Ravi Nyayapati
Auckland, December 4, 2024
Indian Newslink marked a remarkable milestone on November 25, 2024, with a dual celebration of its 25th anniversary and the 15th Annual Indian Newslink Business Awards.
The event at Pullman Hotel in Auckland’s Central Business District drew an overwhelming response, selling out its 750-person seating capacity and leaving tens of hopeful attendees on a waiting list.
New Zealand in 2049
The night blended tradition and innovation, reflecting the publication’s enduring legacy and forward-thinking outlook. A departure from the conventional entertainment segment before the Awards, this year’s highlight was a thought-provoking Panel Discussion titled ‘The Next 25 Years.’
Moderated with precision by Craig Stobo, Chair of the Financial Markets Authority and Local Government Funding Authority, the session featured insights from leaders across politics, business, and academia.
From the Beehive, the panel included Opposition Leader Chris Hipkins, Minister of Small Business and Manufacturing Andrew Bayly and Minister of Transport, Energy and Auckland Issues Simeon Brown. Each speaker shared their vision for New Zealand in 2049, addressing pressing issues and future opportunities.
Extending the Parliamentary Term
Mr Hipkins focused on the state of politics in 2049, advocating for greater collaboration across party lines to address national challenges. Responding to a question on structural changes for fostering bipartisanship, Mr Hipkins reiterated Labour’s support for extending the Parliamentary term beyond the current three years. He emphasised that a longer term would allow for strategic planning to tackle long-term issues such as infrastructure and roading.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon acknowledged Mr Hipkins’ response with an approving nod. It must be noted however that both major parties have previously recognised the need for this change. The question now remains when we will see actionable steps towards its adoption.
Achieving Self-Sufficiency
Mr Bayly highlighted the critical role of self-sufficiency in core economic sectors.
Discussing recent advancements in commerce and consumer laws, including updates to the Insurance Law, Privacy Act, and Open Banking Regulations, he emphasised their role in protecting consumer interests.
During the Question & Answer Session, he acknowledged concerns raised over net migration to Australia but assured the people that the government remained committed to making New Zealand a competitive and attractive destination by addressing key issues like Crime, Education and Healthcare. He doubled down on economic growth being fundamental to ensuring a prosperous future for the country.
Smarter Application of Technology
As Minister of Transport and Auckland Issues, Mr Brown outlined his vision for infrastructure development and stressed the importance of smarter approaches and advanced technology. Action on this has already been initiated in the recent past with the appointment of former Transport Minister Simon Bridges as Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), with a mandate to drive the entity with effective prioritisation and innovation.
Highlighting congestion charging or ‘Time-of-Use Charging,’ Mr Brown explored its potential to optimise road usage and funding.
Public-Private Partnerships could be the key to addressing infrastructure financing challenges, he said and urged local governments to play a more active role.
The essence of Human Resource
The Panel featured prominent voices from the business sector, offering diverse perspectives on economic trends, technological advancements, and workforce evolution.
Link2 Group Executive Chairman Indra Sirigiri, a leader in blue-collar outsourcing, shared insights on the future of human resources in a world increasingly shaped by automation and robotics. Despite concerns about job displacement, he expressed confidence that technological advancements would create more opportunities.
“Looking at the past 25 years gives us a clear vision of what the next 25 years could bring – jobs will evolve, not disappear,” he said.
National Diary Development Board of India (which owns the iconic AMUL Brand) Chairman Dr Meenesh Shah warned of the risks posed by dairy-producing countries turning to imports despite growing demand from nations like India and China.
He emphasised the need for functional nutrition and non-traditional health and wellness products, underscoring the industry’s pivotal role in meeting the world’s nutritional needs.
Robust Governance and AI
Duco Consultancy Chief Executive Chandan Ohri offered insights into the workplace of the future. With advancements in Artificial Intelligence, he highlighted the need for robust governance frameworks to ensure authentic and meaningful business decisions. He underscored the point that AI may redefine how we work, but it’s crucial to safeguard the integrity of our decision-making processes.
EMental Health International Collaborative Executive Director Professor Anil Thapliyal brought a poignant perspective to the discussion, emphasising the importance of prevalence, timely access and changing modes of communication to solve mental health challenges. He commended the government’s ban on cell phone use in schools, noting its positive impact on children’s well-being.
Reflecting on the Future
The evening’s discussions showcased a wealth of ideas and initiatives that promise to shape New Zealand’s future. From political strategies and economic policies to technological innovation and mental health advocacy, the panel offered a holistic view of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Indian Newslink’s decision to incorporate such a dynamic discussion into its Business Awards was widely appreciated. The initiative not only celebrated the achievements of the past 25 years but also inspired conversations about the path forward. As one attendee remarked, “This discussion was an eye-opener and a testament to the publication’s commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue.”
The need for continuity
Given the resounding success of this year’s panel discussion, many have called for it to become a permanent feature of future Indian Newslink Business Awards. The diverse perspectives and candid conversations resonated deeply with the audience, offering valuable insights into New Zealand’s trajectory over the next quarter-century.
As Indian Newslink reflects on its 25 years of service, the event served as a reminder of the publication’s role as a trusted voice in the community. Its ability to bring together leaders from different spheres to discuss critical issues underscores its dedication to informing, engaging, and inspiring its readers.
Ravi Nyayapati is an Independent Director, with a background in transformation. A regular Columnist for Indian Newslink, he facilitated the Panel Discussion at the 15th Annual Indian Newslink Business Awards held on November 25, 2024, at Pullman, Auckland CBD.
