The English Fortnightly (Since November 1999) Issue 458 | April 1, 2021 | Free

phone editor@ website facebook twitter linkedin 09 533 6377 indiannewslink.co.nz www.indiannewslink.co.nz /indiannewslink /indiannewslink /indiannewslink

Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards 2018 Providing gold class service Winner to our valued customers Supreme Business of the Year Business Excellence in Multi-Ethnic staff from India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Marketing Best Employer of Choice Tonga, Samoa, Philippines and Nepal Raj Pradeep Singh Ashima Singh Shyama Sharma Best Medium-Sized Business Specialists in Sale and Purchase of Property & Business, Leases, Principal Partner Barrister and Solicitor 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]: [email protected] Best Businesswoman of the year 2016 Ph: (09) 2799439 | Level-1, 31 East Tamaki Road, Papatoetoe, 2025 | PO Box 200170, Papatoetoe Central, Auckland 2156 | www.legalassociates.co.nz Sikh Sports Complex in South Auckland rivals the best in the world Venkat Raman 2005, Ms Clark said, “Sikhs have always been known for their pursuit of peace he official opening of the impres- and harmony and the Gurdwara proves sive, 5.6 acre Sports Complex that belief. This Gurdwara will become within the Sri Kalgidhar Sahib a source of pride and convenience to Gurdwara in the South Auckland thousands of members of the community.” Tsuburb of Takanini on Sunday, March Partners in Progress 21, 2021 marked another resplendent Those sentiments were reflected by her chapter in the history of Sikhs in New successor , during his visit to Sri Zealand. Kalgidhar Sahib on March 8, 2015 to mark The multi-million dollar facility, the Tenth Anniversary. which was inaugurated by Prime ‘Sikhs have been partners in the Minister in the presence progress of for more than of her Cabinet colleagues, Members of 100 years. The members of the Sikh Parliament, community leaders and community, with their huge support and ordinary New Zealanders, made a bold involvement in various activities, are a Statement: That it was not only the fulfil- source of inspiration to others wherever ment of an ambition that spanned some lived,” he said. 15 years but also established a unique And on March 21, 2021, Prime Minister landmark in the Southern Hemisphere, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with Supreme Jacinda Arden endorsed those sentiments. rivalling the best in the world. Sikh Society Spokesperson Daljit Singh after The multi-million dollar Complex incorporates a FIFA approved Soccer field “New Zealanders have always been im- About 25,000 men, women and inaugurating the Sports Complex pressed by the involvement of Sikhs in the children are reported to have attended small group of people with large hearts, impressive and function-built facility. strived to foster its goal of communal local communities round the world. Their the Opening Day festivities throughout reaching out to a large number of people We were there, as always, lending harmony and peaceful co-existence successful participation in the farming the day. with equally large hearts; and the union a hand of support to the people of the through goodwill and understanding. sector initially in the Waikato area is well Multiple Games Complex of minds and deeds giving birth to an Sikh community, for, together, we have In her inaugural speech on March 13, known,” she said. The Supreme Sikh Society, which owns and manages Sir Kalgidhar Sahib Gurdwara, had completed the Sports Leaders praise Sikh Community for humanitarian efforts Ms Collins described the Sports Complex Complex Project about a year ago but as an important landmark and a great held back the inauguration because of Venkat Raman facility that will be appreciated not only by Aucklanders but also by all New Covid-19 and its resultant lockdown. eaders of the two major political The Society’s Spokesperson Daljit Zealanders. parties agreed that the Sikh Singh said that the Sports Complex has community in general and the a large Soccer field which has been Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said that the Supreme Sikh Society of New Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand is approved as of international standard LZealand in particular is in the forefront seen as a great example of community by the Federation Internationale de of social work, reaching out to people Football Association (FIFA), which service. all faiths in times of need and national “I have been privileged to be associated means that major events can be held emergency. here. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaking at the National Party Leader at the with the Supreme Sikh Society and the Jacinda Ardern inaugural ceremony Sikh Sports Complex “Our Sports Complex can host many Takanini Gurudwara from its formative Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who moved me and it moved New Zealand,” other games, including Hockey. Our stages and I am proud that the Auckland inaugurated the multi-million dollar she said, speaking in the prayer hall of the facilities include Basketball, Netball and Council is working closely with the Sports Complex at Sri Kalgidhar Sahib Gurdwara. Volleyball Courts, four Running Tracks, members of this community. The Takanini Gurdwara in the South Auckland suburb She said that the new Sports Complex will Two Cricket Pitches, Kabaddi grounds Gurdwara was among the few centres se- of Takanini on the morning of Sunday, connect and engage more people around and much more. The entire field has lected for distribution of food to the needy March 21, 2021, said that the Supreme New Zealand and around the world. floodlights and an in-built sound system. during Covid-19 lockdown last year. The Sikh Society of New Zealand (which owns “You had a dream to build a facility that As well as parking space for 200 cars (in services rendered here are indicative of the and manages the Gurdwara) is known promoted sports, that promoted wellbeing addition to 250 car park facility on the big hearted Sikh community,” he said. and admired for its service to the wider among all of the community, and to create Auckland Mayor Phil Goff speaking at the other side), the Complex has ten-metre The inaugural ceremony was attended New Zealand community, especially a space to break down barriers and bring inaugural ceremony high mesh fence and two water bores by Ministers Andrew Little (Health), during the Covid lockdowns. people together. You have achieved that at an evening function, paid tributes to the with treatment plants,” he said. Michael Wood (Transport, Workplace Re- “The role that you have played as a incredible vision. Today, we are here Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand. The current seating capacity is limited lations & Safety), community during the Covid-19 lockdown opening seven international level fields and “I have had the pleasure of visiting but the Society is shortly commencing (Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communi- last year and this year has been immense. turfs that will allow people from all over your Gurdwara many times and I work to build a grandstand that can seat ties), Members of Parliament , When I saw the images of work done by Tamaki Makaurau, and all over Aotearoa am proud of the work you do to the up to 2000 people. , Dr Gaurav Sharma, Dr you- providing food to everyone in need, New Zealand to engage in sport,” she said. communities in Auckland. I am proud Hard-work pays well Neru Leavasa and . I saw the team of five million in action Judith Collins that this Gurudwara is in my (Papakura) Pictures supplied by Supreme Sikh Society The sprawling Sports Complex is through the Sikh community. It warmed National Party Leader Judith Collins, who constituency. I will always offer my of New Zealand. Additional Reading: In this the result of the sweat and toil of a my heart. I want you to know that it led a team of her Party MPs and supporters support and help,” she said. Section and under Homelink.

Get into your First Home with as little as

deposit*

Take advantage of record-low interest rates To know your borrowing capacity call-Rachna Dave on 0800RACHNA

Email: [email protected] 24 Roberta Avenue, Glendowie, Auckland 1071 Website: www.0800rachna.co.nz Mobile: 021-02290344 Phone: (09) 5336377 Email: [email protected] Toll-Free: 0800RACHNA (0800 722 462) *Subject to lending Terms and Conditions 2 Homelink Inaugural Ceremony of Sikh Sports Complex APRIL 1, 2021 Supreme Sikh Society scores high with another landmark

Venkat Raman Details of the sports facilities Police Wallace Haumaha said at The idea is that no matter what “During significant events appear as our Lead Story on Page the inaugural ceremony, the new communities we may belong to in such as the Covid pandemic but he Supreme Sikh Society One of this issue. Sports Complex is another jewel in Aotearoa, we are all navigating the also during the aftermath of the of New Zealand proved yet Sri Kalgidhar Gurdwara was a the long and distinguished service journey of a more inclusive society terrorist attacks and again its competence and point of focus and community sol- of the Sikh Community. grounded on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Christchurch earthquakes, calibre to score high and ace during the Covid-19 lockdown Stating that the inauguration on and the journey is made easier you have donated food, funds and Testablish high standards of service with its officials and volunteers March 21 augured well with Race when we support one another,” he welfare services to sustain and with the opening of its Sports working round-the-clock, distrib- Relations Day, he said, “It is a day said. console our communities. During Complex at Sir Kalgidhar Sahib uting thousands of food packets to when we pause, reflect and honour Salute to Martyrs the recent water crisis you have Gurdwara in Takanini. anyone in need. the memory of the protestors killed Mr Haumaha said that Sikhs allowed police and our emergency It has already become a land- The Complex became an official in South Africa in 1960, and also fought for the freedom of all New services to use water from your mark and it would be no surprise distribution centre for Auckland those Shuhada (martyrs) who were Zealanders during World Wars boreholes to clean our vehicles. if the Complex, with multiple Council. killed on our shores only two years One and Two, paying the ultimate We acknowledge your service,” he facilities is included in the tourist Partnership with Police ago. The theme for Race Relations sacrifice in defending democracy said. map of New Zealand. As Deputy Commission of Day this year Walking Together. and our freedom.

Deputy Police Commissioner Wallace Haumaha speaking at the Jacinda Ardern with Sikh community leaders at the Sports Complex Jacinda Ardern with Michael Wood, Arvinder Kaur, Wallace Haumaha, inaugural ceremony Phil Goff and Baljit Dheil

Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Michael Wood, Jacinda Ardern and Arvinder Kaur Daljit Singh with Matt Robson Jacinda Ardern with Sikh women

Jacinda Ardern with Supreme Sikh Society officials Judith Collins with Daljit Singh A section of guests on March 21, 2021

More than 25,000 people visited the Gurdwara on March 21, 2021 The Sports Complex has multiple sports facilities A Section of the Sports Complex APRIL 1, 2021 Homelink 3

on Christchurch masjidain was published. The 800-page HRC wants additional support to Christchurch massacre victims document found that no public sector agency was at fault, and the Government accepted the findings and agreed in Venkat Raman principle to its 44 recommendations. Prime Minister Jacinda he government must Ardern apologised for government failings in the lead up to offer further assistance the attacks. to the families of victims January-February 2021: The Department of Prime Minister of the Christchurch and Cabinet (DPMC) hosts regional hui seeking feedback Tmassacre of March 15, 2019 and on the report and provide information about initiatives that the State is accountable underway. Further engagement with wider communities and for lapses as per international the public are expected to follow. human rights standards. February 2021: a report by the Federation of Islamic The call has come from Associations in New Zealand (FIANZ) calls for greater support Human Rights Commission for Muslim communities including a comprehensive needs based in Wellington. Chief Human Rights Commissioner analysis of the victims and full accountability from the NZ In a 14-page Report called, Paul Hunt (File Photo) Police and the NZ Security Intelligence Services. February/March 2021: A summary response by the Human ‘Reflections on the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquirty Rights Commission (HRC) is prepared in parallel to hui Royal Commission of Inquiry’ Report on December 8, 2020. held by DPMC to gather feedback on the Royal Commission (into the terrorist attack) “While legal aid is likely to of Inquiry’s report. Reflections on the Report of the Royal released on March 17, 2021, be available for those wanting Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on 15 March Paul Hunt, Chief Human Rights representation at the Coronial 2019 is published by the HRC Commissioner said that the Court the process of getting that Commission’s Report provided families of those murdered in support is complex and may a considerable amount of infor- the terrorist attack, the survivors also come with costs. There is mation the suppression orders, and witnesses must be helped also the broader question of as- particularly the 30-year order to redress the severe harm that sistance in engaging with other on evidence and submissions by they have suffered. types of processes, particularly public sector chief executives, Mr Hunt said that the govern- those with a potential for rep- were a surprise. ment has a critical human rights aration, such as the restorative “The suppression order duty to ensure the rights of the justice process recommended over government information affected whanau, survivors and by the Royal Commission,” Mr sends a mixed signal to the witnesses to reparation and Hunt said. affected whanau and survivors. ● First Home ● Buying an Apartment access to justice. The HRC Report noted that Given the lack of prior notice ● Investment Property ● Low Deposit “Many aspects of the gov- the Royal Commission was not or consultation, it has had a ● Residential or Commercial ● Self Employed ernment’s response to date are asked to consider questions of potentially damaging effect on consistent with a human rights compensation or other forms of the community’s trust in the ● Building / Extending / Renovating ● Business Loan approach, including setting reparation. process,” Mr Hunt said. ● Re-Finance/ Restructure ● Property Development up the Royal Commission of But Mr Hunt believes this did He said that the HRC will Inquiry and the Prime Minister’s not absolve the government continue to consult with For all your home loan and insurance needs talk to us... apology, but the commitment from a duty to make reparations affected families, survivors does not stop there,” he said. in proportion to the severe and witnesses to understand Contact us for FREE According to the HRC complex harm caused. their perspectives and will also consultation legal processes are in store for He said that the affected engage with the government Toll Free: the affected families, survivors community, as victims of ter- on its human rights duties and and witnesses including a co- rorism, had a right to seek and tangata whenua. 0508 33 22 11 ronial inquest. The Report said Important Dates: Rakesh Bansal Era Bansal Manisha Kumar Jatinder Singh obtain information about the 021 030 8135 021 066 7598 021 154 4327 M:021 030 8135 [email protected] that these come after consulta- causes and conditions that led December 8, 2020: The Report [email protected] [email protected] Ex-Banker for years 09 903 3602 tion with those directly affected, to the attack, so that they could of the Royal Commission of Ex-Banker for years following the publication of the learn the truth. While the Royal Inquiry into the terrorist attack 116b,Cavendish Drive, Manukau City E:[email protected] | w:www.kiwimortgages.net.nz

Are you looking to Buy or Sell a Business? NewZealand Immigration Specialists with 30 years of experience

Shaun Khanna has a business, sales and marketing experience of more than 25 years and is a specialist in Competent, proven selling businesses such as Service Stations, Lotto Stores, Dairies, Supermarkets and Liquor Stores. He also has vast immigration service since 1988 exposure in the hospitality sector. Shaun has sold many ●Serving the immigrant community since 1988 businesses and has helped hundreds of buyers and sellers ●Upfront in-depth appraisal. We accept only cases of petrol stations and convenience stores throughout New which arehighly likely to be successful Zealand. Shaun understands both sides of the transaction ●Telephone enquiries /obligation free advice from the perspective of both the buyer and the seller as he ●Network of professional subject matter experts, is a former successful business owner as he had owned such as Commercial Lawyers, Accountants and and successfully run a big BP Service Station & thoroughly understands how it works. Business Consultants to work on Business Visa applications ●Strong portfolio of successful applications Shaun Khanna ●Strong New Zealand community connections Shaun o ers the degree of professional service that 029 770 9767 e ectively brings business buyers and sellers together to [email protected] experience successful and desirable outcomes. Shaun has a nationwide network of contacts and a track record ●Skilled Migration ●Family Migration ●Business Visa of success, receiving many referrals from satis ed buyers ●Special Direction Applications and sellers. ●Appeal to IPT,CFP (Client Complaints to INZ), S.61 and For a con dential, no obligation discussion about the sale Ministerial Requests for consideration of your business please give me a call on 029 770 9767 or send an email to [email protected] Call us now for afreeinitial appraisal of your immigration application (Appointment essential for personal consultations) Stay Safe. Stay in touch. Use the NZ Covid Tracer App Principal: Harjeet SGolian 2017 2017 2015/2016 2014 2013 B.A. (Aust) LL.B (NZ) SALESPERSON MOST DYNAMIC SALESPERSON HI-VIZ VIDEO LISTER RISING OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR Licenced Immigration Adviser -Member NZAMI -since 1993 RUNNER-UP LISTER RUNNER-UP STAR

Level 1, 3Campbell Road, Royal Oak, Auckland Phone: (09) 6241204 Mobile: 021 624120 029 770 9767 Email: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.golian.co.nz 4 Homelink APRIL 1, 2021 Experts favour more names on the list of terrorists

Katie Scotcher expert on the far-right, said that he wake of the Christchurch shooting,” nly one white supremacist is aware of many White Supremacist Spoonley said. has been designated as groups in New Zealand. This would be in line with one of a terrorist entity in New “I think there are probably the recommendation of the Royal Zealand, two years on from somewhere around a dozen groups Commission of Inquiry into the Othe Christchurch Mosque attacks. of various sorts who are active in Christchurch Mosque attack, which Brenton Tarrant was added this country. However, the number said that the government should to the List of 20 organisations by of individuals involved in those review all counter-terrorism laws to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern groups and involved in contributing ensure they were fit for purpose. in September last year. Anyone to far-right discourse in this country Changing the definition on the List has their assets frozen has remained more or less the same Justice Minister and it becomes a criminal offence and I would put that as somewhere would not confirm if officials were between sort of 200 to 300,” he said. looking at changing the definition of to participate in or support their “No need to wait”: Paul Buchanan (RNZ Photo) The power to add to the Terrorist List: Jacinda activities. Ardern (RNZ Photo by Simon Rogers) He was surprised by the List, terrorism. The Christchurch gunman is the which he described as “traditional” But in a statement he said that only individual on the List that is and not reflecting the reality of the officials have started to look at the otherwise made up of international right-wing threat post March 15, counter-terrorism laws, but work terror groups including Al-Shabaab, 2019. was in the early stages and it was ISIL Sinai and the IRA. The legislation that covers the too soon to say what changes may It is up to the Prime Minister to designation of terror entities eventuate. decide the names of individuals or (Terrorism Suppression Act 2002) The Royal Commission found that groups who should be classified as a was written in the wake of the 9/11 security agencies were too focused terrorist or terrorist organisation. attacks and makes it difficult to on the threat of Islamic extremism No mention of White Supremacy, classify White Supremacists as a before March 15, 2019. Far-Right terror threat, Professor Spoonley Islamic Women’s Council National Ms Ardern has the power under said. Coordinator Aliya Danzeisen said the Terrorism Suppression Act “I think that there is an appetite to that the terror List showed nothing which currently does not mention List should be updated expanded: Professor Proactive approach needed: Aliya Danzeisen identify these groups and the threat had changed. Paul Spoonley (RNZ Picture by Katie Scotcher) white supremacy or the far-right (RNZ Photo by Luke McPake) that they pose to our society and ... “They clearly knew two years once. for abusing the privilege of using simply terrorists and name before what is happening is our systems, ago that there were concerns, Security Analyst Paul Buchanan the internet to communicate, that the deed. including our definition of who is they have done their own internal said that Ms Ardern should use that does not stop them from going to “And then as you know, people a terrorist, or what qualifies as a investigations, they have their own power as a preventative tool and the clubhouse, dressing up and come down and keep their nasty terrorist group is currently being security ... and the fact that nothing make additions to the List. marching around. “It will certainly views to themselves, you will have updated. So, I think that what we are changed on these Lists, other than “By designating, let us say, a make them think twice, if they dissipated the threat without firing a seeing is a List which is historical in adding the Christchurch shooter right wing extremist group as a choose to go on to public and harass shot,” Mr Buchanan said. its origins and other definitions and who was already caught and terrorist entity, you cut them off and intimidate people in the way The government has to fulfil is inappropriate now and it needs to imprisoned, shows that their priority from funding and make it illegal, they used to before March 15, 2019” its promise to be proactive when be expanded. still remains or appears to remain for example, the pay membership Mr Buchanan said. responding to people with extremist “So I am aware that there is elsewhere,” she said. dues,” he said. No need to wait views and recognise that white quite a bit of work being done by Danzeisen echoed Buchanan’s He said that the government need He said that there is no need supremacists have “abrogated some various government departments, comments, calling for the not wait until a member of a right to wait until a member of a right of the rights and freedoms that the including the group that advise the government to take a proactive wing group commits an act or an rest of us are protected by,” he said. prime minister on who should be approach instead of a reactive one. wing group commits violence to be Katie Scotcher is a Political Reporter at considered a terrorist. act of violence of any sword much White Supremacy alive in New on this List, to update and broaden and identify those groups in a way . The above Report “If they are abusing the social less mass violence for them to be Zealand has been published under a special media ... you can go after them considered terrorists, or they are Professor Paul Spoonley, an that’s much more appropriate in the agreement with www.rnz.co.nz

Mortgage and property expertise in a nutshell

We’ll help you find the sweetest mortgage deal whether it’s your first home or investment property, and arrange the best insurance to suit your needs.

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 APRIL 1, 2021 Homelink 5 Death takes away a leader, a man of love Venkat Raman Marketing Executive for Amiantit here are a few people who Oman. Following his migration to steal your heart, unknowing New Zealand with his family, he was that if they were to depart employed at Barfoot & Thompson in earlier than necessary, they Auckland. Twould cause devastation. Warm-hearted Leader Soundararajan Thiruppathi, A community leader, Mr Tirupathi who was referred by many of as was a warm-hearted, friendly and Soundhar Tirupathi, passed away at fun-loving person and had endeared about 730 pm on Saturday, March 27, himself to thousands of people 2021 at Auckland Hospital. throughout New Zealand. His funeral service, held on He was a former President of Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Ann’s Muthtamil Sangam Auckland and Funeral Home in Wiri, Manukau, Vice-President of the New Zealand Soundararajan Thiruppathi was attended by more than 400 15.5.1966 - 27.3.2021 Hindu Temple Society which owns people. and manages Thiru Subramaniyar Final, precious moments Aalayam located at 69 Tidal Road, He was 54 years of age and smiling, always reaching out for Manger, South Auckland. doctors gave him half of an hour, the good, soft part of people and Sheba is a current Member of the saying that he would not be able to always speaking out his mind and Executive Committee of Muthtamil emerge from medical complications heart. Sangam Auckland and its former that had enveloped him. Life and Career Secretary. She is also a Real Estate Those 30 minutes became the Born and raised in Tiruchi- agent at Barfoot & Thompson. most precious in his life, in the life of rappalli in Tamil Nadu, he The Knower only knows his wife Sheba and their daughters attended the R.S. Krishnan Higher As it was mentioned at the funeral Saankhya and Sanchaya, Sankhya Secondary School, the ER Higher service, “The Vedas affirm, ‘The husband Josh , his family and other Secondary School and later the Knower, the Author of Time, the Pos- members of the immediate extended Thiagarajar College of Arts and Sci- sessor of Qualities and all Knowledge, family. ence, Madurai, where he obtained it is He who envelopes the Universe. Mr Soundhar spoke to his mother his graduate degree (BBA). He later Controlled by Him, this work of and dear ones in India through a attended the Annamalai University creation unfolds itself, that which is video call, said ‘Goodbye’ and spent in Chidambaram to earn his MBA regarded as Earth, Water, Fire, Air about 20 minutes with his wife and and finally a Diploma in Export and Ether. Om Nama Shivaya.” children. Management from the United Indian Newslink offers its sincere He was lucky to have known of Kingdom. condolences to Sheba Soundhar, her his end, one may say, but the agony Mr Soundhar’s professional daughters and their extended family. that it caused in his wife, children career took him to Muscat, Oman, We pray for the departed soul to rest and scores of us who were waiting where he worked as Senior in peace. on him and his family cannot be explained. We were in prayer and hoped that everything was a dream and that we would soon wake up to reality. In life, what is feared is more likely to occur than what is hoped. Mr Soundhar was more than a husband to his wife and father to his daughters and a friend to almost all of us. He was a care-free soul, always Soundararajan Thiruppathi with his wife Sheba and their daughters Sanchaya and Saankhya

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER IN BUSINESS OR DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Are you considering options for professional development? Upskill in one year with a graduate diploma and stay ahead. Choose from a range of majors: • Business: accounting, sales and marketing, human resources management, operations and production management, and project management • Digital technologies: networking, software and web development, and data analytics. Come join us, where the best makers are made.

Start May. Apply now | manukau.ac.nz MKT245_5g27 6 Educationlink APRIL 1, 2021 New National School Curriculum to be in place in five years Ministry of Education launches the curriculum should also sional development, will be consultation process focus on wellbeing, identities, designed in collaboration with language and culture. educators so that teachers can Venkat Raman Tamariki want to learn from a successfully put the changes curriculum that is meaningful in place. The refreshed he Education Ministry has undertaken the task of to them and their families. Curriculum alongside high refreshing the National Curriculum for Schooling to Teachers and parents want quality and relevant resources ensure that it is ‘fit for purpose and is clearer about to be clear about what their for teaching and learning what children (Tamariki) need to learn at School Tamariki need to learn, how will be located on the Online T(Kura). they are making progress, Curriculum Hub replacing According to Associate Education Minister , their strengths and where Te Kete Ipurangi (TKI), and the National Curriculum will be refreshed over the next support is needed,” she said. an enhanced Kauwhata Reo. five years, retaining its bicultural, inclusive, easier-to-use Ms Tinetti said that the These will make it easier to use factors and will be clearer and more consistent for teachers Ministry wants to have in and share resources to teach (Kaiako). place a curriculum that strikes the curriculum,” Ms Tinetti a balance between learning said. that is important nationally Associate Education Minister Jan Tinetti with her constituents in Tamariki and Whanau (Website Photo) and learning that is relevant She said that Tamariki are locally. at the heart of refreshing the “In 2021, we will be working in their learning and get the Timeline for the refresh National Curriculum. with you on the new framing learning they need,” she said. The refresh of the National “Their voice and diverse of both Te Matauranga National Curriculum for Curriculum will be phased needs and aspirations will o Aotearoa and the New Schools over five years and will inform the refreshed curricu- houses are built by hands, Zealand Curriculum to ensure The national curriculum is be completed by 2025. It is lum, providing every opportu- homes are created by designers that they are clear what our a treasure (taonga) that guides essential that teachers and nity for their success, now and Tamariki need to learn to be and shapes the learning of Kaiako have the right tools and in the future. Whanau and Iwi space designers ltd successful now and in the every school (Kura). Teachers know how to implement the are also valued as important architectural designer future. An example is the will weave together the refreshed curriculum, she said. contributors to what schools recently announced draft cur- national curriculum with “An extensive package of and kura need to achieve for our strengths riculum content for Aotearoa local contexts and the diverse supports, including profes- their children,” Ms Tinetti said. member of ADNZ-recognised professional body New Zealand’s histories and aspirations of Tamariki and well equipped & established with good reputation the future (Te Takanga o Te their whanau to develop their overall personal service technical competency & Wa),” Ms Tinetti, who is also learning programmes. Minister of Internal Affairs Why is the national curricu- professional experience. facebook and Minister for Women, said. lum being refreshed? /indiannewslink Email: [email protected] “We are committed to Ms Tinetti said that over Website: www.spacedesignersltd.co.nz a collaborative process of the past two years, the twitter Stand out /indiannewslink 178 A Pakuranga Road, Pakuranga, Auckland 2010 co-design and will be seeking Ministry invited feedback on input from a diverse range of the National Curriculum from from the rest ! linkedin Phone : 09 577 2172 / 021 687162 communities. We want you, educators, Tamariki, parents A Vital Medium to reach your target audience /indiannewslink the people of Aotearoa New and whanau. Zealand, to have the chance “Parents and families want to be involved in shaping our more certainty about what 24 Roberta Avenue, Glendowie, Auckland 1071 curriculum so that all our their Tamariki will learn in Phone (09) 5336377 Mobile: 021-836528 Tamariki can see themselves schools and kura, and that Email: [email protected]; Website: www.indiannewslink.co.nz

Please change the advertisement with a different layout (should

be colourful) as follows:

Only the following required for the new ad.

Headline: Stand out from the Rest! YOUR SUCCESS PARTNER Visual: Prepare a new visual which is clearer Your one stop Print and Signage shop At the bottom: A Vital Medium to reach you target audience Sign off: Indian Newslink Limited, 24 Roberta Avenue, DeepavaliGlendow-

ie, Auckland 1071

Phone (09) 5336377 Mobile: 021-836528 Email: venkat@indian-

newslink.co.nz; Website: www.indiannewslink.co.nz

Place logos of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and our Mobile App

•Stock Management •Print & Hold •In House Design •Online Ordering System

•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 APRIL 1, 2021 Educationlink 7 to present Budget 2021 on May 20 Venkat Raman value for money in all areas of keeping New Zealanders safe from the Wellbeing Budget and build on eputy Prime Minister and government spending and reprior- Covid-19. Our other main objectives those we used in 2019 and 2020,” he Finance Minister Grant itising spending where appropriate. will be to accelerate the pace of said. Robertson has announced We will also continue the balanced recovery and rebuild, even as we Wellbeing Objectives 2021 that he will present Budget approach to invest in strong public address key issues including Climate Just Transition to a Low Carbon D2021 to Parliament on Thursday, services and addressing issues such Change, Housing Affordability and Economy May 20, 2021. as housing, while keeping a lid on Child Poverty,” he said. Future of Work: Lifting Productiv- There will be a special lock-in for debt,” he said. Mr Roberton said that Budget ity and Innovation the media a couple of hours earlier. Covid-19 continues to dominate 2021 decisions will be driven by Lifting Maori and Pacific Incomes Mr Robertson indicated that the While Mr Robertson hopes to Wellbeing Objectives. and Opportunities forthcoming Budget would focus concentrate his attention on what he “These are now a requirement Reducing Child Poverty and on sectors that need immediate calls, ‘Overarching objectives for this under changes made to the Public Improving Child Wellbeing financial support and incentives. Parliamentary Term,’ Covid-19 is Finance Act, underpinning budget Improved Mental and Physical “We will manage the books care- Deputy Prime Minister & Finance Minister expected to dominate his Budget. decisions. These objectives continue Health Outcomes fully, ensuring that we are getting Grant Robertson (File Photo) “We will continue to invest in the evidence-based focus started in Source: Ministry of Finance Over-familiarity runs antithetical to democracy

unhealthy intimacy in the relationship between individ- uals and the government. Covid-19 breaches It is effective too, with Kieran over 63,000 New Zealanders Madden reporting rules breaches of the Covid-19 Act last year. Government Partnership here is a scene in George Orwell’s dys- Surveys by IGPS showed that topian novel ‘1984,’ in the “trust in our neighbours to make informed choices Action Plan in the making which, Winston, the Trebellious protagonist, gets about the future” dropped by about 4% in the past four Supplied Content there were changes in the approach to the ambushed while helping fix development of the Plan. his neighbour Mrs Parsons’ years, while “trust in the he Public Service Commission (PSC) Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern: Good government to do what is TINZ has identified three specific problem sink by her unruly children. cultural narrative (Getty Images) sought public comments on the creation areas, as follows: “Traitor!” they yelled while right for New Zealand” rose of New Zealand’s 4th Open Government by 14%. The current Plan is being developed without dressed in the uniform of the Partnership National Action Plan (NAP4). any budget for the commitments. Achieving Junior Spies, “Thought-crim- We now trust our TThe submission closes on April 1, 2021. neighbours similar to our ambitious goals requires funded projects, which inal!” The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is can only happen if the development of the A mere nine and seven government. an international agreement by governments The letter and these Plan is integrated into the annual budget cycle. years old, they adored the committed to creating greater transparency, Previous commitments have been constrained Party, and would do anything statistics are symbolic of a increasing civic participation and using new deep, yet subtle, sense of in ambition and delivery by lack of funding. for it, including turning technologies to make government more open, Insufficient time for engagement their own parents in to the over-familiarity that serves effective, and accountable. to erase our awareness of the The process does not involve co-creation, Thought Police. Strengthening democracy being a traditional consultation with insufficient They were just playing, but massive power imbalance An effective National Action Plan is one between Government and time for substantive engagement. Winston described it as feel- where, working together, New Zealanders This is counter to the recommendations for ing like he was surrounded individual citizens. develop commitments that further the OGP Just ask the noted South better methods of public participation in both by tiger cubs, who will one goals of strengthening democracy, building trust, the Department of the Prime Minister and day grow up with a bite to Auckland KFC worker how and improving wellbeing. it feels when the warmth Cabinet (DPMC) Policy Project Guidance and match their roar. The Young’s Girl’s letter from Ireland Transparency International New Zealand the Royal Commission of Inquiry report into Feel-good story to Jacinda Ardern disappears. (TINZ) is developing a submission that includes At a time where “lock- the Christchurch terrorist attack, as well as the I was reminded of the her buffoon-like father. Just comments from our members. We are interest- downs impose the most OGP’s own standards. Junior Spies when the Prime playing. ed in your feedback related to these goals and extensive restrictions on New Co-creation was also a recommendation of the Minister proudly shared a Unsettling factor potential underlying commitments, or any other Zealanders’ lives seen for at OGP Independent Review Mechanism, in their letter she had received from But for me at least, there topics relating to Open Government. least 70 years; perhaps ever,” New Zealand Design Report 2018-2020. a young girl. is also something unsettling You can email us at [email protected] with your as Professors Andrew Geddis The work to co-create the action Plan is “My dad is not washing here. A young girl, without thoughts. and Claudia Geiringer said, insufficiently resourced to achieve high quality his hands properly,” the girl realising it, expressing We encourage members and other interested we must not forget that the public participation. So it is unlikely to lead to scrawled in red writing on allegiance to the government individuals to visit the PSC’s online Delib State, albeit a “nice” one, is an inspiring or effective Plan that government the back of a postcard ad- over her own parents. To platform to join the conversation and contribute still the state, not our family agencies and civil society can commit to with dressed simply to “Jacinda,” be clear, this government is your ideas directly. or friends. enthusiasm. “he is not putting soap on his not training Junior Spies like TINZ convened a meeting of ten civil society We are fortunate that The group has sent a letter to the Hon Chris hands and rubbing for twen- that in Orwell’s world. organisations with an interest in open gov- our Prime Minister is not in Hipkins, Minister for the Public Service, seeking ty seconds.” “I will work on Ardern is not sending out ernment to discuss a collective response to the any danger of becoming Big a meeting to discuss extending the period for this with him,” she reassured ‘Thought Police’ to force consultation, an approach found to be successful Brother, and New Zealand co-creation of NAP4, thereby enabling funding Ardern, who responded: errant fathers to wash their in other countries working on their National is not a dystopia. But to for the Plan to be included in Budget 2022. “love the offer of support hands. Action Plans. maintain our civil democracy As a result, the Plan would be submitted to right at the end there.” But by using the Team of Disappointing performance in these extraordinary times, the OGP in June 2022. This would enable more This made the news mostly five Million language and Attendees expressed general disappointment we must balance our over-fa- ambitious goals to be co-created with deeper as a feel-good story. promoting informing on our with New Zealand’s progress on open miliarity with a healthy civil society engagement and support substantial It is fair enough to say this neighbours who are “letting government since it joined the OGP in 2014. The emotional distance. movement towards more open government. is all a bit of a light-hearted the team down,” there is a feeling was that the first three action Plans were amusement: a junior powerful, shifting cultural Kieran Madden is Research unsuccessful in both ambition and delivery. The The above article appeared in Transparency Times member of the Team of five narrative at play that Manager at Maxim Institute, group agreed that there was a high risk of NAP4 (March 2021) of Transparency International New million getting one-up on Auckland. delivering the same inadequate result, unless promotes a democratically Zealand.

Don’t dream it’s paid off - Live it now Mortgage Genius Plan designed to get you where you want to be financially! Home Loans Business Loans Commercial Loans Insurance

Allow you to pay off Build wealth faster Enable you to free up cash to your mortgage quicker purchase additional properties without increasing loan instalment Disclosure Statement available free of cost

Airport Oaks 09 255 5500 Manukau 09 263 5555 Henderson 09 836 5555 Tauranga 07 577 0011 8 Fijilink APRIL 1, 2021 Fiji’s new envoy presents credentials in Delhi Supplied Content timely allocation of Covid-19 on his diplomatic appointment India is at the forefront of global Vaccines that would support Fiji’s at the Fiji High Commission in efforts to contain the pandemic iji’s new High Commissioner to recovery and rebuilding efforts. India and reaffirmed India’s by assisting several countries with India Kamlesh Shashi Prakash Shared values commitment to further advance provisions of Covind-19 Vaccines. presented his credentials to Presi- Reflecting on the historical the bilateral relations with Fiji at Mr Prakash is the sixth resident dent Ram Nath Kovind at a virtual ties between Fiji and India, Mr all levels. High Commissioner of the Repub- Fceremony held in Delhi on Thursday Prakash said that the bilateral Tightening bond lic of Fiji to the Republic of India. March 18, 2021. relationship between the two na- He emphasised Fiji’s Fiji and India established diplo- In presenting his credentials, Mr tions is based on the shared values importance as India’s partner not matic relations in 1971 and since Prakash acknowledged India’s timely and aspirations of democracy and only bilaterally but also in the then the engagements between provision of humanitarian assistance to the universal principles of human Indo- Pacific region. the two nations have strengthened Fiji, in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclones Fiji’s High Commissioner to India Kamlesh Shashi Prakash at the rights, peace and security. In commending Fiji for its swift in mutual areas of interests and Yasa and Ana. virtual credential presentation ceremony in New Delhi on March 18, Receiving the credentials, Mr response to contain the Covid-19 priorities. 2021 (Fiji Government Photo) He also commended India for the Kovind congratulated Mr Prakash pandemic, Mr Kovind said that Return of Ahluwalia closes a nasty chapter in USP books was arrived at,” and the “non-in- evidence because of the level intoned, “I will fight with every volvement of the USP Council as a and or quality of documentation drop of my blood.” whole.” retained by USP. Professor Ahluwalia is dynamic Mr Tukana’s sentiments that “BDO’s view is that a majority and is needed in the Pacific. Professor Ahluwalia “has managed of the decisions investigated were Many observers have stated that to hold the University together made within the boundaries of the it is time that all those involved in Dr Joseph Veramu above water, and especially in Vice Chancellor’s ordinance. How- the University saga should bury the midst of this world-wide crisis any observers have stated that it is time ever, when critically analysed, the their difference and work together with the Covid-19 pandemic” that all those involved in the university rationale for many of the decisions for the sustainable development appeared to be shared by council saga should bury their difference and taken is unclear.” of the Pacific region. The saga has members who supported Profes- work together for the sustainable BDO identified the need for also been a victory for students sor Ahluwalia’s reinstatement. Mdevelopment of the Pacific region. University of greater oversight, control and and all those who have used University of South Pacific Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal When Professor Ahluwalia took the South Pacific Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal management of the HR and social and mainstream media Ahluwalia (Fiji Sun Photo) up his position in 2019, he hit the Ahluwalia’s suspension has been lifted and he has payroll functions of the USP. to highlight the issues and bring ground running. been reinstated to his office. Ahluwalia was when the highly respected finance Professor Ahluwalia was sus- about this satisfactory conclusion Although appointed in Novem- The USP Council “is not persuaded that due and IT expert, Semi Tukana, resigned a week ago. pended for material misconduct to this matter. ber 2018, he formally took up his process was followed in the suspension of He had sent his letter of resignation to Pro-Chan- allegations and new allegations. It has been said that conflict in a role in January 2019. Vice-Chancellor Ahluwalia”. cellor Winston Thompson who had appointed him This led some to question whether University is not necessarily a bad Within six weeks of taking Resignation of Semi Tukana to the Investigation Committee. there had been elements of thing if we can learn from these office, concerned staff had gone The USP Council resolved that the process as pre- Mr Tukana had provided four reasons for resign- vindictiveness in his suspension. experiences. to Professor Ahluwalia with scribed in An Ordinance to Govern the Discipline of ing. One concern was that “this Sub-Committee (is) Charismatic personality It is the moral responsibility allegations. the Vice-Chancellor be followed in investigating any being used as a means to achieve the ultimate aim Professor Ahluwalia appears to of the Pacific community, senior In April 2019, Professor allegations. of terminating the appointment of Professor Pal have a huge following in Fiji and administrators, student leaders, Ahluwalia sent a paper entitled There are unconfirmed reports that Professor Ahluwalia as VC at USP.” the Pacific. staff, and council members to find “Issues, Concerns and Breaches of Ahluwalia’s support in the Council came from Public perception of autonomy He is charismatic and has common ground to proactively Past Management and Financial Polynesian and Micronesian members. He also highlighted the “existing public excellent interpersonal communi- develop USP so as to contribute to Decisions” alleging wrongdoing by One early sign that there were some complica- perception of the lack of independence in how the cation skills. It is reported that his the sustainable development of the the former Vice Chancellor”. tions in the allegations brought against Professor appointment of the members of this committee affirming nature is such that he Pacific. Professor Ahluwalia had made willingly give up his cup of tea to 26 allegations of mismanagement support staff. Dr Joseph Veramu is Executive of Integrity Fiji based in Suva, Fiji. He is a against his predecessor who held As he was surrounded by staff former teacher and was connected with office from 2008 to 2018. and students, Professor Ahluwalia the Commonwealth Youth Programme. BDO Review and Comments cut an imposing figure, rather like The above article, which appeared in BDO Auckland concluded that Thakur Baldev Singh getting ready the Fiji Sun has been reproduced here there was a lack of documentary to face the dacoits in Sholay as he under a Special Arrangement. TINZ working to include Fiji under Corruption Perception Index

Joseph Veramu Fiji is currently included in only he Transparency Interna- two of the CPIs component surveys. Design & Construction tional New Zealand (TINZ) CLCT Integrity Fiji is working South Pacific Anti-Corrup- with TINZ and the TI Asia Pacific Our team can offer you: tion Networking Project Office, to encourage the inclusion Thas been a blessing in highlighting of Fiji in additional surveys from the corruption challenges in Fiji which the CPI is drawn. House design and and the Pacific Islands, and the CLCT Integrity Fiji participants at the CLCT Integrity Fiji completed a Retreat held at Blue West Villas in Maui Review of Pacific Islands National strategies needed for combatting Bay. Joseph Veramu is third from right land subdivision them. (TINZ Photo) Integrity Systems’ Assessments The Project is funded by New Most NGOs are focussed on (NISA). A NISA evaluates key Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign the thematic areas of climate ‘pillars’ in a country’s governance To build your dream house Affairs and Trade (MFAT). change, poverty alleviation and system, both in terms of their It has shown that local and development. However, they are internal corruption risks and their with an affordable price regional NGOs can work together recognising that development contribution to fighting corruption to curb corruption. failures in the Pacific are usually in society. The review paper looked A Fixed price contract with Five Components caused by corruption, and the im- at the variables for undertaking a There are five components to portance of proactively integrating NISA that is appropriate for Pacific no hidden cost collaboration by Civic Leaders anti-corruption safeguards into all island nations. for Clean Transactions (CLCT) these areas. The Collaborators Built on time, in months Integrity Fiji with TINZ, under The second component of our Collaborators providing the South Pacific Anti-Corruption joint work is TINZ’s assistance with constructive comments included: not years Networking Project. CLCT Integrity Fiji’s application for Leonard Chan (NZMFAT), Ruth Almost all regional and inter- accreditation with Transparency Liloqula (TI Solomon Islands), Reliable professional team national NGOs, UN agencies and International. Willie Tokon (TI Vanuatu) and Katy embassies are represented in Fiji. We have filed all our paperwork. Mackey (TI Pacific Regional Office). and customer based service Recently CLCT Integrity Fiji visited TINZ funded a Retreat held from Their comments are integrated into the Pacific Islands Association of January 8 to 10, 2021 at Blue West the paper, Island nations. NGOs, the Pacific Youth Forum Villas in Maui Bay, to finalise our This review is awaiting final Against Corruption and the Annual Report 2020 and our Child review before publication. Fiji National University Dept of Protection/Safeguarding Policy. The TINZ South Pacific Anti-Cor- Ethics, to discuss anti-corruption These documents were required ruption Networking Project has 10 Year Master networking. as part of the vetting process. Being been very beneficial in affirming Build warranty The First Secretary of the Aus- declared a ‘national contact’ seems those NGOs working in the anti-cor- tralian High Commission invited like a very strong possibility! ruption space, to work together on TINZ Chair for coffee to discuss Including Fiji in CPI constructive strategies for curbing the new Massive Open Online The third area of collaboration corruption in the Pacific. Course (MOOC) on Ethics and with TINZ is in expediting Fiji’s CLCT Integrity Fiji is very grateful Anti-Corruption in Oceania that the inclusion in the Corruption Per- to TINZ for the opportunity to col- organisation has developed. laborate on this proactive Project. ception Index. In order to include Joseph Veramu is Executive at Integrity Not a ‘sexy’ topic a country into the CPI, there is a Fiji based in Suva, Fiji. The above article Anti-corruption has not been need to have a minimum of three appeared in Transparency Times (March perceived as a ‘sexy’ topic. sources (surveys) of data. 2021) of Transparency International New Zealand. APRIL 1, 2021 Businesslink 9

Welcome to Property Zone Property Zone – a centralised zone When buying or selling property, A team of Experts process that eliminates stress where a variety of property experts we are always at the mercy of the Our experts together form a from wasted effort, wasted time have been brought together under many professionals that we have property zone. They have come and wasted money. one roof to simplify the property to rely upon and whose timeframes together in one single workplace, Why us? Why Property Zone? process. In other words, will inevitably differ from our own. all under the same roof. This Most people tend to have a few Property Made Easy Any property process will involve holds enormous benefits to you trusted advisors or professionals The Background agents, lawyers, valuers, bankers in terms of saving time, money around them who they may have Property Zone is a concept, borne and others and is, for the most part, and stress. We have created this used before. from years of frustration with the disorderly and haphazard where unique zone to alleviate all the Although it may take only a few lack of a centralised approach to all succinct interaction is often left to negative aspects that go along seconds to google parties that things that go along with the process chance. with the property process. can offer the required assistance, of buying and selling property. Every property project has two No matter what type of property we can be of added value When you buy or sell property, common denominators that drive you are dealing with, Property because (1) Property Zone is there are a number of related tasks Michelle Markham success. They are ‘time’ and ‘how Zone can help streamline the managed by professionals who and responsibilities that have to be Streamlining the Process that time is used.’ process. Whether you are are actively engaged in everyday completed along the way. These Property Zone (PZ) was developed This is where PROPERTY ZONE wanting to buy, sell, finance, client service and (2) We are tasks often consume a lot of time specifically to help streamline this comes into play. arrange insurance or valuations, effectively a “one-stop-shop” which is often wasted finding process and eliminate the run Property Zone exists to make it saving you valuable time and the appropriate people for the around. After many decades in the easy. money. appropriate jobs. industry, the Principals saw a need Our multi-level integrated model Property Zone is independent, This process also involves having for a credible and independent provides you access to the therefore can recommend the to work with a myriad of property company that could assist New best people from core property best advisors from our own professionals that you may not get Zealanders to do this in an easy sectors, all in one zone. network to suit your particular a timely response from, or who are and simple way and have created We have hand-picked needs. booked up for several weeks, or a professional property “zone” that exceptional professionals from all No Hidden Fees who are located in different parts of can help you arrange all these over New Zealand, outstanding In fact, our service is free - we any given city to yourselves or your additional tasks that you would in their respective fields and don’t charge you for using us. property, or all of the above (a bit usually have to do yourself. PZ is, are all connected through the Property Zone does not seek to like herding cats). essentially, a collaboration of core process of property. sell as many services as possible. All of this requires a massive property experts brought together By its very nature, the layered Our goal is to provide exactly the coordination effort on your part, into one centralised group of integration of property set of services required by the inevitably, with a lot of down time professionals that will help save professionals all under one roof client, at a given moment in time. and frustration. you both time and money. becomes, for you, a stream-lined No more, no less.

Contact us on 0800PROPZONE; Email: [email protected] Confused by the new rules? Current Investor? First Home Buyer? WE CAN HELP.

All the best property professionals - all under one roof. ‘Property Zone’ is a brand-new concept where a variety of property experts have been brought together to simplify the property process. This is where we are different. “PROPERTY MADE EASY”.

Contact us on 0800PROPZONE; Email: [email protected] Michelle Markham Director 10 Businesslink APRIL 1, 2021 New measures to support First Home Buyers announced

Yvette McCullough taxed on the capital gains, to 10 years, the government will remove he government plans to the ability for property investors help first-home buyers into to offset their interest expenses the market, by increasing against their rental income when the caps for financial sup- calculating tax. Tport, and extending the bright-line Mr Robertson said that these test to 10 years. measures will dampen speculative It has unveiled its long-awaited demand and tilt the balance plan to tilt the balance towards towards first-home buyers. first-time Buyers and to turn down Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Finance “The New Zealand housing mar- the heat in the market. Minister Grant Robertson announcing the new ket has become the least affordable Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern measures (RNZ Photo by Samuel Rillstone) in the OECD. Taking action is in said that the plan is a package everyone’s interests as continuing of both urgent and long-term to allow unsustainable house price measures to relieve pressure. growth could lead to a negative hit “The housing crisis is a problem to the whole economy,” he said. that has been in the making for Ranging Brightline Test decades. It will take time to turn He said that to encourage around, but these measures will investment in new builds, the make a difference. There is no Brightline Test for these properties silver bullet but combined all of will remain at five years. these measures will start to make a “This will give Kiwis a difference,” she said. Housing Minister (RNZ Photo by Samuel Rillstone) better chance at purchasing their Income Gap lifted first-family home. I want to stress From April 1, 2021, the income market and boost activity and cre- that the Brightline Test does not cap to access first-home grants and ate jobs in the construction sector, and will not apply to the family loans will be lifted from $85,000 to as we recover from the impacts of home,” he said. $95,000 for single buyers, and from Covid-19. As we have investigated However, in a pre-election $130,000 to $150,000 for two or as to where the greatest housing interview, Mr Robertson had said more buyers. needs are and what has been done that there would be no change in Ms Ardern said that the gov- to meet those needs, we have found the Brightline Test under a Labour ernment wants first-home buyers out just how broken is the system,” RBNZ Report increase the supply of housing in government. to be able to get into the market she said. The Reserve Bank will report the short term. Ms Ardern said at that time, and hence the new measures are Dr Woods said that modelling back to Ministers in May on this This Fund will jumpstart housing New Zealand was not experiencing directed towards them. shows between 80,000 and 130,000 and any proposals around debt developments by Funding the rampant house price growth as it is “Rampant growth has been homes could be built over a 20-year to income ratios, particularly for necessary services, like roads and experiencing now. driven by speculators in the period, but that is dependent investors. The plan also includes pipes to homes, which are currently She said that it is not a Capital market. Regional price caps for on buy in with councils, iwi and a $3.8 billion Fund to accelerate holding up development,” she said. Gains Tax and the government is accessing support have also lifted. private developers. housing supply in the short to The government will also assist simply extending a policy that was The new caps are based off March Curbing speculation medium term. Kainga Ora to borrow an extra already there. 2021 data,” she said. Deputy Prime Minister and Dr Woods said that the Fund $2 billion to scale up at pace land Associate Minister of Finance Package for firs-home buyers Finance Minister Grant Robertson would speed up the pace and scale acquisition to boost housing supply. and Revenue Minister David Parker Housing Minister Dr Megan said that with property investors of house building. It is also extending the Appren- said that with interest rates as low Woods said that the government is making up the biggest share of “We estimate the Housing ticeship Boost initiative by four as they are, it is a good time to also expanding the rules to enable buyers it was essential that the Acceleration Fund will help green months, to further support trades transition, and will make things more people needing only 5% government takes steps to curb light tens of thousands of house and trades training. smoother for investors. deposit before first-home buyers rampant speculation. builds in the short to medium term. Yvette McCullough is Senior Political Ministers are also considering can apply for support. As well as increasing the Bright- Investment in infrastructure has Reporter at Radio New Zealand. The above closing a loophole on interest-only story has been published under a Special “This package of measures will line Test, which sees investment been identified as one of the key properties sold within a set time loans to speculators. Agreement with help first-home buyers into the actions the government can take to www.rnz.co.nz Property investors hit by changes to taxable income in four years. gains made upon sale. the property before October 1, 2015, Interest paid for properties property if you sell it within five The policy is going to affect all the property is not subject to the BLT. acquired on or after March 27, 2021 years. investors who invest with a strategy There is no need to pay tax on any will not be allowed to claim as an Any property acquired on or of Buy and Hold. gain in value. expense. after March 27, 2021 (except new This will put off lot of buyers who If you acquired the property on The amount of interest to be build, main home, and inherited buy a residential house and let the or after October 1, 2015, but before deducted will be reduced 25% each property) will subject to a 10-year Saurav Wadhwa rent pay off the mortgage. Now, March 29, 2018, which is not used for income year until the interest de- BLT. You will need to pay tax on they will have to pay tax each year you main home nor inherited, the ductibility completely phased-out. any profit from gain in value of he government has as the net rental income is likely to property is subject to a two-year BLT. Effective date: October 1, 2021 the property if you sell it within 10 announced that it has supersede the expense. You will need to pay tax on any Property acquired before years. agreed to change the interest profit from gain in value of the prop- March 27, 2021: *Acquiring date: For tax purpose, deductibility on residential erty if you sell it within two years. a property is generally acquired Tproperty income. If you acquired the property on on the date a binding sale and The details of these proposals purchase agreement is entered. acquired by the Inland Revenue *Main home: Residential Department (IRD) will be consulted, property that has been used as the and legislation will be introduced owner’s main home for the entire shortly. time. If there is a change-of-use This is an unprecedented move of a property in between, and it is to cool the heated property market. subject to the BLT. It is viewed as a biased approach *Additional debt occurred on or Then, the tax will be calculated from property investors in New Bright-line test (BLT) Extension based on the proportion of time Zealand as interest deductibility after March 27, 2021 relating to the The Bright-Line Test property rule investment property will be cap- not being used as the owner’s main is disallowed only for residential means that if you sell a residential home. property investment sector. tured by the new law, which means property within certain timeframe, that interest on the additional debt Reason for Extension The deductions for interest you may have to pay income tax on The main reason for extending are available for all other kind of cannot be claimed as an expense any gains. from October 1, 2021. the BLT is to deter investor to businesses and investment. This rule does not apply to a invest into New Zealand residential The Current Law Property acquired on or after person’s main home and inherited March 27, 2021: property market. Currently, residential investment properties. This is a kind of Capital Gains property owners can deduct the Any interest on loan relating to The current period of holding for the residential property acquired Tax. interest on loans from their taxable a property is five years in order not We will have to wait to witness income to reduce the residual tax on or after March 27, 2021 will to attract Capital Gains. The income not be able to claim as an expense the true effects of this extension. payment. will be taxed at the marginal rate The effects will be visible in the For all investor interest cost is against the property income. for individuals. *Non-housing business used second half of the year. the largest single expense, in the The government intends to Capital Gains Tax overseas has absence of interest deductibility, the residential property, property de- extend the period to 10 years except velopers and builders, are exempt not worked as a deterrent to invest taxable income portion would be for new builds and legislation will into the property market. It would very high. from this change. be enacted after consultation. Impact on residential property or after March 29, 2018, but before be interesting to see how this Impending Changes Below flow-chart has been would workout in New Zealand. Interest on loans in relation to market released by the IRD to determine March 27, 2021, which is not used the residential property acquired The government has sent very what is the length of BLT a property for your main home nor inherited, before March 27, 2021 can still be strong signals that if you are willing is subject to the contents of the the property is subject to a five-year Saurav Wadhwa is a Chartered Account- claimed as an expense against the to invest into New Zealand property following chart: BLT. ant by qualification. He is the Principal property income. market, you will have to pay tax on Application Date You will need to pay tax on any Accountant at IBBZ Accounting Limited, rental income and pay tax on any profit from gain in value of the Chartered Accountant & Tax Specialist, However, this will be phased out This means, if you have acquired located in Botany, East Auckland. APRIL 1, 2021 Businesslink 11 Oncore - One call does it all New repairs and maintenance business comes to East Auckland and Manukau

Even the simplest job involves managing Installation information, costs, people and timetables. No matter what type of building component, With Oncore, this is part-and-parcel of our service. appliance or furniture you need, we have the skills Every step of the way you’ll deal with a professional and experience to deliver, assemble and install any business who will ensure your job is completed on product for your home. This includes insulation, air time, on budget, and to the highest standard. conditioning units and heat pumps, security and Oncore specialises in everything to do with looking automation systems, and more. after your home, building or property. From your front yard to the back door. We can handle one off HEALTHY HOMES SERVICES jobs or regular contracts and our work is guaranteed (rental property standards) by the business owner. Renovating Oncore provides Healthy Homes Inspections to As specialists in commercial and residential From painting, plastering and wallpapering through make sure your rental property meets the latest property damage, the experts at Oncore are your to tiling, carpeting and flooring, we are here to help standards. When issues are identified we can also go-to partners for insurance repairs and claims you make the most of your home. And we can work carry out any remedial work required to make your work. alongside you or your designer to give your house home compliant. the look and feel you are after.

Repairs Whether your home suffers from a leak, water or fire damage, rot and mould, other forms of contamination, or just general wear and tear, the team at Oncore will take the necessary steps to fix the problem properly. We can take care of any type of repair work for you, and we’ll make sure it’s done right.

For more information call: Neil Chand 0800 654 148 | www.oncoreservice.co.nz

Your local maintenance and repair specialist

Oncore specialises in everything to do with looking after your home, building or property. From your front yard to the back door. We can handle one-off jobs or regular contracts and our work is guaranteed by business owner.

Decorating Decks & Pergolas Painting Fences & Gates Insulation Heatpump Installation Roofing Healthy Homes Plumbing Standards Electrical Property Maintenance

For more information call: Neil Chand 12 Viewlink APRIL 1, 2021 Right Wing extremists perpetuating more violence in USA

The English Fortnightly (Since November 1999) ISSUE 458 APRIL 1, 2021

Race Relations Commissioner Matthew Valasik and Shannon Reid steps out of line tandfirst: As the US grapples with ace Relations Commis- compared with variations between domestic extremism in the wake sioner Meng Foon upset people from the same place. The of the January 6, 2021 insurrec- the Police Commissioner, visible differences, such as skin tion at the US Capitol, warnings The US Capitol remains on lockdown, defended by the National Guard Police Officers and many Sabout more violence are coming from (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images) colour, are the result of a mere Rcommunity leaders with his handful of genes. Under the the FBI Director Chris Wray and others. comment that the New Zealand skin, humanity is remarkably The Conversation asked Matthew Police are ‘racist.’ homogenous. Valasik, a Sociologist at Louisiana State Although he retracted his Ubiquitous factor University, and Shannon E Reid, a statement following nationwide Racism, however, is ubiquitous. Criminologist at the University of North condemnation, the damage had It is not only white Caucasians Carolina – Charlotte, to explain what been done- he was clearly out of (whatever that term means) who right-wing extremist groups in the US line and certainly did damage to are guilty of it. That has led to are doing. his office. another biological hypothesis, The scholars are co-authors of “Alt- The Race Relations Commission- that people are somehow Right Gangs: A Hazy Shade of White,” er should remain above board and ‘programmed’ to recognise race published in September 2020; they track Enrique Tarrio, National Leader of the Proud Attorney General Merrick Garland: fighting refrain from making observations and be racist. the activities of far-right groups like the Boys, outside the Conservative Political Action right-wing extremism that cast aspersions on a vital Racism is also often mixed with Proud Boys. Conference in February 2021 (Kevin Dietsch/Pool via AP) public service. the concept of multiculturalism, What are US extremist groups doing (Eva Marie Uzcategui Trinkl/Anadolu Agency Has anything changed for militias Police Commissioner Andy which, according to some here and since the January 6, 2021 riot? via Getty Images) since Biden has become President? Coster was right when he said, in the rest of the Western world, a Proud Boys Leader Enrique Tarrio the “Unite the Right” rally. In 2009, the Department of Homeland “Calling more than 14,000 fizzy doctrine. Local chapters of the Proud Boys, After the insurrection at the Capitol, Security issued a Report warning about hard-working Police staff racist is Social policy reflects this Oath Keepers, Groypers and others their response was different. They did the growing membership in far-right nowhere close to addressing equity multiculturalist attitude. To be are breaking away from their Groups’ not split and blame other right-wing groups, including their active recruit- in the system.” sure, its implementation in New national figureheads. For instance, groups. Instead, conservative and ex- ment of military veterans. Easy to eradicate? Zealand and elsewhere has some local Proud Boys Chapters have treme-right circles have united behind a Shortly after the Report was released, Racial discrimination may sometimes been warped by racism, been explicitly cutting ties with National false claim that they did nothing wrong, Republicans in Congress pushed for be easier to eradicate than was but in general it has tried to enable Leader Enrique Tarrio, the Group’s and alleged, despite all the evidence the Report to be retracted and for previously thought. our ethnic minorities to live and Chairman. to the contrary, that left-wing activists dramatically reducing the federal effort In the bad old days of be educated as they like. Muslim Tarrio was arrested on federal assaulted the Capitol – while disguised to monitor far-right groups in the US. 19th-century eugenics, scientists schools, for instance, can get state weapons charges in the days before as right-wingers. This permissive atmosphere allowed who had supped at the table of funding, just as Christian ones can; the insurrection, but he has also been Are extremist groups attracting new far-right groups to grow and spread social Darwinism would construct nobody disputes (as they do in revealed as a long time FBI informant. members? nationwide. evolutionary trees that had twigs France) the right of Muslim girls to He Reportedly aided authorities in a Some members have left extremist The Trump administration further within the species Homo sapiens. wear headscarves in schools. variety of criminal cases, including groups in the wake of the January served far-right groups by failing to Each twig was a racial group. For some, multiculturalism is a those involving drug sales, gambling 6, 2021 violence. The members who pay out federal grants for grassroots The top twig was, of course, the problematic creed. It is generally and human smuggling, though he has remain, and the new members they counterviolence programmes, by white Caucasian one; since the assumed that multiculturalism is not yet been connected with cases are attracting, are increasing the refusing to help local law enforcement scientists who did this work were the opposite of assimilation. But against Proud Boys members. radicalization of far-right groups. As the agencies with equipment or training to themselves white Caucasians. for a society to be truly multicul- When a leader of a far-right group less committed members abandon these deal with these groups, and by routinely Modern genetics has shown the tural, some degree of assimilatory or street gang leaves, regardless of the far-right groups, only the more devout downplaying the violence perpetrated error of their ways. Systematic mixing is necessary; otherwise, reason, it is common for a struggle to remain. Such a shift is going to alter by these white power groups. Essential- genetic differences between people communities end up living not emerge among remaining members the subculture of these groups, driving ly, far-right groups were unpoliced for from different parts of the world, together but separately, divided who seek to consolidate power. That them farther to the right. We expect the past decade or more. though they exist, are small rather than harmonious. can result in violence spilling over into this polarisation will only accelerate the New Attorney General signals the community as groups attempt to reactionary behaviours and extremist But that approach has ended. Merrick reshape themselves. tendencies of these far-right groups. Garland’s appointment as Biden’s While some of the splinter Proud Right-wing pundits and conservative Attorney General is a big signal: In his Property market regulations Boys Chapters will likely maintain the media are continuing to stoke fears career at the Department of Justice Proud Boys brand, at least for the time about the Biden administration. We and before becoming a Federal Judge, being, others may evolve and become other observers of right-wing groups Garland supervised the investigations invoke mixed response more radicalised. The Base, a neo-Nazi expect that extremists will come to see of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and he government’s new Former Revenue Minister Peter terror group, has recruited from among the events of January 6, 2021 as just the the 1996 Atlanta Olympics bombing. measures to cool the over- Dunne believes that withdrawal the ranks of Proud Boys. As the Proud opening skirmish in a modern civil war. These were two of the most notewor- heated housing market has of tax rebates and extension of Boys sheds affiliates, it would not be sur- We anticipate that they will continue thy acts of far-right domestic terrorism witnessed mixed reactions. the Brightline Test from five to ten prising for those with more enthusiasm to seek an end to American democracy in the nation’s history. Garland has said TWhile the proposed measures have years are hidden forms of Capital about hateful activism to seek out more and the beginning of a new society free that he will make fighting right-wing pleased middle New Zealanders, Gains Tax. extreme groups. Less committed groups – or even purged – of groups the right violence and attacks on democracy especially first-home buyers and Breaking the election promise will wither away. wing fears, including immigrants, Jew- major priorities of his tenure at the those on the border line of poverty. “Rather than admit to an How does that response compare ish people, non-whites, LGBTQ people Head of the Justice Department. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern about-turn, the Finance Minister with what happened after 2017’s ‘Unite and those who value multiculturalism. Jo Biden under pressure has pledged more support for first- merely says now that his original the Right’ rally in Charlottesville? We expect that these groups will In January 2021, Canada designated home buyers and foreshadowed commitment had been “too defin- Neither the Capitol insurrection nor continue to shift more and more to the the Proud Boys and other right-wing further steps to come, with the itive.” It is eerily reminiscent of the Charlottesville rally produced the extreme right, posing risks for acts of groups as terrorist organisations, which Reserve the language of the fourth Labour response from mainstream America violence both large and small. puts pressure on US law enforcement reviewing proposed curbs on some Government where the phrase that far-right groups had hoped for. Have far-right extremists’ views to reconsider how they evaluate, inves- types of lending. “we have no present plans to” Rather than rising up in a groundswell toward the police changed? tigate and prosecute these extremist As the Australian Financial actually meant that the decision of support, most Americans were With a Democratic Administration groups. Review observed, New Zealand’s was still being finalised. Both state- appalled – some so much that they have and Attorney General, the far right will Beyond law enforcement’s treating success in combating Covid-19 ments are true as far as they go, abandoned the Republican Party. no longer view federal law enforcement these far-right groups like street gangs, fuelled an already hot property but they convey a clearly different Major techies react agencies as friendly, the way they did there are also laws in place to combat market, as returning Kiwis and meaning to those hearing them, Additionally, right-wingers have under the Trump administration. violence associated with domestic investors parked their funds in real which conveniently hides their been hit hard by the post-insurrection Rather, they view the Police as the terrorism. estate, pushing house prices up 23% true intent. But then no politician actions by large technology companies enemy. It appears that US prosecutors may in just 12 months, far ahead of wage ever likes to admit to breaking an like Facebook, Twitter, Apple, Google Even before Joe Biden took office finally begin to take seriously the violent growth.” election promise,” he said. and Amazon. They took down far-right and the Republicans officially lost actions of Proud Boys, especially as Welfare measures inflame On the broader question of group members’ accounts and removed control of the US Senate, the Capitol riot more and more members are being The government has granted whether the extension of the right-wing social media platforms, showed this divide between right-wing charged with coordinating the breach of billions of dollars to stimulate the Bright Line Test constitutes a Cap- including permanently blacklisting extremists and police. the US Capitol Building. economy, keep people in their jobs ital Gains Tax, the Prime Minister Donald Trump’s Twitter account and A Capitol Police Officer was assaulted But as Police power comes to bear on and businesses ticking. These are says that it does not, because it re- temporarily blocking all traffic to Parler, with a flagpole bearing an American these violent right-wing groups, many incentives but low interest rates lates only to investment property a conservative social media platform. flag, and some members of the mob of their members remain at least as have inflamed the market, making and does not include land, shares, Those steps are more significant were Police Officers and military radicalised as they were on January 6, it the least affordable among the 36 business and intangible assets as than earlier moderation and algorithm personnel. Many more were military 2021, if not more so. Organisation for Economic Coopera- recommended by the Cullen Tax changes those companies had under- veterans. Some may feel that more extreme tion and Development nations. Working Group in 2019. taken in previous efforts to curb online It is not clear what this different view measures are needed to resist the Biden extremism. of law enforcement means for Police Of- administration. Another major difference is the lack ficers, active-duty military and veterans Indian Newslink is published by Indian Newslink Limited from its offices located at 24 Roberta Avenue, of regret. Nobody on the right wanted to who are members of right-wing groups. Matthew Valasik is Associate Professor of Glendowie, Auckland 1071. All material appearing here and on our web editions are the copyright be associated with Charlottesville after But we anticipate that only those Sociology, Louisiana State University and of Indian Newslink and reproduction in full or part in any medium is prohibited. Indian Newslink and who are most zealously committed to Shannon Reid is Associate Professor of it happened. Figureheads of the far right Criminal Justice and Criminology, University its management and staff do not accept any responsibility for the claims made in advertisements. who had initially promoted that rally far-right causes will remain active. That, of North Carolina (Charlotte). The above Managing Director & Publisher: Jacob Mannothra; Editor & General Manager: Venkat Raman; saw the negative public reaction and in turn, will push those groups even article and pictures have been published Production Manager: Mahes Perera; Accountant: Uma Venkatram CA; Phone: (09) 5336377 distanced themselves, even condemning farther to the extreme right. under Creative Commons Licence. Email: [email protected]; Website: www.indiannewslink.co.nz APRIL 1, 2021 Businesslink 13 Call it by any name, it is still Capital Gains Tax proposals in that respect is one of The Supply Issue timing. Herein lies the nub of the Both propose taxing the Capital problem. The real issue with the Gains at the taxpayer’s marginal housing problem in New Zealand tax rate – the only variation is that is shortage of supply. We simply Peter Dunne the Working Group wanted that are not building enough new to apply to all such transactions, houses to meet the demands of nglish Journalist and Critic whereas the government is limit- our population. The Cullen Report George Orwell once ob- ing the scope to changes within a emphasised the importance of served that “political speech ten-year period. other government initiatives and writing are largely Admittedly, the Working Group in this regard, like the ill-fated Ethe defence of the indefensible… also proposed including Capital Kiwibuild project, and there have Thus political language has to Gains other than on property been other reports over the last consist largely of euphemism, sales, something the government couple of years, highlighting the question-begging and sheer cloudy has ruled out so far. However, need to build more houses. vagueness….” that does not mean, as the Prime Yet, despite its apparent largesse, The current argument about Image from www.shutterstock.com, CC BY-SA, via The Conversation Minister has argued, that the this week’s package contained no whether the government’s decision extension of the Bright Line Test commitment to a more expansive to extend the so-called Bright Line on investment property is not a government sponsored affordable Test for the taxation of profits Intention and Action that it does not, because it relates capital gains tax because it does home building programme. Much arising from the sale of non-own- In classic Orwellian style, the only to investment property and not include these other items. has been made of the package’s er-occupied resident investment Finance Minister has also denied it does not include land, shares, The impact on rentals multi-billion-dollar price tag as if properties from five years to ten breaks his own earlier promise not business and intangible assets as More important, though, is what that alone means meaningful, ac- years provides a good example. to extend the Bright Line Test. recommended by the Cullen Tax impact the government’s moves tion, a good case of “sheer cloudy Promise and breach Rather than admit to an Working Group in 2019. are likely to have on cooling the vagueness”, if ever there was one. At present, Capital Gains arising about-turn, he merely says now But in the infamous words of increase in house prices and Even when she ruled out the Tax from the sale of non-owner-oc- that his original commitment had Mandy Rice Davies “(s)he would making housing more affordable Working Group’s recommenda- cupied residential investment been “too definitive.” It is eerily say that, wouldn’t (s)he?”. After all, for new buyers. tions for a Comprehensive Capital properties sold within five years of reminiscent of the language of the she promised to resign if her gov- The Cullen Tax Working Group Gains Tax two years ago, the Prime purchase are taxed at the taxpay- fourth Labour Government where ernment ever moved to introduce a was cautious in its 2019 Report, Minister said that she still person- er’s marginal tax rate (usually 33% the phrase “we have no present Capital Gains Tax. Most people took saying that it expected “an ex- ally believed there should be one or 39%, depending on their income plans to” actually meant that the that to include property, the most tension of Capital Gains Taxation on investment property sales. level). The government has now decision was still being finalised. prominent asset of all. would lead to some small upward This week, she got her way, announced the doubling of that Both statements are true as far as Defence of the indefensible pressure on rents and downward despite her persistent promises to five-year period to ten years, with they go, but they convey a clearly For that reason, her comments pressure on house prices. These the contrary. virtually immediate effect. different meaning to those hearing have the air of Orwell’s “defence impacts are likely to be small….” George Orwell would feel his It argues that it is doing so to rein them, which conveniently hides of the indefensible,” particularly On a broader front, the Real point had been proven. in rapidly rising property prices their true intent. But then no politi- given the “question-begging and Estate Institute of New Zealand is and to curb speculation. It has cian ever likes to admit to breaking sheer cloudy vagueness” that has already suggesting that based on also vehemently denied that this an election promise. accompanied them. In reality, its own sales figures the new high- Peter Dunne is a former Minister of the amounts to a Capital Gains Tax on On the broader question of the only difference between the er housing price caps announced whether the extension of the Bright government’s plans for taxing Crown under the Labour and National investment property sales, so does in the package will help less than governments from November 1999 to not break its earlier promises not Line Test constitutes a Capital investment properties, and the 500 first home buyers. September 2017. He lives in Wellington. to introduce such a tax. Gains Tax, the Prime Minister says Cullen Tax Working Group’s own

The example below is typical of many investors that we Building new to have funded in the last 2-3 years Invest-Think outside the Banks ife for the completed. A completed property investor project is far easier to is tough and place with the banks as likely to get even all banks love lending on tougher. Popular media, new dwellings as long as Lproperty experts and the investor can meet the even the government servicing test. While non- is laying much of the bank options may be a bit blame for skyrocketing more expensive than banks, house prices at the feet it is still a very viable option of property investors. as the typical tenure of a With banks tightening non- bank loan during the LVR ratios for investors, Parash Sarma development phase would investors might find who own land that can be 12-24 months; once the As you can see, the final wanting to increase/ex- themselves left with very accommodate a number development is completed result from the develop- pand their rental portfolio few options for funding of new dwellings based the investor can move to ment is that equity increas- by building new dwellings investment property. on the provisions of the one of the banks (or near es from $700K to over don’t be disheartened if However, there are Auckland Unitary Plan. bank providers) and park $2million and yield goes up the bank has rejected your options for property However, their development their investment for the from 2.8% to 4.4%. More- development proposal. investors outside of the proposals often get rejected long term. It is important to over, new houses typically There are non-bank options main banks, especially if by the banks because it remember that we are in an attract better rent, mainte- which could potentially the plan is to build new doesn’t fit the criteria of the environment of some of the nance cost is extremely low assist in achieving your dwellings. banks. However, there are lowest interest rates ever and would meet the new development goals. There are a lot options outside the banks seen. standards for residential Parash Sarma is Client Services Director of investors today, rental properties. at ASAP Property Finance Specialists which an investor could based in Auckland. Phone 021-864730. especially in Auckland, explore to get their project So, for those investors Email: [email protected]

For more information about product and services, get in touch with Parash Sarma, Client Services Director on 021-864730 or [email protected] 14 Businesslink APRIL 1, 2021 Come, let us work together and make New Zealand a better place New MP’s ardent hope for and to ensure that large parts of our society are not left behind. The urgency cannot be unity of purpose and values understated. Infrastructure crisis Let me also talk briefly about infrastruc- tandfirst: Following is the Maiden ture, which is at a crisis point. The issues Speech delivered in the New Zealand are multi-generational and systemic. We Parliament on Wednesday, March need to reset and develop a new model to 24, 2021 by Christopher Luxon, who power the country into the 2040s rather Swas elected to Parliament from Botany than continuing to Band-Aid and No.8 wire (East Auckland) at the general election our current system. held on October 17, 2021. Maiden Speeches Infrastructure is not just about dams and occur as per Parliament schedule and transmission lines and highways. It is about normally extends up to three months but nation building. It is about how we see our it was taken a while this session in view of Christopher Luxon with his wife Amanda (Facebook future. We need an overarching vision, the postponement of due to Covid-19 lock- We worked hard to grow career pathways new funding and financing mechanisms, down. Indian Newslink does not usually and internships for young Maori and upgraded legislation, and better project carry maiden speeches but this, from Mr Pasifika. We worked hard to champion and management and execution. Investing in Luxon, is one of a kind. It covers a wide mainstream te reo and Ta Moko. We earned world-class infrastructure that effectively range of subjects and serves as a curtain gender and Rainbow tick certifications. connects, transports and develops infor- riser to know the man and his values. Climate Leaders Coalition mation and ideas, people and products, is Mr Speaker, I rise today, mindful of the was also a foundation critical to New Zealand’s creation of wealth privilege and responsibility it is to serve member of the Climate Leaders Coalition. and the distribution of prosperity. in this House of Representatives, and also 100% of our company car fleet became fully The pride of being National as the last of the new intake of MPs in the electric – and that was over five years ago. Mr Speaker, I am a proud member of 53rd Parliament tAo giAve their maiden When the business delivered superior the National Party. I believe that positive, speech. And while some time has passed, I commercial returns, we shared those profits practical centre-right principles and policies want to congratulate all my Parliamentary with our employees through a Company are best to navigate the challenges and colleagues on their election success. I also Performance Bonus. The principle was opportunities that New Zealand faces. want to acknowledge the work that all simple: when Air New Zealand did well, all I am proud to be here under the the Parliamentary staff do to ensure this our staff should do well too. leadership of Judith Collins and, like House and our democracy functions well Promise and Performance my colleagues, have built my personal and professional life on National Party for New Zealanders. Christopher Luxon delivering his maiden speech in on March 24, 2021 (Facebook) Mr Speaker, I understand, of course, that A Singular Honour a country is not a company. However, New values of freedom and choice, rights I am honoured to be the member for Zealanders look to the Government to get and responsibilities, limited yet better Botany. Because it is one of the most things done. It is not good enough saying government, competitive enterprise, and diverse communities in the country and that you are going to lower greenhouse gas equal opportunity and citizenship. is full of hard-working, determined and emissions, but not do it. It is not good enough I believe in tackling inequality and aspirational people. I want to thank the saying that you are going to reduce child working to find that balance between people of Botany for their trust. I will work poverty but not actually do it. Talking about encouraging and rewarding hard work and hard for you. it gets you a headline but only doing it makes innovation, while always ensures that there Politics, contrary to what people say, a difference. I have entered politics because I is social mobility and a safety net. Every is actually the ultimate team sport so I want to make a difference, to solve problems New Zealander who cares about other New want to thank my tremendous team of and to get things done. Zealanders understands what this means. local volunteers and supporters, many of Potential for greater prosperity No matter your situation, I believe in a whom are here today. In particular, the Mr Speaker, New Zealand’s ability to New Zealand that backs Kiwis to work hard, incredible Katja Kershaw, Lisa Ambridge, become more prosperous and to enjoy a to convert opportunities, to create pros- Jake O’Flaherty, Graeme Rayner, our higher quality of life as a nation depends on perity for themselves, their families, their Executive Committee and our outstanding the size and output of our economic engine. communities and our country. Because that Campaign Team. Just as growing Air New Zealand provided is how we will make our country stronger. To my children, William and Olivia, the opportunity for all staff to benefit, I But I also believe that governments must thank you for being so supportive, under- believe that that it is growing New Zealand’s make powerful and targeted interventions standing and encouraging as I take on this economy that will provide the opportunity on behalf of those with the most complex new challenge. Our future is in great hands Christopher Luxon on Air New Zealand for all New Zealanders to benefit. and challenged lives. With the right re- with your generation coming through. However, I believe that right now, New sources at the right time, in the right place, Turnbull, and Fred and Joan Luxon. I thank As MPs we serve the common cause of all And most of all, thank you to my wife Zealand’s economic engine needs major the State can help people make positive and my brothers and all my family members New Zealanders – not one religion, not Amanda. She is my best friend. We met modifications and serious upgrading. We sustained changes that enable them to rise for their love and support. Nothing is more one group, and not one interest. A person when we were 15 and she is the most are underpowered because our economy for up and realise their potential. precious than family. should not be elected because of their faith extraordinary person I know – strong, the last 30 years has been suffering from a Differences strengthen resolve From my father – Graham Luxon – I and nor should they be rejected because of wise, smart, and funny. productivity disease. Economic growth has Mr Speaker, regardless of the different learned to set big goals and to work hard it. Democracy thrives on diverse thinking The Botany Electorate largely been driven by having more people political views we hold in this House, to achieve them; to have a positive attitude and different world views. Mr Speaker, MPs in this House represent in the country and more people working New Zealanders can all agree that we are and to never let your circumstances define From Business to Politics different communities, and all of them harder. incredibly fortunate to live in this country. you. He left school and worked his way up Mr Speaker, until now, my career has together make up Aotearoa New Zealand. We need to work smarter, not harder. I believe, more than ever, that if we make from Sales Rep to General Manager. He is been in business. Botany makes a special contribution to our We can do this by building and unleashing the right decisions, New Zealand has a great a real life MacGyver and a very present My first job after leaving University Kiwi mosaic. genuinely world-class export businesses, future ahead of us. We can do better, be father. His enthusiasm and positivity are was at the global multinational, Unilever, From our mana whenua, with their step-changing education and labour skills, more prosperous, and more ambitious – if truly infectious. a huge company that is bigger than many long connection to our land and sea; to and delivering infrastructure better. Improv- we think strategically, solve problems, deliv- From my mother, Kathleen, I learned countries. I had amazing opportunities and the northern suburbs of coastal Cockle ing productivity is the single biggest thing we er results and get things done. I do not want about people, perspectives, relationships a truly global business education. I spent 16 Bay, Shelley Park and Botany Downs; to can do to improve our standard of living. to settle for mediocrity and I do not believe and I inherited my sense of humour. Mum years overseas working in developed and the converted farmland and home to New Some Kiwi firms are succeeding inter- other New Zealanders want it either. came to University the same year as I did, developing countries, turning businesses Zealanders in Dannemora, Sommerville, nationally but, frankly, New Zealand needs Like most New Zealanders, I have sat to do a Diploma in Social Work. She has around and working alongside some very Shamrock Park and East Tamaki Heights; many more of them. Only two of our Top 10 around the kitchen table talking to my become a highly respected Psychotherapist smart people. I realised that down-to-earth to Flat Bush and Chapel Downs – some firms on the NZX compete in global markets children about the subjects that they are and Counsellor. She taught me to walk Kiwis could be as good as the Oxbridge set of the fastest growing residential areas at scale. Yet New Zealand has many oppor- choosing to study or talking to Amanda across the room, to engage with people from England, Ivy League educated Ameri- in the country; and our proud Pasifika tunities on which it can build its future. We about the care of elderly or sick friends. different from me, to see both sides of cans, and born-confident Australians. community in the southwest in Rongomai are well located to access the rapidly rising I understand that the choices that every an issue and, in doing so, to broaden my I came home to New Zealand and had and Clover Park. middle class and urbanising populations New Zealand family has at such times are horizons. the great privilege of leading our most Botany’s diversity makes it special. Over in the Americas, Asia and Australia. The constrained by their circumstances. Faith gives purpose iconic company, Air New Zealand, for half its population was born overseas and question is: will we take advantage of and I have come to politics because I want Mr Speaker, it seems it has become seven years. My team, many of whom are New Zealand is a much richer place eco- fully exploit and convert these opportunities, those choices to be better for more New acceptable to stereotype those who have here today, turned a good New Zealand nomically, socially and culturally because or will they just pass us by? Zealand families. It is by being more a Christian faith in public life as being company into one that was truly world- of these communities. But whether you Promoting skills, R&D successful as a country that we can ensure “extreme,” so I will say a little about my class and globally acclaimed. have lived 40 years in Cockle Bay or four New Zealand has not invested in skills, that those kitchen-table decisions include Christian faith. It has anchored me, given Over my career I have come to believe years in Flat Bush, Botany people have all R&D and innovation to nearly the same ex- wider choices and better options for all New my life purpose and shaped my values, more and more strongly that successful worked incredibly hard to get to where tent as the high-performing, small, advanced Zealanders. and it puts me in the context of something businesses have a critical responsibility to they are. economies of the world. New Zealand’s Making the right choices bigger than myself. My faith has a strong engage on the economic, social and envi- It is that desire to get ahead, for our- rapidly falling international performance in The choices we all have, whether at the influence on who I am and how I relate to ronmental issues a country faces. Making a selves, our families and our community, the basics of reading, maths and science is kitchen-table or the boardroom table, are people. I see Jesus showing compassion, difference to people’s daily lives is a shared and our country that unites us regardless extremely concerning. I worry, not because never made in isolation. The resilience and tolerance and care for others. He does not responsibility for government, community of our age, ethnicity, language and faith. of a graph on a league table, but because wealth of a student flat, a family home, a judge, discriminate or reject people. He and also business. But like most districts, Botany has its of the strong link between educational small business or a big corporate are all loves unconditionally. Air New Zealand achievements challenges. East Auckland is already bigger attainment and higher wages. affected by how New Zealand is doing as a Through history we have seen Christians In my time, Air New Zealand employed than Dunedin and Tauranga, yet it is Higher wages and greater job opportuni- country. making a huge difference by entering 12,500 people. It was a cross-section of chronically under-served by public servic- ties underpin the choices that New Zealand It is my absolute belief that New Zealand public life. Christian abolitionists fought New Zealand life. As the Chief Executive, I es. On behalf of those who voted for me, families have in how they live their lives. can do better and when it does, New against slavery. Others educated the poor had the opportunity to get things done and and of those who did not, I am committed Automation technologies, which span Zealanders will do better too. and challenged the rich to share their demonstrate that a business could do well to solving these problems. advanced robotics, machine learning and We will ultimately get the country, the wealth and help others less fortunate. The by doing good. Treasured origins, valued family AI, will unleash unimaginable change in economy, society, and environment that we world is a better place for Christians like For example, we decided that New Zea- Mr Speaker, let me share a little of our society and our working lives. When I deserve, and I think we deserve the very William Wilberforce, Martin Luther King land’s shameful record of family violence where I come from. chaired the Prime Minister’s Business Advi- best. and contributing to public was a workplace issue as well as a social My ancestors came to New Zealand as sory Council, we looked very closely at both Mr Speaker, that is the work that I am life. issue. So we introduced a three-week paid Irish miners and hotel keepers; they came the opportunities and challenges greater committing myself to today, and for as long Not political agenda family violence leave policy for victims. as Scottish stonemasons and bakers; and automation presents New Zealand. It has as I am in this House, I intend to represent My faith is personal to me. It is not in The pay equity gap at Air New Zealand they came as English farmers, labourers the potential to help us work smarter and the people of Botany and to serve New itself a political agenda. I believe that no was reduced to zero and we introduced a and fishermen. They were new New seriously improve our competitiveness and Zealand to the very best of my ability. religion should dictate to the state and no 26-week paid parental leave policy. Senior Zealanders too. productivity. However, we are not currently Thank you. politician should use the political platform Leadership Team positions held by women I remember and honour in this special geared-up for it. We need to build a bold plan Source: New Zealand Parliament, they have to force their beliefs on others. went from 16% to 44%. place, my late grandparents, Bert and Clare with real actions to harness the opportunities The National Party APRIL 1, 2021 Communitylink 15

A VITAL LINK BETWEEN PEOPLE, SOLUTIONS AND EXPERTISE. THE SKILLS YOU REQUIRE AND PEOPLE WHO CAN DO IT.

Contract Logistic Services Offsite work including Innovative Agency Picking, Packing, Labelling, Reworking, Packaging dedicated to Industrial and Sorting, Recycling, Warehousing Distribution Technical Sectors Assembling, Transporting www.link2services.com www.link2solutions.co.nz www.link2recruitment.com

The Link2 Group of Companies employs more than 400 staff with 50 different customers across Auckland. As well as providing personnel onsite and at its own facilities, the Group offers wide-ranging services that enable customers to optimise their productivity and eciency.

Awards and Achievements Indian Newslink Business Awards v Supreme Business 2016 v Best Employer of the Year 2016 v Business Excellence in Customer Service 2015&2016 v Best Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 & 2016 v Business Excellence in Health & Safety 2018 v 20th Anniversary Commemoration Award for Business Ethics and Compliance 2019 Westpac Awards v Supreme Business Excellence 2018 v Best of the Best Employer of the Year 2018 v Employer of the Year 2018 v Excellence in Strategy & Planning 2017 (South)

Manasa (extreme right) and Indra Sirigiri, directors, Link2 Group, with Leader of the Indra Sirigiri, Chairman & Managing Director, Link 2 Group (Winner of the Supreme Business of the Year Opposition and Fiji Attomey General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum after Award) with (from left) Manasa Sirigiri, the then Prime Minister John Key, BNZ Chairman Doug McKay, receiving the Indian Newslink 20th Anniversary Special Commemoration Award the then BNZ Managing Director Anthony Healy, Rahul and Jaya Sirigiri at the Ninth Annual Indian for Business Excellence in Ethics & Compliance at the Twelfth Annual Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards held on November 28, 2016 Newslink Indian Business Awards on November 25, 2019.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: We have multiple Casual / Full Time / Part Time jobs in following areas for: v General warehousing (Pick - Packing, Labelling, Sorting, rework) FLEXIBLE PERSONNEL v Forklift / Reach hoist / Stock picker driving RECRUITMENT SOLUTIONS v Container Devanning www.link2group.com

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] 16 Businesslink APRIL 1, 2021 Bright-Line Test extension fails to address real issues those who actually build and develop it’s truly got off the ground. significant industry - property. housing. Investing more into speeding up A not-for-profit organisation, the Prop- Call to prioritise measures developments is welcome news, but erty Council connects more than 10,000 The Property Council is calling on such investment needs to get into the property professionals, championing the government to prioritise other measures hands of builders and developers sooner interests of over 600 member companies Leonie Freeman Property Council New Zealand is a leading to address the housing crisis and clarify rather than later. who have a collective $50 billion invest- hile the bright-line test advocate for the Property sector (Website their intentions to ensure industry and RMA reform and Build-to-Rent ment in New Zealand property. policy makers are working in concert, This coupled with using the Resource Its membership is broad and includes extension might signal a Quality Housing needed decline in ‘flipping’ houses, including (a) Urgent Resource Manage- Management fast-tracking legislation some of the largest commercial and resi- New Zealanders need better access ment reform to simplify the planning and embracing the potential of Build- dential property owners and developers it does little to address the to quality housing and rental accommo- Wcause of the crisis, which is, there are not and consenting system, freeing up land to-Rent housing would speed up the in New Zealand. The property industry dation. enough houses for Kiwis in need. to building houses more efficiently construction of housing in New Zealand. comes together at more than Property While the announcement will be of and reducing the costs of housing right Solving the housing crisis is not a Council events, which offer professional On March 23, 2021, the government concern to many rental property own- pulled just one lever in the vast dash- across the housing continuum (b) Con- matter of pulling one or two levers and development, exceptional networking ers, who will see costs rise, it should be sidering interim measures to speed up expecting a wave of change. Develop- and access to industry-leading research. board of push buttons that they have at of further concern for tenants, who will their disposal but failed to address the supply, using the fast-tracking legislation ment and construction take time, the Property Council acts as a collective undoubtably have these costs passed on more generously or adopting a similar development pipeline can take decades. voice, giving its members a seat at the issue of supply. in rent increases. Instead, they have fallen back on the approach to that taken in Christchurch The only way to guarantee success is if table with policy makers, ensuring they While we are pleased to see moves post-quakes and (c) Clarifying whether government and industry come together make informed decisions that benefit previously disbanded idea of a tax on to incentivise Councils and the Crown Capital Gains, which is effectively what Build-to-Rent housing will be included to utilise our collective experience to our industry whilst enabling a strong to free up more land in the form of a in interest deductibility and bright-line address each issue in harmony. economy and thriving communities. the bright-line test will be – a tax on $3.8 billion Housing Acceleration Fund, Capital Gains that will increase costs but issues. Build-to-Rent housing will need to About Property Council Leonie Freeman is Chief Executive, Property it remains unclear how and when the play a greater role in the rental solution Property Council New Zealand is the Council New Zealand. The above was received do little to provide homes for everyday government plans to get the funds to as a press release. Kiwis. and cannot afford to be scuttled before leading advocate for New Zealand’s most

having to reignite too,” he said. Airlines ready for take-off to Australia and Cook Islands Cook Islands at a time when the aviation Stating that the logistics of rebooting industry was facing further loss of jobs. aviation are complex, Mr Tighe-Umbers Government to announce Aviation sector crashes said that airlines are ready to take off as clearance on April 6, 2021 Covid-19 has gutted aviation globally, soon as the government gives the green Venkat Raman with airlines reporting loses in the bil- light. lions (of dollars), Mr Tighe-Umbers said, “BARNZ members are certainly hoping irlines have already plans in adding that the number of airlines flying the start date will be no longer than three place to operate services to passengers to New Zealand reduced from weeks after April 6, 2021,” he said. Australia and the Cook Islands. 30 to 12 and direct connections to cities About BARNZ Board of Airlines New Zealand overseas dropped from 44 to 17. The Board of Airlines Representatives (BARNZ)A Executive Director Justin “More routes under threat. The of New Zealand Inc is the respected Tighe-Umbers said that airline operators Justin Tighe-Umbers Image from Auckland International Airport Trans-Tasman decision, coupled with the and trusted voice of the airline industry are ‘95% ready to go.’ outlined. The aviation sector has been “They have all heard plenty of stories government’s $170 million extension of in New Zealand. Working closely with “Final bits will be put in place once the working closely with the ministries on of events like weddings being delayed, assistance to airlines through to October, the government, regulators, businesses date for quarantine-free, Trans-Tasman some of these items,” he said. babies not meeting grandparents and is encouraging for the whole aviation and local communities, it provides cost travel is announced on April 6, 2021. We Rising demand to travel families and friends missing each other. sector. Airlines are not alone in having savings and service improvements to understand that the government must Mr Tighe-Umbers said that BARNZ Trans-Tasman travel really needs to start to recall people, get them recertified or member airlines. BARNZ also creates be satisfied that it has worked through members are reporting pent up demand, in April 2021,” he said. retrained to meet regulatory require- an environment that fosters continued, the regulatory, technical and practical especially from people with family or Ms Ardern signalled the opening of ments, and to align new schedules. All sustainable growth for them in New items that Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern friends in Australia and the Cook Islands. quarantine-free flights to Australia and the the businesses that support air travel are Zealand. Significant changes to Travel Insurance as flights resume Insurance Council issues travel tickets. (3) Costs if you get sick with Covid-19 “Travel Insurance is still available to and must quarantine several clarifications purchase and offers cover for a variety of (4) Reasonable accommodation costs if Venkat Raman unforeseen events as outlined in individ- the person you were supposed to stay with ual policies, such as a broken leg, theft or gets Covid-19 he Wellington based Insurance lost baggage or the impacts of a significant (5) Cancellation costs if leave is revoked; Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) weather event. Since each policy will if you are an essential health worker and has clarified recent changes to differ, ICNZ strongly advises anyone your leave is revoked due to Covid-19, you Travel Insurance, which include purchasing Travel Insurance to read the can claim the non-refundable costs T‘no cover’ for cancellation of flights due policies thoroughly and to ask the insurer (6) Cancellation costs for denied to Covid-19 any questions they may have about what boarding due to a positive Covid-19 test ICNZ Chief Executive Tim Grafton said is and what is not included,” he said. at the airport - you and your travelling that the insurance sector has responded What is not covered companion can claim the non-refundable, to the new reality of global travel amidst At present policies will not cover prepaid cancellation costs provided that a uncertainty and limitations imposed by (a) Cancellations to travel caused by public health authority directed you and Covid-19. government-imposed lockdowns you did not have knowledge or awareness “Border closures imposed by a gov- (b) Costs if the government imposes a of your positive test result at the time of ernment are not covered by any insurer blanket quarantine your policy purchase as it is simply not possible to develop a The Golden Hour: Photo by Tom Barrett on Insurance Council of New Zealand Chief Execu- (c) Travel delay caused by Covid-19 (7) Cancellation due to being a close product that accounts for the uncertainty Unsplash tive Tim Grafton (Photo Courtesy: Conferences NZ) (d) Border closures due to Covid-19 (e) contact with someone with covid-19 and the level of risk this presents. Insurers policies that provide cover for a range of or costs if you get sick with Covid -19 Travel to any other countries where there (8) Cancellation or amendment costs for and customers need certainty of the exact Covid-19 related claims. and need to quarantine while overseas. is still a ‘do not travel’ alert in place a prepaid trip subject to the cancellation dates and times borders open or close so Covid-19 related claims Some also cover reasonable costs if the Cover that might be offered by some benefit limit on the policy if they have that they know when cover is available “In addition to the normal travel person you are supposed to stay with gets insurers with specific Covid-19 extensions been directed to quarantine by a public and when it is not,” he said. insurance cover, some policies may Covid-19 and you need to find alternative include health authority because they deemed Mr Grafton said that insurers have include cover for specific Covid-19 claims accommodation,” he said. (1) Cancellation costs if you get sick to have had close contact with someone constantly looked at ways to support their such as cancellation costs if you contract Mr Graft said that ICNZ continues with Covid-19 before you travel diagnosed with Covid-19 and cannot go on customers for the day the travel bubble Covid-19 and cannot travel, costs to return to emphasise the importance of Travel (2) Costs to return home if a relative their trip. becomes a possibility, introducing tailored home if a relative gets sick with Covid-19 Insurance at the point of purchase of gets sick with Covid-19 Opaque KiwiSaver Schemes ignore prohibited investments be clearly stated in the Product I wonder if there is too much effective means to determine with It is a concern that the mantra Disclosure Statement (PDS) and reliance on computer algorithms certainty what is being done with of low fees means essential KiwiSaver providers must have a to determine placement of funds the investment of their money, management functions are maybe compliance plan and compliance and imaginative definitions of unless there is an independent being compromised. assurance plan to guarantee their what complies and what does not, investigation to consider how this Responsibility abrogated Gregory Fortuin mandate is being met. results in unacceptable conduct as investment in nuclear weapons Managers who are delegating This is a two-step process, but the reported in the news media today. under the FMC regime has been this responsibility to Third Party call for an investigation into reality is that it is clearly not being By replacing human judgement allowed to occur. providers (many of whom do not how KiwiSaver providers are complied with or monitored and with computer assessments, This not the first time that disclose their fees thereby enabling investing in nuclear weapons. enforced by the Financial Monetary intangible values such as moral KiwiSavers have been caught out the mantra of low fees), are This can only be because Authority (FMA). investment decisions, are not investing in nuclear weapons. abrogating their responsibility to be Imanagers are not properly Ethical investors in particular are possible. It is not acceptable that in checking that their ethical mandate monitoring their claims to be entitled to rely on this being done, I am concerned that there is an the current KiwiSaver market is being implemented. ethically investing KiwiSaver but clearly that reliance is currently unwillingness, combined with an environment, a KiwiSaver Scheme Gregory Fortuin is Chairman of Amanah members money. misplaced. inability of international delegated is invested in the ultimate inhuman Ethical, the only KiwiSaver Fund compliant with Sharia Law, offering a Please read a story that appeared Illegal ventures investment managers to disclose weapon of mass destruction. growth-focused and high-fee option and in New Zealand Herald on March Is it the opaque nature of many exactly where and with whom, Such investments are illegal investing more than 90% of its current 18, 2020. KiwiSaver schemes that allows funds are placed. under New Zealand Law. assets in foreign share markets. Amanah Ethical mandate prohibited investments such as Common New Zealanders The time required to check where Ethnical does not invest in companies An ethical mandate is a serious illegal investments in nuclear unaware funds are in fact being invested that deal in pork, interest-earning, statement to an investor, it must weapons to happen? Ordinary Kiwis have no costs time and money. alcohol and other forbidden activities. APRIL 1, 2021 Communitylink 17 Andhra Association inaugural and Ugadi with fun, food Venkat Raman Ghouse Majeed (General Secretary), Nagabhushanam Gorantla (Joint ana Andhra Telugu Associa- Secretary and IT In-Charge), Kiran K tion New Zealand (MATA NZ), Korepa (Joint Secretary and Events catering to the interests of the Coordinator), Pratap Reddy (Founder people of Andhra Pradesh will President and Treasurer), Patrick Bennett Mbe officially inaugurated on Saturday, (IT Administrator), Krishna Chaitanya April 10, 2021 at Dorothy Winstone Gundluru (Public Relations Officer), Bujje Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar School, Babu Nelluri (Youth Wing Coordinator), located at 16 Howe Street in Newton, Dr Reginald Samuel Shaik Shamsheeruddin Ghouse Majeed Nagabhushanam Gorantla Kiran K Korepa Pratap Nandi Reddy Praveen Kumar Kaipu (Youth Wing Co- President Vice President General Secretary Joint Secretary and IT In charge Joint Secretary and Events Coordinator Founder President and Treasurer Central Auckland. ordinator), Jaya Kondra (Women’s Wing , Member of Coordinator) and Dileep Maddukuri, Parliament elected from Upper Harbour, Peter John Vengala, (Members of the National Party Leader Judith Collins, Executive Committee). National MPs , Chris Peter John Vengala, Srinivasa Prasad Penk and Christopher Luxon will be Sappa, Ravi Musuku, Siva Kilari and Guests of Honour at the event which will Venkat Raman have been appointed as commence at 5.30 pm. Members of the Advisory Board. Ugadi Celebrations Pursuit of objectives MATA President Dr Reginald Samuel Patrick Bennett Krishna Chaitanya Gundluru Bujje Babu Nelluri Praveen Kumar Kaipu Jaya Kondra Dileep Maddukuri Dr Samuel said that among the IT Administrator Public Relations Officer Youth Wing Coordinator Youth Wing Coordinator Women’s Wing Convenor Executive member said that official inaugural function will objectives of MATA NZ are to (a) make also mark Ugadi, which marks the dawn a significant contribution to the Telugu of New Year for Telugu-speaking people community (b) be involved in various in India and around the world. community activities and services in New “Celebration of our New Year augurs Zealand (c) invite leaders and people of well with the inauguration of MATA NZ importance and eminence from Andhra and the forthcoming event will reinforce Pradesh and provide them a platform to our objective and desire of serving not engage with Andhrulus in New Zealand only Andhrulus but also other communi- and (d) promote social and religious cohe- ties in New Zealand. We hope to pool our sion through meetings and programmes. Srinivas Rao Pichuka Peter John Vengala Srinivasa Prasad Sappa Ravi Musuku Siva Kilari Venkat Raman resources for the larger benefit of New “We hope to organise seminars and Executive Member Advisory Board Member Advisory Board Member Advisory Board member Advisory Board Memberr Advisory Board Member Zealanders,” he said. conferences in association with the The State is also known as the land of MATA NZZ is registered with the New Auckland Chamber of Commerce for the world-famous diamond Kohinoor Zealand government, he added. people from the Telugu community keen and many other global known diamonds The Programme to establish their businesses in New due to its erstwhile Kollur Mine. It is also Association General Secretary Ghouse Zealand. We would also like to help Start- known as the ‘Rice Bowl of India’ for being Majeed said that the inaugural event and ups here,” he said. a major producer of rice in India. Ugadi Celebrations will showcase the cul- About Andhra Pradesh Rich Cultural Heritage ture, heritage and talents of people from Andhra Pradesh was the first state Andhra Pradesh has always been the five South Indian States, including to be formed on a linguistic basis in known for its rich culture. It has presented Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, India on October 1, 1953. Rich in natural a wide range of Performing Arts including Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Punjab. and resources, the State is the seventh Dance, Drama and Music to the world. “We would also feature a singer of largest economy in India and has Many composers of Carnatic Music, Pakistani origin rendering a very popular contributed several leaders to national including Annamacharya, Khetrayya song and music and dance sequences politics and government. Among them and Bhadrachala Ramadas belong to this from Hindi feature films. This event will are Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Zakir State. Modern Carnatic Music Composers be a good blend of traditional and mod- Hussain, Neelam Sanjiv Reddy, Tanguturi and singers such as Ghantasala, Sujatha ern entertainment, speeches, recognition Prakasam, Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, Puligella, and Balamurali Krishna are also and special food. Entry is open and free Bezawada Gopala Reddy, Bhavanam of Telugu descent. Kuchipudi, one of the to all. We request people to arrive at least Venkataram Reddy, Kasu Brahmadanda greatest forms of Classical Indian Dances, by 5.15 pm and occupy seats,” he said. Reddy, Damodaram Sanjivayya, Kotla practiced by artistes all over the world, be one of the richest Temples in India, A multi-acre Complex, comprising a Dr Samuel said that the newly elected Vijaya, Bhaskara Reddy. originated from this State with assets worth more than US$ 20 new Temple for Lord Venkateswara and Executive Committee is representative Andhra Pradesh was once a major The Telugu film industry hosts many billion. It attracts more than 40 million other Temples, amenities and facilities of the main segments of the Andhra Buddhist pilgrimage site in India and music composers and playback singers worshippers every year, a majority of will be built in the Auckland region. The society and that they are all dedicated to Buddhist learning centre, which can such as S P Balasubrahmanyam, P Sushee- them waiting in long-winding queues promoters have acquired land and initial community service. be seen in many sites in the State in the la, S Janaki and P B Sreenivas. Folk songs for up to 24 hours or more to have a work is in progress. The Executive Committee form of ruins and stupas. It is also a State are very important and popular in the two-second Dharshan of the Main Deity. Further details of Mana Andhra The new Committee includes Dr which embraces all major religions in- many rural areas of the state. Yet, devotees believe that a glimpse of the Telugu Association can be obtained from Reginald Samuel (President), Shaik cluding Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. Lord Venkateswara Temple Lord in itself is the greatest blessing in Dr Reginald Samuel on 021-1089357 and Shamsheeruddin (Vice-President), The Tirupathi Temple is considered to their lives. Ghouse Majeed on 021-393466. Muthtamil Sangam Auckland distinguishes with a score Twentieth Anniversary on Mr Sam said that classes are held on April 17 at Freemans Bay Saturdays from 2.30 pm and 3.30 pm at Community Centre Ranfurly Road, Epsom, Auckland (not Venkat Raman during the Covid-19 lockdown period) and that Mr Nathan has established uthtamil Sangam (MTS) of the ‘Padi Murai Tamil,’ or step-by-step Auckland will celebrate its learning method. 20th Anniversary on Saturday, Radio Programme April 17, 2021 but the Muthtamil Sangam Auckland presented folks dances Popular singers M J Shriram and Srilekha Parthasarathy Children performing at Kodai Vizha 2018 of Muthtamil The Sangam launched its radio service Mfestivities will be somewhat be subdued of Tamil Nadu at the Indian Newslink Festivals of South presented a music recital at the 15th Anniversary of Sangam Auckland (soon after its establishment) broadcast- because of the sudden and tragic India on September 21, 2019 Muthtamil Sangam on June 5, 2016 continue to serve- in various offices. ing on Planet FM 104.6 on Saturdays from demise of Soundhar Tirupathi, a former various communities, we have also in- However, the office-bearers and Significant activities 750 am to 825 am. President. vited artistes to present music and dance members continued to be active on President Sadasivam Kutty said that Called, ‘Sangam,’ the Programme A special tribute to Mr Tirupathi numbers from Hindi, Tamil and other the social platform and exchange a since its inception, Muthtamil Sangam is being managed by Maninilavan appears elsewhere in this issue. language films, the ever-popular Bhangra number of educative and entertainment has been striving to preserve, protect and Arivukkarasu (who has held various The 20th Anniversary Celebrations of the State of Punjab, Chenda Melam information. promote Tamil language, culture and positions in the Association including that will be held at Freemans Bay Community of Kerala, Belly Dances by Phoenix and Members of the Sangam, who are people, with ‘Being happy together’ as the of President) and presented by Raja Mani. Centre located at 52 Hepburn Street close Japanese Drums by Tamashii Taiko. proud of their heritage and language, motto. “Our Radio programme is presented to Auckland’s Central Business District. Among the highlights of the evening will have fostered a new sense and spirit “These include Pongal Vizha, Kodai by volunteers. This is a weekly occasion Diversity, Inclusion & Ethnic Commu- be the performance of Moksha Base, a of unity during the past four weeks of Vizha, Chithirai Vizha, other festivals, to listen to ‘Thirukkural,’ the most nities Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan popular musical group,” he said. lockdown. picnics, competitions, and participation extensive and most widely translated will be the Chief Guest at the event Performers of various dance items are Impressive leadership in the programmes organised by others. couplets. Written by Thiruvalluvar more scheduled to be held from 5.30 pm to 10 from Anuradha School of Dance, Anujay The Sangam was formed at a time As a socially responsible organisation, than 1700 years ago, the 1330 couplets pm. School of Dance, Chennai City Gangzta, when the Tamil population was on the the Sangam conducts blood donation cover every aspect of every living being, Labour MP Vanushi Walters (Upper Cockatoos and Aaja Nachle, he said. threshold of demographic change, with camps every year, and participates nature, and the ways and means of Harbour Constituency), National MPs Mr Kathiravan said that entry tickets, a larger number of people of Tamil Nadu in Environmental cleaning activities maintaining a healthy environment. The Christopher Luxon (Botany Constituency) priced at $15 for members and $17 for origin originating from their home state organised by the Auckland Regional Parks Radio Programme is also used to carry and (List) will be Guests of guests, including dinner are on now on and other parts of the world, Tamilians and Reserves,” he said. announcements, forthcoming events of Honour. sale. Children under five years of age will from South East Asia, Indian ocean States Weekly Tamil classes Muthtamil Sangam,” he said. MTS Secretary Kathiravan Sam be allowed free. and others. Their lack of interest in any Mr Kathiravan said that the Association People anywhere in the world can said that the Programme will include Details can be obtained from Secretary kind of politics then, allowed the Sangam considers it a ‘sacred duty’ to carry the listen to the programme online current speeches, felicitations to the special guests Sam Kathiravan on 021-1665166. to grow and as the only organisation language to the next generation. programme and up to three earlier and people who have contributed to the Email: [email protected]; representing Tamils (other than those “As a part of our efforts in this connec- broadcasts. Please visit www.planetaudio. Sangam over the past 20 years, music and Website: https://muthtamilsangam.co.nz from Sri Lanka, for whom there is anoth- tion, we conduct weekly Tamil classes for org.nz/muthtamilsangam. dance. About Muthtamil Sangam er, older Association exists in the City), children. We are grateful to our senior Planet FM MobileApp can also be “Our entertainment segment will Muthtamil Sangam of Auckland Muthtamil Sangam enjoyed exclusive member Senthil Nathan for conducting downloaded on to mobile and other showcase the cultural heritage of Tamil entered its 20th year in 2020 year and membership until about five years ago. these classes with the help and support devices. It is free. Nadu including Bharata Natyam, folk Covid-19 restrictions constrained the The Sangam has had the benefit of of teachers who teach the language on a dances, a violin performance and music. Association to hold back many of its the leadership of a cross-section of the voluntary, community service basis,” he As an organisation that reaches out to programmes. community, who have served – and said. 18 Communitylink APRIL 1, 2021 School Principals reluctant Word(Created by Sandhya Search Govind, Auckland) 3 to enrol violent children VIDEO GAMES But was there advice from the safety. He said that the Locate the words from the themed word list in the puzzle grid. Words may be found going forwards, Ministry? Federation would further backwards, up, down or diagonally. develop the legal opinion The theme for this week is VIDEO GAMES with the names of popular video games and words Sourced Content but it did not want to get connected to them in the word list. chools have the legal right to into a legal battle. Once all the words are found, the name of a popular video game console will be revealed. refuse admission to a violent “We would be reluctant child, the New Zealand Principals to see this going to court. Federation President Perry Rush That is not what we want. Shas said. We want the government It was recently suggested that schools to take seriously the could consider defying Education Min- challenges that Principals istry directions to enrol children who confronting us and what our young people are expe- New Zealand Principals Federation have been kicked out of other schools President Perry Rush for violent behaviour until they were riencing,” Mr Rush said. He called for a solution confident that the concerned children have to get to the point of to the issue. would receive sufficient support. suspending young people. “There needs to be some No legal battle That is the sort of positive, resolution in order to Mr Rush said that the Federation proactive, nurturing system ensure that these young has received preliminary legal advice, that caters for young people people are well cared saying that the Ministry cannot direct in crisis and we currently for, well supported with a school to enrol a child without fully don’t have that system in resources and that there considering the impact on health and place,” he said. are alternative pathways Advice not seen that might mean that Deputy Secretary of Word Search 2 Soutions the young person can be Sector Enablement and by Sandhya Govind kept in education without Support Katrina Casey said Please see our March 15 issue placing at risk students.” that the Ministry had not Caught between Acts seen the advice that the Mr Rush said that Federation had received. Principals were caught “If a school decides to between the requirements exclude a student, that will of the Education Act and not be a decision they have the Health and Safety in taken lightly - often the the Workplace Act and exclusion comes following that Federation was not a period of behaviour, and trying to make it easier for despite the attempts of schools to refuse to enrol the school to address the difficult children. behaviour. Use of the power “What we really want is to direct is a very last resort 1 Grand Theft Auto; 2 Liberty City; 3 Vice City; 4 Niko Bellic; 5 Sonic The; for there to be a situation and one that is used very 5A Hedgehog; 6 Gotta Go Fast; 7 Chao; 8 Chaos Emerald; 9 Super; 9A Mario; where there are resources, rarely,” she said. 10 Shigeru; 10A Miyamoto; 11 Princess; 11A Peach; 12 Luigi; 13 Yoshi; 14 Coin; where there are pathways 15 Mii; 16 Flagpole; 17 Jumpman; 18 Donkey Kong; 19 Angry; 19A Birds; 20 Green; within the schooling sys- Published under a Special

20A Pigs; 21 Pokemon; 22 Pikachu; 23 Mew; 24 RPG THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES tem that means we don’t Agreement with www.rnz.co.nz THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES

Clues Across 1A Substance produced by the endocrine gland (7) 5A Period of play in cricket or baseball (7) 9A Showing great attention to detail 10A The Multi-Stage Fitness Test, a running test used to estimate an athlete's aerobic capacity, is more commonly known as this - ______Test (4) 11A Chase a person or animal away by waving one's arms at them (4) 12A American TV medical drama series that starred Hugh Laurie as the title character (5) Crossword Puzzle 4 by Sandhya Govind 13A Province in Eastern Canada (4, 6) 15A The bandicoot belongs to this family of rodents (4) 16A A military aviator who shot down ve or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat in WWII was called this (3) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 17A In Norse mythology, this was the equivalent of the Armageddon (8) 21A Famous painting in the Louvre known as La Giaconda in Italian (4, 4) 9 10 22A Pre x meaning ‘new’ (3) 11 23A Shortened name for combat supplies such as bullets, gunpowder etc. (4)

12 25A Expulsion from the practice of law (10)

13 14 28A Edible pinkish-brown nut similar to the walnut (5) 29A Large bag made of a strong material such as hessian or jute, used for storing and carrying goods (4) 15 16 31A Encourage or assist someone to commit a crime (4) 17 18 19 33A Adjective that describes a harsh and jarring sound that lacks harmony (10) 20 35A Words inscribed on a gravestone (7)

21 36A Framework or structure of crossed wood or metal strips (7)

22 23 24

25 26 27 Clues Down 1D Small axe (7) 28 2D Commotion (6) 29 30 o 3D These birds can turn their heads 270 in either direction (4) 31 32 33 34 4D Large native Australian birds that lay dark green eggs (4) 6D Mexican dish that consists of heated tortilla chips covered with melted cheese and other savoury toppings (6)

35 36 7D Abbreviated name of best-selling British music newspaper in the 1970s (1,1,1) 8D Girl’s name that means ‘wisdom’ (6)

9D Dense chewy confectionery made with sweetened coconut (8) 10D These apes were formerly called pygmy chimpanzees (7) 13D Nerve tonic that acts as a sedative to calm rued nerves (7) 14D Person without a settled home or regular work who wanders from place to place (7) Crossword Puzzle 16D Ring Ring was the 1973 debut album of this band (4) 3 Solutions 18D Another name for the classical male singing voice, the counter-tenor (4) 19D Over the centuries, this has been the name of thirteen Popes (8) For Grid with Clues, 20D To be consumed or destroyed by re (7) please see our 24D Order from a superior court to a lower one (7) March 15, 2021 25D To widen the pupils of the eyes for certain eye examinations (6) 26D To regain money that has been spent on a venture (6) Edition 27D Duty levied in some countries on various goods entering a town or city (6) 30D Female ferret (4) 32D UK record label that rst signed on artistes such as Kraftwerk, Queen, Olivia Newton-John, Iron Maiden, Kate Bush etc. (1,1,1) 34D Himalayan, Burmese & Siamese are dierent breeds of this pet Solutions in the next issue APRIL 1, 2021 Entertainmentlink 19

PRESENT

Tarana

IdolSINGING COMPETITION2021

To register text TARANA IDOL with your name on 8812

Contest 19 to 30 April live in Tarana studio from 6pm weekdays WINNER GETS $1000 CASH

Supported by 20 Sportslink APRIL 1, 2021 Blackcaps-Bangladesh matches show quality difference a fluent century to take the home team to The end of the T20I series on 1 April a series-winning 5-wicket victory. will mark a well-deserved break for those The 3rd ODI featured maiden tons by players who are not playing in the Indian Mitchell and Conway. Set 319 for victory, Premier League (IPL). Ravi Nyayapati the visitors folded for a paltry 154, White Ferns vs Australia courtesy of a magnificent 5 wicket haul The women’s team are also in action he Blackcaps banked enough by James Mitchell. against arch-rivals Australia, with the points in their One Day NZ-Bangladesh T20I Series 3-match series tied at 1-1. The White International (ODI) ranking by The T20I series is now underway, and Ferns started the series with a low-scoring successfully warding off any sur- it seems to be following the ODI series match, struggling to 130/6 in the allocated Tprises against lowly-ranked Bangladesh, trend. twenty overs. sweeping the series 3-0. New Zealand have shown there is a Australia limped to 62/4 before The visitors were simply not up to the big difference in quality between the two Ashleigh Gardner hit a masterly 73 off 48 mark in taking on the 3rd ranked ODI sides. to register a six-wicket victory. team, who were without regular captain Conway has continued to perform and The second match provided a final Kane Williamson. scored a magnificent 92 off 52 in the first over drama. Major shuffle of batsmen match. Young, known for his massive Australia batted first with Beth Moon- The injury-based absence of hitting in this format of the game, notched ey’s 61 proving to be the only talking Williamson (elbow), veteran Ross Taylor up his maiden fifty on debut. In the first point in their subdued total of 129/4. (hamstring) and recent regular Colin de game, the hosts piled a massive 210/3 off New Zealand paced the game well but Grandhomme (ankle) meant a major The White Ferns: Varying degree of consistency (Photosport via RNZ) their twenty overs. suddenly found themselves needing nine shuffle in the batting order and a chance Bangladesh was never in it, with spin- off the last over, and ultimately three to introduce Daryl Mitchell, Will Young ner Ish Sodhi causing mayhem early on. off the last ball. A wild swing by Maddy and highly rated southpaw Devon At one stage Sodhi had 4 wickets for Green saw the ball whizz past leg stump, Conway, who qualified to play for New 8 runs off just 1.5 overs. Bangladesh through for an accidental boundary. The Zealand a year back. manged 144/8, losing by 66 runs. four-wicket victory keeps the series alive. With a few T20I matches already The T20I series has also seen the The White Ferns continue to display under his belt, Conway’s introduction introduction of yet another Blackcap in a varying degree of consistency in their to the ODI arena provided the only real the form of youngster Finn Allen. His performances. entertainment of the series. Conway did youthfulness could be blamed for his The 2021 Women’s Cricket World not disappoint, taking the Man of the rush of blood, with no shortage of rash Cup is a mere couple of months a The Series award by averaging 75 across the shots on show. Out for a golden duck in Blackcaps are in a commanding position three games. the first match, Allen threw his wicket (Photosport via RNZ) way and the White Bangladesh team disappoints in the second game while trying to slog Ferns have a lot of preparation to do. The ODI series squared off with a every delivery he faced. Much like her male counterpart, captain wretched performance by the visitors, The only surprise in the T20I series Sofie Devine is a world class batter. She is getting bundled out for just 131. The has been the continued selection of Mark currently the top ranked player in the T20 blackcaps barely raised a sweat, chasing Chapman who, after 36 international ap- format. She needs to inspire her team to down the target by the 22nd over. pearances for New Zealand, has managed emulate her. The second match saw the visitors post just one fifty and one century against Ravi Nyayapati is our Sports Correspondent, a somewhat decent 271/6. developing nation UAE. with mastery in many fields. He has been asso- Stand-in captain Tom Latham marked ciated with New Zealand Cricket in general and The selectors must have a high degree the Auckland Cricket Association in particular a wonderful return to the game, stroking The Blackcaps are in a commanding position (Photosport via RNZ) of confidence in him. and was an Empire and Commentator. Property Finance Specialists

Terrace & Single house Commercial Multi unit Subdivisions builds property Developments

Loans from Residential NZ$2B+ 1500 + $200,000 Investment Funds lent since Loans Settled to Property inception $25 million

When all other lenders offer you are hurdles, we will get your development off the ground by placing greater emphasis on the practical and business merits of your funding application. Since 2004, ASAP Finance has been providing innovative and competitive property funding solutions to investors, developers and home builders and is recognized as a leading property finance provider in New Zealand. To find out about our funding solutions, please contact: Parash Sarma - Client Services Director Mob: 021 864 730 Email: [email protected]