On 5th April 2014, the New Zealand Indian Central Association held its 88th AGM at the Manukau Institute of Technology, hosted by the branch Manukau Indian Association Inc. The 88th Annual Conference elected the Officers at the apex body for the coming year:
Mr Harshad Patel QSM President
Mr Bhikhu Bhana Vice President
Mr Prakash Biradar General Secretary
Mr Rupindir Virk JP Assistant Secretary
Mr Manjit Singh QSM Treasurer
The new vibrant team is determined to develop a new strategic plan to strengthen its branches and affiliate associations in order to empower the sizeable population of Kiwis of Indian origin. The Indian population is close to 160,000 as per the latest census.
About 120 delegates from all over New Zealand attended the 88th Annual Conference. The President of Manukau Indian Association Mr Veer Khar welcomed all delegates to the meeting. After the traditional welcome dance and lighting of the lamps, The President of NZICA Mr Harshad Patel, welcomed all guests and thanked Manukau for hoisting the event.
The conference had a theme of “Striving for success”. What better keynote speaker than Mai Chan a very successful and prominent lawyer who started her life in very humble surroundings in Dunedin in the 1970s. Mai’s message was to strive to be the best in New Zealand. The time has come to influence, Asians are not a minority now. One in four persons living in Auckland are Asian. Just as summer is turning to autumn, the seasons have changed. She encouraged the members to get out and show how good we are, and become Asian leaders.
Various Parliamentarians Jami-Lee Ross MP - Third Govt Whip National Party, Melissa Lee List MP - Parliamentary Private Secretary for Ethnic Affairs, Mr Kanwajit Singh Bakshi List MP – Member Govt, Administration and Commerce, Hon David Cunliffe MP Leader of Opposition, Hon Phil Goff Spokesperson, Ethnic Affairs, Dr Rajen Prasad List MP – Spokesperson Immigration who were invited mentioned the positive influence Indians are having to New Zealand.
The opening session concluded with an enlightening update about India by the new Indian High Commissioner His Excellency Mr Ravi Thapar. Mr Thapar who had been on 7 overseas assignments stressed to the meeting the importance of remembering where we came from and the greatness of the Indian culture. He asked Indians in this country to be humble and give back to society.
Mr Prakash Biradar General Secretary was the Master of Ceremony and Vice President Bhikhu Bhana performed Vote of Thanks extending appreciation to ANZ Bank, Lottery Grant Board, Lion Foundation and COGS for the financial support.
For more information contact:
General Secretary: Prakash Biradar
Phone: +64223990322, +64273701798
Email: secretary@nzindians.org.nz
NEW ZEALAND INDIAN CENTRAL ASSOCIATION (INC.)
PO Box 1941, Wellington New Zealand.