Professional Documents
Culture Documents
At a glance
Striving for wellbeing
If there is one rallying point for Kiwi
Indians for the better part of the past
century, it is one organisation that has
grown encompassing people of Indian
origin in all corners of NZ: The New
Zealand Central Indian Association
(NZICA). Page 7
Conquering Afghanistan
The western media says no country has
ever conquered Afghanistan, but the
fact they conveniently forget is that not
too long ago the Indians conquered,
subdued and ruled Afghanistan, an
episode of history that is carved into the
recesses of the Afghan mind. Page 15
Bollywood flick to be
Manukau City Council’s teaching gardens Tauroa at Mangere Centre Park.”
project. Mentors Terri Marchant and Zahood Sheikh
Two new teaching gardens have been es- at the East Tamaki teaching garden have a
filmed in Queenstown
tablished at East Tamaki Domain and Mangere novel way of letting students know that they are
Centre Park, bringing the total to six for the present on the site. They hoist the New Zealand
summer course which started mid-October. flag on the old Croquet Club flagpole.
Plots are allocated to an individual or a group Mr Findlay says that the two planned gardens
to grow vegetables for a season, and participants for Manurewa and Otara are on hold until exter-
are taught a range of skills from seed germina- nal funding is obtained. Dharma Productions, a Bolywood film production company plans to shoot one of its latest
tion through to harvesting. The 20-week course He believes the Manukau Parks teaching ventures in Queenstown in late January, putting New Zealand’s premier holiday destination
prepares participants to grow their own fruit and garden model where the gardens are essentially on screen for viewing by as many as 150 million viewers across the world.
vegetables at home. outdoor classrooms is a sustainable one. The major feature film “I Hate Luv Stories” stars Bollywood heart-throb Imran Khan
There are some plots left for the summer “During our programme students are taught and opposite the lovely actress Sonam Kapoor and is due for release in May 2010.
season, so anyone interested should phone the basic horticulture husbandry which they then Tim Hunter, the chief executive of Tourism New Zealand said the opportunity to show-
Parks Booking Officer 263 7100 for an applica- transfer to their own home garden,” he says. case New Zealand and for media coverage in India was huge.
tion form. All course students are automatically “The movie itself will attract a huge audience but the media surrounding the filming
Enrolments don’t close until the end of No- members of the Manukau Parks Garden Laugh- and the release will also present great opportunities for promoting New Zealand as a visitor
vember says Robert Findlay, Manager Park Rec- ter and Food Processing Club. Clubrooms are destination,” he said.
reation and the teaching garden co-ordinator. located at the Stadium Reserve in Papatoetoe. - Indian Weekender news desk
“The response has been great and we are The club is due to open its doors early in the
pleased to have good mentors at all sites includ- New Year.
e y o ur a level playing field for immigrants and had one ment is so keen on it and continuously following
Ar ce
of the most racist attitudes of any country in the up.”
r a n earlier decades of the last century. “Our forefa- There was a stark contrast in the way in
e I nsu ming thers fought inequities one problem at a time and which China pursued its FTA with New Zealand
Lif
slowly worked hard to gain more and more ac- and the way that India is doing it, he said.
s b e co ceptance. What we are today is thanks to their NZICA has always strived to be apolitical
m
remiu
tireless efforts,” he said. and has had a neutral political stance, he said.
P d e?
a b l
“We are also thankful to New Zealand
leaders like former prime minister David Lange
The two MPs of Indian origin have had one year
to settle in, he said. “It is now time to ask them
ffo r who loved the Indian community and worked what have they delivered to the community.
una
closely with our previous generation.” Contrast that with how changes in the immigra-
Still, the manner in which European New tion rules because of appropriate lobbying from
Zealanders and others view Indians needs to the Chinese community is all set to help more
change in line with what modern Indian have Chinese people to immigrate here. Is there a
* Life Insurance
come to stand for, Mr Khar said. Because of similar assistance to boost the Indian commu-
the early settlers who took up agriculture and nity? We don’t see it there.”
managing corner dairies in a big way for several
* Health Insurance decades, there has always been a tendency to
view Indians as farmers and smalltime retailers
Watch Mr Veer Khar’s interview on
www.indianweekender.co.nz
* Income Protection
* Etc...
A book about early Indian settlers rance
nsu
On November 13, 2007, at the Diwali Celebration held at Life I
* urance
FREE Consultation!
the New Zealand Parliament in Wellington, the NZICA saw
h I n s
Healt
the completion of the Historical Book Project. The Gover-
n
* tectio
nor General, Hon Anand Satyanand launched the book
“Indian Settlers: The Story of a South Asian Communi-
g e P r o
Mortga
0800 66 77 92
ty”, written by Dr Jacqueline Leckie of Otago University
P:
and published by Otago University Press, Dunedin. * P r o t e c tion
Income
Oliver Pereira
This was an initiative of the NZICA Executive and was
achieved through funding by way of research grants *
Insurance Adviser
from Otago University to Dr Leckie and a grant from
Etc...
M: 021 66 77 9 2
the Department of Internal Affairs. This project was
successful due to the energy and scholarship of
*
Dr Leckie and the goodwill of the Indian communi-
E m a i l: oliver.pereira@ x t r a . c o . n z ty in providing family histories, photographs and memorabilia.
At the 82nd Annual Conference held at Pukekohe in 2007, President of NZICA invited
OPM Insurance Services Limited the former High Commissioner of India Mr. Ernest to present a plaque to Dr. Jac-
PO Box 87133, Meadowbank, queline Leckie for writing the NZICA’s historical book “Indian Settlers”. Dr. Leckie
Auckland 1742 thanked NZICA for choosing her to deliver this dream project. To date sales of the
book have been very good.
record books
New Delhi: President Pratibha Patil entered the
record books on Wednesday, 25 November as
she became the first woman president to fly in
a fighter aircraft. The 74 year old president who
undertook the approximately 30 minute sortie
in a Russian made Sukhoi-30 MKI said “It was
thoroughly inspiring, a wonderful and unique
experience”.
Wearing an olive green G suit and the cap of
the no. 30 Squadron the Rhinos, the petite presi-
dent looked a picture of confidence as she got
inside the cockpit. Wing Commander S. Sajan
piloted the Sukhoi touching a speed of 850 kmph
at a height of 2.7 km above the airfield. She expe-
rienced a gravitational force of level 2G. Fighter skill and the expertise and are well equipped to
pilots are trained to take a maximum of level 9G. protect our nation.”
Flashing a victory sign after landing at the Brushing aside the recent controversy of
Lohegaon air force base in Pune, the president inducting women fighter pilots in the air force
shook hands with the pilot and patted him for she said she had full confidence in the ability of
smooth ride in the combat aircraft. women but would let the experts and the govern-
The president said “I feel reassured that our ment take a call on that.
defence forces especially our pilots have the
Air Pacific invests in Hong Kong route ternational matches and there may be some in-
ternational commitments for the senior team.
“We have a new team director, Anil Sharma
Germany, France, Argentina, England and
Croatia.
- Pacificbusinessonline.com/ Pacnews
National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi has opened “I would like to thank the National Party for
his out-of-Parliament office in Papatoetoe. believing in me and giving me the opportunity to
Acting Prime Minister and Minister of have a National office based in South Auckland,”
Finance Bill English officially opened the office Mr Bakshi says.
for Manukau East-based List MP Mr Bakshi on “I have had the privilege, since being a Na-
1 December. tional MP, to travel around New Zealand and
Mr Bakshi and Mr English were jointed meet many people. The experience of being an
by fellow National MPs Melissa Lee, Dr Paul ethnic MP for the National Government had
Hutchinson, Dr Cam Calder. truly been life changing.”
“The opening went very well. I was delighted The office is located at 131 Kolmar Road,
with the turnout,” Mr Bakshi says. Papatoetoe, and is open between 10am and
About 200 people people, including members 3pm, Monday to Friday. Phone (09) 278 9302
and chairs of several Indian organisations, were to contact Ashvinder Kaur OOP Agent for MP
at the opening to support Mr Bakshi. Bakshi’s Office or email bakshi.mp@parliament.
In his speech, Mr Bakshi thanked his sup- govt.nz
porters for their support during the election and
in the past year.
As another year winds down and everyone wonders how fast 2009 has whizzed past,
it is time to take stock of the past twelve months and look forward with a sense of Kiwi Indians and overseas travel
anticipation as we enter the tenth year of this century. I agree with you about the fact that Indians often shy away from world travel. However you need
This has indeed been a difficult year for the world as also for New Zealand, fol- to realise that it is not that NZ Indians do not want to travel around the world. Given a choice of
lowing the global financial meltdown. It was a difficult time for any new government 3 to 4 weeks of annual pay and parents who are tucked away thousands of miles away, the heart
to take on the reins of the country, especially so after an almost decade long rule by rules over the head and you invariably make the same trip over and over again. For Indians
another party that left the country’s coffers dry as it exited the corridors of power. living in India the story is completely different. They live with their extended families so options
The National Party came to power at such a trying time riding high on the hopes are different.
of Kiwi voters who swept it into the Beehive on a popular vote. One year later the Sutapa Mukund
opinion polls show that the National government’s popularity is still high, though
there is a steadily growing body of people who think it could have done more in these
Firefly and fiery dragon
past twelve months given the popular mandate it had.
Well, have always loved fireflies, little magical creatures from my childhood memories, so I’d
There has been little action on the more substantial promises that were made and
pick a much lesser bug to use as an analogy. It’s a great article, though. There’s a popular hing-
the government has given the impression of focusing more on the incidentals. We are lish saying: Bolne mein kya tax – no tax on your speech, therefore it’s easy to say what you don’t
yet to see a single bold measure to kick-start the economy – something that has been mean, and mean what you don’t say, politician style.
needed even long before the global financial crisis unfolded. Suzanne Furtado
New Zealand has been steadily slipping behind not just Australia but most of the
developed countries in the OECD list and our vulnerabilities of being a small country Excellent article. Good point about Hone, he didn’t even realise the irony of his comments. Great
with declining exports and with one of the most highly traded currencies and an article though, really well written.
almost unsustainably ballooning debt are beginning to look overwhelming as each Sundar R
week passes.
Other longstanding problems that need quick resolution are the country’s taxation Hindu-Maori relations
system – to speak nothing of low wages – and the political hot potato of the social I take this opportunity to record my appreciation for the activities of the Hindu American Foun-
benefit system that has become the monster it is today because of poorly-reasoned dation as well as the Hindu Maori initiative. There is an urgent need of such initiatives with
social engineering theory. Few countries have such a lax and unjustifiably generous the pro-Christian religions of Europe and Africa and even in India about such religions of
benefit system that is open to widespread abuse at the expense of honest, hardworking Arunachal, Nagaland etc., which are often misunderstood and misinterpreted.
tax payers. Prof. Dhanush Dhari Misra
Ideas to correct these have been thrown around and discussed at length but there
has been little political will shown by the government so far, with greater inclination It is a beautiful step taken and such initiatives go a long way in establishing brotherhood and
harmony. Bravo.
and urgency shown toward assuaging concerns of its political allies like the Maori
Bhanu Prakash
and Act parties.
Whether it is the strong anti-incumbency factor against past Labour governments Congratulations on this fantastic achievement. I am born in Fiji and have lived in Auckland for
or just the wish to give the National Party and Prime Minister John Key a fair chance 35 years and have been a founding member and Trustee of Vishwa Shanti Ashram in NZ. We
and a long rope, the latter’s popularity remains largely undiminished even one year always read with interest the information we recieve, please keep up the good work and if you
after the elections. need any further input or assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.
But it is not likely to remain that way for long. The time for action is now – before Dron Chand
the growing feeling that this is a ‘do nothing’ government snowballs into disillusion-
ment with it. The time for action is now and the prime minister knows it. He has in- Congrats. Hindu American Foundation develops social and communal hormony, brotherhood,
dicated that there will be action in the New Year. His government must act decisively integrity among the people of the world. This foundation also provides a platform for educates
leveraging this popularity. leaders in public policy, academia, media and the public at large about Hindu Dharma and
Early next year, among other things, the taskforce on taxation will submit its report. global issues concerning Hindus and other religions.
Broad-basing the tax system is urgent. So is reforming the social benefit system that Dr. Anil Mishra
is so open to widespread rorting, which successive governments have refused to deal
with by simply looking the other way. Boosting productivity and exports is equally
important. These are all linked and if pursued with purpose and seriousness would Whole India is proof of Ramayana and Mahabharata
put more money in Kiwi pockets while raising their standard of living. You will find a lot of proof of these events, no matter what the date was, in the stories told by
But to achieve that, strong political will is necessary. Of which we have not seen villagers all over India. Western world has always wanted to prove us wrong, because they have
much in the past twelve months. Actions taken in the first quarter of the next year will wanted to advance their point of view on history.
Jitendra Singh
determine the future of Prime Minister John Key’s government. If the slow, dithering
attitude of 2009 continues into next year, the going for his party in the run up to the
2011 polls will increasingly tougher. And New Zealand will continue slipping down Kurbaan Prize winners
the OECD indices with more and more Kiwis fleeing overseas as the global economy Congratulations to Nimmi Binny, Bee Reddy, Mukesh Patel, Shobita Singh, Praveen Lata Ram
bounces back. and Prema Kumar. Five of you win FREE Kurbaan CDs and the sixth, Prema Kumar, wins a
This is 2009’s last print issue and we at Indian Weekender wish you and your personally autographed CD by Mugdha Godse, lead actress of the movie All the Best.
family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
– Dev Nadkarni
The western media says no country has ever conquered Afghanistan, but the fact they conveniently forget is that
not too long ago the Indians conquered, subdued and ruled Afghanistan, an episode of history that is carved into
the recesses of the Afghan mind.
If there’s one thing that really gets me worked up, it But because of his greed Nadir Shah changed the Hazaras. To defeat the cunning and fierce Hazaras it below their dignity to serve in this new wing of
is this: the western media keeps peddling the fairy equation. He annexed Afghanistan and asked the on their treacherous home turf was no mean feat the military). Over half a dozen European nations
tale that no power – from Alexander 2300 years Indians to forget about ever getting it back. but to do that with only 7000 men was the stuff of are assisting US troops just as European specialists
ago to Britain in the 19th century and Russia 30 However, Ranjit Singh was not prepared to legend. worked for Ranjit Singh. Also, for the first time in
years ago – was able to conquer Afghanistan. To play according to the Persian script. Nadir Shah’s Indeed, Hari Singh had become a legend. He Indian history, Mazhabis, for centuries considered
me it reeks of ignorance, and reporters in western successor, Ahmad Shah Abdali, had been launch- realised that to dominate the warlike tribes, the untouchables, become a regular component of the
countries have exhibited a lot of that. Remember, ing repeated raids into Punjab and Delhi. To check Sikhs had to give them the same treatment the army.
this is the same bunch that devoted reams of news- this Ranjit Singh decided to build a modern and Afghans had given the Indians in the past. Ac- However, there is a key difference – Ranjit’s
print to the lie that al-Qaeda was getting help from powerful army with the employment of French- cording to Kirpal Singh, “Hari Singh set up a very Singh’s forces worked like clockwork with one aim
Iraq, when in reality Iraq under Saddam Hussein men, Italians, Greeks, Russians, Germans and strong administration in the Peshawar valley. He in mind and that was to secure the empire. Today,
was the most secular in West Asia. Austrians. Two of the foreign officers who entered levied a cess of Rs 4 per house on the Yusafzais.” the US is reluctant to do all the fighting, the British
But how could experienced and Pulitzer Prize the Maharaja’s service, Ventura and Allard, had Ranjit Singh ensured that the Afghans never forces are simply not up to the task of taking on the
winning writers ignore facts? Don’t they have served under Napoleon. Says historian Shiv Kumar again became a threat to India. The wild tribes of fierce Afghans and relies on bribes to keep away
armies of researchers at their beck and call? Also, Gupta: “All these officers were basically engaged Swat and Khyber were also tamed. These are the the Taliban fighters. Which Afghan will show his
newspapers like the NYT and The Guardian have by Ranjit Singh for modernisation of his troops. He same people who massacred British armies, and opponent respect if they bribe them not to shoot?
excellent research departments that can dig out the never put them in supreme command.” against whom the Americans and Pakistanis are The Ukrainians, Poles, Australians, New Zealand-
region’s history! After conquering Multan in 1818 and Kashmir now struggling. ers, Czechs, and who knows how many more na-
The truth is that just 180 years ago Maharajah in 1819, Ranjit Singh led his legions across the There are three reasons why Ranjit Singh won a tionalities, are present in Afghanistan clearly to
Ranjit Singh (1799-1839) and his brilliant com- Indus and took Dera Ghazi Khan in 1820 and Dera decisive victory and in Afghanistan and the north- curry favour with America and wrap up their re-
mander Hari Singh Nalwa defeated the Afghans Ismail Khan in 1821. Alarmed, the Afghans called west while the West is floundering. spective free trade agreements. Nobody, it seems,
and the tribes of the Khyber Pass area, in the for a jehad under the leadership of Azim Khan First, terror tactics were followed by a period has the balls to take on the Afghans, except from
process securing India’s north west border. Had it Burkazi, the ruler of Kabul. A big Afghan army of liberal and secular Sikh rule. In fact, secularism 30,000 ft in the air.
not been for Ranjit Singh, Peshawar and the north- collected on the bank of the Kabul River at Naush- was the defining character of Ranjit Singh’s rule. Around 30 years ago, the Russian general
west frontier provinces of India (now in Pakistan) ehra, but Ranjit Singh won a decisive victory and There was no state religion, and religious toler- Nikolai Ogarkov advised Leonid Brezhnev’s
would have been part of Afghanistan today. the Afghans were dispersed in 1823. Peshawar was ance was an article of his faith. He refused to treat cabinet not to invade Afghanistan, saying that the
But first a flashback: Afghanistan had always subdued in 1834. Muslims like second class citizens. Compare this country was unconquerable; today NATO generals
been a part of India; it was called Gandhar, from The Afghans and Pathans had always con- with the callous strafing of wedding parties by US are asking Barack Obama to get out of the place or
which the modern Kandahar originates. It was a sidered themselves superior to the people on the and European troops or the Nazi uniforms being else the Americans will have to leave in the same
vibrant province that gave us excellent art, archi- Indian side. They especially looked down upon worn by Czech troops. state as they left Vietnam – in their underpants. But
tecture, literature and scientific knowledge – a Indian Muslims and contemptuously referred to When his victorious army passed through the Hari Singh and Ranjit Singh showed how a mixture
world far removed from today’s Taliban infested them as Hindko. The fact that the Indians were su- streets of Peshawar, the maharajah issued strict of ferocity, valour and compassion could tame Af-
badlands. perior in all respects – wealth, culture, literature, instructions to his sardars to observe restraint in ghanistan. And that’s the third reason: at the end
It was an Indian province until 1735 when art – mattered little to them, as physical stature was keeping with the Sikh tradition, not to damage any of the day, the Indians just did a much better job
Nadir Shah of Iran emboldened by the weakness the only basis for this peacock-like strutting. mosque, not to insult any woman and not to destroy of fighting.
of the later Mughals ransacked Delhi and every- So how did Ranjit Singh manage to conquer any crops. - Rakesh Krishnan is a features writer at
thing on the way. This was a highly opportunistic such fierce mountain people? Mainly by using a Two, like the NATO forces in Afghanistan Fairfax New Zealand. He has previously worked
and reckless act because for the past 25 centuries blend of sustained aggression latter smoothened today, Ranjit Singh’s army was a coalition too. with Businessworld, India Today and Hindustan
India and Iran had respected each other’s borders, by Indian magnanimity. Of course, his biggest The Indian king’s forces were made up of Sikhs Times, and was news editor with the Financial
and though always a bit nervous of each other, weapon was the scourge of the Afghans –Hari and Hindus, while the artillery almost fully com- Express.
the two empires never tried to subvert each other. Singh Nalwa, who in one battle defeated 20,000 prised Muslims (as the Sikhs and Hindus thought
Two friends (Madhavan and Sharman Joshi) reenaKapoor and it beautifully captures the siz-
embark on a quest for a lost buddy. On this zling chemistry on celluloid.
journey they encounter a long forgotten bet, a ZoobiDoobi is a tribute to all romantic songs
wedding they must crash, and a funeral which of golden era, choreographed by Bosco; it has
goes impossibly out of control. been shot over eight days in Mumbai.
As they make their way through the perilous
landscape, another journey begins: their inner Releasing on: Dec 25, 09
journey through memory lane and the story Directed by: Raj Kumar Hirani
of their friend—the irrepressible free-thinker Produced by: Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Rancho (Aamir Khan) , who in his unique way , Music by: Shantanu Moitra
touched and changed their lives.
It’s a story of their hostel days that swings
between Rancho’s romance with the spirited Pia
(Kareena Kapoor) , and his clash with an op-
pressive mentor, Viru Sahashtrabudhhe (Boman
Irani)
And then suddenly one day Rancho vanished
…..
Who was he? Where did he come from? Why
did he leave?
The friend who inspired and influenced them
to think creatively and independently, even as a
conformist world called them three idiots. Where
is the original idiot now?
Finally, in the misty mountains of unparal-
leled beauty, the friends find the key to the secret.
Three Idiots is a comedy of ideas that is as
provocative as it’s funny, as widely entertaining
as insightful. A laugh riot that talks about the
most important of human pursuits: self actuali-
sation.
Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor have ro-
mantically come together for the first time for the
Vinod Chopra film directed by Rajkumar Hirani
of Munnabhai MBBS fame.
Though 3 Idiots is essentially a story of three
friends; ZoobiDoobi is the only romantic song
that has been picturized on Aamir Khan and Ka-
aarti chabbria
DON HA
Multi-Millionaire
entrepreneur
Don is the true rags to riches
story. Arriving in New Zealand as
a non English speaking 12 year
old Vietnamese refugee, Don has
amassed a giant property portfolio -
He will show you how he did it. Don
has also assisted countless other
people in becoming multi-millionaires.
Learn how you too can do the same
from someone who is doing it,
RIGHT NOW.
FREEHOLD
Unit Title
Second of a two-part series; the first part appeared in the November 27 issue
Though not as efficient as flying, overland travel lets travel consultant if there are any such restrictions on medicine and cover your itinerary. Some companies have long term travel policies
you get to know a country more intimately and adds your tickets. Bring copies of your passport and airline tickets available. Remember that your own health insurance
variety to your itinerary. You will have the opportu- Your choice of accommodations as you travel is with you on the trip, as well as copies of your pass- may not be valid abroad. Items generally covered
nity to interact with locals, who can serve as well- important both in determining the degree of comfort port photos, which are often needed when purchas- by a typical travel insurance policy include airfare,
springs of information for what to see and do. you can anticipate and also your total expenditure. ing rail/metro travel cards. It is also practical to give baggage, health, and trip cancellation/interruption
Your travel agent will take climate and seasonal Your travel consultant will provide you with excel- a copy of your itinerary, passport and return ticket to for up to a year. Some companies also offer travel as-
weather conditions, such as hurricanes, torrential lent resources for this part of your planning. Most a friend or family member back home, who can fax sistance services and worldwide call numbers should
rains, floods etc into consideration as your route is travel planners have access to insider hostel and hotel them to you in an emergency. During your trip, keep something happen.
planned. When a destination’s climate is favourable, guides that provide detailed description of not only your documents on you at all times, not in your hotel Three items often left off a packing list to the
that’s typically its “high season,” and tourism greatly the amenities of each property. Websites like tripad- room. A money belt in which to carry documents is eventual dismay of the traveller: sunglasses, SPF
increases. visor.com are good way to read reviews of hotels. a good idea. lotions and a hat! Medications should be packed in
If you wish to travel during high season, you Your travel consultant will have access to whole- During your planning, consider how you will their original prescription bottles and carried with
should book your flights well in advance and expect sale rates for hotels that are sometimes cheaper than handle your finances while on the road. In general, you, not stored in checked baggage. Of course you
to pay more for airfare. However, if you are looking what you can get on your own. You can also consider traveller’s cheques, Travelex cash passports and will want to take a camera to immortalize your trip
to save money and/or be in the company of fewer house swaps and there are various websites that will credit cards are the safest bet, since they can be re- and help illustrate your adventure to others, and pos-
tourists and are willing to endure a chill or intense help you getting your requirement listed on their funded or replaced if lost or stolen. Travelex cash sibly a journal. Understand that although a state-of-
heat, you can take the “shoulder” or “low season” websites for a small membership fee. passports and credit cards generally offer the best the-art camera would do those majestic sunsets more
options. You can also book apartments directly online in exchange rate, but in some destinations are less justice, keeping a constant eye on such a valuable
Before you leave New Zealand, you will have to certain countries. Bed and breakfast accommoda- common for trade than others. piece of equipment could prove to be a burden.
purchase all of your airline tickets, and all of your tions are available almost in all places. There are re- European merchants prefer credit cards such as Is an around the world trip safe? Common sense
flights must culminate in a round trip. In most in- ligious sects or places where you can stay for free in Visa and MasterCard. For the rest of the world, it is will be your best defence. Trust your instincts and
stances, you must continually move in a westward or return of some work like cooking and cleaning. best to have some American dollars in case you get steer clear of potentially dangerous situations. Do
eastward trek with no back-tracking. Travellers must Now that you have made your travel arrange- into a bind. American dollars will be no good in erst- your research before you go so you will be aware of
have a return or onward ticket out of the country they ments, you are just about ready to start your adven- while USSR countries, where you need to carry local less hospitable areas in the cities you visit. Find out
are visiting. ture. But before you step on the plane, it is time to currencies. if the water is drinkable or if you should stick with
With some fares, each flight in your journey will organize your travel documents. Make sure your And remember that you do not want to unzip bottled. The latter includes while brushing your
need to be booked in advance. If you are planning to passport is current and will be valid for at least a year your money belt and expose your passport and fi- teeth, and means foregoing ice cubes.
travel for more than a year, you will have to purchase after your return date. nances each time you need cash. Keep a small Keep your perspective clear all the time and do
your tickets in stages since airline tickets are usually You may need certain visas or other documents amount of local currency in a more easily accessible not watch each behaviour from a coloured glass.
valid for a year after their issue date. for each country you are visiting. Ask you travel place, such as your pocket or purse. Monitor your View your trip as educational and as an opportunity
Once you have purchased your tickets, it is likely agent, which documents are needed at each stop. budget and expenses carefully as you travel, as it is to connect with others.
that you will incur a cost to change travel dates. Date And keep all of your airline tickets together. In some easy to lose track of finances as money is changed re- Most importantly, relax. The road goes on
change rules vary depending on the airline and fare, countries, health certificates are required certifying peatedly from one currency to another. Have a small forever. You are setting off on an adventure that most
so be sure to ask your travel agent for the date change to yellow fever vaccinations. Check all health re- calculator with you. This helps you immensely while only imagine.
and cancellation policy of each airline you are using. quirements of all countries you will be visiting. Make shopping. -Madhup Srivastava is owner of Kilbirnie Travel,
And since the least expensive fares sometimes do sure that you are appropriate physical condition prior After all of your planning for your trip of a life- Wellington. He can be contacted on madhup@xtra.
not offer frequent flyer mileage credits, also ask your to travel. Visit with a doctor experienced with travel time, it would be wise to invest in travel insurance. co.nz
Heritage
Just when the doubting Thomas’s started writing reasons, is for the first time in history of test The second test saw the Indian top order
the obituary of Test cricket, it came back with cricket where the home team is actually the vis- deliver in style as Gambhir, Shewag and Dravid
a bang! 6 different teams, 3 different zones and iting team. Pakistan won the toss and put New all scored tons to give India a mammoth 642
3 wonderful results, all in a day’s work. India Zealand in to bat and Mr Reliable, Vettori came on the board. Sreesanth, making a comeback
crushed Sri Lanka in Kanpur, New Zealand close to a century (99) and Taylor too chipped bowled with venom to take a fiver and restrict
beat Pakistan in Dunedin and Australia stream in with 94 to give New Zealand a decent 429 on Sri Lanka to 229. Following on, Sri Lanka were
rolled the West Indies in an exciting week of Test board. Pakistan in response scored 332 on the fighting to survive in the match, but could only
cricket. It gets even better, Pakistan got their back of some fine batting by the Akmal broth- manage 269 in their second outing, handing
revenge in Wellington, West Indies put Aussies ers. In response, the Pakistani bowlers ripped India a victory by innings and 144 runs, India’s
on the back foot in Adelaide while India reached through the Blacks Caps line up to restrict them 100th test victory. It took India 432 matches
the top of test cricket for the first time when they to 153 runs. However, Bond on his comeback to reach this milestone, the longest by any test
beat the hapless Sri Lankans for the second time trail had other ideas restricted the Pakistanis to playing nation who have managed that, but an
in a row. 218 to give New Zealand an exciting victory by important one for India.
Let me start with Australia. West Indies 32 runs in Dunedin. The series moved to the mecca of cricket in
arrived in Oz with their reputation in tatters, but The second test in Wellington saw the India, Mumbai and the home ground of Indian
had managed to get their 1st team players back to comeback of Tuffey as Bond was once again cricket, the Brabourne stadium. This was the
the fold. The nostalgia of the 80s was still linger- side-lined with another injury. Tuffey did it in first match of any significance after the incidents
ing when the first test began and spectators had style with a 4 wicket haul along with Vettori (4 of 26/11 last year (the one day with Australia was
hoped for some exciting contest. But the well- wickets) to restrict Pakistan to 264. But the Paki- washed out earlier in November) being played in
oiled machine of Ponting’s men didn’t let the stani bowlers had other ideas when they mauled Mumbai. India had a chance to go to the top of
West Indies settle in their grove. After scoring the Black caps for a meagre 99. The Pakistani’s test rankings if they beat Sri Lanka 2-0.
an exciting 480 thanks to 92 by Katich as well could only manage 239 in their second test, but Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat, given
as some useful contributions from the entire chasing 405 was always going to be a talk task that Mumbai pitch played true for the first 2-3
top order as well as some wonderful batting by for the fragile Black caps. Mohammed Asif, has days and crumbled on the final day. Murali who
Hauritz at the tail, it was hoped that West Indies taken 17 wickets in the 2 tests so far, took a fiver had been in-effective so far in the series, was
would put up a good fight. However, apart from in the second innings and gave Pakistan a series looking at some salvation. However, Dilshan
some useful top order contribution and a rear levelling victory by 141 runs, when Black caps the man in form once again proved his worth
guard action by Ramadin, none of the West would manage only 263 in their second outing! when he scored his second century of the series
Indian batsmen could withstand the Aussies 1-1 as the tour progresses to Napier for the 3rd to pile up 393 for Sri Lanka in the first innings.
bowlers, even Hussey managed to grab a wicket and final test. Normally, any team would be happy with that
as West Indies were bowled out for 228 and Finally to the news of the week, as India fulfils score, but this is the new India and a confident
Ponting asked them to follow on. Things only its potential in Test cricket. The Sri Lankan tour batting line up. Murali Vijay had replaced the in
got worse for there for West Indies, as the second was going to be a test for Indians as Sri Lanka form Gambhir at the top, who took a leave for
innings saw them score 187 thanks largely to had some potentially explosive batsmen in the attending his sisters wedding. Sri Lanka were
the century by debutant Barath, which gave the form of Dilshan, Sangakkara, Jayawardene and looking at the opportunity to put India on the
Aussies victory by an Innings and 65 runs. mercurial bowlers in form of Murali and Herath. mat, but the Sehwag had other ideas as he hu-
The Oz presses were after the blood of West But the bowling was also the weakest link the Sri miliated the Sri Lankan bowlers into submission
Indies and wanted them to be stripped off their Lankan armour! with an amazing knock of 264 on Day 2, where
test status. How things have changed in the The first test in Baroda saw a run feast as India not only wiped off the 1st innings lead of This catapulted India to the #1 position in the
last 20 years, which has seen the West Indies India scored 426 runs in the first innings thanks 393 but scored more than 430 runs in a day in the ICC Test rankings. They overtook Sri Lanka and
losing their grip on the top of test cricket and to centuries by Rahul “the wall” Dravid and process. The second match running when they South Africa!
the Aussies are now baying for their blood. But captain MS Dhoni. Sri Lanka’s reply was even have achieved that. Sehwag could not reach his It has been a real team effort for Team India,
cricket is a great leveller and West Indies came more emphatic as they piled on 760 which in- 300 run mark the next day but once again the top where every individual has contributed with
back with a bang in the second test when they cluded a double hundred by Mahela Jayawar- order delivered for India as Dhoni piled up his either Bat or Ball. For once, we are coming to-
scored 451 in their first innings, while dismiss- dene, and centuries by Prasanna Jayawardene & second century of the series when India declared gether as a team and are living upto our poten-
ing Aussies for 438, the match evenly poised man in form Dilshan. Sri Lanka were looking on 726. Sangakkara played a fighting knock in tial! Hope this is the start of better things. We
at the end of day 3. Let’s hope that the Aussies for their first victory in India and thought that the second innings for Sri Lanka when he scored will be truly called a great cricketing nation
media will now stop the negative rant! they could get it in Baroda, but Gambhir and 137, but the deficit of 333 runs proved too much when we display the consistency of the Aus-
New Zealand pulled off one of the most excit- Tendulkar had other ideas as they both scored in the end as Sri Lanka folded for 309 in the tralians (and beat them in their own backyard)
ing wins in test cricket in Dunedin. The series centuries to save any blushes for India as the second innings to hand India another innings and are not seen as a flash in the pan! Go TEAM
being played in New Zealand due to security match petered out to a tame draw. victory and a 2-0 overall trashing in the series. INDIA!
Finance
Can you put a price on your family’s security?
not be a necessity. pay for your funeral costs before considering life
oliver pereira Non-Child Working couples: Both persons in insurance.
this situation would need to decide if they would There is a broad relationship between needs
In the event of any misfortune, well-planned life in- Your rates will be cheaper now than when you get want life insurance. If both persons are bringing and assets over a period of time. Thus, not much
surance can protect your loved ones from financial older and your future children will be depending in an income that they feel comfortable living on life insurance is needed in the initial stage. The
difficulties. However, in most cases, people find it on your income. alone if their partner should pass away, then life same is true in the empty nest stage.
difficult to estimate the correct value of insurance Established Families: If you have a family that insurance would not be necessary except if they The maximum need for life insurance arises
they need. depends on you, you need life insurance now! wanted to cover their funeral costs. But, maybe in during the mid-phase, when one is married and has
Partly this is because life insurance needs This does not include only the spouse or partner some instances one working spouse contributes children. In other words, one may go for life insur-
change through different stages of life. Young working outside the home. Life insurance also more to the income or would want to leave their ance so long as the asset-level is lower than the
people with no dependants may not have much needs to be considered for the person working in significant other in a better financial position, then need-level once the asset-level surpasses the need-
need for life insurance. the home. The costs of replacing someone to do do- as long as purchasing a life insurance policy would level, the importance of life insurance declines.
As one’s family responsibility grows, life insur- mestic chores, home budgeting and childcare can not be a financial burden, it could be an option. The above information has been provided to
ance needs too increase. Thus, a periodical review cause significant financial problems for the surviv- Elderly: As long as you do not have people de- serve only as a guideline to assist in evaluating
based on your family circumstances is required in ing family. pending on your income for support, life insurance your insurance needs. You are encouraged to do
order to ensure that the coverage is adequate. Young Single Adults: The reason a single adult at this stage in life would not be necessary, unless your own research before arriving at any decisions.
Here are some guidelines to help you decide if would typically need life insurance would be to pay again, you do not have any other means to pay for For further information, please contact:
life insurance is the right security for you: for their own funeral costs or if they help support your funeral expenses. But, be aware that purchas- Oliver Pereira – OPM Insurance Services Ltd.
Children: Children do not need life insurance an elderly parent or other person they may care for ing a life insurance policy at this age can be very Ph. 0800 66 77 92, Faxmail. 021 551 669,
since no one depends on income from them. financially. Otherwise, if one has other sources of expensive. Before doing so, first talk to an Insur- Mobile. 021 66 77 92
Beginning Families: Life insurance should be money for a funeral and has no other persons that ance advisor or accountant about looking into other Email. oliver.pereira@xtra.co.nz
purchased if you are considering starting a family. depend on their income then life insurance would options Like a Funeral Cover or saving options to
New Zealand’s environment is at the core of our Over the past few months we’ve put a lot of Summer is a great time for students. For some scheme has been a real success. We created
quality of life, our national identity, and the reason work into making the New Zealand ETS workable students, it’s an opportunity to relax after an 1600 research opportunities, allowing stu-
why so many people choose to migrate here. and affordable. intense period of study. For others, it’s the op- dents to study in their chosen academic field
From Cape Reinga to the Bluff, there is little Our changes to the ETS will halve the electrici- portunity to earn some money. while earning money over the summer months.
doubt that we enjoy some of the world’s most pris- ty and fuel price increases that the previous Labour This year, students may have a tougher time The idea came out of the Prime Minister’s Job
tine and accessible natural beauty. Our clean and Government was planning. They will also encour- finding summer work. Jobs are scarce and com- Summit earlier in the year, following concerns
green brand has seen New Zealand become a top age businesses and families to be more energy ef- petition is high. More than 160,000 students are from universities that there weren’t enough job
tourism destination. ficient, which will help to reduce greenhouse gas registered with Student Job Search. opportunities for students to boost their finances
But good environmental practice is not just emissions. That’s why the National-led Government has during the holidays.
important for protecting our natural heritage and National remains committed to pursuing set aside $1 million to support Student Job Search We set aside $4 million in Budget 2009 to
our tourism trade. It is also crucial for lifting New sound, practical environment policies to achieve in targeting individuals and businesses with jobs fund this initiative, and the universities, which
Zealand’s game and securing the sort of future we emission reduction. that need doing. There are a lot of jobs that stu- allocated the places, matched the Government’s
want for our children. As well as improving the Emissions Trading dents can do, whether it’s helping out around investment in the scheme dollar for dollar. This
Our environment is why many Chinese/ Scheme, we have launched other programmes that your home, helping out family and friends, vol- kind of partnership is exactly the kind of oppor-
Korean/Indian people have chosen New Zealand are already delivering for New Zealanders, includ- unteering or filling in for staff who want to take tunity that National wants to create. We believe
as their new home – to take advantage of our wide ing our $323 million Warm Up New Zealand: Heat leave over summer. it is what New Zealand needs to grow our knowl-
open spaces and provide a better life for their chil- Smart initiative. I am encouraging every New Zealander who edge base for the future.
dren. The scheme provides grants of up to $1800 has some work available to take on students this In our first year in government, we have put
During our first year in office, the National- towards a third of the cost of insulation or a clean- summer. Student Job Search will be squeez- in place a number of programmes that support
led Government has worked hard to provide real heating device for houses built before 2000. Over ing every vacancy it can out of the summer job young people. As well as the summer scholar-
leadership on environmental issues, and we have 180,000 homes throughout New Zealand will have market. ships and funding for Student Job Search, we are
moved to implement a raft of policies that balance access to these grants regardless of income. The Government is also keen to support stu- funding up to 9000 workplace opportunities, in-
our environmental responsibilities with our eco- This scheme is proving very popular. About dents who want to continue their studies through dustry specific training partnerships, and extra
nomic opportunities. 20,000 homes across the country have been insu- the summer. Our summer research scholarships places at polytechnic and technology institutes.
Over the past year we have set out clear envi- lated since its launch in July. Already, it’s improv-
ronmental priorities for the Ministry for the Envi- ing energy efficiency, reducing the cost of energy
ronment: climate change, freshwater management, for households, and reducing health risks.
biodiversity protection, oceans, air quality, outdoor We also understand the value of renewable
recreation, waste management, and contaminated fuels. That’s why we’ve invested $36 million into
site clean-ups. a biodiesel grants programme, promoting biodiesel
As part of our commitment to environment production to kick start the industry.
management, we have established the Environ- And we’ve passed legislation that exempts elec-
mental Protection Agency. This will be the vehicle tric vehicles from road user charges to encourage
for providing clearer central Government leader-
ship around many of the environmental issues
their uptake.
These new policies provide a refreshing ap- can i win a $150 shopping
facing New Zealand. proach to new energy technologies that are good
National’s approach to climate change is about
making sure New Zealand plays its part in reduc-
for our economy and good our environment.
We’re proud of our environmental initiatives so
voucher when i send money?
ing our greenhouse gas emissions. far, but there is a lot of work ahead of us.
But we’re also realistic about the costs, the National has an ambitious agenda for the en-
impacts on jobs, and what a small country like vironment, and you will see more environmental
New Zealand with a large agricultural sector can policies rolled out in the coming years. Our envi-
achieve. That is why we have made changes to the ronment and our clean and green credentials are
Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). too important for us to rest on our laurels.
5.0Be Self Respectful And Voice Your Concerns About PLEASE VISIT
Any Discrimination www.nzindians.org.nz
to find the details of Indian Association in your area
6.0Get Support For Immigration, Superannuation,
Trade, Safety Or Any Other Related Matter
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