The Auckland Times JULY 04 , 2014 1 TheThe Auckland Auckland Times Times November JULY 04 , 2,2014 2014 1 1

IssueIssue 137 139 ■ ■ Issue 28 2 NOVEMBER,SEPTEMBER, 132 ■ 04 2014 2014 JULY, ■ ■2014 PH: PH: (09) (09) ■ 276 PH:276 8800 (09)8800 276■ ■ MB: MB: 8800 021 021 038■ 038 MB:5827 5827 021 ■ ■ E:[email protected] 0385827E:[email protected] ■ E:[email protected] • •[email protected] [email protected] Issue 132 ■ 04 JULY, 2014 ■ PH: (09) 276 8800 ■ MB: 021 0385827 ■ E:[email protected]

PERMANENT RESIDENCE | SPOUSE VISA | WORK VISA | STUDENT VISA Order of Fiji Awarded PERMANENModiT RESID ECharmsNCE | SPOUS EFiji VISA |and WORK the VISA Pacific| STUDENT VISA VISITOR VISA | RECONSIDERATION FOR DECLINED APPpresentedEALS his Service MedalVI SITOR VISA | RECONSIDERATION FOR DECLINED APPEALS (QSM) and in 2006 SPECIAL DIRECTION | SECTION 61 CASES own Government Dr Singh was made SPECIAL DIRECTION | SECTION 61 CASES Ministers and an Officer of the leaders. The PNewH Zealand: (0 Order9 ) 5514 027 M: 021 186 Indian83 5 Prime1 Minister clearly PEof: iHn Meritd:e r (ONZM)(@0dr9e a)m 5si5mm1ig4ra t0io2n.c7o. n z M W: :d r0ea2m1sim 1m8igr6at io8n3.co5.n1z "TAKING YOU A STEP CLOSER TO YOUr dreams" Efor: i ndeoutstandingr@dre amsimmigration.co.nz W: dreamsimmigratenjoyedion.c obeing.nz in "TAKING YOU A STEP CLOSER TO YOUr dreams" the Fiji Islands, service. TTheAK EOrder FRE E ADVICE FROM OUR FULL LICENSED Mayank kumar a place where of Fiji is TtheAK highestE FRE E IAMDMVIIGCREA TFRIOONM AODUVRI SFOULRLS LICENSED IMAAa LyICaENnCkE# k20u09m02a37r5 Indians first decoration awarded IMMIGRATION ADVISORS IAA LICENCE# 200902375 by the President settled in 1879 of Fiji, rarely when the British to non citizens. Raj in India Former DiplomatThe Rememberedinvestiture provided a means to develop the A Formerformer High Commis Diplomat- dhi made a State Visit. ceremonyRecalling Remembered many interac - lands, Argentina and France. Mr Hari Kochar a distinguished and experienced mentor to A former High Commis- tionsdhi made with aMr State Hari Visit. and tookRecalling Mrs Soonu placemany Kochar interac atDr - lands,died several Argentina years and ago France. in France Mr and Hari in Kochar recent amany distinguished business schooland experienced programsColony acrossmentor ofEu to - Fiji. sioner of India to Fiji, Mrs Soonu Satendra Singh said, “ Mrs Kochar’s tenure in Fiji years, Mrs Kochar served with distinction on rope, where she devoted muchDespite of her post re-Fiji’s sioner of India to Fiji, Mrs Soonu tions with Mr Hari andGovernment Mrs Soonu Kochar Dr died several years ago in France and in recent many business school programs across Eu- Kochar’s death has been eulo- Satendrabrought significantSingh said, “developments, MrsHouse, Kochar’s Suva tenure especially where in Fiji years,numerous Mrs internationalKochar served boards with distinctionof European on rope,tirement where days she after devoted her final much diplomaticrecent of her posting.postturbulent re- Kochar’s death has been eulo- broughtin the progress significant of the developments, Indian Cultural especially Centre.” numerousuniversities. internationalIn her professional boards life, of Mrs European Kochar tirementDr Satendra days Singh after hersaid final “ Mrs diplomatic Kocharpolitical touched posting. history, Investituregized Ceremony in many Government countries House where Suva, His Excellency President Ratu inDr theSingh progress said the of theformer Indian high Cultural commissioner Centre.” universities.was known Infor her getting professional results and life, wasMrs aKochar much Drmany Satendra lives far Singh and wide, said particularly“ Mrs Kocharespecially in thetouched circle Presidentshegized servedEpeli in Nailatikau many diligently countries with Dras SatendraIndia’s where top Singh and Mrs Singh Epeli Nailatikau Drenjoyed Singh her said time the in formerFiji but lefthigh in unfortunatecommissioner cir- wassoughtIndia’s known after Prime guestfor getting speaker. Minister results and Hon was Narendraa much manyof her diplomaticlives far and career. wide, particularly since in the circle1987 she served diligently as India’s top cumstances. The Fiji governmentpinned theaccused gold her Dr Singh recalls an occasion when she She was one of the best examples of how Fiji hasdiplomat. recognized Mrs New Kochar Zealand was citizen, eighty. enjoyed her time in Fiji but left in unfortunate cir- soughtModi after charmed guest speaker. Fiji and the Pacific Islandsof herduring diplomatic which career. India had closed its High medalcumstances.of interfering and commendedThe in domestic Fiji government politics, Dr aSinghaccused charge onMrsher gave Dran addressSingh recalls at Suva’s an occasionAlbert Park when amidst she diplomaticShe was engagement one of the best can examples break barriers of how Dr Satendradiplomat. Singh Mrs withKochar Officer was eighty. of the leaders on 19 November when his State Commission for nearly 10 years, current She was India’s high commissioner in Fijihis ofKochar effortsinterfering vehemently for in domesticthe deniedcountry politics, as ofdid a chargehis the birthIndian Mrs gavehundredsVisit an toaddress of Suvapeople, at broughtSuva’swho were Albert commendationsspell Park bound amidst by diplomaticaround the world,engagement prompting can a familybreak ofbarriers nations Order of Fiji (OF) for distinguished Government. her oration. She was popular with both Indian withwarm understanding relations for between and respect India of eachand Fiji in 1979She when was Indians India’s highmarked commissioner the centenary in Fiji ofand Kochar for vehementlyhumanity deniedin general. as did theGuests Indian hundreds of people, who were spell bound by around the world, prompting a family of nations services rendered in the past forty plus However, as relations became tense, the andfrom Fijian all communities,around. The earning Fiji Prime a reputation Minister other’s views. inthe 1979 arrival when of the Indians first indenturedmarked the workers centenary from ofat Government.the ceremony included the High her oration. She was popular with both Indian withled understanding to several milestones.for and respect These of eachincluded years, going back to his work in the sending state (India) recalled its top envoy. Mrs asgreeted an able Mradministrator. Modi warmly Mrs Kochar and introduced was cre- Her legacy of knowledge based respect theIndia arrival to Fiji. of Shethe firsthosted indentured the first workersIndian Prime fromCommissioner However, of as Newrelations Zealand, became Mr tense, Mark the and Fijian communities, earning a reputation other’sIndia’s views. role as a lead nation in the foundation Department of Foreign Kochar was subsequently appointed as Am- matedhim into London twelve a cityother she knewcolleagues well, having from will always be a guiding thought for the foreign IndiaMinister to Fiji.ever She to visit hosted Fiji when the first Mrs Indian Indira Prime Gan-Ramsden, sending state who (India) presented recalled his its topcredentials envoy. Mrs as an able administrator. Mrs Kochar was cre- internationalHer legacy of observersknowledge basedoverseeing respect Fiji’s Affairs under Fiji’s first Prime Minister, Kocharbassador, was to othersubsequently countries appointed including Netheras Am- matedstudiedaround in there. London the Mrs a South Kocharcity she is Pacific.knew remembered well, having He as alsowillservices, always not be just a guidingthat of India.” thought for the foreign Minister ever to visit Fiji when Mrs Indira Gan-a few days after Dr Singh’s investiture. return to parliamentary government. Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara to his most bassador, to other countries including Nether- studied there. Mrs Kochar is remembered as services, not just that of India.” recent contributions since 2006 in High Commissioner of India Mr Gitesh judging annual writing competitions with Sarma also attended and the High Lady June HillaryMt on behalfHillary of the New Commissioner in Nepal for Papua New Guinea. NZ High Commissioner appointed New Zealand and Fiji have mended invariably at a low point with three Acting Zealand High Commission, Suva. Dr OthersSherpa appointed companion Officers Tensing Norgay of thereached Order hospitals and roads and on several occa- stamps, medals, roads and now, a mountain NepalMt has Hillary honored theof Fijiin were Nepal Ambassador Kaliopate diplomatic fences by re-appointing High heads of missions expelled from Suva. Singh hails from Fiji where his ancestors Sherpathe summit companion of the world’s Tensing highest Norgay mountain, reached hospitalssions he wentand aroundroads andcollecting on several rubbish occa left- stamps,named aftermedals, him. roads Sir Edmund and now, Hillary a mountain contin- memoryNepal of Kiwihas iconhonored Sir Edmund theTavola, Ambassador Robin Yarrow, Commissioners in Suva and Wellington. New Zealand has urged Fiji to restore settled in 1894 from Rajasthan. In 2013 theEverest. summit Sir Edmund of the world’s Hillary highest went on mountain, to estab- sionsbehind he by went climbers. around Sircollecting Edmund rubbish served left as namedues to inspire after him. people Sir Edmundaround the Hillary world. contin - lish many special schemes through a Hima- NewMr MarkZealand’s Ramsden, high commissioner who was Acting to India head democracyLast year marked and helped the 60th with anniversary financial and he wasmemoryHillary awarded by of namingIndia’s Kiwi icon highest a summit Sir Edmundcivilian peak Ambassador Everest. Sir Edmund Peter Thompson, Hillary went Brigadieron to estab - behind by climbers. Sir Edmund served as ues to inspire people around the world. laya Trust to assist the Sherpa community of and ambassador to Nepal. of his Mt Everest feat and it was remembered Hillaryafter him. by naming a summit peakGeneral lish many Mosese special Tikoitoga, schemes through head ofa Hima the - Newof mission Zealand’s presented high commissioner his credentials to India to the otherLast yearways marked in the leadthe 60th to elections anniversary held in award to its diaspora, the Pravasi Bhartiya Nepal. With his typical “hands on” approach, His memory is reflected in dozens of in India, Nepal, New Zealand and Fiji among It was in 1953 that Sir Edmund and hisFiji laya Military Trust to Forces assist the and Sherpa the Commodore community of andPresident ambassador of Fijito Nepal. Ratu Epeli Nailatikauof hisAugust Mt Everest when feat an and elected it was rememberedgovernment was Sammanafter Awardhim. (PBSA). In 1990 he Sir Edmund joined teams to build schools, ways in both countries, with special postage other countires. of Nepal.Fiji’s With Navy, his typicalViliame “hands Naupoto. on” approach, SEE at GovernmentHis memory isHouse. reflected In inthe dozens past eightof in India,restored Nepal, to New office. Zealand and Fiji among was recognizedIt was in in 1953 the that Queen’s Sir Edmund Birthday and his Sir Edmund joined teams to build schools, waysyears, in bothrelations countries, between with Fijispecial and postage NZ were other countires. Honours List in NZ with a Queen’s EDITORIAL COMMENT

✓ 100% Halal Butchery ✓ Fresh100% VegetablesHalal Butchery ✓ FrozenFresh Vegetables Items ✓ BulkFrozen Items Items ✓ Bulk Items EDITORIAL NEWS The Auckland Times November 2, 2014 8 Order of Fiji awarded to Dr Singh A nation usually shows its gratitude Cross, Bayly Clinic, Save the Child, centre in Fiji. to worthy citizens in exceptional Prime Minister’s Relief Committee Dr Singh was invited with Lady June cases, occasionally signaling those and many NGO’s. Typically, in the Hillary to a special event marking who might have taken up a new most recent flooding disaster he was the Indian Cultural Centre’s citizenship but have maintained able to secure help from NZ Dairy, 40th anniversary in 2012. In the close links with the country of making possible a dairy component intervening decades his connections birth, with appointments such as the in the “hot meal” project by Save with the Indian Council for Cultural Order of Fiji. In an extraordinary the Child, delivering daily nutrition Relations were vast, bringing huge list of contributions going back to to children in makeshift camps and benefits and programs into Fiji, 1970, Dr Satendra Singh, ONZM, relief centers. South Pacific and NZ. QSM, PBSA, OF, JP has shown that Fiji’s 1987 political crisis saw many In 1986 when Fiji’s last Governor three nations can be linked through fall outs, among them, the expulsion General Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau a myriad of ways and despite ups of India’s High Commissioner from visited NZ, he was delighted to be and downs, remain engaged in Suva, many Fiji citizens caught out welcomed by Dr Singh, with whom fundamental ways. Such a person in NZ with expired visitor permits he traveled to many countries while well deserves the accolade given and many levels of strife among in a different role. Likewise, when from all three partners – New Fijians in their homeland. Fiji’s 2000 the Fiji President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Zealand, India and Fiji. When Fiji political crisis likewise saw many fall Mara agreed to open the 1999 Pacific became independent in 1970, its outs; again in 2006. Despite souring Vision Conference organized by newly established Foreign Office relations among former friends, the NZ Ministry of Pacific Island had many challenges, not the least India maintained a close interest Affairs, he was somewhat unhappy of which was to negotiate and sign in Fiji and especially that Prime to learn that Fijians of Indian new treaties. A young nation began Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Prime descent were not participants and slowly to make its special mark. Dr Minister David Lange were close he discussed the subject with Dr Singh’s support role with Ratu Sir friends who both wanted to ensure Satendra Singh at length. Ratu Mara Fiji MP’s. They included Adi Koila Kamisese Mara, Ratu Sir Penaia human rights were not trampled in did not mince his words when he Nailatikau (now Fiji’s First Lady) appeared on the stage to address and Adi Samanunu Cakobau. At the the large conference attendees in conclusion of Sir Anand’s term in Auckland. President Mara said he the Vice Regal Office, he consented felt there was a noticeable omission to Dr Singh’s suggestion to present as Indians from Fiji were not there. the same Tabua to the NZ High Ratu Mara told the meeting Indians Commission, Suva, to recognize in Fiji were Pacific people in every the close historical ties. The Tabua sense of the definition, had lived in was duly presented to the embassy the region for over a century and by Dr Singh and has a high place of one of their number had risen to honor with another such important become head of government. Fiji’s artifact which was given by Ratu Sir 2006 political crisis saw many fall Kamisese Mara to the Maori Queen Ganilau, Ratu Sir Edward Cakobau, Fiji. Dr Satendra outs. Relations between Fiji and NZ to mark her coronation. It was later Ratu Sir George Cakobau and other Singh’s close soured. Broken fences meant lost gifted to the embassy. pioneering statesmen of Fiji took contacts with opportunities. They also signaled Fiji’s High Commissioner in New him to many destinations, including successive some distances in links. However, Zealand Her Excellency Mere Tora North and South America, Asia and Indian High given the strong historical and people praised Dr Singh on the prestigious Europe. He was in the fortunate Commissioners to people connections, fundamental award from the President of Fiji. Ms position to meet the Pope in 1974 in Fiji led to many aspects were carried through with Tora said Dr Singh well deserves the at a Private Audience in the Vatican inputs on how great decorum. Dr Satendra Singh honour bestowed in a list that has – a young man who so warmed the India’s future and Lady June Hillary judged the eminent citizens recognized at the Pontiff’s heart, His Holiness gave engagement in annual essay writing competitions highest level. Pukekhoe stalwart of him a special large statute from his the region might which saw hundreds of Fiji’s senior the community Ganges Singh, QSM, own hometown. In 2014 the late be. One area of particular interest secondary students each year, JP said “This is a much deserved Pope was beatified – now, Pope to High Commissioner Proifessor producing extraordinary material medal and appointment to the Order Blessed Paul VI, for millions of Ishwar Chahan was in the Pacific on diverse subjects like Fiji’s Future of Fiji. Dr Singh’s vast contributions people around the world, worthy of Islands Forum. Dr Singh’s invaluable in the Region, Fiji and NZ’s Sporting have reached many parts of the veneration. input was noteworthy especially Links, The race relations lessons world. One such project was to link Fiji is in a particular location where as he was privy to the Forum’s learnt from the sinking of the several nations that were involved nature often strikes severe blows, establishing process in 1972 while Steamship Syria and How School in the 125th anniversary marking invariably with hurricanes and Fiji’s Treaty Officer. In like manner, Cultures could help Fiji. the sinking of the S S Syria, when he tropical storms. Names like Eric, he was privy to the establishment of In 2006 NZ saw the appointment of managed to locate and engage with Hina, Nigel and many more are the Indian Cultural Centre in Suva, Sir Anand Satyanand as Governor people from England, Scotland, forever in the recall of people who especially in the meetings held in General. Dr Singh secured a Australia, Fiji, India and ofcourse lived through these. Help that comes India between Ratu Sir Kamisese Tabua which is regarded as the New Zealand. The amazing artifact from overseas is always welcomed. Mara and Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau highest cultural gift that can be donated to Manukau Memorial NZ has been a very generous with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. accorded in Fiji, from the President Garden Crematorium has been benefactor. Dr Singh’s many and Dr Singh accompanied Ratu Sir of Fiji, for the Fiji Association in admired by scores of people and is varied roles going back to over four Penaia to India and engaged on Auckland to present to Sir Anand. a permanent reminder of this sad decades brought assistance to a host various levels in the discussions to The extraordinary ceremony took day in our joint history, that terrible of organizations, including Fiji’s Red see India create a permanent culture place and was witnessed by several day in 1884 when so many Indians EDITORIAL NEWS The Auckland Times November 2, 2014 9 Mahatma Gandhi – 100 Years on The Prime Minister of India will open the 2015 Pravasi Divas in G a n d h i n a g a r, in his home turf Gujarat. Significantly, the occasion will mark the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa, to Investiture Ceremony, Government House Suva, from left, His Excellency High Commissioner lead the freedom of NZ, Mark Ramsden, Dr Singh, Mrs Kriti Singh and NZ Trade Commissioner movement in the died but so many more were saved Mukherjee, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi country of his by our Fijian brothers and by Sir and Sir Edmund Hillary among birth. He remains, William McGregor.” the more prominent, there is arguably, the Mr Thakur Parbu, QSM said this simple reply when asked to most impressive Dr Singh’s recognition from Fiji recall someone whose imprint has Pravasi or comes at an important time when amazed him – “ One of the essay overseas Indian an elected government has taken winners a few years ago was a whose impact over. Mr Parbu praised Dr Singh’s remarkable young seventeen year touched millions. Indians from most nations will make countless efforts and offered his old girl suffering from Lupus. We their presence. The Government of best wishes. Mr Rup Singh, a read her brilliant essay and both The Pravasi Divas is an important friend of long standing said it Lady Hillary and I were so moved way for India to remain engaged with, India will commemorate Gandhiji’s was a much deserved honour for by it, we hoped here is a future and tap into, a vital resource – the 30 special anniversary in style and will which he offered his thanks to the leader who will get to do wonderful million diaspora, settled all around showcase a network of opportunities. Government of Fiji. Fiji’s former things for her nation and beyond. I the globe. Mr Modi will no doubt India awaits. The diaspora is warmly Vice President and currently happened to be in a position where, create valuable opportunities for his invited to Gandhinagar in early Chief Justice of Nauru, Ratu thanks to the NZ Ministry of Ministers to avail themselves of this January 2015. Joni Madraiwiwi said Dr Singh’s Foreign Affairs, we could award her opportunity when several thousand recognition from Fiji is immensely a meaningful cash prize and give pleasing and highly deserved. The her a chance to interact with Fiji’s CJ offered his warm congratulation. media. The rest was up to her. Last For a man who has met many year, I met her again. Despite the NZ/Fiji Mend Fences famous people – the impressive odds she is achieving exceptionally It is great when good neighbors list includes Queen Elizabeth II, well at university and is all set to can become good friends again! Princess Diana, Prince Charles, embark on a very creditable career. Congratulations are in order for Fiji Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, There’s one hero whose imprint will and New Zealand in restoring High Mrs Ela Gandhi (grand- daughter outshine my feeble efforts! ” of Mahatma Gandhi) Pope Auckland Times congratulates Dr Commissioners. The troubled past Blessed Paul VI, Mr Rajiv and Mrs Satendra Singh on being made an eight years should be set aside. His Sonia Gandhi, President Pranab Officer of the Order of Fiji. Excellency Mark Ramsden now our High Commissioner in Suva is a most congenial person, from all accounts, he is very well suited to carry through player. This is an excellent way this important task. Mr Ramsden has to close 2014. Fiji has signaled its been Acting head of mission for some goodwill in handing an Honorary months and finally got to present his Officer of the Order of Fiji to a credentials officially. His counterpart New Zealander in the same week in Wellington has yet to be named as welcoming New Zealand’s High Publisher / MD Ricky Nair Commissioner into the diplomatic Production / Editor Denisha Vandhana by Fiji but when they do, the Fiji fold. Fiji and New Zealand have many For Sales Enquiry Nair community will be well pleased the thaw is finally over. NZ and Fiji have projects underway and these will For more information contact us a very long history together. They be watched with interest. At a time P: (09) 276 8800 M: 021 038 5827 have vested interests and people from when important matters like climate both countries are tied through many change and its effects in our part of E: [email protected] the world are pressing concerns for W: www.theaucklandtimes.com ways. NZ has always been in the front row when Fiji needed assistance many, the road ahead will surely require goodwill and acceptance on Disclaimer: Report, article and advertisement do not after disasters. NZ has contributed necessarily reflect the opinion of The Auckland Times immensely to educational goals and all sides. Here’s to the Pacific! Bula (NZ) Ltd. We do not take any responsibilites of any to opportunities to further Fiji’s Vinaka, Kia Ora, Namaste! Here’s to article or advertisement. All rights reserved. place as an important international the future!