A unique networking opportunity for businesses

Large, Medium and Small enterprises, sole-traders, owner-operated businesses and others involved in activities that connect people, would find an upcoming event a unique opportunity to network, establish and renew contacts for promoting their commercial prospects.

The Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards Presentation Ceremony will be held on Monday, November 19, 2012 at Sky City Convention Centre in Auckland City with cocktails and networking commencing at 5 pm at the Promenade, adjoining the ‘New Zealand Room’ where the main event will be held from 630 pm.

With more than 800 manufacturers, exporters, importers, wholesalers, retailers, professionals, consultants and others expected, the annual event, promises to be a unique occasion bringing together today’s and tomorrow’s leaders.

Commemorative Coins

A number of our Sponsors will showcase their products and services at a special exhibition that will form a part of the Awards Night.

Among them would be an array of commemorate coins in gold and other metals made and marketed by New Zealand Mint Limited.

The Company’s Chief Operating Officer Hayden Syers said that although New Zealanders are not numismatic, coin collection has a huge international following.

“We provide our customers with coins minted from pure quality (999) precious metals with themed imagery and unique packaging. We create coins that are based around particular events, anniversaries, or significant cultural and entertainment themes for various markets around the world, particularly Russia, the US and European countries,” he said.

According to Mr Syers, the coins of New Zealand Mint carry a legal tender status with the Company exclusively representing the Monetary Authority on many Pacific Islands nations.

“This legal tender status sets us apart from others in the market and provides our coins with a collectible value, in addition to the limited mintage set on each coin,” he said (His detailed article appears under Businesslink).

Guests of Honour

Gopalkrishna Gandhi, former Governor of the Indian State of West Bengal and grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and C Rajagopalachari (the first and the last Governor General of Independent India) will be a Guest of Honour at the Awards Night. Prime Minister John Key has accorded his visit an ‘Official Status,’ saying that ‘it is a great honour to have a person of eminence in New Zealand.’

Mr Gandhi would fly on Singapore Airlines flights, by courtesy of BNZ Partners.

Leader of the Opposition David Shearer, Mayor of Auckland Len Brown, Indian High Commissioner Avanindra Kumar Pandey, BNZ Chairman of the Board John Waller and BNZ Partners Director Anthony Healy would be among our other Guests of Honour.

Current and former ministers, Members of Parliament, and a number of political parties will also be represented at the annual event.

Master of Ceremonies

Former Minister, Auckland City Mayor and current Councillor at the Auckland Council Christine Fletcher lauded the Indian business community for its contributions towards the progress and development of New Zealand in general and Auckland City in particular.

“During a time of global upheaval and economic downturn, it is important to pause and reflect on the positives taking place in our lives, especially the opportunities and successes being created by New Zealand businesses and entrepreneurs. These people are the guardians of employment and wealth creation for our country,” she said.

Stating that she was honoured to be a part of the IBA 2012, Mrs Fletcher said that the country was witnessing new generations of New Zealand born and migrant Indian-Kiwis creating and embracing economic opportunities.

“They are combining the best of ethnic traditions and innovation in the true spirit of multiculturalism,” she said.

We will publish more details of our Awards Night in our next issue.

Photo :

1. The New Zealand Room, the main venue of our Awards Night (Picture by Narendra Bedekar)

2. Prime Minister John Key with officials of the Professional Bar & Restaurant School, winner of the ‘Business Excellence in Export to India’ Award in 2010 and 2011 (Picture by Bhavnesh Soni)