultation objectives. They include the following: Consumers and Communications) James the housing situation right now in New The House Price Index of Real Estate and updated in response to feedback. Just Transition: Supporting the tran- Hartley said that the Ministry has made Zealand. In a sign of how economic fore- Institute of New Zealand was up 17% “I thank all those who have sition to a climate-resilient, sustainable changes to the ‘Responsible Lending casts have swung wildly during Covid, from a year ago – 9% in the final three provided input into the development and low-emissions economy while Code’ to comply with the Consumer midway through last year, economists months of the year. Rents, in compar- of the Code, and in particular the Credit Legislation introduced last year. building back from Covid-19 were lock-step in predicting that house ison, have remained relatively stable. Code Advisory Group who provided “The Code also contains updated Future of Work: Enabling all New prices will fall 5% to 10% over the next Two monthly measures of Statistics advice under very tight timeframes. guidance on working with borrowers Zealanders and New Zealand businesses We were working quickly to give year due to the pandemic downturn,” New Zealand for rental property prices, who have difficulties repaying their loan. to benefit from new technologies and lenders as much time as possible for he said. incorporating bonds lodged for rentals, During the first Covid-19 lockdown last lift productivity and wages through implementation,” he said. New measures coming were up 1.5% and 3.1% annually in year, lenders noted that the Code needed innovation, and support into employ- In perspective The government will announce December 2020. to provide them with greater clarity and ment those most affected by Covid-19, Most of the updated Code will a series of measures to address the Mr Robertson said that based on flexibility in relation to borrowers facing including women and young people come into effect on October 1, 2021, housing crisis, the first of which will be the advice received from the Treasury significant uncertainty. Changes to the Maori and Pacific: Lifting Maori and at the same time as the law changes the demand side measures which will and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Code include outlining what lenders it references. The new Chapter 12, Pacific incomes, skills and opportunities, come into force this month. We all know on tackling the housing prices, he will should do when people miss payments, which contains guidance on missed and combatting the impacts of Covid-19 that building more houses, particularly shortly present proposals, including exceed their credit limit, or experience payments and repayment difficulties, Child Wellbeing: Reducing child unforeseen financial hardship,” Mr affordable houses, is critical. But we also perhaps new regulatory framework to will come into force four months later. poverty and improving child wellbeing Hartley said. can do more to manage demand, particu- the State Cabinet. The updated Responsible Lending Physical and Mental Wellbeing: Other Changes larly from those who are speculating. “Anyone who tries to tell you that Code complements a suite of changes Supporting improved health outcomes The Code includes guidance on new Mr Roberton said that New Zealanders there is a single silver bullet for ad- the Government has made to protect for all New Zealanders and keeping legal requirements about (a) advertise- are seeing family members being crowd- dressing the housing crisis is not facing consumers from high-cost loans and Covid-19 out of our communities. ments, loans and other consumer credit ed out of the opportunity to purchase a reality (or is speaking from the safety of unaffordable debt. This includes Focus on Housing contracts (b) record-keeping require- home of their own by speculators and Opposition). What we know is that now changes in the Credit Contracts ments for lenders around how they check Mr Robertson said that Climate investors. is the time for bold action. The market Legislation Amendment Act requiring whether it is likely a loan is suitable and Change, Housing and Child Wellbeing “We want to tilt the balance more has moved quickly in a way that is not lenders to carry out income and affordable for a borrower and (c) helping are among the issues that challenge expense checks when considering towards first home buyers, while also sustainable. We have to confront some borrowers to make informed decisions New Zealand’s Wellbeing Objectives and whether to grant a top-up loan or incentivising more investment in the tough decisions, and we will do that,” he when taking on a new loan online. that Budget 2021 will focus on Housing, construction of homes. The effects of ris- said. increase a credit limit. since sustainability in this sector will Mr Hartley said that the Code was Source: Ministry of Business, ing demand for property by speculators Reducing public debt developed with input from the Code Innovation & Employment contribute towards the goals. and investors has blown those mid-year Stating that the government’s

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Vaccination is a key Empty vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 In its assessment of the Vaccine, disease Vaccine (AFP Photo) effectiveness and quality to guide next step in our ongoing response to the medicines regulator met with border officials, airline staff and the approval decision started in this virus. It is also a good point to the Medicine Assessment Advisory hotel workers will be among the first November 2020. recognise the incredible amount of Committee (MAAC) for six hours on to get the Vaccine,” she said. “The data was provided on a work New Zealanders have put in to February 2, 2021 to receive advice Ms Ardern encouraged all to get rolling basis, which streamlined the support our successful response to and recommendations. vaccinated and said that people assessment process and enabled a date,” he said. Mandatory compliance Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern: “Priority to timely approval without compromis- Previously, he said he was those at risk” (RNZ Picture by Dan Cook) could have confidence in the Vaccine In a statement, Medsafe said that and the process followed by Medsafe ing the rigour of the review of the confident that New Zealand would the MAAC supported the decision. to approve it. Vaccine. All the data is considered receive a Covid-19 Vaccine by the However, the provisions mean the Year of the Vaccine and then we complete a benefit end of March. company must meet 58 conditions “I have said 2021 is the year of the risk assessment, which allows us to “We will be ready to start that are placed on it. Vaccine. It is a full-year programme balance the benefits of the Vaccine vaccinating people as soon as a Medsafe group manager Chris that we have just begun. We are not against any known risks such as side Vaccine arrives, and at this time the James said that of these, 52 relate to in a race to be first, but to ensure effects,” he said. first Vaccine that we are expecting is requiring additional manufacturing safe and timely access to Vaccines Mr James said that there may Pfizer in this quarter,” he said. data from the company, for instance for all New Zealanders. Getting be some minor side effects such as Alternative Supplies as it upscales its manufacturing. vaccinated will save lives, and this a painful arm and headaches but Last week, Pfizer said in a State- “Six of the conditions relate to is the next job of the team of five these are not uncommon in other ment that it was on track to deliver additional clinical information such million,” she said. Vaccines. the first doses to New Zealand in as regular updates from clinical Covid-19 Response Minister “We also wanted to ensure that February, and committed to its trials, and ensuring we receive any Chris Hipkins said that following the Company can manufacture the agreement to supply 1.5m doses information on safety concerns from Medsafe’s approval, Health Ministry Vaccine to a high quality, and that all during 2021. around the world,” he said. Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield batches are consistent,” he said. If delays with Pfizer’s Vaccine (RNZ Photo by Dom Thomas) officials will advise the government Speaking at Waitangi, Prime about the ‘decision to use’ the Medsafe’s website includes more were to occur, New Zealand had Minister Jacinda Ardern said that Covid-19 will receive the Vaccine Vaccine. information on the Vaccine, includ- other Vaccines to fall back on, the Vaccine was expected to arrive first, with the broader community “This will essentially set out ing the medicine data sheet and Bloomfield said. New Zealand has in the first quarter of the year but accessing the Vaccine from the who are most suited to receive the full list of ingredients. Other details agreements with AstraZeneca, could not put a firm date. second half of the year. Subject Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine, such as age specifically tailored for consumers Novavax and Janssen as well for the Jacinda Ardern on who gets first to expected delivery of the first ranges. The first Pfizer-BioNTech will also be published. Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine. Once here, it would be “ready for batch of the Vaccine, we will start Vaccines are expected to arrive in New Chapter in counter-attack Australia approved the Pfizer use, ready for rollout,” with hotel vaccinating first our border workers New Zealand by the end of the first Director-General of Health Dr Ash- product last week. BioNTech and cleaners, security guards and border and the people with whom they live. quarter. Once vaccination of our ley Bloomfield said that the decision Pfizer this month raised their workers at the airport among those People such as cleaners, the nurses border workers starts, we expect it brought about a new chapter in New supply goal for this year to 2 billion at the front of the queue. who undertake health checks in to be completed within two to three Zealand’s response to the pandemic. doses, up from a previous aim of 1.3 “Those most at risk of getting MIQ, security staff, customs and weeks,” he said. “I want to reassure New Zealand- billion. Oppression and highhandedness erode democracy in India

Gurbrinder Aulakh rench Poet and Novelist Victor Hugo had once rightly said: “When dictatorship is a fact, revolution becomes a Fright.” Some of the recent developments and incidents in India suggest that the largest democracy in the world appears to be turning into dictatorship. With the four pillars of its democracy crumbling one by one, either by oppression or in servitude, Protestors at the Red Fort on January 26, 2021 (EPA Photo) the basic human rights of the common man are being trampled by the mighty and powerful. Sikhs hoist ‘Nishan Sahib,’ Sikh Religious Flag at Red Fort on January 26, 2021 (AP Photo) The Farm Laws introduced through Ordinances, circumventing said: “There comes a time when one The media that tried to expose the democratic process of debate must take a position that is neither this plotting, planning and con- in the two Houses of Parliament, or safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he spiracy are being picked up by the consultation with the stakeholders must take it because conscience tells Police and their whereabouts are on the ground, are currently the him it is right.” unknown. bone of contention between the The Flag Issue Unhappy developments government and the farming The incident of hoisting of the The Prime Minister has been busy community in India. Flag, with a religious symbol, speaking out his heart (Mann Ki Allegations and Responses appears to have been used to rake Baat) and feeding peacocks with his While the farmers have been up hatred and flare up communal hands, or tweeting about the inci- alleging that these laws have been tension, in line with the policy of dents in the US, rather than listening introduced to favour the corporate divide and rule. to the hands that feed the Nation. sector, the government has been as- It has been reported that Red Fort The Judiciary has been a mute serting that they are for the benefit is leased to a private proprietor and spectator, more concerned and and betterment of the farmers. that the Flag used was none other pre-occupied dealing with the Although some of the agron- than the one used by soldiers when important matters such as tweets omists have advocated for the defending the borders and worn against it by a lawyer, rather than diversification of the farming sector Farmers protesting on the road in Ghazipur near New Delhi (Getty Images by Prime Minister Narendra Modi safeguarding the human rights of to preserve ground water, others when he visited the Gurudwara the common man. have been dog’s whistles going out them. The wounds not only from Bangla Sahib (built in 1783) in Martin Luther King rightly said, have accused the government to its political cadre to oppose these these ill-conceived laws, but also of meddling with a State subject, Connaught Place, New Delhi. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to “anti-national” protestors. the wounds of losing their sons and The social media clips under Justice Everywhere.” Perhaps not without first providing guidance and Salting the wound brothers defending the country’s incentives to the farmers for a shift circulation show that the episode only the media around the world, At a time when representation borders. at the Red Fort and the subsequent but also each and every person with towards diversification. in the Defence Force is the highest The Indian Diaspora that came The way the government has violence was stage-managed conscience, will have to show some from the States of Punjab and out in support has been labelled as by vested interests to derail the concern and spine to expose this handled the situation is a cause of Haryana compared to all the other extremist leanings. However, those grave concern. On the one hand, peaceful agitation. The farm leaders injustice. states in India, calling the peacefully making such accusations should had no role at all in these events, Gurbrinder Aulakh was a lawyer at the the government has been holding protesting near and dear ones of know that inspiration in support of Punjab & Haryana High Court. He is now rounds of talks and negotiations rather they have been calling for an these soldiers, as anti-nationals, is the farmers has been driven by con- independent enquiry to unearth the a Barrister & Solicitor of the High Court with the leaders of the protesting rubbing salt on the wounds of all of science. As Martin Luther King once of New Zealand. The views expressed in farmers, while on the other, there truth and culprits. the above article are his own. FEBRUARY 15, 2021 Homelink 03 New lifestyle homes changing landscape of Auckland Venkat Raman experience in China and are known for innovation and new technology n extensive and yet in the construction sector, we believe affordable range of multiple in working with the people who live apartment blocks and and work around us if we want to townhouses coming up in be part of the local community,” he AWiri, Manukau is changing the living said. style of Aucklanders, providing a The decision has led to closer work- part solution to housing shortage in ing relationship with regulatory bod- the country’s largest city. ies such as Auckland Council, Land Auckland Mayor Phil Goff told Information New Zealand (LINZ), Indian Newslink that the Auckland Auckland Transport, Watercare and Council has largely reduced the time Vector. “Understanding the rules taken to provide resource consent to around compliance has been a learn- housing projects. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff handing over the key of the apartment to An artist’s impression of a section of the Pacific Gardens (from Website) ing curve made easier for Changda “We have given consent to more Yunesh Pakharel, watched by his wife Ashmeeta, their daughter and Yan Sun (Picture Supplied) NZ through its relationships with its than 16,000 dwellings in 2020, which local partners and contractors. ovens, cook tops, rangehoods and apartments, a hotel and more than of the properties will be townhouses, is the highest number in a year. About Changda International NZ: dishwashers and Englefield taps and 8000 Sq m of commercial space. in keeping with the market trend. That is also more than the consents Changda International New shower mixers. The privately funded subdivision Construction under Stages 2 and 3 given from 2009 to 2012, all the four Zealand was established in 2013 as The cost of the Jasmine Apart- features community green will be undertaken over the next years combined,” he said on Friday, a subsidiary of Weifang Changda ments range from $350,000 for a spaces, pocket parks for families four years,” he said. February 5, 2021. Construction Group. Founded in Studio, $594,000 (two bedrooms) and and walkways connecting the wider To date Pacific Gardens has com- Multiethnic community living 1949, the Group is today rated as $678,000 (three-bedroom) terraced neighbourhood. The plan also allows pleted 65 properties (21 apartments He was speaking after participat- one of the top 100 competitive con- homes. All these have been sold. for a hotel. and 44 townhouses), which have all ing in a brief ceremony at Pacific struction enterprises in China. It has A major selling point for Pacific The project is being constructed by been sold or settled. It is about to Gardens in Wiri, Manukau, where more than 3000 direct employees Gardens is its location right next Changda International, a subsidiary start another 103 townhouses, which 3000 homes with several other and an annual turnover of more to the White-Water Park, with of Weifang Chanda Construction will be built over the next two years facilities are coming up in stages. than NZ$3.4 billion. It is involved in ready access to motorways, public Group, rated as one of the top 100 with a total estimated cost of $45 The ceremony included the hand- residential, commercial, industrial transport, the airport, schools and competitive construction companies million. ing over the key to a two-bedroom and infrastructure projects. universities, Manukau Shopping in China. “The community is already apartment owned by Nepalese cou- The Group is also at the forefront Centre and parks and gardens. Pacific Gardens General Manager truly cosmopolitan, reflecting the ple Yunesh and Ashmeeta Adhikar of developing new technology for “Auckland still faces a significant Yan (Sam) Sun told Indian Newslink 2021 heartbeat of Auckland. In the Pakharel. the construction sector. It has won housing challenge, with global that the demand for houses is high Jasmine Apartments alone there is a Mr Goff accompanied the couple numerous national science and uncertainty, low interest rates and and that the current phase is sold multitude of ethnicities with people and their 17-month-old daughter as technology awards for innovation, the removal of loan-to-value ratio out. from Nepal, Fiji, India, China, Hong they moved into their new home, with a reputation for quality design restrictions continuing to push up Three stages of development Kong, Malaysia, South Africa and the to become a part of a growing and construction. house prices. But projects such as “Pacific Gardens is being constructed Middle East,” Mr Sun said. multi-ethnic ‘Community City.’ Changda International teamed Pacific Gardens are an answer to ad- in three stages. The First Stage Integrating into the market The Pakharel couple are first with some of New Zealand’s top dress the challenge. We will do our accounts for development in four Mr Sun said that Changda homebuyers of a two-bedroom talent in the urban planning, best to facilitate such developments,” phases- Stage 1A, 1B, IC and ID. We Construction decided to integrate apartment on the second floor of architecture and engineering Mr Goff said. have completed the first three; and into the New Zealand construction Jasmine Apartments within Pacific space, including ASC architecture, About Pacific Gardens buildings under Stage 1D, compris- market, using local talent to design, Gardens, which will eventually have Re-Imagine and Beca, when it started Pacific Gardens is being developed ing 103 Townhouses will start soon. build and sell the Pacific Gardens 1200 houses. the project in 2018. Modern fittings and fixtures on a 9.45 hectare (about 23.47 While all the stages will contain homes. All homes include Fisher & Paykel acres) of land including lifestyle multi-apartment blocks, a majority “While we have many years of

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Failing the Resource Management urban design will be pursued.” select committee inquiry will consid- to do so will only put communities Act (RMA) and replace it The RMA has long been blamed er a draft version from mid-year. and livelihoods at risk and store with three new pieces of for putting a brake on housing This will include the “most im- up problems for the future. We are Tlegislation. development. portant elements of the legislation,” already working on New Zealand’s During the last term, Environment Better Coordination for progress including the replacement of Part 2 of first National Adaptation Plan, which Minister David Parker ordered a Mr Parker said that the new laws the RMA, Mr Parker said. will be informed by last year’s risk review saying that the 30-year-old would address that “by improving “I expect that the complete NBA assessment and set out our long-term law was “too costly, takes too long, how central and local government and the SPA will be formally intro- approach to adapting to the effects and has not adequately protected the plan for housing and urban develop- duced into Parliament by the end of of climate change. Today we have environment.” ment.” 2021, with the NBA passed by the end announced that we will also progress The plan announced today is “This includes better coordination of 2022,” he said. legislation to provide a framework broadly in line with the findings of of future infrastructure with land use, Working with Maori that can support local councils and the Independent Review Panel, led by development and urban growth,” he And he said the government was communities in how they adapt to retired Court of Appeal Judge Tony said. working with a collective of pan climate change,” he said. Randerson QC, which recommended The NBA would be the main law Maori entities on key elements of The government needs to show a “completely different approach, to replace the RMA; it will include a the NBA including the strengthened more urgency and commitment if while also incorporating some of “mandatory set of national policies recognition of tikanga Maori and it ever wants to make meaningful the key principles of the previous and standards to support the natural Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and local strides towards solving the housing legislation.” Environment Minister David Parker (RNZ Photo by Dom Thomas) environmental limits, outcomes and government. shortage and getting wins for the Three New Acts targets specified in the new law,” Mr Opposition Leader Judith Collins environment. The three new Acts will be (1) was said to have “led to increasing Parker said. offered the government an olive National Party not happy Natural and Built Environments Act difficulty in providing affordable He said this will be incorporated in- branch of working constructively National’s spokesperson for Hous- (NBA) to provide for land use and housing, worsening traffic conges- to combined regional plans prepared to overhaul the system, but as of ing and RMA Reform Nicola Willis environmental regulation (2) Stra- tion, greater pollution and reduced by local and central government and February 9, 2021, had not heard from said that first-home buyers will be tegic Planning Act (SPA) to integrate productivity.” mana whenua. the Minister. disappointed the government is not with other legislation relevant to Improving Natural Environment “The existing 100-plus RMA Council Mr Parker said that he had not yet moving fast to make house building development and require long-term Labour campaigned on repealing planning documents will be reduced talked to National because “they are easier. regional spatial strategies (3) Climate and replacing the RMA, and Mr to about 14.” not the government.” “House prices have risen more Change Adaptation Act (CAA) to Parker said that the new law would The Strategic Planning Act will But he said he did intend to “reach than 40% since Labour came to address complex issues associated “improve the natural environment, “integrate functions under the RMA, out” and had had some initial discus- office, yet it has shown no urgency with managed retreat and funding enable more development within Local Government Act 2002, Land sions with National’s Environment when it comes to making it easier to and financing adaptation. environmental limits, provide Transport Management Act 2003 Spokesperson Scott Simpson at build houses in this country. National The Randerson Review highlighted an effective role for Maori, and and the Climate Change Response Waitangi. has offered to work with Labour “the significant pressure the country’s improve housing supply and Act 2002 to enable clearer and Working with the Opposition on emergency legislation, much natural environment is under” and affordability.” more efficient decision-making and Mr Shaw said that addressing like the special powers used in the “the way we use land and water has “Planning processes will be investment,” he said. the climate emergency required Christchurch rebuild, which would proved to be unsustainable for the simplified and costs and times “New spatial strategies will enable an across-the-board approach that accelerate house building nation- natural environment”. reduced,” he said. regions to plan for the wellbeing of included both emissions reductions wide,” she said. “Freshwater, coastal and Other “key changes” include future generations, ensuring develop- and building community resilience - marine environments are in “serious “stronger national direction and ment and infrastructure occurs in the both of which were priorities for the decline” and “biodiversity is under one single combined plan per Jane Patterson is the Political Editor at right places at the right times.” government. Radio New Zealand. The above story has significant threat”, it said. region,” the minister said. Climate Change Minister James “It was clear from New Zealand’s been published under a Special Agreement Poorly managed urban growth “And there will be more focus on Shaw will be responsible for the first ever National Climate Change with www.rnz.co.mz

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Mortgage services Insurance Home loans Life, Trauma Call us today Construction loans Medical/Health 0800 21 22 23 Refinances and restructures General Ground Floor Top ups & debt consolidation Business 86 Highbrook Drive Commercial & Business loans Income Protection Highbrook FEBRUARY 15, 2021 Homelink 05 Matariki Public Holiday from next year June 24, 2022 will be the Among the members of first says Jacinda Ardern the Matariki Advisory Group Staff Reporter are Professor Rangianehu Matamua (Chair), Hoturoa rime Minister Jacinda Barclay-Kerr, Rereata Maki- Ardern has announced ha, Victoria Campbell, Dr the date of the inau- Pauline Harris, Dr Ruakere gural Matariki Public Hond and Jack Thatcher. PHoliday. Mr Davis said that the Nga Mata o Te Ariki, Group will ensure that more commonly known as Matauranga Maori is at the Matariki, will be celebrated forefront of decision-making on Friday, June 24 next year. about the public holiday. The 2022 date was advised by Acknowledging regional the Matariki Advisory Group. differences The government has also Professor Matamua asked the Matariki Advisory Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said, “The members are Group to advise on future announcing Matariki Holiday at recognised experts in Te dates, as the exact timing of Waitangi on February 4, 2021 Ao Maori and Matauranga (TVNZ Screenshot) Matariki shifts each year, but associated with Matariki these are expected to always stars (Pleiades) that rises and the Maramataka. Iwi fall on a Monday or Friday. in mid-winter, marking the mark the start of the Maori Ms Ardern said that start of the Māori New Year. New Year in different ways Matariki will be a distinctly “The reappearance of the around the country, so it is New Zealand holiday; a time Matariki Stars in our sky important that this Holiday for reflection and celebration, each year marks the begin- acknowledges those regional and our first public holiday ning of a New Year, and in differences,” said that recognises Te Ao Maori. recent years has become a Workplace Relations and “It is great to have the date time of celebration not just Safety Minister Michael locked in for next year. This for Maori, but also for many Wood said: “Matariki will will be a day to acknowledge people across Aotearoa,” help our tourism sector, as our nation’s unique, shared Maori Crown Relations Kiwis plan more mid-winter identity, and the importance Minister Kelvin Davis said. getaways, and once the of tikanga Maori. It is going He said that since the borders reopen, it will give to be something very special, date of Matariki changes businesses a uniquely New and something uniquely New each year depending on Zealand holiday experience Zealand. It will also break the appearance of Pleiades to market to the world. The up the lag between public in the sky, the government Advisory Group will now holidays that currently exists established a Matariki work on recommended dates between Queen’s Birthday in Advisory Group to provide for the next 30 years to give early June and Labour Day advice on future dates of businesses and communities’ in late October,” she said, the public holiday, how it certainty,” he said. speaking at Waitangi Day should be celebrated and to Legislation will be celebrations. support the development introduced later this year to About Matariki and Adviso- of resources to educate the amend the Holidays Act and ry Group public on Matariki and the add in the additional Public Matariki is a cluster of celebrations. Holiday.

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Start February. Apply now. manukau.ac.nz MKT245_5g22 06 Educationlink FEBRUARY 15, 2021 Leaders speak about Waitangi and everything to what the sleep routine is at that her ambition, despite how big the from Ms Ardern in the lead-up to time,” she said. challenges were. Waitangi Day was to smooth the way Raw Optimism “The clouds, the things that hang for Maori wards in Local Councils. The Dawn Service at Te Whare over, those things are still there. I Ms Collins said that the National Runanga at Waitangi was noticeably do not for a moment shy away from caucus had not discussed the issue to smaller than usual due to Covid, the need to continue to progress... form a position. Jane Patterson with about 2000-3000 people pres- equally for us it is not sufficient, we But if legislation was passed under rime Minister Jacinda Ardern ent. must keep going,” Ms Ardern said. urgency, National would oppose it, said that she is “totally open” Ms Ardern said that enthusiasm Partnership in Housing she said. about going to Te Tii Marae over the event was undiminished, On housing, she said that she “We are concerned about any Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern being welcomed with some New Zealanders visiting had spoken with Iwi leaders about changes to local democracy without on Waitangi Day next year. with a Powhiri at Te Whare Runanga on PSpeaking on the Treaty Grounds for the first time. the potential to partner with the those going to the people themselves February 4, 2021. (RNZ Photo by Jogai Bhatt) after the dawn service today, she “Here on the Grounds, a fantastic Crown, which has the access to the to look at... the government did not said that she would be guided by environment and increasingly the infrastructure that would be needed. campaign on this at the last election. the Waitangi Trust “on behalf of all lead-up to Waitangi Day is being “How do we find in those high If it is in urgency, we will definitely parliamentarians.” used as a chance for good, robust needs areas that arrangement where not support it, it is the wrong thing to Prime Minister stay away debate...and that how it should be,” we can make the use of Maori land do... it’s a quasi- constitutional issue,” “One of the things I think we have she said. where it is available and where it is she said. all enjoyed is the fact that when we There was a sense of “raw on offer to partner with the Crown Winston Peters ruled out as GG come onto the Upper Marae we do optimism” at Waitangi, she said, to provide housing in high need Ms Ardern poured cold water on it as MPs together, so not that Party about what the Crown and iwi could areas for whanau,” she said. the suggestion that New Zealand political approach and I think that is achieve together. When asked if it was time for New First Leader and former Deputy a good thing,” she said. Jacinda Ardern: “All the issues are covered in Foundational Change Zealand to have its first Maori Prime Prime Minister Winston Peters could Since becoming Prime Minister, my speech” (RNZ Photo by Jogai Bhatt) Speaking to RNZ, she said that her Minister, Ms Ardern said there be the next Governor General. she has not been welcomed onto Te change in language from “transfor- should be such representation at Peters, who usually has a Tii Marae. mational” to “foundational” was not every level, “including this role”. prominent presence at Waitangi In 2016, then Prime Minister, an attempt to dampen expectations Judith Collins on Constitution celebrations, has kept a very low National’s John Key refused to go on about improving life for Maori. Collins was among the dignitaries public profile since his election loss at the last minute, after questions “For me it was not a switch, all at the Dawn Service. last year. about whether he would be of the issues that we have always Speaking to RNZ afterwards, she When Ms Ardern was asked if she welcome and able to speak. talked about were still present in my said that she did not see the need for would endorse him as Governor He told RNZ at the time that he speech; housing, unemployment, a written Constitution, as the current General, she said that it was her would attend only under “condi- issues with our justice system- all arrangements were enduring. view that the position should not be tions of equity and fairness,” and he still there. For me it was just The Treaty was part of what she held by past politicians. did not return for the remainder of Judith Collins does not want to rush through acknowledging that some of the described as a set of constitutional “It has only happened once in our his tenure. Maori Wards in local Councils; with Dr Shane works we are doing about policies documents and “understandings,” history and at the time it was quite Reti and Nicola Willis in a moment in time, they are about which serve New Zealand well. controversial, I would rather remove Ms Ardern has attended Waitangi (RNZ Photo by Siobhan Wilson) each year but all of the formal things that can create long-term “I sometimes look at countries that controversy and there is any events have been at the Marae on a question of whether they will be change and lay the foundations with extremely beautifully written number of fabulous candidates. That the Treaty Grounds. able to return remains. for the next generation to really Constitutions protecting everyone is not about one person, that is just Labour’s Maori MPs were If she did go to Te Tii, any decision have a start in understanding our from everything run by dictators, a general position,” a view she said welcomed onto Te Tii Marae for the about whether she would take relationship and understanding the who actually imprison anybody who she had long held. first time in four years to fulfil the her daughter Neve would be “like treaty which perhaps some of us says anything other than what they “From me, it is a no to any past, wish of the late and staunch Labour every other parent, whether or not didn’t have,” she said. want,” she said. central government politician,” she supporter Rudy Taylor; however, Neve comes with me is often down She said that she had never lost One of the announcements said. Opportunity to learn history Private conversation can achieve more than online rage of battles and migration perceived slight. RNZ Wellington This is quite a mild example of a much bigger problem chool students will be within the social media and taught about the early news media eco-system. We battles and migration know that the script all too which shaped their Tim Wilson well: public accusation, ampli- Sregion as part of a new fication, pile-on, apology. History curriculum to be ate last year, fashion Sadly, Cooper’s apology does rolled out next year. designer Trelise not address the fundamental Officials have been Cooper was accused of problems with this kind of devising the draft curric- perpetrating “Colonial culture of public shaming. It ulum - published online Battles from the New Zealand Wars may be included in the new history LViolence in Floral Polyester.” diverts the online heat and today - since 2019 when the curriculum (File Image by Ana Tovey for RNZ) Cooper had named a tiered headlines away from the dress with a trailing hem: government announced Photo by Engin Akyurt on Unsplash target...but the direct result Aotearoa history would be past has shaped who we are. “Trail of Tiers.” magnifies the appeal of the taught in all schools and The Ministry of Education Unfortunately, that sounds Had Trelise Cooper released technique. kura by 2022. will roll out a range of a lot like ‘Trail of Tears,’ a a “Parihaka Party” dress, that Righteous indignation The subject will be made resources to support schools series of forced death marches would be outrageous. Anger comes from a natural compulsory up to Year 10 to teach the updated content, Native American tribes were New Zealanders should moral desire to end injus- and as an option from Year Mr Hipkins said. sent on by the US Government reasonably be expected to tice—a righteous indignation. 11. He said that the Ministry between 1830-1850. know our own history, and It is right to want to bring an Education Minister Chris consulted teachers, academ- A New Zealand academic, where racial insensitivity end to wrongs like racial injus- Hipkins urged New Zealand- ics, iwi, and community Professor Joanna Kidman, and injustice exists it should tice and for people to not want ers to check out the content groups in designing the discovered the dress online, be challenged. But everyone to perpetuate insensitivity. But and provide feedback before curriculum, including an and posted “I guess it is cool to cannot be expected to know how righteous is it to inciner- it was finalised. independent expert advisory be ironic about genocide” on everything. Once, as a social ate someone publicly when Education Minister Chris Hipkins Lessons across regions group convened by the Royal Twitter. experiment for television, I you do not know whether they “In practice, learners stories of Pacific migration Society Te Aparangi. Twitter produced headlines; spent the day asking random are erring deliberately? across New Zealand will to the area, including when The lessons were tested in Trelise Cooper swiftly people to name the Leader of Embarrassing, shaming, and explore the stories that are and how people came to a small number of schools apologised. the Opposition. Most had no terrorising un-knowing people unique to us. In Te Tai To- the city and the reasons for and kura late last year. Trelise Cooper apologises idea. into submission may be the kerau, for example, I know coming such as work and Overarching Themes Trelise Cooper did not know Intent matters road to clickbait, but it is not people will be interested in education. They could also The reset will include sev- about the American Trail of Also, intent matters. We the road to growth and mutual learning about the battle that explore how Pacific people en overarching themes. They Tears. know this from disciplining understanding. took place in Ruapekapeka have influenced the culture are (a) The arrival of Maori to “The mistake was made our children. If Tommy meant Perhaps Professor Kidman during the Northern Wars in of Porirua,” he said. Aotearoa (b) First encounters out of ignorance,” she wrote to hit Sally, he goes to time could have contacted Ms Coop- the 1800s,” he said. Currently, history is taught and early colonial history in her apology. Use of “igno- out. If he did not, we would er directly before the Twitter “In Waikato, Akonga may as part of the Social Sciences of Aotearoa (c) Te Tiriti o rance” suggests she should encourage him to be careful maelstrom. They might have learn about the invasion of subject, but the framework Waitangi and its history (d) have known more about U.S. and show compassion, but he had a private conversation. If Waikato led by Governor does not dictate what or Colonisation of, and immigra- history. is not reprimanded the same that approach does not work George Grey and the impli- how certain issues would be tion to, Aotearoa, including Why? The event occurred way. out, then public pressure could cations this had for people taught. the New Zealand Wars (e) in another country. In the So what was Trelise Cooper be the next step. living in the region. In Otago, Waterhead Moment The evolving national iden- US, they are still struggling guilty of, actually? We need more authenticity they may delve deeper “The shift in approach tity in the late 19th and early to teach the topic properly She was “guilty” of using in our discussions of these into the region’s Maori and would be a ‘watershed mo- 20th Centuries (f) The role of to high school students. We a sound-alike phrase that issues, not less. And we do not Chinese heritage and how ment’ for New Zealanders Aotearoa in the Pacific and have only just mandated our accurately described her need performances of outrage, it has helped shape the area and that it will provide (g) Aotearoa in the late 20th own curriculum about New own design. The person who or apology. We can do better. into what it is today, while in opportunities to learn about century and the evolution Zealand history. Ignorance found this and made the Let’s give the real thing a try. Northland they may explore history from a local, regional of a national identity with implies an uncommon lack of connection didn’t contact the Māori histories and early and national perspective cultural plurality awareness. fashion label directly; instead Croatian stories. In Porirua, and will help students get a Not knowing something is posting derisively on social Tim Wilson is Executive Director stronger sense of how the Published under a Special Agree- of Maximum Institute based in learners may explore the ment with www.rnz.co.nz quite different. media, directing others to the Auckland. FEBRUARY 15, 2021 Educationlink 07 Climate Change Commission Report open for public consultation Consultation open until carbon emissions and reduce biogenic methane; but when I look at the stra- March 14, 2021 tegic policy direction the Commission has set out, I am more confident than Venkat Raman I have ever been that it can be done. he Climate Change Commis- And the opportunity ahead of us looks sion has revealed its Roadmap to be huge. A strong, inclusive, and cli- for meeting New Zealand’s mate-friendly economy that supports Emission Reduction targets, our recovery from Covid, creates new Tsaying that it is achievable and achievable,” she said. jobs, and encourages innovation,” he affordable. Significant milestone said. Public consultation opens tomor- Climate Change Minister James Leading by example row-February 1, 2021. It will conclude Shaw said that the release of the According to Mr Shaw, if New Zea- on March 14, 2021, after which it will Draft Advice is a significant mile- land acts now, it can join other leading take the next steps to implement the stone in the Government’s response developed countries to set an example recommendations. to the climate emergency. to the rest of the world and show About the Commission “During our last term in what can be done – the transition to a The Commission has proposed government, we put in place a bold net-zero carbon economy in a way that the first three five-year emissions legislative framework to create a gives people good job opportunities budgets. It has also advised that New climate-friendly, prosperous future and certainty about how they will Zealand’s Nationally Determined for New Zealand. The Commission provide for their families. Contribution under the Paris Agree- has now provided Draft Advice on Mr Shaw said that he is keen to hear ment would need to be strengthened how best to do that,” he said. public opinion in response to the Draft in order to be compatible with global Mr Shaw cited two factors that Advice and then working with his efforts to limit temperature rise to were highlighted by the Commis- colleagues across government to build Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaking on Climate Change Emergency in Parliament on sion. They included (a) action across a low carbon future for Aotearoa. 1.5°C. December 2, 2020 (Picture for New Zealand Herald by Mark Mitchell) The Draft Advice is now open for all sectors of the economy and (b) “I would like to take this opportunity consultation until March 14, 2021. meeting the targets is affordable to thank the Commission for their hard Final advice will be released before and possible with the existing work, analytical honesty and rigour. May 31, 2021. Thereafter, the govern- technology. What they have achieved will have a ment will respond with an Emissions “There are a series of choices lasting impact on the type of planet our Reduction Plan before the end of that should be taken at a Cabinet children inherit from us,” he said. the year, which will set out how the level about how we reach net-zero first three emissions budgets will be achieved. Emphasis on public consultation Commission Chair Dr Rod Carr New Zealand authors Climate Change Commission Chair Dr Rod Climate Change Minister James Shaw said that the Advice is ambitious but Carr (Picture from Commission website) ((RNZ Photo by Samuel Rillstone) realistic and makes a clear case to invited for 2021 payments government for taking immediate and 4. Most households would see on decarbonisation and reducing decisive action on Climate Change. a reduction in their energy bills emissions rather than overly relying Registration closes on As a country, we need transfor- 5. Action is needed across all on forestry. March 1, 2021 mational and lasting change to meet sectors of the economy, with a par- “The government is also committed our targets and ensure a thriving ticular focus on transport, agriculture to improving our Nationally Deter- Venkat Raman Aotearoa for future generations. The and energy mined Contribution (NDC) in order to he National Libraries of good news is that our analysis shows New economic opportunities meet our obligations under the Paris New Zealand, which is a copies of a Title in New Zealand that there are technically achievable, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Agreement. part of the Department Libraries and must register between economically affordable and socially that the Emission Reduction targets She said that her government had of Internal Affairs has for January 1 and March 1 every year. acceptable paths for Aotearoa to take,” will create new economic opportuni- asked the Commission to review our Tcalled for applications under its Authors must re-register every year he said. ties and reduce most household bills. NDC commitments, as they were ‘Public Lending Right Scheme’ for even if they do not have new books,” Mr Carr urged the government to “Reaching our emissions reduction originally made in 2015. 2021. she said. move faster and support business, targets by 2050 is both achievable “Since that time we have stepped Registrations are now open but The eligibility criteria agriculture and community to do the and affordable according to the up our ambition as a nation and close on March 1, 2021. The scheme makes payments for same. Commission’s advice,” she said. asked the Commission if our NDCs National Librarian Rachel Esson books published by 1 January of the “The Commission has spent the last She said that during the previous are in line with our commitment said that that the National Library registration year and doesn’t include year working on what is now the most term, her government had set to limit global warming to 1.5°. The of New Zealand makes payments eBooks or audiobooks. comprehensive strategy Aotearoa long-lived gases and methane targets Commission confirmed that they are to New Zealand authors, illustra- Adult books that are at least 48 has for reducing its emissions and and asked the Commission for not and have recommended that they tors and Editors from the Public pages long. impact on the climate. There are a few independent guidance on how to get be strengthened. On that basis, we Lending Right Scheme for the Children’s books that are at actions that are critical to meeting our to them. will begin work to revise them this New Zealand Authors Fund. least 24 pages of text or text and targets: electric vehicles, accelerated The Commission has now offered year,” Ms Ardern said. “In 2020, the size of the Fund illustrations renewable energy generation, climate its advice, saying that the govern- Costs affordable was increased to $2.4 million and Poetry that are at least 24 pages in friendly farming practices and more ment’s goals are achievable if there is According to the Commission, the hence we are able to distribute length. permanent forests, predominantly collective and decisive action. cost to the economy is ‘not as great as money to 1180 authors. However, Editors registering must have natives,” he said. Ms Ardern said that the Commis- many had previously thought,’ and each year, some authors miss out contributed at least 48 pages to the Dr Carr said that the Commission is sion’s Draft Advice sets out an achiev- that ‘Climate Change is an economic because they do not register on book they are editing. committed to true consultation. able blueprint for New Zealand to opportunity for New Zealand.’ time. We are keen to get the mes- New Zealand libraries should “Through consultation, we are sure become a prosperous, low-emissions Ms Ardern said that action on sage out to authors so that they have at least 50 copies of each title to that we will receive more valuable economy. Climate Change is critical to our on- can benefit from the scheme,” she get a payment. feedback and are prepared to make “The positive news is that the going economic success and that New said. The money received by each changes in light of what we hear,” he government’s actions to date have Zealand exporters rely on our clean Ms Esson said that the PLR fund author depends on the number said. laid much of the groundwork for green brand and there will be new recognises authors from the fact of copies of their works held by Key Points of the Climate Change the transition but that more is now opportunities for Kiwi businesses as that their books are available for libraries. Payments for this year will Commission Report: required. The Report demonstrates we adapt to a zero-carbon economy. use in libraries. be made on or before December 31, 1. Meeting the Government’s that we have the tools that we need “Achieving our emissions reduction “Authors must register every 2021. Climate Change targets is achievable to achieve our target but has called targets require both an enhanced year to be eligible for payments The National Library of New at low cost upon the government to accelerate its and sustained response and the every year but it is worth the Zealand, which is part of Te Tari 2. Technologies required to work,” she said. government is committed to that. The effort. There are criteria that Taiwhenua Department of Internal meet targets already exist Reviewing NDC commitments Commission’s advice shows that we must be met to receive payment. Affairs, administers the scheme with 3. Reducing emissions will Ms Ardern said that her govern- have made a good start, highlights Applicants must be New Zealand oversight from the Public Lending create new job, business, and export ment is committed to increasing the economic opportunities ahead residents, must have at least 50 Right Advisory Group. opportunities the pace and focusing much more and proves it is both affordable and

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Airport Oaks 09 255 5500 Manukau 09 263 5555 Henderson 09 836 5555 Tauranga 07 577 0011 08 Fijilink FEBRUARY 15, 2021 Concerted action needed to tackle Human Rights crisis nature of the Council through health – and a human rights crisis. tribute and enrich the Council’s that the Council fulfils its mandate collaboration with the Office of the We know, as a community of na- work and ensure the inclusivity and remains guided by the High Commissioner for Human tions, that emergencies and disas- of its dialogues. I reiterate unity principles of universality, and con- Rights. ters, whether caused by a climate and inclusivity as important in structive international dialogue, We recognise the collective re- crisis or a health emergency, will advancing the work of the Human in order to enhance the promotion sponsibility and solidarity among exacerbate existing inequalities Rights Council, with steadfast and protection of all human rights, all States. It is crucial to addressing and deepening poverty. determination to protect and everywhere. Nazhat Shameem Khan the challenges caused by Covid-19 Transformative role promote the human rights of all Nazhat Shameem Khan is Fiji’s Collective responsibility We emphasise the trans- people. Ambassador to the United Nations. residency of the Human “It is our collective responsibility formative role of the Human I commend the work of my She was recently elected to the post Rights Council is the first for to draw attention and to respond Rights Council in reshaping and Elisabeth Tichy Fisslberger for her of President of the United Nations Fiji and the Pacific Island to the deep inequalities that were harmonising social, national, and determination and unwavering Human Rights Council, the first nations, which is a great laid bare by the pandemic - and global relationships, with a view to leadership during her tenure last for Fiji and a Pacific Island Nation. Pachievement for the Pacific region. to ensure that human rights building societies which are fairer, year as president under extremely The above was her first address at While acknowledging the work standards, combined with our resilient, and premised on human challenging circumstances due to the organisational meeting of the of all members of the Human shared commitment to achieve the dignity and equality. the Covid-19 pandemic. Council in the build-up to its 46th Rights Council, I reaffirm our Sustainable Development Goals, I reaffirm my commitment to I look forward to working with regular session, scheduled to be commitment to further the existing will guide us as we do all we can work closely with civil society the strong team of the Human held on February 22 and February work and inclusive representative to recover from what is, a global organisations who support, con- Rights Council Bureau to ensure 23, 2021. Varsity Vice-Chancellor’s deportation ripples across Fiji Staff Reporter his work permit was rescinded on cific countries and “the decisions that the community - staff and the same day and he that he was of the University Council, which students - strongly endorse what I he ouster and deportation deported a day before the Council has representatives from all the was doing. So, it is my belief that of Pal Ahluwalia, Vice-Chan- could meet (on Friday), following countries, needs to be respected” if I need to move to Samoa to run cellor of the Suva-based the notice in the media. which is inconsistent with the this University, we will make it University of South Pacific “What had appeared in the way Fiji acted in his arrest and work,” he said. T(USP) has caused ripples of anger Fiji Sun in the ‘Whispers Column’ deportation, he added. “I will abide by whatever and disappointment across Fiji. to say that ‘Watch this space. A The Council said in a statement decision the University Council RNZ has quoted Mr Ahluwalia school where big students study, that they were not consulted. makes.” as saying that on February 4, 2021, its leader will be removed from Mr Ahluwalia said that he had USP Chancellor Taneti Maamau the country.’ So he took the step to received a lot of support from the GET THE NEWS had alerted the University’s say to Council, we need to amend entire region and that he would YOUMISSED! governing body, the USP Council, to the Vice-Chancellor’s contract.” welcome any action from the USP EVERYWEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY! veiled threats in Fiji media. “It was an Illegal Act” Council that would allow the Uni- Subscribe to the “This resulted in Mr Aingimea Mr Ahluwalia said that the versity to move forward, including advising Council Members, Pal Ahluwalia (RNZ Photo) way in which his contract was a rumoured move of headquarters including Fijian representatives, contract to afford better security,” frustrated was an illegal act. to another country. Bi-WeeklyNewsletter. that in their next meeting they RNZ said in a report. The USP is a regional institution, “I believe that I was selected IT IS FREE! IT IS EASY! Write [email protected] would amend the Vice-Chancellor’s However, Mr Ahluwalia said that said Ahluwalia, owned by 12 Pa- to do the job and it is obvious New Caledonia pilot tests Priyanca positive for Covid-19 Sourced Content pilot of New Radhakrishnan Caledonia’s inter- national airline has tested positive for ACovid-19. The government says that MP for Maungakiekie his infection was detected as part of routine testing Air Caledonia Airbus at Noumea Airport (RNZ Photo by Walter Zweifel) of airline personnel and that the individual, who is said that once passengers and negative Covid-19 swab asymptomatic, has been have tested negative on day test within 72 hours of their transferred to the hospital’s 21, they will be released to go arrival to Auckland, and a designated quarantine ward. home. blood test within five days of Seven other Aircalin crew All 114 passengers repatri- leaving their original port. members who were his close ated from New Zealand and Meth in American Samoan contacts have been taken to Fiji on February 4, 2021 have A Counsellor has decried Onehunga office a quarantine hotel. The latest tested negative. the easy accessibility to meth- case brings to 50 the number Chief Executive Paula amphetamine in American 09 622 2660 of Covid-19 cases in New Ma’u said that this is an Samoa. [email protected] Caledonia. extra measure due to the Dr Julia Fo’ifua, who is Al- There has been no commu- outbreak of Covid-19 variants cohol & Drug Rehabilitation Level 1, Crighton House, 100 nity spread. already in Australia and New Counsellor at the Department Wallis and Futuna in Zealand. of Health, was discussing Neilson Street (entrance on Galway quarantine Mr Ma’u also said there links between meth use and Street), Onehunga, Auckland Four people in quarantine has been various issues with suicides. in Wallis and Futuna have home isolation. In January 2020, there returned positive Covid-19 Samoa travel advisory were three suicides in priyancanzlp tests and been transferred to The Samoa government American Samoa. the hospital’s isolation ward. has made new changes to During 2020, there were None of them was symp- its travel advisories lifting 11 suicide deaths, and six tomatic. They arrived with a blanket ban on travellers or seven attempted suicide 44 others, who will remain from the United Kingdom cases which were admitted to at the dedicated quarantine and South Africa. the LBJ Hospital. The suicide hotel. The last Covid-19 case Travellers originating or were aged between 14 and was detected in November. transiting through the two 36. A total of nine cases have countries had previously Dr Julia Fo’ifua said that been recorded, but none in been denied entry due to the communities and parents the community. new Covid-19 variants but had to ask where young Tonga extends quarantine these measures now seem to people get money to spend on Tonga has extended its have been eased. substances. managed quarantine period The Samoa Observer “Is the money that they from 14 days with seven reported that all travellers are giving to their child ac- days in home isolation to 21 from these countries and a countable for, are they seeing days with no home isolation. dozen others, hoping to get stuff or they gave them lunch Tonga’s Head of Ministry to Samoa will be assessed money and yet they turn of Meteorology, Energy, individually. around and purchase drugs Information, Disaster Passengers from all without their knowledge? Management, Environment, destinations except American And it is not uncommon. Authorised by Priyanca Radhakrishnan MP, Samoa are now required to Parliament Buildings, Wellington Climate Change and have their medical clearance Published under a Special Agree- Communications (MEIDECC) ment with www.rnz.co.nz FEBRUARY 15, 2021 Businesslink 09 India’s Budget 2021 set the pace for next phase of growth India’s Budget 2021 set the pace for next phase of growth Venkat Raman n ambitious Health and Wellness Programme of US$30 billion, establishment of a company to finance Ainfrastructure projects, and a major programme to divest government in- vestment from major companies and undertakings are among the initiatives that have been proposed in the Union Budget of India for 2021. It was in many ways first of its kind- the most important of all, a Digital Budget. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on her way with colleagues to Parliament to present Budget Six Pillars of the Budget 2021 on February 1, 2021. (PIB Picture) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has yet again proved that she can command courage and inspire confidence among investors and businesses in general and among the common people when she spoke of the ‘Six Pillars’ on which her Budget 2021 rests. They include Health and Wellbeing, Physical & Financial Capital, and Infrastructure, Inclusive Development for Aspirational India, Reinvigorating Human Capital, Innovation and R&D and Minimum Government and Maximum Governance. Reading the Indian Budget has never been easy, for it always contains proposals and provisions of an ever-expanding economy, which ev- er-inherent problems that are political, The biggest Vaccination in human history has begun in India (Getty Images) social, communal and a myriad other issues but the Federal government in as a major reform, two public banks rebound in India’s economy, which is increasingly using informatics, charts and an insurance company will be now projected to contract 7.7% in the and tables to provide highlights that privatised. current financial year, but grow at can be quickly grasped. Opening up India’s financial 11% levels in 2021-22, making it among Unprecedented contraction services sector further, the budget also the fastest growing economies in the In presenting the Budget in Parlia- Yojana (National Health Plan through Air India, by the end of financial year increased foreign investment limits world. The sharp rebound comes from ment on February 1, 2021, Ms Sithar- Self-Reliance). 2021-22. in insurance companies, allowing a much lower base, given that GDP aman spoke of the unprecedented “This will also strengthen existing “A number of transactions, namely, foreign ownership and control, with entered the negative zone in 2020-21. contraction of the world economy and national institutions and create new Bharat Petroleum Corporation Lim- safeguards. Year of Milestones the unimaginable loss of human lives institutions to cater to detection and ited, Air India, Shipping Corporation The stock markets welcomed the Year 2021 would witness significant in most countries affected by Covid-19 cure of new and emerging diseases. of India, Container Corporation of announcements, clocking gains in milestones for India. pandemic and the emergence of a This will be in addition to the National India, IDBI Bank, Bharat Earthmovers excess of 4.5%. It marks 75th year of Independence; health crisis. Health Mission,” Ms Sitharaman said. Limited, Pawan Hans and Neelachal Increasing Fiscal Deficit 60 years of Goa’s accession to India; 50 “The risk of not having a lockdown The government has already Ispat Nigam Limited are among the India’s fiscal deficit for the current years of the 1971 India-Pakistan War; was far too high. Within 48 hours of committed another US$4.8 billion to companies would be completed in financial year is set to rise to 9.5%, the it will be the year of the 8th Census declaring a three-week-long complete India’s Covid Vaccination Programme, 2021-2202. Other than the IDBI Bank, highest since the country opened its of Independent India; it will also be lockdown, the Prime Minister the world’s largest drive, which will we propose to take up the privatisa- markets to the world in 1991. For 2021- India’s turn at the BRICS (a grouping of announced the Pradhan Mantri Garib extend to more than 1.3 billion people. tion of two Public Sector Banks and 22, the deficit is being targeted at 6.8%, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Kalyan Yojana, valued at 2.76 lakh Shipments of Covishield and one General Insurance company this significantly higher than the consensus Africa Presidency; the year for our crores (US307.65 billion), which pro- Covaxin (the two approved vaccines) year,” Ms Sitharaman said and added estimate of 5.6%. Chandrayaan-3 Mission; and the Harid- vided free food grain to 800 million have been made across the country. that legislative amendments will be Ms Sitharaman said the goal was to war Maha Kumbh, which is expected people, free cooking gas for 80 million While Covishield was developed introduced to Parliament shortly. halve it in the next five years. to attract about 70 million people, the families for months, and cash directly jointly by Oxford University and UK In a move that experts are touting Experts are also predicting a sharp world’s largest gathering. to over 400 million farmers, women, based Astra Zeneca, Covaxin is the elderly, the poor and the needy,” she result of collaboration between India’s said. Bharat Biotech and the Indian Council Some Budget highlights of Medical Research (the National New Zealand continues to recover as employment rises Notwithstanding the adverse Institute of Virology), another matter effects of Covid-19 (reduced GDP, of pride. soaring unemployment, a crisis-ridden Infrastructure gets a boost Venkat Raman banking sector and the worst of all The Federal government will lthough the adverse ef- the ongoing Farmers Protests), Budget establish a new Development Finance fects of Covid-19 continues 2021 is steering the economy towards Institution with an initial capital of to haunt the New Zealand an expansionary path. US$2.7 billion to support large-scale economy, the impact is ac- Ms Sitharaman believes that is the infrastructure projects. Atually less than other countries of only way to sustain and order higher According to the Budget proposal, the world, including neighbouring levels of growth. this is expected to initiate spending Australia. “Today, we are reaching a US$3 tril- and offer some relief to banks which The latest figures released by lion level. So, when we aspire to reach are burdened by a mountain of debt. Statistics New Zealand show that a $US 5 trillion level, many wonder Also in the works is an Asset 17,000 jobs were filled in the if it is possible. If we can appreciate Reconstruction and Management December quarter representing a our citizens’ ‘Purusharth,’ or their Company or a ‘Bad Bank,’ that will take rise of 0.6% over the same period ‘Goals of Human Pursuit,’ filled with on unpaid debt from existing banks to in 2019. Grant Robertson, Minister of Finance Camel Sepuloni for Social Development & Employment their inherent desire to progress led free up their lending capacity. Women accounted for a major rate of 6%. Construction jobs rose Social Development and Employ- by the dedicated leadership present National highway projects and infra- share of this increase, with 10,000 by 21,000 annually, which included ment Minister Carmel Sepuloni said in this House, the target is eminently structure corridors have been cleared going into employment. those working as plumbers, electricians, that Maori employment is up 5100 achievable,” she told Parliament. in poll-bound states such as Tamil Statistics also show that most of and roofers. This more than offset the from a year ago. Major takeaways Nadu, Kerala, Assam and West Bengal. these jobs were in the construction impact of Covid-19 on tourism-related “Our focus is on keeping the econ- The largest beneficiary of Budget And a scheme has been announced to industry. industries,” he said. omy moving in the right direction 2021 is the Health sector, which set up textile parks across the country. Pleasing comparisons Mr Robertson said that the govern- and build back better, including receives US$30 billion, up by 137%, an Overall spending on infrastructure Finance Minister Grant Robert- ment’s decisive actions to keep people investing heavily in education, skills answer to the long-neglected area of is up sharply by 35%. son said that unemployment rate connected to their jobs and support and training. The stronger labour the economy, accounting for only 1.3% Disinvestment Programme fell from 5.3% to 4.9%. businesses and households through the market saw more people come off of the GDP. Ms Sitharaman intends to Ms Sitharaman has set a target of While the OECD unemployment Covid-19 pandemic has reflected in the the benefit in the December quarter, spend more than US$ 8. 5 billion to US$23 billion for disinvestment during average is 6.9%, the figure for latest employment Statistics. with nearly 27,000 entering paid upgrade infrastructure at the Primary, the 2021-2022 Financial Year, which Australia is 6.8%, and much higher Maori employment rises work. We will continue to invest in Secondary and Tertiary level over the will extend to all public sector under- in the United States of America and “Recent business surveys have support services to help people who next six years. taking, except four strategic areas. Canada, both at 8.7%. indicated that companies are intending lose their jobs upskill and re-enter As a part of the spending, the The government plans to sell off a “This compares with the Treas- to hire more staff, reflecting their the workforce. Our job is far from government is launching the P clutch of public sector companies, in- ury’s Half year Economic and Fis- confidence in the government’s man- over,” she said. M Atma Nirbhar Swasth Bharat cluding the debt-laden national carrier cal Update forecast unemployment agement of the economy,” he said. 10 Businesslink FEBRUARY 15, 2021 KiwiSaver should be more inclusive with employers’ contribution While some may think they will be able to get by on New Zealand Superannuation alone, in reality, they may actually just one big medical bill away from being stuck in debt. Clive Fernandes Additionally, there are no guaran- tees as to what Superannuation will iwiSaver has been around look like in the future. Potentially, since 2007, intended to New Zealand Superannuation pay- help Kiwis save for their outs may not be as high as you retirement. Since then, New would like, or the eligibility age KZealanders have amassed over $60 might increase. billion in KiwiSaver savings. One should keep this in mind While this sounds good, Kiwis before they neglect saving for still have quite a way to go to being retirement. Saving what you can financially prepared for retirement. KiwiSaver should work today and tomorrow KiwiSaver should be beneficial in later years for retirement is better than saving Many New Zealanders do not con- (Picture from KiwiSaver Annual Report 2020) (Picture from KiwiSaver Annual Report 2020) nothing for retirement. tribute to their accounts. The 2020 in their Total Remuneration A Commission for Financial Ca- KiwiSaver Annual Report said that Agreement. pability report showed that half of 1,084,866 members were non-con- This is a loophole because an 51- to 60-year-olds thought “hardly tributing KiwiSaver members. employee is in essence paying their at all” or “a little” about how much Reasons for apathy own employer’s contribution. I think they would need for retirement. There are lots of reasons why this should not be the case. It is therefore important that we many would not choose to contrib- Employers’ contribution do whatever we can to encourage ute to KiwiSaver. They might be tight Instead, employer contributions Kiwis to become financially educat- on money, or they might not want to should come from the employer, ed and save for retirement. Fixing lock their money up until they turn in addition to what has been paid total remuneration agreements 65. Normally, an employee receives know that their employer will con- to employees, just like the Pay would help us do this. But there is one other reason their KiwiSaver contributions on tribute 3% of their salary towards + Benefits approach mentioned Clive Fernandes is an Authorised which potentially is turning off some top of their pay. This is called a Pay + their KiwiSaver account if they earlier. This way, employees are Financial Adviser and the director Kiwis from KiwiSaver. Benefits Approach. contribute 3% too. incentivised to join and contribute to of National Capital, a financial advi- Total Remuneration Agreements Suppose that an employed staff Imperative incentives their KiwiSaver accounts. sory firm that provides personalised decide in advance a fixed amount member receives $100,000 in wages When, according to a West- With no incentive to save in their investment advice, with a primary of compensation an employee will before tax. pac-Stuff survey, one in three New KiwiSaver account, people on Total focus on KiwiSaver. receive for doing work. However, By contributing 3% of their salary Zealanders have less than $1000 in Remuneration Agreements may be Disclaimer: The above article is this fixed amount is inclusive of your towards KiwiSaver, an employee savings, every incentive Kiwis have less likely to save for retirement. not intended to be personalised base salary, your KiwiSaver contri- will get an additional $3000 before to save is a good thing. There is simply no reward for advice. It is general in nature and butions, and any other benefits you tax on top of their wages from their However, this incentive does not them to contribute more to their may not be relevant to an individu- receive from your workplace. employer. This extra $3000 goes exist for people on Total Remunera- accounts, as their employer does al’s circumstances. Before making An Example towards their KiwiSaver account, tion Agreements. not give them any extra money for any investment, insurance or other They may sound like any other after tax is deducted. Imagine that the same employee doing so. financial decisions, you should normal workplace agreement to the In essence, the employer signed a Total Remuneration Agree- Without saving for retirement, consult a professional financial untrained eye, however, looks can contribution acts as a reward for ment to receive $100,000 before-tax. Kiwis may end up running out of adviser. A copy of Clive Fernandes’ be deceiving. So, let us illustrate this contributing to KiwiSaver. In this case, the employer’s contri- money in their golden years. disclosure statement is available on using an example. This is because many employees bution comes out of the $100,000 Superannuation inadequacy request and free of charge. YOUR SUCCESS PARTNER Your one stop Print and Signage shop Deepavali

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•FootpathSign •PullupBanner • AFrame • VinylStickers• Core• Acm •Banners•Canvas Ilango Krishnamoorthy Commercial Printing Service at its best! Wide Format Digital Printing Specialist Ph: 09 263 8854 Ph: 09 262 4550 42D Lambie Drive, Manukau City 14C Ryan Place, Manukau City Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.merc.co.nz Website: www.irissigns.co.nz FEBRUARY 15, 2021 Businesslink 11 News of Vaccine pleases but uncertain date of arrival irks some Peter Wilson he first Covid-19 Vaccine is approved but questions are being asked about when it will arrive. The latest unemployment figures Tleave an economist “flabbergasted”, a climate change report sets tough targets for the government and the prime minister speaks at a quiet Waitangi Day Pfizer Covid-19 Vaccine Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks at Finance Minister Grant Robertson with National Party Covid-19 Response celebration. (Getty Images from BBC News) Waitangi (RNZ Photo by Samuel Rillstone) Maori Development Minister Willie Jackson Spokesperson Chris Bishop sceptical Awaiting Pfizer Covid-19 Vaccine (RNZ Photo by Dom Thomas) (RNZ Photo by Dom Thomas) Medsafe’s provisional approval for an incredibly difficult time. said her caucus had not fully considered the Pfizer Vaccine was announced Council of Trade Union Economist the report but she was not sure about its on Wednesday (February 3, 2021) by Craig Renney said that it was not all economic cost estimate. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, quickly good news. “I think that they are the only people followed by a briefing from Director “Female unemployment is higher saying 1%, lots of people are saying other General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield. than general unemployment. Maori and numbers,” she said. It means that Vaccinations for the Pasifika unemployment actually rose The Taxpayer’s Union compared it to most at-risk people can start as soon as according to the data,” he said. a report from two years which suggested the first batch arrives, and Dr Bloomfield The week began with a report that a cost of 16.8% of GDP. seemed confident that the manufacturer was sure to give the government prob- Ms Ardern said that her government would meet the contract commitment to lems for many months - and probably would introduce the new policies. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, National Party Leader Judith Collins and Greens Co-Leader Mara- years. “The Report demonstrates that we deliver it by the end of March. ma Davidson (far right) at Waitangi Day Celebrations 2021 (RNZ Photo by Samuel Rillstone) He told reporters that Pfizer had given Climate Commission Report have the tools we need to achieve our that assurance just a few days ago, after He said that the public deserved to from the only one as Parliament geared The Climate Change Commission target but calls on us to accelerate our the European Union had imposed export know whether the contract allowed New up for its first sitting of the year next released a draft blueprint filled with work,” she said. controls on Vaccine manufactured in its Zealand to be bumped down the queue. week. recommendations on how to slash Waitangi 2021 member states. The Prime Minister has said several Jobless Rate falls emissions and achieve carbon neutrality The lead-up to Waitangi Day came Covid-19 Response Minister Chris times that New Zealand, unlike many The latest unemployment figures by 2050. with less publicity than usual because Hipkins would not give dates, saying that other countries, is not suffering were released, showing that the jobless It believes that the target can be it was free from controversy and he is not going to until he is absolutely thousands of deaths every day and the rate had dropped from 5.3% to 4.9$ in reached at a cost of just 1% of GDP. demonstrations. sure. There is so much international government is prepared to be patient. the December Quarter. They include a ban on conventional Politicians made their way onto Te Tii competition for Vaccines and uncer- “It is only right that those countries that Westpac Chief Economist Dominick car imports, cutting livestock numbers Marae for the first time in four years and tainty about their availability that Mr are seeing devastating rates of death Stevens said he was “absolutely flabber- by 15%, the closure of Tiwai Point and a Ardern was welcomed onto Te Whare Hipkins might stall until he knows the are receiving those Vaccines and have gasted” that unemployment had fallen ban on gas hobs in new houses. Runanga, where she spoke from the plane is on the way. given emergency approval for them to to that extent. It proposes a radical reform agenda mahua (porch). National sceptical be distributed. New Zealand is in a very “Clearly, Covid did less damage to needing a raft of controversial policies Other female leaders who were there National’s Covid-19 response spokes- different position and I think everyone the economy than anticipated and the which will be fought by affected sectors - Collins and the Greens’ Marama David- person Chris Bishop is sceptical about in New Zealand understands,” she said. efforts of the government and Reserve and probably the opposition when the son – did not get a slot, but organisers the government’s assurances. No regrets Bank of New Zealand to stimulate bills come to Parliament. said that they would next year. “They said that we are at the front of Mr Hipkins was asked at a media the economy have just had a roaring Achievable Goals In the speech, her fourth at Waitangi the queue; we are demonstrably not. We briefing whether he regretted giving his impact,” he said. The Prime Minister, as optimistic as Prime Minister, Ms Ardern acknowl- still actually do not have any real idea “at the front of the queue” assurance in Short of the mark as ever, said that it was “incredibly edged the entrenched challenges still when the Pfizer Vaccine will arrive in November 2020. Politik reported the figures and said encouraging” that the independent facing Maori and said that Labour had this country. Over 50 countries around He said that did not, and that the that Treasury’s forecast of 13.3% made Commission’s first report showed that made some progress, citing Ihumātao the world are rolling out Vaccines and world had changed since then. last April, was woefully short of the reaching reduction goals was both and Oranga Tamariki. we have got to ask ourselves why we are He had seen the issue in terms of mark. achievable and affordable. She also announced the date of the in the situation that we are in,” he said. normal rollouts, not the emergency It noted, however, that it was those “In fact, there are great economic first Matariki Public Holiday - Friday Mr Bishop questioned whether the approval and Vaccination programmes Treasury forecasts which prompted the opportunities for new jobs and new June 24, 2022, marking the start of the government had negotiated hard enough other countries were running. government to borrow $50 billion and business over the coming years as Māori New Year. or paid enough to ensure timely delivery. The government decided not to do spend most of it to achieve this week’s we transition to an emissions free Peter Wilson is a Life Member of the Press economy,” she said. Gallery of the New Zealand Parliament gal- ACT Leader’s demand that, instead is carrying out a rigorous outcome. lery. He was the Political Editor of NZPA for 22 ACT leader David Seymour demanded approval process partly based on the Finance Minister Grant Robertson As previous governments have found, years and Parliamentary Bureau Chief of NZ the government reveal the reason New experience of other countries. said that there was more work to do it is a lot easier said than done. Newswire for seven years. The above Report Zealand still did not have a Vaccine is Medsafe’s approval was the main but the statistics illustrated a strong Judith Collins not sure has been published under a special agreement that it negotiated a bad deal. political story of the week but it was far economy that had been resilient through National Party Leader Judith Collins with www.rnz.co.nz Amateur traders warned of Stock Market War risks Event and Tour organisers must RNZ News Advice from Sharesies New Zealand online investment comply with border rules mateur traders should firm Sharesies issued a warning be careful diving into a to users on its website, due to the Venkat Raman quickly changing ‘Stock high interest in GameStop and mmigration Minister Kris Faafoi has said Market War’ such as the other stocks. AGameStop phenomena without that tour and other event organisers must get “Please, make sure that you do all border requirements related to Covid-19 fully researching what they are your research before investing, getting into, the NZ Shareholders approved before trying to enter New Zealand. and think about how these invest- I‘Le Laperouse’ Affair Association has said. ments fit in with your long-term In December 2020, ‘Le Laperouse,’ a Charter The US Stock Market and investing strategy. We believe that institutional investment firms A GameStop store in Miami, USA Cruise Vessel was stopped at the border for (Photo: CC BY 2/ Phillip Pessar) everyone should have access to failing to comply with the new border rules in have been reeling from a wave of investing. [But] investing involves with the intention to buy them force. It is still outside the New Zealand waters. interest from armchair traders, risk. You are not guaranteed to back once they are cheaper and Mr Faafoi said that when Director General of who have bid up the prices of US make money, and you might lose pocket the price difference, before Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield gave permission to companies, including GameStop the money you start with.” returning the borrowed shares to ‘Le Laperouse,’ it was on the condition that it had (GME), Blackberry and Nokia. Hype and ignorance the owner. However, if the shares obtained the necessary visas from Immigration Association Chief Executive Cryptocurrency firm founder Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi speaking at the press confer- increase in value the firm that New Zealand (INZ). Oliver Mander said that New Justin Sun indicated on Twitter his ence (Screenshot) borrowed and sold them still has “That was made clear to the ship’s agents at Zealanders trading via Apps like support for the GameStop stocks to purchase them back to return to least twice. I understand that INZ received a Sharesies should look before they and promoted his own cryptocur- have been in place for many months now to the original owner and will make request for border exceptions for 90 foreign crew leap. rency, TRON. keep New Zealanders safe and control spread of a loss. members on board the vessel 48 hours before it “It may feel really good to be But Tauranga trader Sam the virus. When businesses ignore those border Reddit users recognised the began its journey to New Zealand. INZ granted able to sock it to all the institu- Fisher said instead that the share requirements, or try to find ways to get around shorting tactic in play with the visas to 29 of the crew who were considered tional investors, but actually it is price spiked for Tanzanian Gold, them, they put other New Zealand businesses GameStop stock, and others, essential for the operation of the ship to travel still really important for vigilant which has the same stock market and communities at risk. We have processes for which fuelled a swarm of amateur to New Zealand for the purpose of delivering it investors to know what you are abbreviation as TRON; TRX. granting exceptions to allow entry under certain investment that drove the prices to a business and for refit or refurbishment. It buying. Ultimately, if the price that Fisher said that traders criteria, but people need to ensure that appli- up, leaving the companies that had declined visas for the other 61 crew who were you are paying for the shares does appeared to be getting caught up cations they make for a border entry exception been shorting the stocks exposed to not considered essential for the purpose of the not reflect the value of the sum the in hype without being fully meet the criteria,” he said. potentially huge losses. ship’s travel to New Zealand. The ship should of the parts put together, you will aware of where they were putting Supporting businesses Mr Mander told RNZ that while have waited for decisions on visas to be complet- lose out,” he said. their money. Mr Faafoi said that the government supports it was tempting to follow suit, if the ed to ensure those on board complied with New https://twitter.com/i/ “You could see quite clearly enterprise and resilience of New Zealand share price was inflated to extreme Zealand immigration requirements when the status/1355616532735422466 people jumping on the bandwagon businesses and has been taking measures and levels then shareholders were ship entered our border,” he said. How it began – did not even realise that TRX was implementing initiatives, including changes to likely to lose money. Need for compliance The Movement began when a cryptocurrency, not a stock, and various visa settings, to help them. Previously he has advised that Mr Faafoi reiterated Prime Minister Jacinda Reddit social media forum users so they went to the Stock Market, “But everyone has had to accept that Covid investors should not rely solely on Ardern’s message last week that organisers of began to highlight stocks being typed in TRX and bought whatever brings complications and processes that did not information from social media, events including concerts and tours should have heavily ‘shorted’ by larger Wall it was purely out of ignorance. exist before the pandemic. It is critical that we but instead should have a portfolio all the necessary paperwork and Covid com- Street hedge funds. “What you are seeing is hype all follow those processes, give adequate time to strategy. And warned that ‘gaming’ pliance requirements sorted before they make Shorting is an investment tactic and ignorance, all together.” ensure the requirements of those processes are where a large investor can pay a the market, aiming to make short bookings, sell tickets, or try to bring workers into met, and all play our part to make sure New Zea- New Zealand. fee to borrow shares it thinks will term gains in a volatile market, Published under a Special Agreement land avoids the worst effects of this pandemic,” decrease in value, then sell them was essentially “gambling.” with www.rnz.co.nz “New Zealand’s strict Covid-19 border controls he said. 12 Viewlink FEBRUARY 15, 2021 National turns around looking for Maori seats in 2023 The English Fortnightly (Since November 1999) ISSUE 455 | FEBRUARY 15, 2021 The best course for RMA is its termination Jo Moir he government has done has become the ‘all time contro- he first National Party cau- well to take steps to repeal versial Act’ of Parliament. cus retreat since the Party’s Tthe Resource Management It claimed to promote sustain- devastating election loss last Act (RMA), which has created able management of natural and year was a stark reminder more trouble for every institution physical resources such as land, Tof just how tough the job ahead will and individual in this country. air and water and successive be, writes Political Editor Jo Moir. Termed (rightly) ‘obnoxious,’ governments have regarded it It was a much slimmer gathering Tu Williams, Chair of National Party Maori Wing Kahurangi Blue, stood at the back as Judith the Act has been a major impedi- as the principal legislation for Collins, flanked by Party President Peter Goodfellow, answered questions about the Party’s plan to of MPs, freshly returned from their start contesting the Maori seats. (Photo for Newsroom by Lynn Grieveson). ment to progress. environmental management. summer break, that gathered for Key Changes According its opponents, National’s Caucus retreat, where Changing positions National wanting to better As Environment Minister the RMA has over the years, relaxed and rested Leader Judith Both Collins and her former represent all New Zealanders is a David Parker said, urban areas “evolved into a web of rules and Collins confirmed that the Party is Deputy Leader Gerry Brownlee good thing, especially in an MMP are struggling to keep pace with regulations created by environ- working towards standing candi- have lived through the era of environment that delivered a population growth and the mental activists to advance their dates in the Maori seats in 2023. National distancing itself from the Labour-majority government. need for affordable housing. preservationist views. The effect Collins says National has been seats. They defended the flip-flop But a starting point of wanting Water quality is deteriorating, has been an increase land prices, absent from the Maori electorate appearance of the announcement Maori votes, but not really being biodiversity is diminishing and stifling economic growth and contest for too long. by saying that Party positions interested in representing Maori in there is an urgent need to reduce social wellbeing in the provinces. She was not wrong. change. a seat is deeply flawed. carbon emissions and adapt to An increasing number of rural No contest since 2002 But it is the timing of the change New Zealand has a long way to go climate change. people say that they are not Two of her most prominent pre- that many will see as cynical. when it comes to addressing Maori “The new laws will improve happy.” decessors – Sir John Key and Sir Bill The National Party President inequality. the natural environment, Word of caution English – had no interest in running Peter Goodfellow said that the idea And when a number of MPs enable more development within All that is now slated to change. candidates in the seats. has been in the pipeline for about across the political divide fail to get environmental limits, provide The Labour government has the National has not contested the three years. through daily interviews without an effective role for Maori and number to push through reforms, electorates since 2002, and in the In that three years, Te Paati butchering simple Maori names improve housing supply and which have been expressed in years since, its position has ranged Maori got knocked out of Parlia- and places, there is a sense that not affordability. Planning processes terms of three new laws: The from wanting the seats abolished ment and declared its alliance with a lot of effort is being put in even at will be simplified and costs and Natural and Built Environment to wanting them gone once Maori National was mostly to blame. the most basic level. times reduced,” he said. Act (the primary replacement of decided it was the right time. Te Paati Maori is now back With Te Paati Maori having Other key changes include the RMA), the Strategic Planning Collins said that the shift is not in Parliament after successfully returned to Parliament and the stronger national direction and Act (to integrate other legislation about actually winning the seats but selling a message that it would not Labour Maori Caucus having one single combined plan per relevant to development) and the being present “on the Marae” and make the same mistakes again – all grown significantly in size, there is region. And there will be more Climate Change Adaptation Act fighting for the Party vote. but shutting the door to National an opportunity for real meaningful focus on natural environmental (to address complex issues). But she could not name one and its ability to contract out its engagement and change across a outcomes and less on subjective All good. But there is need current MP that had any interest relationship with Maori and Iwi. number of kaupapa. amenity matters that favour the for extreme caution. While the in putting their hand up in a Maori Establishing the connection The National Party wanting to be status quo. Better urban design removal of the RMA will pave the seat in 2023. That is a problem for National, part of that conversation is great will be pursued. way for faster development of Deputy Leader Shane Reti would and if it wants to say that it is a news, but only if its motivations The RMA Evolution infrastructure and other needs, be the most likely candidate, but he Party for all New Zealanders, it has for doing so are genuinely about The RMA was introduced in New Zealand’s clean and green has his eyes fixed on winning back to find a way to connect with Maori representation and not simply 1991 with the expectation that it environment should not be the Whangarei seat that he lost to from within its own ranks. mining for votes. would empower communities. compromised. Labour last year. That is a difficult task now that Jo Moir is Political Editor at Newsroom. It has done the opposite and The only other politician cur- it has one of the least diverse Cau- She previously reported from the Parliamentary Press Gallery for RNZ rently in the caucus who identifies cuses in years and with prominent and Stuff. The above story has been as Maori is Tauranga MP Simon Maori National MPs like Hekia published under a Special Arrangement Joblessness falls but full Bridges. Parata and Nuk Korako long gone. with Newsroom. employment is thorny inance Minister Grant Rob- that alternative job opportunities our officers’ safety,” Mr Lenihan said. ertson delivered the good are available) and common law Custom-made Hijab now ready He said that the Hijab was tested by news other day- that the sanctions against such things as several female officers at Police National rate of unemployment fell misrepresentation and duress. for our Muslim Policewomen Headquarters to test for fitness and Ffrom 5.3% to 4.9%, buckling the Diverse workforce Sourced Content functionality. They were not Muslim global trend- the averaging above The challenge of finding, women but were able to give feedback 8%. The latest figures released training and keeping the right fter more than a year of on how well prototypes fitted. by Statistics New Zealand show people for the business has been tailoring and rigorous “Following that we sent it out to the that 17,000 jobs were filled in the growing over the years. Despite stress-testing, New Zealand’s Royal NZ Police College. Some female December quarter representing a rising employment (or falling Muslim Policewomen now have defensive tactics trainers actually wore rise of 0.6% over the same period unemployment), many companies Aa custom-made Hijab as a part of their it while they were training… and really in 2019. are still finding it difficult to uniform. putting it through its paces. The Hijab Full employment is not a recruit people with the skills they Police and design experts from Mas- is now an official part of the NZ Police measured unemployment rate of need. sey University developed the garment, uniform. Females of the Muslim faith, zero; there will always be people With the speed of technological and it has attracted international atten- if they choose to wear the Hijab, it is taking time searching for jobs, but change, it is no surprise that skills tion with a UK Police District trialing the available for them. It is an approved it is certainly closer to 1-2%. in leadership and emotional new Hijab. The custom-made Hijab as a part of the official piece of New Zealand Police The genesis of Employment intelligence, creativity and inno- Inspector Braydon Lenihan told uniform for New Zealand Policewomen uniform,” Mr Lenihan said. An employer is perfectly happy vation and digital are identified Checkpoint that the idea got momentum (Police Picture) Interest in United Kingdom to hire someone if their contribu- as the most valuable yet difficult from staff at a careers day in 2018. have something that was comfortable, After putting out a press release show- tion to the value of output of the to recruit. “They were getting questions from had good fit and functionality… but also ing the new item of Police uniform, the firm exceeds their cost. Markets Attracting and developing young Muslim women as to why there that somebody could wear that was United Kingdom’s Leicestershire Muslim expand if more people are em- great people who are relevant to was no Hijab as a part of the uniform, comfortable for them for a long duration Police Association said they were keen to ployed and higher wages generate the future of our business is an and that they would be considering a of time… maybe even a 12-hour shift. try the Hijab. more purchasing power. important focus for companies career in the Police but that was some- “What came out of that was the “We have been in conversations The key to full employment across the board. thing that was holding them back. material we settled on - a quite a light with them to see how we can provide remains fewer barriers to getting Employers are today working “So, clearly having heard that we sports-type material that’s moisture for their needs and put them in touch a job and fewer welfare disincen- more closely with universities to started to look around. We looked wicking, cutting edge in terms of its both with my team and also the team tives, along with better general ensure that graduates have the internationally as to what was available design and how form-fitting it is for the at the Massey School of Design around policies for growth. skills needed to make a difference for other police departments and found person, and also some safety features the requirements. We sent three more Excessive employment in this changing business that actually there was nothing. Women in there to look after our people,” Mr Hijabs in the Leicestershire black, the protection laws leave marginal environment. of Muslim faith were having to actually Lenihan said. colour of their uniform. There is already workers without jobs and without Diversity of thought is also crit- provide their own. We thought this was He said that if an Officer is involved one Hijab over there being worn by a hope. The best protection for any ical; we have recruit people who a bit of a gap and a bit of an area where in an altercation that involves the Hijab trainee constable,” Mr Lenihan said. worker against unfair treatment think differently if our companies we could probably be leaders in this being pulled from their heads, if that “I think whenever you can provide is a state of full employment (so are to be ready for the future. space,” he said. fastening is too secure, it might not give, something that enables a section of the Massey University School of Design and unfortunately that becomes either community that has previously felt like played a key part in developing the Indian Newslink is published by Indian Newslink Limited from its offices located at 24 Roberta Avenue, a choking or dragging risk for Police they couldn’t be part of the New Zealand Hijab. Glendowie, Auckland 1071. All material appearing here and on our web editions are the copyright Officers. Police, or be part of their community, of Indian Newslink and reproduction in full or part in any medium is prohibited. Indian Newslink and Fit and Functional The Safety Factor I think to be able to do that is pretty its management and staff do not accept any responsibility for the claims made in advertisements. “We developed other parts of uniform “So, in terms of the clasping mech- special,” he added. Managing Director & Publisher: Jacob Mannothra; Editor & General Manager: Venkat Raman; for the New Zealand Police and having anism and the release mechanism for Production Manager: Mahes Perera; Accountant: Uma Venkatram CA; Phone: (09) 5336377 that experience, we knew that we had to Email: [email protected]; Website: www.indiannewslink.co.nz that, that was quite key for us in terms of FEBRUARY 15, 2021 Businesslink 13

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47 Allens Road, East Tamaki, Auckland 2013 P O Box 217206 Botany Junction, Auckland 2164 Phone (09) 2724700 Fax: (09) 2724699 Email: o[email protected] o[email protected] [email protected] 14 Businesslink FEBRUARY 15, 2021 Mental Health Wellbeing Commission another milestone Supplied Content represent Aotearoa New Zealand’s services and medical services. He and experience from different broad population well and make is Chief Executive of Tui Ora Ltd, a sectors, including parliamentary he recently-constituted a tangible difference to our health Taranaki-based Māori development experience. He is Chief Executive of Mental Health Wellbeing and social systems in the years to organisation and provider of social Forest & Bird and was previously Commission began its work come,” he said. and health services. Executive Director of the New with the first meeting of its Mr Little thanked the Inquiry Sunny Collings Zealand AIDS Foundation and Chief TBoard in Wellington on February Panel that led the inquiry into men- Sunny Collings, who became Executive of the West Coast District 9, 2021. tal health and addiction in 2018, the Chief Executive of the Health Health Board. Health Minister Andrew Little saying that its members delivered Research Council in February Taimi Allan described the meeting as ‘a very an honest account of the mental this year, following nine years as Taimi Allan, who is the Chief significant day for the Commission health and addiction landscape, Dean and Head of Campus at the Executive of Changing Minds, a as an independent Crown entity’ including recommendations which University of Otago, Wellington. She not-for-profit organisation operated and congratulated its members. have now resulted in change. has a background as a researcher entirely by those with personal “Its members will be dedicated “At this time, I also want to ac- and clinician, having practiced as a experience of recovery from to contributing to better and equi- knowledge the work of the outgoing Consultant Psychiatrist for over 25 mental health and/or addiction table mental health and wellbeing Mental Health Commissioner Kevin years. issues. Changing Minds focuses on outcomes for all people in New Allan. Kevin began his term in 2016 Alex El Amanni providing information, advice and Zealand. The inaugural Commis- and I recognise his work in helping Alex El Amanni, who has been advocacy on a range of health and sion has a strong board to support ensure that everyone has the working in mental health and social issues, and leading collabora- the Government’s goals around opportunity to participate fully in addiction services and studying tive social change projects. mental health and wellbeing and I the community and have access to mental health and addiction for the Jemaima Tiatia-Seath want to wish Chair Hayden Wano high quality health, disability, and last 10 years. He currently works Jemaima Tiatia-Seath, who and his team all the best for their “He has extensive governance social services,” he said. as a Lead Addiction Advisor for has a public/community health mahi which lies ahead,” he said. experience and a strong back- Following are the Members of Kahui Tu Kaha, a Ngati Whatua background and was one of the Diverse skills and expertise ground in the health sector, and the Commission, appointed by the not-for-profit provider of housing six panellists on the 2018 Mental Mr Little said that Mr Hayden his ongoing involvement will be Governor General. and mental health services. Health and Addiction Inquiry. She is had chaired the initial Mental a significant factor in the success Hayden Wano Kevin Hague the Co-Head of School, Te Wānanga Health and Wellbeing Commission of the Commission. The Board’s Hayden Wano (Chair), who Kevin Hague, who is a member o Waipapa, School of Maori Studies Ministerial Advisory Group, membership comprises a diverse has over 40 years’ health sector of the Initial Mental Health and and Pacific Studies at the University prior to the commencement of the range of skills, backgrounds and ex- experience including in the areas Wellbeing Commission and of Auckland. Commission. perience and I am confident it will of mental health, community brings a wealth of knowledge Despite all the troubles, there is still way out for Aung San Suu Kyi

He was also the founder of the a return to power, are dependent “It is about opposing a military modern Burmese army, also known on the action or inaction of the coup against a popularly elected Nick Beake as the Tatmadaw: the very institu- “international community.” government and supporting the (BBC News), Brussels tion now depriving his daughter of A simplistic label for a disparate vast majority of ordinary Myanmar her liberty and his country of their grouping of friend and foe, East and people and their democratic rights ow would you describe leader. Again. West. and freedoms.” Myanmar’s military The online power As far as the privileged society Others are more blunt. leadership? The same mobile phones that that is the West is concerned, Suu “Pact with the devil” Few people, speaking keep the memory of her father Kyi was Life-President - a beacon “When I heard about the coup I Hfreely, would reach for labels of burning brightly could yet lead of all the values elected leaders thought she had been outsmarted affection. But in 2018, a year after Aung San Suu Kyi from the will tell you they hold dear. But it after making a pact with the devil,” the world watched the horrific Aung San Suu Kyi remains hugely popular in darkness. is a Club she turned her back on said Bill Richardson, a former US expulsion and mass murder of Myanmar, but has lost favour in the West For if previous struggles for following the avalanche of criticism Ambassador to the UN. the Rohingya people - an alleged (Getty Images) freedom - in 1988 and 2007 (the she received for refusing to support He was a friend of Suu Kyi until genocide - Aung San Suu Kyi opted Saffron Revolution) - were played or protect the Rohingya. the pair fell out in 2018 after he for the phrase “rather sweet” to de- out on the streets, this one will be She was seemingly unmoved says he implored her, wholly unsuc- scribe the Generals in her cabinet. powered online. On Facebook to be as titles, awards, prizes were cessfully, to do more to protect the Bad decision precise, the platform that millions rescinded by horrified universities Rohingya. Three years on, as she sits of Burmese use above all others to and charities. “I was one of her biggest fans under house arrest once again, the send and receive their news and One illustration of the souring until she got elected,” he said. victim of the swiftest of coups, her views. relationship was with my employer. Mr Richardson believes that the decision to defend the army, either This, of course, if the army does The atrocities in Rakhine National League for Democracy for personal, political or patriotic not persist in blocking access to the The BBC World Service was a finally needs to develop new lead- reasons, looks a very bad one. Myanmar's treatment of the Rohingya sparked site and app. Because the military, loyal companion for her during her ers, particularly women, especially Her supporters will tell you that global outrage (Getty Images) whose senior command are now more than 15 years of house arrest. at a time when their democratic she was in an impossible position banned from Facebook after using But following the atrocities of 2017 mandate has been crushed. and that taking a tougher stance it to such devastating effect in the in Rakhine State, it all changed. Like Aung San Suu Kyi faces trumped would have hastened her incar- last decade to whip up nationalist for other Western media outlets, up charges which could see her ceration. Her critics insist she still sentiment, spread hate speech and my frequent letters of request for jailed, which would bar her from could have shown at least a flicker fake news, know its power. And an interview or audience were not office. The generals claim there will of compassion for the persecuated fear it, you’d imagine. returned. There was apparently no elections at some point once the Muslim minority. Pulverising Tatmadaw need to engage those who, in her country emerges from its designat- Either way, her prospects and The Tatmadaw’s capacity for mur- view, could never understand the ed “state of emergency.” those of a democratic Myanmar derous brutality - in slaying their complexities of her country. It is clear that they want to look bleak. The Tatmadaw is one of the largest militaries in own people, students and monks In my two years covering puncture the tyres of this electoral the region (Getty Images) Unwaning popularity seeking freedom - cannot be beaten. Myanmar, the closest I got to a con- juggernaut who would smash every military out so that Aung San Suu But they are pulverised in any fight versation was at the International army roadblock on the road to While her international halo Kyi can be free.” may have slipped and shattered, for Burmese hearts and minds. Court of Justice in The Hague after democracy if the rules of the game As well as the din of the pans, The problem for Aung San Suu she chose to personally defend were fair. Aung San Suu Kyi is still adored by a much more soothing sound fills tens of millions in Myanmar. This Kyi and her supporters is harness- Myanmar’s army from the charge What will his former friend of the warm night air. The songs of ing this digital power. Many were of genocide. 20 years be thinking now as she popularity cannot be overstated. the 1988 Uprising - that upswell of The thumping general election taken aback by the directness of her “Will you ever say sorry, Ms Suu faces months, if not years under democratic fervour that propelled purported plea in a letter to “protest Kyi?” I called out as she glided from house arrest or worse, I ask Mr victory for her National League for a young Suu Kyi into the domestic Democracy saw them win more against the coup”. Some feared her executive car into the cold Richardson. and international limelight and pre- it may be a military trap, to lure arena where accounts of the worst “I think that she will feel that she than 80% of the vote. cipitated her first of many periods If you wander the crumbling protestors to their arrest - or worse. imaginable crimes are considered. has been betrayed by the military under house arrest. Flooding the street in the name No answer. Not that I was expecting she provided international cover streets of downtown Yangon with ‘Very painful to see’ the canopy of tangled power wires of “The Lady” may provide high one. for. Her position is bleak. But I hope Wai Wai Nu, a Rohingya human quality images and a powerful Aung San Suu Kyi decided to be they don’t take steps to hurt her or overhead and the occasional scurry rights activist, captioned her own of cat-sized rats at your feet and message for global social media and the face of the effort to justify the silence her permanently.” uploaded street video with the TV news. But the grainy film of 1988 crimes of Myanmar’s unaccounta- And if Aung San Suu Kyi is pop your head into any doorway, words “very painful to see” as she there is one face that you are more is a chilling reminder that these ble army. Despite the widespread allowed a voice once again, what recalled singing the revolutionary very roads were bathed in blood loathing of the military, it boosted then? than likely to meet. verses in jail with fellow political Whether it is on a poster, a when soldiers cut down a previous her popularity at home and she was “If she is able to speak out and prisoners. generation who were asking for praised for protecting the country’s acknowledges the crimes against painting or a calendar, Mother In the footage, I was struck by an Suu’s image looks backs at you. freedom. honour. the Rohingya people in a way that image which epitomises a defining There is nothing new that I can But some now believe she should the international community would These are the same streets which irony in the violent, twisted and now after dark reverberate with see that suggests the Tatmadaw no longer be the ubiquitous face think is credible and honest, it is tragically repetitive history of would stop short of carrying out of the nascent struggle to free the still not too late. That would rally the clanging of pots in support of Myanmar. Illuminated by the light their democratically elected - and a live-streamed massacre in the country from newfound military the world into action against this of smartphones held aloft, there major cities of Myanmar. dictatorship. coup,” he said. now summarily detained - Leader. was a portrait of Aung San Suu “We normally make this noise to Another paradox “The response to this situation “It would be a risk. But she has Kyi’s father - General Aung San: the There is another paradox in the should not be seen in narrow terms taken risks before.” drive out evil spirits,” said Ma Khin still-revered leader, assassinated in in a description to her social media country’s latest traumatic chapter. as ‘Helping Aung San Suu Kyi’,” Nick Beake is the BBC Brussels corre- his prime in 1947 before he could spondent and was the BBC’s Myanmar post. Aung San Suu Kyi’s chances of Richard Horsey, a Yangon-based guide Burma into independence finding freedom, and possibly even political analyst, told me. Correspondent from 2018-2020. “Now we want to drive the from the British. FEBRUARY 15, 2021 Communitylink 15

ways in various States of India and Karnataka and Kerala, the Festival is around the world. It also symbolises known as ‘Sri Panchami,’ with ‘Sri’ Auckland Temple to celebrate Vasant Panchami the start of preparation for Holika denoting an aspect Goddess Durga. and Holi, which take place about In Gujarat, Vasant Panchami is At 69 Tidal Road, Mangere on forty days later (March 28, 2021). associated with the emotions of February 16 from 630 pm Vasant Panchami is celebrated love with preparation of bouquet Venkat Raman every year on the fifth day of the and garlands of flowers set with bright half of the Hindu Lunisolar mango leaves as a gift. People dress hiru Subramaniyar calendar month of Magha (Masi in in saffron, pink or yellow and visit Aalayam,’ located at 69 Tamil), which typically occurs in each other. Songs about Krishna’s Tidal Road in Mangere, February. pranks with Radha, considered to will celebrate ‘Vasant Hindus see Goddess Saraswathi mirror Kama-Rati, are sung. ‘TPanchami’ incorporating Special as a symbol of Creative Energy Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi Prayers for Goddess Saraswathi, the and Power in all its forms. Vasant are worshiped on this day with Goddess of Knowledge on Tuesday, Panchami also celebrates harvest Mango flowers and ears of wheat February 16, 2021 from 630 pm. in agriculture, ripening with yellow in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Ilango Krishnamoorthy, Treasurer flowers of mustard crop, which Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh. of the New Zealand Hindu Temple Hindus associate with Her favourite In Bangladesh, Vasant Panchami Society which owns and manages Colour. People dress in yellow is an optional holiday. the Temple and Priest Mani Guruk- sarees or shirts or accessories, share On the Island of Bali and the kal said that the Programme will yellow-coloured snacks and sweets. Hindus of Indonesia, it is known as include Invocation of the Blessings Some add saffron to their rice and ‘Hari Raya Saraswati’ (Great Day of of Ganesha as per tradition and then consume yellow-cooked rice as Saraswathi), marking the beginning Abhishekam, Arathanai and other Goddess Saraswathi was propitiated with reli- a part of an elaborate feast. of the 210-day long Balinese Pawu- Goddess Sarawathi is worshipped as the Giver observances to the Deity of Goddess gious fervour at a Special Festival held at Thiru The Festival around kon Calendar. of Knowledge and Enlightenment Saraswathi, concluding with Maha Subramaniyar Aalayam on September 3, 2016 India and Asia The Festival in Sikhism Prasadam. (Picture Supplied) In Bihar, West Bengal and other Sikhs have historically celebrated “While Saraswathi Pooja forms a the Goddess of Enlightenment and Thiru Subramaniyar Aalayam Eastern and North-Eastern States of Vasant Panchami to mark the begin- part of the Navaratri Celebrations as such, removes ignorance and is among a few Temples in New India such as Tripura and Assam, ning of Spring, by wearing yellow (which will be observed this year showers Her Blessings on devotees. Zealand that have an exclusive place and in Nepal, people visit Temples clothes, emulating the bright yellow from October 7 to October 15, This will be first time that Vasant of worship of Goddess Saraswathi. and worship Goddess Saraswathi. mustard flowers in the fields. 2021), Vasant Panchami is of great Panchami Temple will be celebrated About Vasant Panchami In the state of Odisha (30 Jan this Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the found- significance to Hindus, Buddhists at our Temple,” they said. Vasant (or Basant) Panchami, year), the Festival is celebrated as er of the Sikh Empire, encouraged and Jains as it heralds the arrival of Further details regarding the called ‘Sri Panchami’ in South India, Basanta Panchami. the celebration of Vasant Panchami Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, Programme and Sponsorships will featuring Saraswathi Pooja is a Festi- In the Southern States of Andhra as a social event in the Gurdwaras. especially in India. Saraswathi is be announced shortly. val celebrated by people in different Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu,

India Day at Mahatma Gandhi Centre on February 13 origin learn about Indian culture and that a key objective of the Association is A good reason to celebrate language,” he said. to protect and preserve Indian culture in World’s biggest Vaccination New Zealand. India’s impressive growth Programme “We celebrate all Indian cultural and plans and wellbeing Year 2020 was a challenging year for religious events with the real Indian the world economy, and the troubles Venkat Raman spirit. The forthcoming ‘India Day’ will orchestrated by Coronavirus -Covid-19 celebrate ‘the Indian’ in all of us and ore than 1000 men, women, have their disturbing effects on business- demonstrate that we are a community youngsters of Indian origin es and lives of people. of solidarity, unity and goodwill. Our and other ethnicities will India has also been bearing its various programmes, held throughout gather at the Mahatma brunt and its sheer vastness and thick the year, are useful to our people. For MGandhi Centre located at 145 New North demography have proved to be major instance, our Health and Fitness Com- Road in Auckland Eden Terrace at obstacles in controlling the rapid spread mittee conducts three fitness classes a 3pm on Saturday, February 13, 2021 to of the Virus. Today, the country accounts week, while the Mahila Samaj (Women’s celebrate ‘India Day.’ for the second largest number of cases Wing) promotes women’s wellbeing in Organised by the Auckland Indian in the world (USA being the first) but the Auckland Indian Association President New Zealand and the Senior Citizens Association (AIA) in partnership with daily increases of infection have been Narendra Bhana Committee organises various activities the Wellington based Indian High somewhat contained in recent weeks. throughout the year,” he said. Commission and ‘Auckland Indian The Federal Government led by Prime MGC, a grand venue Diaspora,’ an informal group, the event Minister Narendra Modi realised during Mr Bhana said that the Mahatma will include speeches and a cultural the early days of the Virus, that the best Gandhi Centre is the most sought-after programme, hopefully representing solution was development an antidote- a venue for small, medium and large various States of India. Vaccine, that would effectively bring gatherings including meetings, confer- AIA Centenary Celebrations launch down the proliferation of the disease ences, festivals, weddings, exhibitions The occasion will also witness the and its provide the essential cure. and a host of other events of not only the launch of the Centenary Celebrations Three weeks ago, Mr Modi launched Indian community but also of others. of AIA, which were held back last year a massive programme to vaccinate the “The Complex has at its threshold, because of the Covid-19 travel and country’s 1.3 billion people, with ship- the Radha Krishna Temple, with its own other restrictions. Plans were in place ments of Covishield and Covaxin (the Priest, who conducts individual, family to showcase an Exhibition, world-class two approved vaccines) made across the and community Poojas every day of the cultural and musical programmes, country. While Covishield was developed week. With ample free parking, the Ma- Bhagwat Katha by Jignesh Dada from jointly by Oxford University and UK hatma Gandhi Centre is a busy venue. India, a Gala Dinner with high profile based Astra Zeneca, Covaxin is the It also houses a number of commercial personalities and a Special Centenary result of collaboration between India’s organisations and the offices of AIA Publication. Some of these will be held Bharat Biotech and the Indian Council of and the New Zealand Indian Central this year. Medical Research (the National Institute A medical worker prepares to inoculate a colleague with a Covid-19 vaccine in New Delhi (AFP Photo) and at right Association. We run a Sunday school AIA President Narendra Bhana said of Virology), another matter of pride. ‘Covaxin’ made in India by Bharat Biotech and the Indian Council of Medical Research at which about 70 children of Indian Ahmadiyyas seek global unity for uninhibited human progress Venkat Raman Voluntary Sector and Youth, said: “The theme that you have chosen for the Convention speaks highly of your he Islamic perspective of creating commitment to promoting mutual understanding across unity in the world was the high- faiths and cultures, and global solidarity.” light of the annual Convention of About 500 people, including political, community and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at faith leaders attend the Convention, which featured Theld in Auckland last week. presentations on a variety of religious and social topics The event, 32nd in an annual series on ‘Unity Among Nations.’ It provided an opportunity was held at Alfriston College in Manu- for dialogue on the problems faced by the world with the kau, South Auckland with ‘Unity Among advent of Coronavirus pandemic. Nations’ as the main theme. Earlier Mathew Abu Bakr from National Park recited Among the Guests of Honour were Former President Mohammed Iqbal speaking at the Convention, with Priyanca Mathew Abu Bakr reciting a verse from the Holy Quran in Maori, a verse from the Holy Quran in Teo Maori, followed by Transport, Workplace Relations & Radhakrishnan and Bashir Khan seated on the stage. watched by Bashir Khan and Priyanca Radhakrishnan an address by Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at New Zealand Safety Minister Michael Wood, Diver- citizens could live together peacefully with the spirit of mutual sym- President Bashir Khan. sity, Inclusion & Ethnic Communities pathy, tolerance and equity. The covenant proved to be a magnificent About the Ahmadiyya Community Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan and charter of human rights and governance and ensured peace between The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic and community leaders. the different communities living in Medina… freedom of belief fast-growing international revival movement within Social harmony during crisis and freedom of conscience were cornerstones of that treaty. Unity Islam. Founded in 1889 by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in Delivering the Keynote Address, underpinned the agreement,” he said. Qadian in India, the Movement now spans over 213 Imam Mustenser Qamar emphasised Ministers commend the community countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. the importance of social harmony and Acknowledging the leadership of Ahmadiyya Jama’at, Mr Wood Its motto of “Love for All, Hatred for None” is evidenced unity, especially in times of pandemic said, “I commend you for your work, putting on this Convention, the through the peaceful actions of its millions of followers. and crises. Peace Symposium that you hold every year, and everything else that The New Zealand branch of the community was estab- “After the Holy Prophet Mohammed you do not only to serve your own community but the causes of peace lished in 1987. It is a registered charitable organisation migrated to the city of Medina, he and justice in Aotearoa New Zealand.” which strives to be an active, integrated community A section of the audience with Imam Mustenser Qamar formed a covenant with the Jewish Ms Radhakrishnan, who is also Minister for Community and within New Zealand society. people, whereby Muslims and Jewish seated front left. 16 Communitylink FEBRUARY 15, 2021 Christopher Plummer, Giant of the Stage and Screen dead Supplied Content hristopher Plummer, the distinguished Canadian actor best known for his role as Captain Von Trapp in The CSound of Music, died at the age of 91 on February 5, 2021. He won an Oscar in 2012 for the film Beginners and was also nominat- ed for The Last Station in 2010 and All the Money in the World in 2018. In the latter film he replaced Kevin Spacey, Christopher Plummer lit up both stage and screen over seven Christopher Plummer won his Oscar in 2012, and was also The actor, here in 1965, has drawn many tributes from fellow whose performance as billionaire J decades (Reuters Photo) nominated in 2018 and 2010 (Reuters Photo) stars (Getty Images) Paul Getty was removed. His many other films included The ing his “amazing work since the 50s.” he famously renamed The Sound of the following year and eventually Man Who Would Be King and Knives The official Twitter account Mucus in interviews. won the award in 1974 for playing Out. for The Sound of Music posted its He also likened working with Cyrano de Bergerac. He was a memorably villainous condolences: Andrews to “being hit over the head He won his second in 1997 for Klingon in the sixth Star Trek film and A legend with varied career with a big Valentine’s Day card, every playing fellow actor John Barrymore played TV anchor-man Mike Wallace Star Trek actor George Takei called day,” though they later became great in Barrymore. in 1999’s The Insider. He also played the actor a “giant of stage and screen, friends. In 2017 Plummer was asked by Ri- Sherlock Holmes in Murder By Decree Rest in eternal music, Captain Von He also became reconciled to the dley Scott to appear in All the Money Christopher Plummer with Dame Julie Andrews Trapp.” film itself, describing it in his 2008 in the World, which he had already and appeared with Peter Sellers in in 2015 (Reuters Photo) The Return of the Pink Panther. Actor Eddie Marsan worked with memoir In Spite of Myself as being completed with Spacey. An Extraordinary Man Plummer on the 2016 film The Excep- “warm, touching, joyous and absolute- Following the allegations of sexual According to reports, Plummer died tion and said: “It was like watching ly timeless.” misconduct made against Spacey, peacefully at his home in Connecticut a master class. He had nothing to Beginnings in Montreal the film’s makers decided against with his wife Elaine Taylor at his side. prove anymore so he was completely Born Arthur Christopher Orme releasing the film with his original Lou Pitt, his long-time friend and free, kind, funny mischievous and Plummer in Toronto in December performance. manager of 46 years, remembered beautiful to watch. RIP.” 1929, Plummer grew up in Montreal Plummer shot his scenes in a him as “an extraordinary man who Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood, as an only child and was exposed to matter of days and was subsequently deeply loved and respected his who worked alongside Plummer the arts by his mother at an early age. nominated for an Oscar, a Bafta and a profession.” on animated film 9, expressed his He first studied the piano before Golden Globe. Christopher Plummer’s film condolences, adding: “What a legend.” devoting himself to acting, having Scott and his wife Giannina paid Christopher Plummer with Dame Julie Andrews Plummer had a varied career decided that playing the piano pro- tribute to Plummer, telling The highlights in pictures in 2015 (Reuters Photo) “He was a national treasure who across film, television and theatre, fessionally “was very lonely and very Hollywood Reporter: “What a guy. deeply relished his Canadian roots. a consummate actor today and I have starring in productions on Broadway hard work”. What a talent. What a life. And I was Through his art and humanity, he lost a cherished friend. I treasure the and with the Royal Shakespeare He made his debut on the New York fortunate enough to work with him touched all of our hearts and his memories of our work together and Company. stage role in 1954’s The Starcross Story less than two years ago and had a legendary life will endure for all all the humour and fun we shared Yet he will be forever known and alongside the actress Mary Astor. It wonderful experience. My heartfelt generations to come. “He will forever through the years.” loved for The Sound of Music, adapted ran for just one performance - but did condolences go to [his wife] Elaine. He be with us,” he said. The Academy of Motion Pictures from the Rodgers and Hammerstein not stop him landing more stage work will be really missed.” Consummate Actor gone Arts and Sciences, which awards the musical. and then leading roles. The actor was married three times. Sound of Music co-star Dame Julie Oscars, said he “beguiled audiences The Sound of Mucus Plummer made his film debut in He and his first wife Tammy Grimes Andrews said in a statement to the across generations.” Plummer had ambivalent feelings 1958’s Stage Struck, directed by Sidney are the parents of actress Amanda PA news agency: “The world has lost Bafta added its condolences, prais- towards his best-known film, which Lumet. He was nominated for a Tony Plummer. FEBRUARY 15, 2021 Entertainmentlink 17 Get ready to applaud Miss and Mrs Heritage 2021 Pageantry with music, the ‘Pradhana Vizha’ in Singapore. dance and food on She is a popular TV and Radio host,” he said. February 12, 2021 The finalists will be judged by a panel of distinguished people and Venkat Raman the names of the winners will be ith their penchant for announced at the event on February offering ‘something 12, 2021. different’ to stimulate Among the other highlights W of the event would be the songs community interest, Rambutan Media Works New Zealand Limited by Yugendran, his son Visashan Directors Yugendran Vasudevan Naarayan Yugendran, dances by and Hayma Malini Yugendran (nee Kiwi Narthakis and Wonder Girls. Radakrishna) are organising ‘Miss About Yugendran Vasudevan Heritage 2021’ and ‘Mrs Heritage Yugendran Vasudevan, son of 2021’ next month. the late legendary playback singer The gala Black-Tie Evening, fea- Malaysia Vasudevan, is a celebrated turing the pageant and the musical performer. He has sung popular prowess of Yugendran and other soundtracks including a number for local singers and young dancers, will Hayma Malini Yugendran (Facebook Yugendran Vasudevan (Picture Supplied) Oscar Award winner Music Director MediaCorp Pte Ltd. The Company be held at Uxbridge Arts & Culture A R Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire). has been nominated for its works located at 35 Uxbridge Road, Mellons “Unlike most other beauty con- Yugendran said that the pageant An eminent Indian film industry at all the Television Awards Bay, Howick, East Auckland on tests which specify height and other will have 10 finalists in the Miss personality, a film actor, music Ceremonies since its inception. It Friday, February 12, 2021. features, Miss Heritage 2021 and Heritage 2021 Category and 15 in the director and singer, Yugendran has expanded into New Zealand in 2018 Tickets, priced for $40 per adult Mrs Heritage 2021 is about ‘positive Mrs Heritage 2021 Category. released more than 600 songs under and has been successfully organising and $35 per child (under 10 years), body image’ and would not require About Hayma Malini Yugendran the music direction of Maestro community events in Auckland. Miss can be purchased from Eventbrite the contestants to conform to any “Hayma Malini Yugendran (nee Ilayaraja, A R Rahman and several Heritage 2021 and Mrs Heritage by clicking here. prescribed beauty concepts. The Radakrishna) will train the partici- other directors. He has hosted and 2021 will mark the launch of the Tickets include light refreshments only prerequisite is that they should pants and conduct a free workshop produced many prominent Indian Company’s annual pageant. and drinks will be available at the be confident about themselves the on Public Speaking and Empower- TV programmes and conducts Rambutan regularly organises cash bar. culture they represent,” he said. ment for them. She is the winner of events and video production events for ethnic communities. Entry to the contest is open to The Winners in each of the four pageant titles including Miss through Rambutan Media Works. “Our next venture will be a Dance women of Indian and Sri Lankan categories will be presented with Singapore Intercontinental (1995), About Rambutan Media Works Festival incorporating talents from origin. Cash and Trophy. Singapore Model (1996), Miss Tour- Rambutan Media Works is a TV the various ethnic groups of New An Empowerment Journey In addition, they will have ism (1999) and Miss Singapore Globe content and events production Zealand,” Yugendran said. Yugendran described the event opportunity to be featured on Social (2007-2008). She is also winner of company established in Singapore For more information please as ‘Empowerment Journey’ with a Media and YouTube channels on the three TV Awards- The Best Host and in 2009, producing content for email: yugendran@rambutanmed- marked difference. Rambutan Media Works platforms. Most Popular Celebrity categories- at Singapore’s only local broadcaster iaworks.com Determination drives Mrs Fiji World aspirant towards loft goals land (Australia), Jerusalem (Israel), San women who think and feel that it is too Nandini Nancy Nair Jose (Cost Rica), Honolulu (Hawaii), late to achieve a goal. I say to all our prepares for the big Las Vegas, (Nevada, USA), Amby Valley young girls in Fiji, ‘spread your wings (Near Mumbai in India), St Petersburg and aim to fly as high as you can and event in Sri Lanka and Kaliningrad (Russia), Ba Ria-Vung do not let anyone tell you how you are Venkat Raman Tau Province (Vietnam), Guangzhou supposed to do it.’ It is how you look (China), Solomons (Maryland, USA).” at life and what you make of it. Every hen Nandini (Nancy) Nair Empowering women opportunity is to grow and succeed,” goes under the spotlight at Nandini said that Mrs World Competi- she said. the Mrs World 2021 finals tion allows women to look at life afresh. https://www.facebook.com/mrsfiji- scheduled to be in Columbo “I do not know what the future holds world2021/ W(Sri Lanka) later in the year, the young but in participating in the forthcoming #beboldbeu #keepatit #takingfijito- contestant will not only debut her native Competition, I wish to help empower themrsworldstage Fiji at the glamour event but also fulfil her own dream. In fact, it would be start of another Handicrafts Photography Contest Winners announced journey in the life of the 34-year-old Nandini (Nancy) Nair: Debuting Fiji at Mrs mother of a teenager, and hopefully World 2021 (Picture Supplied) Supplied Content take her across the Continents, just her job as a Flight Attendant at Air New he Hamdan bin Mohammed Zealand did for many years. bin Rashid Al Maktoum Inter- Proud Motherland national Photography Award As a citizen of Fiji (and New Zealand), (HIPA) has concluded the TDecember edition of the Instagram Nandini is proud to represent her moth- erland at the Mrs World Contest this Photo Contest themed ‘Handicrafts’. The Competition received Handicraft Photography- Handicraft Photography- year, an opportunity which she missed Hadis Faghiri Sultan Said Sultan Almajali Nandini (Nancy) Nair: Debuting Fiji at Mrs submissions under the hashtag two years ago, due to a bereavement in World 2021 (Picture Supplied) the family. #HIPAContest_Handicrafts. “It was with a very heavy heart that I ities seized her time and attention. Ten Winners hailed from Egypt, Oman, had to decline the offer in 2019. There- years on, she believes that the invitation Turkey and Iran. to participate in the Mrs World Contest HIPA Secretary General Ali bin Handicraft Photography- fore, I was excited when I received the Amir Ghaderi invitation again this year to represent is propitious. Thalith said that since ancient times, my country as Mrs Fiji World 2021. Even “I believe that Mrs World 2021 will each region has been known for as a child I dreamt of participating in an bring with it a new chapter in my some handicrafts that distinguish it life and career and I deem it a great from the rest of the world. international beauty contest on behalf and it has been achieved. It was a great honour to be present at the global event “Often, these crafts are inherited of Fiji. Undoubtedly, it is a singular day in my career as a photographer. in Sri Lanka (in July or August 2021) from parents and ancestors and are honour for someone like me who loves Nandini (Nancy) Nair: Mrs World a prestigious I aspire to reach the highest levels of representing as Mrs Fiji World 2021. global event (Picture Supplied) appropriate to the region’s nature, Pageantry,” she said. experience and professionalism in Everything about the forthcoming location, needs and natural resourc- Born and raised in Yalalevu and photography, to be one of the famous event – the promotions, the learning es. With the passage of time, the Vatulaulau in Ba, Nandini has been on photographers in the world. Winning process, the travel with all the attendant owner of the craft not only masters the beauty circuit since her formative ‘HIPA’ is one of the biggest goals for rules and regulations currently in force their craft but may also innovate years. She participated in a beauty every photographer because of the in New Zealand, Fiji and Sri Lanka (and while others may stay true to its tra- contest held at the A D Patel College (Ba) reputation and promotion it provides to the countries enroute) – will be worth ditions. The creative lens has the gift during her school years. the photographer in the international the effort. I have learnt that it is never of being able to capture and share a “That was my first moment on photography community.” too late to try anything in life,” Nandini glimpse of the passion that a person stage and I evinced much interest in Saleh Abdalla Elsayed Hassan, said. has for their craft. We congratulate everything to with pageantry. I gained another Winner from Egypt said, “I About the Mrs World Pageant the winners and invite the rest of the confidence as a public speaker, meeting took the photo during a Nubian trip in As a global feature and a brand, Mrs participants to persevere and make people and making friends. It helped me Upper Egypt, where I met this woman World was established 25 years ago, sure they continue to participate in immensely in life,” Nandini said. in a village while she was working in following the success of its forerunner, upcoming editions to achieve their A penchant for pageants the handicrafts that she sold to visitors. Mrs America. own personal win,” he said. A few years after her migration to In the photo, she works on a wool sock The Mrs World website said that the Omani has high aspirations New Zealand with her family, she had coloured in their favourite colours competition celebrates the uniqueness Sultan Said Sultan Almajali, an opportunity to participate in the Miss that you find on the walls of homes, of the marriage woman, her family and Winner from Oman said, “I took the Indianz 2006 competition (organised by and it happened that the sky view the community. photo on the island of Masirah in Dharmesh Parikh) at which she won the complemented the colours in this photo, “Mrs World features directors in the Sultanate of Oman, where I was title of ‘Miss Personality.’ which gave it a special aesthetic. I have 80 countries, elevating the combined struck by this old woman weaving While there were many opportunities already won other competitions, but systems to the largest and most success- as a daily craft that she loves and to remain under the spotlight thereafter, this is my first win in this competition, ful of its genre in the world. Over the surely knows. This is my first win Nandini had to step back since her mat- and it has inspired me to continue years, Mrs World has produced many on social media platforms. Winning rimonial and professional responsibil- Nandini (Nancy) Nair: Empowering women to aspiring as a photographer.” fascinating locations including Queens- reach out to the world (Picture Supplied ‘HIPA’ was a precious goal for me, 18 Entertainmentlink/Classifiedlink FEBRUARY 15, 2021 Music makers transcend borders to blend creativity Rotorua and Hamilton is organising tranquillity, stillness, the dynamics, ‘Beyond Boundaries’ on the event titled, ‘Beyond Boundaries’ and most important of all, universal March 6, 2021 at Gallagher Academy of Performing happiness. If ever drop of water- Arts, Hamilton on Saturday, March from wherever it occurs, in this Venkat Raman 6, 2021. The event, commencing at song, from rain- holds a flower, 5 pm, will be the first of its kind in then let a million flowers bloom, rtistes of various bands, Hamilton. leading to blossoming of lives with all dedicated to music, Captivating and binding the fragrance of happiness, goodwill will present a Concert in Sivakumar Sangameshwaran of and understanding. the first quarter of next Moksha Base said that the Concert And the title could not be more Ayear, taking the concept of ‘melody will bring together several bands appropriate to New Zealand – Ao- envelopes human minds and hearts enlivening the belief that ‘music cap- tearoa- the Land of the Long White in bondage.’ tivates and transcends boundaries.’ Cloud,’ that holds people of every ‘Moksha Base,’ a musical group “Each of the participating bands disposition from everywhere. of young men and women from will perform their own original mu- Shankar Ramanathan, our own sic one after the other on the same The Moksha Base Band version of T M Soundararajan, S VACANCY stage. This is about bringing together About Moksha Base istry experts and other providers P Balasubrahmanyam, Yesudas, An experienced Machine Operator/ the people of New Zealand under Established in 2012, Moksha Base who keep the wheels of the economy Hariharan, Haricharan, Karthik and Cabinet Maker/Installer required for a kitchen one roof to share their musical talent is a unique music group, the mem- moving. scores of the modern singers, set the company in Papatoetoe. CV required. to a cross-section of our population,” bers of which share their passion for The artistes include, in alpha- tune, challenging Aswathy Anand to Must have driver’s license for car and Forkhoist. he said. music. As well as playing a variety betical order, Abhishek Raj, Anjali write the lyrics. Documents can be supplied for work visa or work Crowdfunding until December 26 of musical instruments and singing Abhilash, Ashwin Ramesh, Aswathy Growing response to Concert 2021 variation. Contact on 021-1407393 for an interview. Sivakumar said that Moksha Base songs corresponding to almost every Sasidharan, Ayesha Bint Ahmed, An update on the Moksha Base is currently raising money for the format including songs from Indian Jay Dev, Maathangi Parthasarathi, Facebook page said that ‘Beyond Wanted Concert through crowdfunding. films, classical fusions of Western, Ranjini Vasanthan, Shankar Boundaries’ is enlisting good The Group has thus far raised Hip-Hop, Rock, the Group has to Narayanan, Shelin Shelz, Sivakumar response, especially from donors Food Process / Machine about $7000 against the target of its credit its own compositions and Sangameshwaran and Vasanthan and sponsors. Operators $9000 by December 26, 2020. cover numbers. Raghuveeran. “We are waiting for a couple An appeal appearing on the Over the past eight years, Moksha Lockdown Music of more exceptional musicians to Horners Confectionery Ltd based in Facebook page of Moksha Base said: Base has performed to packed As a measure of self-preservation confirm,” the message said, hinting Manukau requires Food Process Workers “With the current word in turmoil, houses in Auckland and Hamilton and honing their music skills during that among them could be Opera singers. and Machine Operators. there is no better time than now and an online performance for the Lockdown Level 4 declared by the to bring all cultures together to Please follow these links: Applicants will be required to work Dunedin Tamil Society. New Zealand government from celebrate our unity and diversity Since October 2019, the Group has March 25, 2020 to April 27, 2020 https://www.waikato.ac.nz/ 5 to 6 days in a shift operation. through music. We invite musicians academy/venues/gallagher_con- This is a hands-on-job position and published three original musical to prevent the spread of Covid-19, from all over Aotearoa and all genres videos. members of Moksha Base released cert_chamber requires lifting and handling of food items. to share their music, which connects The Artistes two albums, one each in Malayalam https://www.youtube.com/ Applicants should be eligible to us. All donations will go towards The twelve-member group and English. watch?v=rrNl20DMH9A work legally in New Zealand this live performance. We have until should not be taken lightly as just The Malayalam Album comprises https://www.boosted.org.nz/ Saturday, December 26, 2020 to raise melody-makers. Among them are ‘Cheru Meghamay,’ (Small Cloud), projects/beyond-boundaries Plese apply to $9000. So, please share what we are high-end IT professionals, engineers, a Malayalam song that connects Moksha Base YouTube Channel doing and donate to our boosted medical practitioners, consultants, Nature and everything it offers- Moksha Base Facebook Page [email protected] project over on www.boosted.org.nz.” accountants, biotech and biochem- peace, confidence, satisfaction, Moksha Base Instagram

Clues Across 1A He created the first London Underground map in 1931 (5, 4) 6A This group sang Pinball Wizard in 1969 (3, 3) 9A In music, a composition which requires nine musicians for its performance (5) 10A Vegetables found in abundance in the Indian dish ‘dopiaza’ (6) 11A 1920s singer Bessie Smith was nicknamed ‘Queen’ and later ‘Empress of the ____’ (5) 12A Abbreviation for the form of polyester called polyethylene terephthalate that is molded into plastic bottles and containers (3) 13A The full title of the 1997 non-fiction book by Tom Clancy, written in conjunction with General Frederick M. Franks, Jr. – Into the Storm: A Study in ______(7) 15A The title of the sci-fi and fantasy series by Fred Saberhagen is Empire of _____ what? (3, 4) 16A Lake in Italy’s Lombardy district that is also known as Lake Lario (4) 17A Phoebe Waller-Bridge created and stars as the title character in this US sitcom which began in 2016 and ended in 2019 (7) 18A Drink made from fermented pears (5) 21A Cate Blanchett was nominated for the Best Actress Oscar in 2016 for her title role in this film (5) Crossword Puzzle by Sandhya Govind 23A Paul Newman’s role in the 1967 film Cool Hand Luke (7) 26A Informal name for the British pound sterling (4) 27A The Anatolian, the Amur and the Arabian are among the most critically endangered subspecies of this species of big cats (7) 1H 2A R R Y 3B E` 4C K 5S 6T H E W 7H O 8H 29A Salted and lightly smoked herring (7) 31A In human blood transfusions, this is the most important of the 36 different blood type classification systems currently recognized (3) N E L P I O 32A The ‘P’ in the financial abbreviation ‘C.P.I.’ (5) 9 N O N E T E O S T 33A Oldest city in the US state of Alabama (6) 10 11 I T O N I O N S B U E S 34A Aleppo is a city in this country (5)

12P E T E P N O P 35A In 2010, a plane crash close to Smolensk airport in western Russia killed almost half the leadership of this country (6) 36A In 1909, French biologist Charles Nicolle discovered that this creature was responsible for spreading epidemic typhus (4, 5) P 13C O M M A N D T O

14 15 R I T N T H E E A S T

16 C O M O D R I A S Clues Down U 17F L E A B A G L 2D The film Brokeback Mountain is adapted from a short story by this writer (5, 6)

18 19 20 L E H P E R R L K 3D This actress sang the song Wind Beneath My Wings in the 1988 film Beaches (5, 6)

21 22 4D “Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety” were words used to describe this character in a play by Shakespeare (9) X C A R O L A O O 5D ‘Loffel’ is the German word for this item of cutlery (5) A 23C O N 24V I C T D 6D This high-end luxury watch brand that originated in Le Locle, Switzerland in 1853 made the 1st mass-produced pocket watch (6) 25 26 O P N A K Q U I D 7D This actress won the 2002 Best Actress Academy Award for her performance in Monster’s Ball (5, 5)

27L E O P A R D E P A A 8D The regions of active volcanism above the seafloor (8) 14D Archaic word for ‘near’ (4) 28 29 D U A B L O A T E R K 19D Mad Max’s surname in the film series (11) 30 31 S C L O R A A B O 20D The largest subspecies of brown bear also known as the Alaskan Grizzly (6, 5)

32 33 P R I C E M O B I L E N E 21D Beverage that was named after the monk Marco d’Aviano who led the Viennese to victory over the Turks in 1863 (10) 22D Skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells (4) I I O A T 34S Y R I A 24D A type of boat associated with Venice that was originally steam-powered (9) C N N M T K R 25D Brand of male grooming products whose logo features a sailing ship (3, 5) E 35P O L A N D A 36B O D Y L O U S E 28D The liqueur Amaretto has this flavor (6)

30D Last name of the world leader who won a Grammy in 2006 for the audio version of his memoir (5)

Solutions in the next issue FEBRUARY 15, 2021 Sportslink 19

BRINGS TO YOU 20 Sportslink FEBRUARY 15, 2021 White Ferns Squad awaits ODI clash with England Women And a tribute to Great handsome over the legside. As an all-rounder he was, on his day, All-Rounder Bruce Taylor the equal of any other who has played Sourced Content for New Zealand, Sir Richard Hadlee and John R Reid included. wo potential debutantes His first two first-class hundreds headline the first While Ferns were both scored in Tests. squad of the 2020-21 season. At Eden Park in 1969, he made 124 Auckland teenager Fran against West Indies (after coming in at TJonas and Northern Districts’ Brooke 152 for six) which was then the fastest Halliday are poised to make their Test 100 for New Zealand in terms of international debuts after being both balls and minutes. named in a 13-strong White Ferns ODI Taylor was at his world-class best squad for the upcoming three-match on the 1971-72 tour of the West Indies The White Ferns Squad 2021 (New Zealand Cricket Photo) Bruce Taylor (Photo by Newshub) G.J. Gardner Homes ODI series against when, in a series dominated by England Women. A good beginner we want to take this opportunity to century and taken a five-wicket bag on batsmen, he took 27 wickets in four Halliday is the second-highest run “Fran has continued to impress build the best possible team for the Test debut, passed away in Wellington Tests at 17.70, and averaged 38.00 with scorer in the one-day Hallyburton this season for the Hearts and fully tournament,” he said. on February 6, 2021. He was 77 years the bat. Johnstone Shield while Jonas is the deserves this opportunity. She has The White Ferns assemble on old. One of his very best innings was a fourth-highest wicket taker in the a fluent, economical action and Wednesday, February 17, 2021 in New Zealand Test Cap No 108, rear-guard in the fifth Test of this se- competition. excellent work ethic and hence she Christchurch for a training camp Taylor achieved the remarkable feat ries when, with New Zealand teetering White Ferns Head Coach Bob Carter will relish the chance to work with ahead of their first ODI against in the Second Test against India at at 188 for seven; no hope of winning said that he is looking forward to the White Ferns coaches to continue England at Hagley Oval on February Kolkata in 1965, having been drafted and almost two hours to go, Taylor welcoming the newcomers into the her development. At 16 years, she is 23, 2021. into the playing eleven at the last (42* in 106m) and Ken Wadsworth environment. just at the beginning of her cricketing Suzie Bates (shoulder) and moment to replace Barry Sinclair, who (40* in 143m) saved the day and the Exceptional talent journey and we need to make sure Rosemary Mair (side strain) were not had fallen ill. series. “Brooke and Fran both deserve their she has the support around her as she considered for selection due to injury. Having begun the second day During that series he also became call-ups on the back of strong domestic embarks on this next step,” he said. White Ferns ODI Squad: Sophie unbeaten on 13, and with his batting the first New Zealand bowler to take form. Brooke has done a superb job The squad also features the return Devine (c) (Wellington); Natalie Dodd partner – Bert Sutcliffe, on 74, Taylor seven wickets in a Test innings. at the top of the order for the Spirit of Canterbury all-rounder Frankie (Central Districts); Maddy Green adopted a strategy of all-out attack Brilliant innings and offers a point of difference as a Mackay after sustaining an Achilles (Wellington); Brooke Halliday (Un- against the host’s bowling and, by the He went on to play 30 Tests, left-hander. Fran is an exceptional injury against India in 2019. capped) (Northern Districts); Hayley time Sutcliffe had reached 98, was capturing 111 wickets at 26.60 and talent and has proven that she can foot “Frankie has once again proven Jensen (Otago); Fran Jonas (Uncapped) on 88 himself and closing in on his scoring 898 runs at 20.41. On his last it with our top players. It is exciting her all-round skills in the domestic (Auckland); Amelia Kerr (Wellington); milestone century. tour of England, in 1973, he played two to add a left-arm spinner to our game and gets another chance at the Jess Kerr (Wellington); Frankie Mackay When he was eventually dismissed ODIs. His highest first-class score was squad and the balance that offers our international level. She is a vastly (Canterbury); Katey Martin (Wicket for 105, the pair had racked up a 173 for Wellington against Otago in the bowling attack, “ he said. experienced cricketer and will be an Keeper) (Otago); Hannah Rowe (Cen- record seventh-wicket stand of 163 in summer of 1972-73. Coach Bob said that this is a great asset with both bat and ball,” Coach tral Districts); Amy Satterthwaite (Vice 158 minutes. In later years, Taylor was a Selector chance for them to come in and White said. Captain) (Canterbury); Lea Tahuhu Class Cricketer for Otago, Wellington and New develop their games. Desire to improve (Canterbury) A tall, lean man with long levers, Zealand, and the New Zealand squad Auckland Hearts Head Coach Nick Carter said that there is also a Homage to Bruce Taylor Taylor bowled brisk fast-medium with for the 1992 ICC World Cup. White has been working with Jonas strong desire within the team to im- Bruce Taylor, the New Zealand a high action and was an aggressive for several years now and believes prove on recent ODI performances. all-rounder who remains the only batsman, not averse to depositing she has the tools to succeed at the next “With the ICC Women’s Cricket Published under a Special Arrangement player in the world to have scored a the ball wide of off-stump high and level. World Cup in New Zealand next year, with www.rnz.co.nz Property Finance Specialists

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