Dreams Do Come True
This week we draw our three part series to a close. Our story began with the state of students who come to New Zealand with dreams in their eyes. In the journey of speaking to them we heard many heart wrenching stories, of the conditions that these young people live in. We heard stories of the gap between their expectations and the reality as it meets them when they arrive here, stories of families back home and the financial struggles. However, amidst all this, we also heard from those group of students who are actually living the dreams they came here with, we heard stories of those who are continuing unabated by the challenges that life is throwing at them. We met groups of students who did not feel to smile through their triumphs and stayed focused on the brighter and more positive things around them.
As our journey continued we looked at migrant workers and the challenges that they face, working in a new country away from their own. We spoke of rogue employers who exploit the vulnerability of these new migrants. We also examined the reasons that contribute to their situation and what the Government seems to be doing in the area.
There are always two sides to a coin and we at Indian Weekender believe in bringing authentic stories and both sides of the picture to our readers. We thus also spoke to the employers and the challenges they face in employing students and migrant workers.
We would be failing our reputation of being the most positive publication if we left you feeling that the whole journey of making New Zealand your new home was not at all worth it. If our journey thus far left you feeling like it was all “doom and gloom”, then you must read on.
As we wrap up our story this week we bring you numerous success stories of people who moved to New Zealand some as students, some as migrant workers, all facing some of the same challenges that we have spoken of, over the last two weeks and have emerged on top. These are people who have persisted and triumphed. People who have made it and they all have a common message to all “If we could do it – so can you!” It's a message to never give up hope, to continue in the direction of your dreams. This week, it is our utmost pleasure in bringing you the stories of these heroes who did not give up. We realize that there are numerous other stories waiting to be told and therefore we are committed to bringing them to you in our regular column called Migrant Tales as often as we can.
It’s not for nothing that today we Indians make up over 5% of the New Zealand population and contributing to 8% of the country’s economy. It’s our hard work and persistence that makes us the achievers that we are. Read on for these inspiring success stories -
Nitesh Kumar, Courier Post Contractor- Hamilton
I came to New Zealand from Fiji 11 years back and worked under a firm owned by a Kiwi and an Indian partner at around $8.50 cents per hour. I was working fine and got my work permits but my employers did not pay my taxes properly, so at one point I was served a deportation notice by the immigration and lost my job as well because of that scenario. It was tough for me because I had lost everything all of a sudden, though I had properties and a good financial background in Fiji. I had to start from ground zero once again and today I am an established contractor of Courier Post under NZ Post Services. In the last 6 months I have changed 20 employees in my courier business and all of them from India either on student visa or on open job search visa. I have seen the other side of the students coming from India and looking for work here.
I don’t say employers do not exploit the Indian students but it also has to be noted that there is a reason why employers are cautious in these terms and when offering jobs to new students here. I have few advices for the new students:
-Concentrate on your studies because that is the prime reason you have been given the visa to this country
-You are new here so learn about the system, rules and culture of this place and then venture into the market to find jobs
-Do not rely on last minute arrangements and keep yourself backed up with enough funds from India
-Be loyal to your employers and work hard, make sure you are an asset to the employer and not a liability
-By now you must be aware of the false promises agents make in India, make sure you spread the word and beware the students back in India of the hard reality in NZ (if you have suffered) so that the new students do not have to go through the pain you went through
Afaque Kamran: Assistant Store Manager at Kathmandu (Auckland, Pukekohe)
I landed in Hamilton in 2011 for Business Studies at Wintec. It was difficult to find a good job here so I started going to places and offered to work for experience initially. That worked and I got really good experience from Hospice as a volunteer. I then had to earn so whatever job came to me I started doing it without hesitation. I worked for a cleaning company and then completed by studies and looked for jobs in my field of studies. I got hired at Omnitech Mobile Store as a Sales Assistant and then became the manager within a year of hard work. I then worked for Trust Power selling power schemes to houses for 5 months that gave me immense exposure to speak to more people and improved my communications. I got an offer from Kathmandu after sometime for an interview and I cleared it, so I given the role of assistant store manager in Hamilton branch.
From Kathmandu I learnt a lot also faced hurdles initially but things worked out with time. All these times when I had job and when I left to join another there would be times which would test my patience and question my abilities but my family stayed in close touch with me and supported me when I had a low time.
One thing that I learnt and used very efficiently was my Smart Phone. Today everyone has Smart Phones but hardly people know how to effectively use it for your advantage. To look for jobs, internships, app to improve general knowledge, get current news on finger tips etc.
Sandeep Batra, Franchise owner of 2 Fast Food Restaurants in Auckland
I came here as an IT student of level 7 in 2008 and since it was recession in NZ, I could not get a job for almost 5 long months. I was here with my wife and sister-in-law and with no jobs in hand it was very tough to manage expenses. After 5 months I got the job of delivery man in a restaurant. In 10 months I was promoted to be the shift manager and after 18 months I applied for my residency in New Zealand. Since I studied IT and I did not have an IT related job in hand, and to manage my expenses I started working at different places. I started again with Telecom (now Spark) for 6 months and moved to Vodafone eventually and I still kept working with the restaurant as a part time employee. That time minimum wage was also less, I guess around $11 to $12.50 cents.
What worked for me eventually was my determination and hard work. For the first 5 years I did not take a single day leave, I worked all 7 days for 5 years else I wouldn’t have reached where I am today. Currently, my wife works as accounts manager in a bank and we are stable here. 7 years back recession was the issue for unemployment and now too many students running behind one job is the issue.
There are things that needs to be changed about the students’ attitude they come here with, and that is one reason why most employers and by that I mean even Kiwi employers do not want to hire Indian students. The attitude of quick money and less work, lavish lifestyle at the cost of quality life are one of the reasons for students’ poor condition here.
Dos: Improve your English communication.
Don’ts: Do not trust blindly, especially agents from India. Do not work on cash.
Himanshu Khera, Managing 2 Fast Food Restaurants in Hamilton
I came to NZ in 2003 Studied Post Grad in Marketing and International Management from Waikato University. Along with my studies I used to work as crew at Caltex petrol station. After studies I got job at Maketu Pies that's where I worked with a manager called Andrew for 2 years.
I used to help in kitchen, production sales and delivery. It wasn't a proper sales or skilled job which I studied in university so my residency got declined twice.
At that time I had given up and had almost planned to go back to Fiji, but at that time my manager and friend Andrew helped me and used to get me daily newspaper to apply for job in Hamilton. So one fine day I received phone call from Shell petrol station franchise owner, and he offered me job as site manager in Hamilton. Then again I applied for my residency and this time by the grace of God it got approved. Currently I am running 2 Wendy's hamburger stores in Hamilton.
My wife work as system analyst with Genesis Energy and we own 2 houses in Hamilton. We have a little girl who will be turning 3 in July this year.
For students I will advice not to go after money or residency. Just finish your studies and then everything will be on its way. Don't do silly under the table job and waste their time which affects your studies. There are plenty of jobs available. Don't be negative and think that they can't get the job or it is hard to get job in NZ
Kamal Singh, Store Manager in Kaitaia, Hamilton
I came to New Zealand in 2013 and studied Graduate Diploma in Business Studies, level 7 at Wintec, Hamilton. I’d applied for sales job in retail industry and fortunately cracked an interview with a furniture store in Hamilton. I got through the interview and started working immediately. I’d worked in Dubai as sales executive selling and leasing service of vehicles to corporate and selling furniture to retail customer here was distinct experience.
The most common challenge International students are facing is the language barrier. Being in retail and talking to customer requires excellent command over English and ability to provide instant solution to customers, I wanted to overcome my weakness but the question was how? The solution to my problem was simple. I decided to be with Kiwis, think like Kiwis, eat like Kiwis and talk like Kiwis.
I excelled my career path in the same company and now manage a store in Kaitaia. It has been the top performing store since we have opened throughout New Zealand which has set up benchmark for rest of the stores. The feeling of success has been unrealistic and astonishing. I hope to continue with same persistence and pro-active approach to contribute towards the economy of local market.
Do’s:
-Read local News Paper of NZ. Learn to know what’s going on in this country.
-Make your resume according to NZ standards.
-Walk in and drop your resume’s to work place that interest you ( Remember, employers are looking for energetic & active staff & not lazy ones )
-Stay with locals, get to know them, become a part of their society and communicate with your native friends in English.
Don’ts:
-Do not misuse the freedom when you come here. Many students gets caught up with problems with drugs, police and are sent back home without completing their course.
-Do not listen to people who say you will not get residency in New Zealand. Take careful step towards your career growth and seek immigration advice whenever required.
Suresh Sukumarbabu & Elakkiya Prabhakaran
A newly wedded couple, 10 days after our wedding we came to NZ for studies. Our friends and family thought it would be kind of a long honeymoon for us. Well, we thought the same too. But on the night we landed, we were sitting in a hospital waiting for 3 hours for a doc to treat my husband. My husband got a job as a security guard, his rosters were mostly in the strange hours… and after sometime he didn’t even have time to complete his assignment, his grades went down. Time to quit job!!! Luckily, I got a job in the college library at that time. Completed our studies and got our work visas. We have applied for our PR and should be getting that soon.
Dos and Don’ts:
-Please concentrate on your studies, if you have come here as students, Grades Matter.
-Please don't waste your time being depressed. Explore the country, make friends; Networking will definitely work for your career...
-Get help from your tutors for job search and ask them about internships. This will give you some experience in the NZ Market.
Ruchi Makol & Varun Makol, Owners of Stop n Shop Stores in Auckland
My wife came to Auckland in 2008 during Global recession for Masters in Accounting, level 9 from Auckland University. We were misguided by our agents from India and so that delayed my spouse visa by 1 month. I was a fashion designer by profession in India and I have five variety stores in Auckland today.
It was tough to get a job here initially; my wife worked in a Fruit n Vegge shop for 1 year and after that she got a job in her field of studies; we slept in a small room as PG in bunkers and had to cut many luxuries to save for the future. She started working as an accountant under a tax accounting firm and from there my wife got the residency done. In the mean time I was employed at Skycity and when things seemed a little stable, we planned of starting a business here.
Started my 1st variety store in Glen Eden in February 2012 and next year I opened up three more stores in Henderson, on Queen Street and one in Mt. Roskill. Our store is one of kind with more than 15000 items to be sold and we have all been able to do because we were patient and hard working all these years.
What you shouldn’t do is do not lose hope and only think about money, make career prospects your priority, be honest and hard working.
Pawan Aacharya, Front Office Duty Manager at Millennium Hotel & Resorts
I came to New Zealand in 2012 to study Business Management, level in Newton College of Business and Technology. I was fortunate that I got right advice and guidance from my agent from India, initially it was difficult to find a part time job but through time things became easy. I was inexperienced and wanted to work in the service sector so I trained myself for interviews, met people and tried hard to improve my skills.
What I learnt from here was very much helpful for me and I improved a lot on my skills, groomed myself and stayed positive every time. Currently I am working as a Front office Duty Manager at Millennium Hotel & Resorts Group on Queen Street for the last 9 months and I love my job.
I would suggest the students, who come from India to be positive, stay focussed on studies, improve your skills and groom yourself for the industry you want to get into. Do not break the laws and always help each other.
Annie Abraham-Shakoor, English Teacher at Rutherford College
I came to New Zealand in 2001 with prior residency permit from India with my husband and my son. Things were not that difficult that time, I was new to this place so I tried to learn as much about this country, people and culture possible. Like it is said ‘When in Rome, do as Romans do’, so I tried to do a lot of volunteering work here and somewhere that worked really well for me. I got contacts at the place where I volunteering that led to one and then another. I did refresher course for teaching as a part of my learning and later during my placement I was asked which institution to work for and I chose Rutherford College in Waitakere City. I started as a part time faculty which eventually became a full time position. I have been working there as an English teacher and it’s been going well for me. My husband is an IT professional and I have two sons studying here.
What I would advice new people who come here is to mingle with people here, improve your communication, show positive energy and things will work out for you. Do not have a ghetto mindset that is detrimental for you both for short and long term. Keep moving forward and have a positive attitude with openness to change and opportunities.
This week we draw our three part series to a close. Our story began with the state of students who come to New Zealand with dreams in their eyes. In the journey of speaking to them we heard many heart wrenching stories, of the conditions that these young people live in. We heard stories of the gap...
This week we draw our three part series to a close. Our story began with the state of students who come to New Zealand with dreams in their eyes. In the journey of speaking to them we heard many heart wrenching stories, of the conditions that these young people live in. We heard stories of the gap between their expectations and the reality as it meets them when they arrive here, stories of families back home and the financial struggles. However, amidst all this, we also heard from those group of students who are actually living the dreams they came here with, we heard stories of those who are continuing unabated by the challenges that life is throwing at them. We met groups of students who did not feel to smile through their triumphs and stayed focused on the brighter and more positive things around them.
As our journey continued we looked at migrant workers and the challenges that they face, working in a new country away from their own. We spoke of rogue employers who exploit the vulnerability of these new migrants. We also examined the reasons that contribute to their situation and what the Government seems to be doing in the area.
There are always two sides to a coin and we at Indian Weekender believe in bringing authentic stories and both sides of the picture to our readers. We thus also spoke to the employers and the challenges they face in employing students and migrant workers.
We would be failing our reputation of being the most positive publication if we left you feeling that the whole journey of making New Zealand your new home was not at all worth it. If our journey thus far left you feeling like it was all “doom and gloom”, then you must read on.
As we wrap up our story this week we bring you numerous success stories of people who moved to New Zealand some as students, some as migrant workers, all facing some of the same challenges that we have spoken of, over the last two weeks and have emerged on top. These are people who have persisted and triumphed. People who have made it and they all have a common message to all “If we could do it – so can you!” It's a message to never give up hope, to continue in the direction of your dreams. This week, it is our utmost pleasure in bringing you the stories of these heroes who did not give up. We realize that there are numerous other stories waiting to be told and therefore we are committed to bringing them to you in our regular column called Migrant Tales as often as we can.
It’s not for nothing that today we Indians make up over 5% of the New Zealand population and contributing to 8% of the country’s economy. It’s our hard work and persistence that makes us the achievers that we are. Read on for these inspiring success stories -
Nitesh Kumar, Courier Post Contractor- Hamilton
I came to New Zealand from Fiji 11 years back and worked under a firm owned by a Kiwi and an Indian partner at around $8.50 cents per hour. I was working fine and got my work permits but my employers did not pay my taxes properly, so at one point I was served a deportation notice by the immigration and lost my job as well because of that scenario. It was tough for me because I had lost everything all of a sudden, though I had properties and a good financial background in Fiji. I had to start from ground zero once again and today I am an established contractor of Courier Post under NZ Post Services. In the last 6 months I have changed 20 employees in my courier business and all of them from India either on student visa or on open job search visa. I have seen the other side of the students coming from India and looking for work here.
I don’t say employers do not exploit the Indian students but it also has to be noted that there is a reason why employers are cautious in these terms and when offering jobs to new students here. I have few advices for the new students:
-Concentrate on your studies because that is the prime reason you have been given the visa to this country
-You are new here so learn about the system, rules and culture of this place and then venture into the market to find jobs
-Do not rely on last minute arrangements and keep yourself backed up with enough funds from India
-Be loyal to your employers and work hard, make sure you are an asset to the employer and not a liability
-By now you must be aware of the false promises agents make in India, make sure you spread the word and beware the students back in India of the hard reality in NZ (if you have suffered) so that the new students do not have to go through the pain you went through
Afaque Kamran: Assistant Store Manager at Kathmandu (Auckland, Pukekohe)
I landed in Hamilton in 2011 for Business Studies at Wintec. It was difficult to find a good job here so I started going to places and offered to work for experience initially. That worked and I got really good experience from Hospice as a volunteer. I then had to earn so whatever job came to me I started doing it without hesitation. I worked for a cleaning company and then completed by studies and looked for jobs in my field of studies. I got hired at Omnitech Mobile Store as a Sales Assistant and then became the manager within a year of hard work. I then worked for Trust Power selling power schemes to houses for 5 months that gave me immense exposure to speak to more people and improved my communications. I got an offer from Kathmandu after sometime for an interview and I cleared it, so I given the role of assistant store manager in Hamilton branch.
From Kathmandu I learnt a lot also faced hurdles initially but things worked out with time. All these times when I had job and when I left to join another there would be times which would test my patience and question my abilities but my family stayed in close touch with me and supported me when I had a low time.
One thing that I learnt and used very efficiently was my Smart Phone. Today everyone has Smart Phones but hardly people know how to effectively use it for your advantage. To look for jobs, internships, app to improve general knowledge, get current news on finger tips etc.
Sandeep Batra, Franchise owner of 2 Fast Food Restaurants in Auckland
I came here as an IT student of level 7 in 2008 and since it was recession in NZ, I could not get a job for almost 5 long months. I was here with my wife and sister-in-law and with no jobs in hand it was very tough to manage expenses. After 5 months I got the job of delivery man in a restaurant. In 10 months I was promoted to be the shift manager and after 18 months I applied for my residency in New Zealand. Since I studied IT and I did not have an IT related job in hand, and to manage my expenses I started working at different places. I started again with Telecom (now Spark) for 6 months and moved to Vodafone eventually and I still kept working with the restaurant as a part time employee. That time minimum wage was also less, I guess around $11 to $12.50 cents.
What worked for me eventually was my determination and hard work. For the first 5 years I did not take a single day leave, I worked all 7 days for 5 years else I wouldn’t have reached where I am today. Currently, my wife works as accounts manager in a bank and we are stable here. 7 years back recession was the issue for unemployment and now too many students running behind one job is the issue.
There are things that needs to be changed about the students’ attitude they come here with, and that is one reason why most employers and by that I mean even Kiwi employers do not want to hire Indian students. The attitude of quick money and less work, lavish lifestyle at the cost of quality life are one of the reasons for students’ poor condition here.
Dos: Improve your English communication.
Don’ts: Do not trust blindly, especially agents from India. Do not work on cash.
Himanshu Khera, Managing 2 Fast Food Restaurants in Hamilton
I came to NZ in 2003 Studied Post Grad in Marketing and International Management from Waikato University. Along with my studies I used to work as crew at Caltex petrol station. After studies I got job at Maketu Pies that's where I worked with a manager called Andrew for 2 years.
I used to help in kitchen, production sales and delivery. It wasn't a proper sales or skilled job which I studied in university so my residency got declined twice.
At that time I had given up and had almost planned to go back to Fiji, but at that time my manager and friend Andrew helped me and used to get me daily newspaper to apply for job in Hamilton. So one fine day I received phone call from Shell petrol station franchise owner, and he offered me job as site manager in Hamilton. Then again I applied for my residency and this time by the grace of God it got approved. Currently I am running 2 Wendy's hamburger stores in Hamilton.
My wife work as system analyst with Genesis Energy and we own 2 houses in Hamilton. We have a little girl who will be turning 3 in July this year.
For students I will advice not to go after money or residency. Just finish your studies and then everything will be on its way. Don't do silly under the table job and waste their time which affects your studies. There are plenty of jobs available. Don't be negative and think that they can't get the job or it is hard to get job in NZ
Kamal Singh, Store Manager in Kaitaia, Hamilton
I came to New Zealand in 2013 and studied Graduate Diploma in Business Studies, level 7 at Wintec, Hamilton. I’d applied for sales job in retail industry and fortunately cracked an interview with a furniture store in Hamilton. I got through the interview and started working immediately. I’d worked in Dubai as sales executive selling and leasing service of vehicles to corporate and selling furniture to retail customer here was distinct experience.
The most common challenge International students are facing is the language barrier. Being in retail and talking to customer requires excellent command over English and ability to provide instant solution to customers, I wanted to overcome my weakness but the question was how? The solution to my problem was simple. I decided to be with Kiwis, think like Kiwis, eat like Kiwis and talk like Kiwis.
I excelled my career path in the same company and now manage a store in Kaitaia. It has been the top performing store since we have opened throughout New Zealand which has set up benchmark for rest of the stores. The feeling of success has been unrealistic and astonishing. I hope to continue with same persistence and pro-active approach to contribute towards the economy of local market.
Do’s:
-Read local News Paper of NZ. Learn to know what’s going on in this country.
-Make your resume according to NZ standards.
-Walk in and drop your resume’s to work place that interest you ( Remember, employers are looking for energetic & active staff & not lazy ones )
-Stay with locals, get to know them, become a part of their society and communicate with your native friends in English.
Don’ts:
-Do not misuse the freedom when you come here. Many students gets caught up with problems with drugs, police and are sent back home without completing their course.
-Do not listen to people who say you will not get residency in New Zealand. Take careful step towards your career growth and seek immigration advice whenever required.
Suresh Sukumarbabu & Elakkiya Prabhakaran
A newly wedded couple, 10 days after our wedding we came to NZ for studies. Our friends and family thought it would be kind of a long honeymoon for us. Well, we thought the same too. But on the night we landed, we were sitting in a hospital waiting for 3 hours for a doc to treat my husband. My husband got a job as a security guard, his rosters were mostly in the strange hours… and after sometime he didn’t even have time to complete his assignment, his grades went down. Time to quit job!!! Luckily, I got a job in the college library at that time. Completed our studies and got our work visas. We have applied for our PR and should be getting that soon.
Dos and Don’ts:
-Please concentrate on your studies, if you have come here as students, Grades Matter.
-Please don't waste your time being depressed. Explore the country, make friends; Networking will definitely work for your career...
-Get help from your tutors for job search and ask them about internships. This will give you some experience in the NZ Market.
Ruchi Makol & Varun Makol, Owners of Stop n Shop Stores in Auckland
My wife came to Auckland in 2008 during Global recession for Masters in Accounting, level 9 from Auckland University. We were misguided by our agents from India and so that delayed my spouse visa by 1 month. I was a fashion designer by profession in India and I have five variety stores in Auckland today.
It was tough to get a job here initially; my wife worked in a Fruit n Vegge shop for 1 year and after that she got a job in her field of studies; we slept in a small room as PG in bunkers and had to cut many luxuries to save for the future. She started working as an accountant under a tax accounting firm and from there my wife got the residency done. In the mean time I was employed at Skycity and when things seemed a little stable, we planned of starting a business here.
Started my 1st variety store in Glen Eden in February 2012 and next year I opened up three more stores in Henderson, on Queen Street and one in Mt. Roskill. Our store is one of kind with more than 15000 items to be sold and we have all been able to do because we were patient and hard working all these years.
What you shouldn’t do is do not lose hope and only think about money, make career prospects your priority, be honest and hard working.
Pawan Aacharya, Front Office Duty Manager at Millennium Hotel & Resorts
I came to New Zealand in 2012 to study Business Management, level in Newton College of Business and Technology. I was fortunate that I got right advice and guidance from my agent from India, initially it was difficult to find a part time job but through time things became easy. I was inexperienced and wanted to work in the service sector so I trained myself for interviews, met people and tried hard to improve my skills.
What I learnt from here was very much helpful for me and I improved a lot on my skills, groomed myself and stayed positive every time. Currently I am working as a Front office Duty Manager at Millennium Hotel & Resorts Group on Queen Street for the last 9 months and I love my job.
I would suggest the students, who come from India to be positive, stay focussed on studies, improve your skills and groom yourself for the industry you want to get into. Do not break the laws and always help each other.
Annie Abraham-Shakoor, English Teacher at Rutherford College
I came to New Zealand in 2001 with prior residency permit from India with my husband and my son. Things were not that difficult that time, I was new to this place so I tried to learn as much about this country, people and culture possible. Like it is said ‘When in Rome, do as Romans do’, so I tried to do a lot of volunteering work here and somewhere that worked really well for me. I got contacts at the place where I volunteering that led to one and then another. I did refresher course for teaching as a part of my learning and later during my placement I was asked which institution to work for and I chose Rutherford College in Waitakere City. I started as a part time faculty which eventually became a full time position. I have been working there as an English teacher and it’s been going well for me. My husband is an IT professional and I have two sons studying here.
What I would advice new people who come here is to mingle with people here, improve your communication, show positive energy and things will work out for you. Do not have a ghetto mindset that is detrimental for you both for short and long term. Keep moving forward and have a positive attitude with openness to change and opportunities.
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