A group of retailers based in Papatoetoe have formed a new organisation aiming to cater to the interests of all such businesses in the Auckland region.
The Auckland Indian Retailers Association Incorporated has been registered as a Society with membership open to all traders of Indian, Fijian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepali and Sri Lankan origin.
Association President Murari Aggrawal (who runs Super Liquor Store in Papatoetoe) said the organisation was the initiative of some retailers in the area.
“The past few years have witnessed rapid growth in the business activity within the Indian community. An increasing number of them are in retail business and their presence has made areas such as Papatoetoe, Mt Roskill, and Sandringham major hubs, brimming with Indian flavour,” he said.
Mr Aggrawal said the Sub-Continent businesses were involved in a variety of commercial activities including grocery, fruits and vegetables, clothing and fashion garments, jewellery, automobiles, gas stations, stationery, post shops, restaurants and takeaways.
“The presence of Indians is now seen in every segment of the trade activity in the City. A need therefore existed to create a Forum through which Indian retailers could more actively communicate with each other and make a collective voice on various issues affecting the retail trade,” he said.
The Association aims to provide a contact point to facilitate communications and negotiations between the traders, trade related institutions, New Zealand and overseas governments, and various Government Agencies.
“It also aims to promote and coordinate greater involvement of the Indian retail segment in religious and socio-economic activities. The Association will assist new entrants to establish themselves in the New Zealand Market.
“We will also promote fair trade and outstrip bad practices and provide a network for exchange of information,” Mr Aggrawal said.
Among the other office-bearers of the Auckland Indian Retailers Association are Vice-Presidents Rajesh Goel (Aroma Fashions) and T S Batra, (Batra Shoes), Secretary Dixit Chauhan (Vastra Limited) and Treasurer Dinesh Chauhan, (Rockyyz Mini Mart).
The Executive Committee comprises Nitesh Khatri (Ambaram & Sons Limited), Kuldip Singh (Goldmine Jewellers), Sukhbir Singh (Kwality Mini Bazaar), Ravinder Singh (Luther Jewellers), Saagar Kumar (Roop Darshan) and Mr Ashwant Sahay (Valley Fresh NZ Limited).
Further information can be obtained on 027-2770242.
