The newly opened Indian Consulate office in Auckland has already brought a smile, and relief for many, especially elderly members within the community, in the first few days of operations.
The initial response and enquiries received in the office in the first few days of the office are signalling a huge demand for the Consular services in Auckland.
Seventy-year-old Anand Singh, a resident of Howick in East Auckland who originally hails from Sonepat, Haryana and was the first customer of the Consulate office was visibly overwhelmed when asked by The Indian Weekender about his experience of the new Consulate office.
Anand Singh was the first official customer of Auckland Consulate Office
“I have been going to Wellington since last 4-5 years to get my Life-Certificate attested.
“I used to travel by bus whole night, get my certificate attested during the day and then travel back again next night by bus, which was obviously a big strain for my 70-year-old body,” said a visibly overwhelmed Mr Singh.
“I would encourage all fellow overseas Citizen of India to use Consular services here in Auckland for attestation of all documents,” Mr Singh further added with confidence.
Similar experiences were shared by many other customers in the newly opened office.
Madhu Bhai Patel, who is originally from Baroda, Gujarat and now living in Glen Eden, Auckland for more than ten years could not hide his happiness after getting Life-certificate attested within minutes of coming to office.
“We are very happy with the opening of this new office, as we got our work done in just a few minutes.
“Earlier we have to approach notary, take appointments, and pay fees for getting our work done.
“Whereas now, it was done within minutes and without spending any money, which is very important for us [pensioners].
“It [Consulate Office] is very convenient, and we are extremely happy,” Mr Patel affirmed.
His wife Sadguna Patel, who also accompanied him to the office, went a step ahead and thanked Government of India for this new facility.
“We are really thankful and proud of our Government of India for making this facility available here in Auckland,” Mrs Patel said.
Another elderly couple Mr and Mrs Vikram Singh, who had got their flight tickets booked for Wellington later this week, were elated with the prospect of saving money and the inconvenience of travel.
“I had already booked my tickets for Wellington for Thursday, November 9, to get Life-Certificate attested from High Commission of India,” said an elated Vikram Singh, who was amongst the first few visitors to Consulate office on Monday, November 6.
“Earlier we have to go to Wellington for getting same services, which was obviously a pain, as it cost money and time, apart from the inconvenience.
“Now getting these services here in Auckland itself would be a source of comfort and happiness for many others, especially elders like us,” Mr Singh said.
“This is great news for everyone in the community,” said another visitor Jasminder Singh of Papatoetoe, who came for attestation of power of attorney.
“I am so happy to save my travel to Wellington,” Mr Singh told The Indian Weekender.
“In fact, I could not wait to see when more consular services are offered at Auckland Consulate,” Mr Singh added.
Dr Upendra Saklani, Chairman of Uttarakhand Association of New Zealand, came all the way from Pukekohe to get his Life-Certificate attested.
“I have previously spoken to honourable High Commissioner of India requesting a Consular office in Auckland to avoid the inconvenience and the cost of getting life certificated attested.
“So I am surely very delighted,” Dr Saklani told The Indian Weekender.
Dr Saklani is a retired Professor of Horticulture from Pantnagar University, India, and lives in Pukekohe with his son.
“It normally would cost us anywhere between $ 300-500 just for life-certificate attestation, which is quite high for us pensioners,”
“It is delightful to know that now we can get it for free,” Dr Saklani affirmed with relief.
A group of visitors planning to travel India on New Zealand passport (without OCI card) were delighted to know that they can apply for e-visa online without requiring them to come to Auckland office.
“It is a big relief that we can get e-visa approved within a matter of days without even coming to Auckland office,” said an elated Ravi Ramasami, one of the members planning to travel to India in December.
The new office became operational since Monday, November 6, meeting with people seeking services currently being offered by the Honorary Consul Monday to Friday between 3 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. on prior phone appointment.
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