April Newsletter from Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi National List M.P.

April 2012


Welcome to our April newsletter.

I begin by hoping that you and your family have had an opportunity to spend
some quality time together over the school holiday period.
Our Parliament has also been in a three week recess from our Wellington duties
however, as a serving member of the community I have had the chance to meet and
greet a variety of people during this time.
First of all I was privileged to receive an invitation from the Punjabi Council
of Australia who celebrated the festival of Vaisakhi at the New South Wales Parliament.
Celebrations such as these in various parts of the world make me feel proud as
an Indian, as well as a New Zealander. At the New South Wales Parliament I was
honoured to receive the Punjabiat Da Mann award. I thank the New South Wales Parliament,
the Punjabi Council of Australia and all my fellow countrymen for their recognition.
Back in New Zealand, Melissa Lee, List Member of Parliament for Mount Albert and
Private Secretary for Ethnic Affairs and I attended Vaisakhi celebrations at the
Telstra Clear Pacific Stadium in Manukau, Auckland. The celebrations were organised
by the Punjabi Cultural Society. It was wonderful to share our rich cultural heritage
with Melissa. I am sure that Melissa along with all others enjoyed the song, dance
and other cultural activities as well as the food at the celebrations.
The Honourable Speaker of the Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha) Ms. Meira Kumar and
other honourable Parliamentarians visited New Zealand on Parliamentary delegation
at the invitation of the Speaker of the House Rt Hon Dr Lockwood Smith. The visit
by Ms. Kumar and honourable members of Lok Sabha highlights the warm relations
that New Zealand and India and builds on our historical association of the Commonwealth
and International Parliamentary Union.
Another distinguished Indian who we had the pleasure of hosting was Mr. Om Prakash
Chautala, former Chief Minister of the State of Haryana, India. He joined us in
celebrating the festival of Vaisakhi at Telstra Clear stadium.
The Desh Punjab Sports and Cultural Club organised its annual sports tournament
on 22nd April. Once again it was wonderful to be a part of this annual tournament.
Kabaddi, volleyball, soccer and kids races are played in the tournament. Shri
Choutala was also present at the tournament, which I am sure he enjoyed. It was
wonderful to see our youth enjoy the day and compete well at this time.
25 April is ANZAC Day. It was on this day in 1915 that soldiers from New Zealand
and Australia landed on the shores of Gallipoli and played a significant role
in the Gallipoli campaign. However, the Gallipoli campaign also led to the loss
of life for many New Zealand soldiers. ANZAC Day is a reminder of this very important
event in the history of New Zealand. I participated in the Civic service at the
Papatoetoe Central School to express my gratitude to those who laid down their
lives in the time of need.

I would also like to share with you sad news from our community. Recently two
prominent Indians Kuldip Singh Thandi - Auckland and Ishwarbhai Ganda - Christchurch,
passed away. Both were outstanding individuals who worked very hard for the community.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to their families and friends.
Finally, I want to remind you all that I hold regular consultation clinics at
my office on Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe. If you would like to provide feedback or
discuss any issues with me please call 09 278 9302 to make an appointment.

Regards
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Authorised by Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi MP, 1/131 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland

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Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi M.P. | Ground floor, 131 Kolmar Rd. | Hunters Corner | Papatoetoe | Auckland | 2025 | New Zealand