In his first interaction with the Indian community in Canterbury after taking over the reins of the country, Prime Minister Bill English conveyed his wishes for India’s 68th Republic Day to all Indians living in New Zealand and elsewhere. The PM also praised the role the Indian community has played in enriching New Zealand culturally and economically.
Mr English was in Christchurch on January 26 to attend a special luncheon organised by the National Party’s Global Indianz Group (Canterbury branch).
Jitender Sahi, who is the secretary of the group in Canterbury, noted, “The PM appeared very relaxed and confident, especially about the state of country’s economy. Moreover, the announcement that Mr Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi has been given this added responsibility (Mr Bakshi has been made Parliamentary Private Secretary to assist Minister of Police Paula Bennett) is indicative of the value he, and the National Party in general, puts on the contributions of the Indian community in New Zealand.”
Thomas Shaji Kurian, who is the vice-president of the group, added, “We are very delighted with the PM’s views on Indian community and his desire to continue what former PM John Key started. Mr Key, aided by the efforts of Mr Bakshi and Ms Jo Hayes, launched the Canterbury chapter of the group last year, which has grown from strength to strength in a very short time. This was the first of [the] many events we will be organising this year so that the community gets a chance to interact with policymakers more and more.”