Parmeet Sahni
Like every other ‘fully developed country,’ New Zealand has its own challenges of under-performing towns and villages, unemployment and other social ailments.
While every government tries to do its best to address these challenges, community effort is imperative to achieve national objectives and goals.
It was in fulfillment of such a responsibility that the trustees, members and volunteers of the newly formed ‘Life International Charitable Trust’ (LICT) recently visited Kawerau, ‘the youngest town’ of New Zealand in North Island.
Travellers’ Choice
Located about 280 kms in the Bay of Plenty region, this small town of 6363 people (2013 Census) may not be well known even to some New Zealanders but it is a town that will someday become the pride of the country. Kawerau (meaning ‘Carrier of Leaves’ in Maori) is the home of Norske Slog, a Scandinavian multinational, which has a paper mill.
Established in 1953, Kawerau has a well-planned Shopping Centre, several parks and reserves, wide tree-lined streets and a leisurely pace of life.
The Town is within the reach of lakes, beaches, forests, major cities and thermal areas and the Tarawera River. It is the first choice as the outdoor and adventure playground of the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
Kawerau is also known for its friendly people, strong community spirit, rich Maori heritage and multicultural background.
The Challenges
While there is rich potential for the town to grow, it faces a series of challenges including dwindling population, rising unemployment and lack of initiatives to improve the lot of the people, who are among the friendliest in the country.
Our two-day visit to this beautiful young town made us realise its rich potential to become a significant commercial and industrial centre.
LICT believes that Kawerau could be the ideal location for start-up of businesses, industrial and commercial projects with immense export potential and community development programmes promoting wholesale, distribution and retail sectors.
The two days that we spent in this town made us resolve to do our best towards its development and towards the achievements of our goals.
LICT is committed to undertaking projects and programmes to build relationships and improve the life and economic wellbeing of the people of Kawerau.
Happy tidings
True to the adage, “Amazing things happen every time a group assembles for a just cause and common good,” our stay at Kawerau was intended to touch, move and inspire the lives of its residents.
Our group comprised people representing varied faiths, cultures, languages and income but subscribing to the common goal of ‘Humanity, Fair Go and Better Life for All.’
We realised the validity of the statement by well-known author and poet Tosha Michelle: “It is only through love, tolerance, humility and the understanding of our own fragility that we can begin to find our humanity and, in turn, extend that humanity to others.”
I was fortunate to be accorded this unique opportunity to be a part of the great journey.
The two days in Kawerau were among the finest in my life. It was enlightenment towards a spiritual path as well as a reminder that life is much more than just being devoted to self and loved ones.
We do not realise that when we motivate someone, our soul is deeply moved.
That was how I felt being a part of this project.
A love affair
I am in love with the people of Kawerau; I am in love with your simplicity and will do my best to contribute as much as I can with the help of my fellow beings.
I loved spending time with everyone in that community, especially children.
I look forward to our next visit and walking hand in hand for new milestones!
Parmeet Sahni is an enthusiastic member of the Indian community living in Auckland. She was the First Runner-Up at the ‘Mrs India New Zealand’ contest held in Auckland on October 18, 2014.
Life International Charitable Trust is in the process of being registered as a Charitable Trust with the New Zealand government. Website: www.lictnz.org
