Long time National Party member Alan Towers has been appointed the party’s new Northern Region Chairman at the recent party convention in Northland.
Though a well known personality both in and out of the party circle, not many Kiwi Indians know that this practicing professional chartered accountant has an Indian connection that goes back all the way to his grandfather.
“My grandfather was born in India because my great grand parents who were in England lioved in India at the time. So I do have a deep and special connection,” Mr Towers told Indian Weekender shortly after his election to the new party post.
He said he has never had a chance to go to India so far but confesses he has always nursed a wish to travel there. “I hope to do so one day,” he said.
Born and schooled in Auckland, he attended the University of Auckland before starting work with Price Waterhouse. “I was fortunate to be able to take my qualification and work and travel in Europe for a period before returning to Auckland to make it my home,” he said.
Throughout his flourishing professional career, Mr Towers has been a dedicated party worker and has held several posts including in the List Ranking Committee (Presently) Northern Region Deputy Regional Chair (since 2003) Epsom Electorate - Chairman (Since 2003) Campaign Chair (2005, 2002) and Policy Delegate.
Professionally he is involved with the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Citizens & Ratepayers Association, Institute of Directors, the Northern Club and the public in his role as a Justice of the Peace.
Asked about his priorities after taking over this new role, Mr Towers said, “The top priority is the party vote; to maintain and increase the party vote, grow the support base in the community and fund raise. We need the highest number of Party Votes from each electorate in the Northern Region in 2011.”
The way to do that is to build on the members, supporters and volunteers in the electorates and interest groups, he said. “We must be campaign ready.”
There was also the need for profitable and innovative fundraising events to ensure the party has the funds in place to support the campaign in 2011.
“We need to connect with the voting public for their support and vote. I am committed to the challenge of a database of email addresses and mobile numbers as well as interacting using social media networks that are and will become even more instrumental in connecting with voters,” he added.
Speaking about the Indian community he told Indian Weekender, “I am very excited on two fronts: Deputy Regional Chair Ram Rai (whose interview appeared in the previous issue of Indian Weekender) and his good work in Mt Roskill. I am pleased that he has been elected and am looking forward to working with him.
“Second, I am also encouraged with the work the Global Indians have been doing – the AGM saw an almost 100-fold increase. They now have branches in Auckland as well as other places in the country.
“It is important that we have the involvement of the Indian community. I feel encouraged by the role Indian Weekender is playing in the community and bridging New Zealand and India together.”