Indian Weekender marks first anniversary
Several New Zealand government ministers and Members of Parliament of both the National and Labour parties joined over 200 readers, advertisers, associates, contributors and staff of New Zealand’s most read Kiwi Indian publication and website, Indian Weekender, in the celebrations to mark its first anniversary in Auckland on Saturday, March 24.
Ethnic Affairs Minister Pansy Wong congratulated the Indian Weekender team on achieving success in both print and online segments of the media in what was undoubtedly a difficult year. She lauded the role the publication and website had played in trying to bridge the gap between ethnic and mainstream media with its interesting content.
Ms Wong particularly commended Indian Weekender’s move at self-regulation in setting up suo motu controls on dealing with advertising that promised magical remedies. The move has caught the attention of media across the region and several academics as well as media organisations in New Zealand have been in touch with Indian Weekender to discuss more on this self regulatory move.
Labour MP Chris Carter said he was privileged to be present at the first anniversary of the paper saying he fondly remembered being on the dais as a guest of honour when the paper was launched at the Holi festival in Waitakere City in 2009. Mr Carter who is a keen blogger and an online media enthusiast said Indian Weekender’s online role had played a role in bringing the focus of the world media on New Zealand through some of its stories that went global and were absorbed by the world’s leading media outlets.
The highpoint of the evening was when Minister Pansy Wong spontaneously called upon her colleagues and party MPs to join her on stage to sing “Happy Birthday to Indian Weekender” to the accompaniment of the band that played throughout the evening.
While Ms Wong declared the special anniversary issue published, Mr Carter was invited to launch the range of special edition wines that was specially developed by Koura Bay wines with a special Indian Weekender label. Guests had the privilege of savouring the range of wines throughout the evening.
Earlier publisher Giri Gupta welcomed the gathering while director Bhav Dhillon introduced the Indian Weekender team and later proposed a vote of thanks. Editor-in-chief Dev Nadkarni outlined the story of Indian Weekender, its achievements and future plans with a multimedia presentation.
A specially made cake depicting Indian Weekender’s complete media services – the paper, the online and mobile versions – was displayed and cut by the Indian Weekender team.
Among the ministers and people’s representatives present were Maurice Williamson, Cam Calder, Sam Lotu Liga, Jackie Blue, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Ashraf Chaudhry and Dr Paul Hutchison.
Among dignitaries who attended was Waitakere City CEO Vijaya Vaidyanath, as also prominent businesspeople Roshan Nauhria, Sudesh Jhunjhunwalla, Dr Kanti Patel, Ranjana Patel, Harish Lodhia, Andrew Singh among several others.
Eminent community leaders like Prithipal Singh, NZICA past and current presidents Ratilal Champaneri and Paul Singh Bains, past and present general secretaries Veer Khar and Raj Thandi, Auckland Indian Association office bearers Harshad Patel and Ashok Darji besides leaders from several Indian associations also attended.
Several New Zealand government ministers and Members of Parliament of both the National and Labour parties joined over 200 readers, advertisers, associates, contributors and staff of New Zealand’s most read Kiwi Indian publication and website, Indian Weekender, in the celebrations to mark its...
Several New Zealand government ministers and Members of Parliament of both the National and Labour parties joined over 200 readers, advertisers, associates, contributors and staff of New Zealand’s most read Kiwi Indian publication and website, Indian Weekender, in the celebrations to mark its first anniversary in Auckland on Saturday, March 24.
Ethnic Affairs Minister Pansy Wong congratulated the Indian Weekender team on achieving success in both print and online segments of the media in what was undoubtedly a difficult year. She lauded the role the publication and website had played in trying to bridge the gap between ethnic and mainstream media with its interesting content.
Ms Wong particularly commended Indian Weekender’s move at self-regulation in setting up suo motu controls on dealing with advertising that promised magical remedies. The move has caught the attention of media across the region and several academics as well as media organisations in New Zealand have been in touch with Indian Weekender to discuss more on this self regulatory move.
Labour MP Chris Carter said he was privileged to be present at the first anniversary of the paper saying he fondly remembered being on the dais as a guest of honour when the paper was launched at the Holi festival in Waitakere City in 2009. Mr Carter who is a keen blogger and an online media enthusiast said Indian Weekender’s online role had played a role in bringing the focus of the world media on New Zealand through some of its stories that went global and were absorbed by the world’s leading media outlets.
The highpoint of the evening was when Minister Pansy Wong spontaneously called upon her colleagues and party MPs to join her on stage to sing “Happy Birthday to Indian Weekender” to the accompaniment of the band that played throughout the evening.
While Ms Wong declared the special anniversary issue published, Mr Carter was invited to launch the range of special edition wines that was specially developed by Koura Bay wines with a special Indian Weekender label. Guests had the privilege of savouring the range of wines throughout the evening.
Earlier publisher Giri Gupta welcomed the gathering while director Bhav Dhillon introduced the Indian Weekender team and later proposed a vote of thanks. Editor-in-chief Dev Nadkarni outlined the story of Indian Weekender, its achievements and future plans with a multimedia presentation.
A specially made cake depicting Indian Weekender’s complete media services – the paper, the online and mobile versions – was displayed and cut by the Indian Weekender team.
Among the ministers and people’s representatives present were Maurice Williamson, Cam Calder, Sam Lotu Liga, Jackie Blue, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Ashraf Chaudhry and Dr Paul Hutchison.
Among dignitaries who attended was Waitakere City CEO Vijaya Vaidyanath, as also prominent businesspeople Roshan Nauhria, Sudesh Jhunjhunwalla, Dr Kanti Patel, Ranjana Patel, Harish Lodhia, Andrew Singh among several others.
Eminent community leaders like Prithipal Singh, NZICA past and current presidents Ratilal Champaneri and Paul Singh Bains, past and present general secretaries Veer Khar and Raj Thandi, Auckland Indian Association office bearers Harshad Patel and Ashok Darji besides leaders from several Indian associations also attended.
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