Our Leader in Indian Newslink Digital Edition December 15, 2024
Venkat Raman
Auckland, December 18, 2024
Indian Newslink marked its Silver Jubilee on November 25, 2024 at Pullman Auckland uniquely, without overstating its status or importance.
The event celebrated the success of our business community with the 15th Annual Indian Newslink Business Awards and recognising and honouring Chairpersons and Chief Executives of our major corporates, a former Governor-General and Police Commissioner.
It also marked the completion of the first year of the Coalition Government, the success of the Labour Party as the main factor in the opposition and many others.
A rare gathering of Dignitaries
Among those present were Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Former Prime Minister and now Leader of the Opposition Chris Hipkins, Transport, Local Government, Auckland Issues Minister Simeon Brown, Attorney General, Minister of Defence, GCSB and NZSIS Judith Collins, Minister of Police, Corrections, Emergency Management Mark Mitchell, Minister of Economic Development, Ethnic Communities, ACC Melissa Lee, Minister of Building and Construction, Land Information Chris Penk, Minister of Commerce & Consumer Affairs, Small Business and Manufacturing Andrew Bayly and Minister of Workplace Relations & Safety, Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden. The diplomats who graced with their presence were India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand Neeta Bhushan, Consulate General of India in Auckland Dr Madan Mohan Sethi, Ambassador of Cuba Luis Morejon Rodgriguez and US Political and Economic Officer Ian Pulsipher. National MPs Cameron Brewer, Carlos Chueng, Dan Bidois, Paulo Garcia, Rima Nakhle, Greg Fleming, Nancy Lu; Labour MPs Hon Carmel Sepuloni, Jenny Salesa, Camilla Belich, Ginny Andersen, Willie Jackson, Helen White, Dr Deborah Russell, Shanan Halbert, Arena Williams, Ingrid Leary; Act MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar, Auckland Mayor and Deputy Mayor Wayne Brown and Desley Simpson also blessed us.
Special Guests of Honour
Our Special Guests of Honour were Former Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand and Lady Susan Anand, Air New Zealand Chairman Dame Therese Walsh, Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran, AIA New Zealand Chairman Dame Theresa Gattung, Barfoot & Thompson Managing Director Peter Thompson, ANZ Chief Executive Antonia Watson, National Dairy Development Board of India Chairman Dr Meenesh Shah, Pristine Biologicals (NZ) Limited Director Dr Anand Kumar, Financial Markets Authority Chairman Craig Stobo, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, Former Police Commissioner and now Secretary and Chief Executive Social Investment Agency Andrew Coster, National Party President Sylvia Wood, Labour Party Jill Day, President, Labour Party and Former Minister of the Crown and now Barrister Matt Robson.
Gratifying Growth
Founded in 1999, Indian Newslink has established itself as a cornerstone of news, information, and advocacy for the Indian diaspora in New Zealand. Over the past quarter-century, the publication has grown from a humble newspaper to a multifaceted media entity, encompassing print, digital, and social media platforms.
The success of Indian Newslink is rooted in its unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality journalism, fostering community engagement, and supporting local businesses. This commitment is reflected in its diverse content, which includes news, features, opinion pieces, and special reports that resonate with its readers. From covering local events and issues to providing in-depth analyses of national and international developments, Indian Newslink has earned a reputation for its comprehensive and reliable reporting.
Over the years, the publication has expanded its reach and influence, becoming a trusted source of news and information for the Indian community and beyond. Key achievements include the launch of the online edition in 2000, which has made Indian Newslink accessible to a global audience, and the introduction of special supplements and thematic issues that highlight important topics and events.
Business Awards
One of the defining features of the Company is its commitment to recognising and celebrating excellence within the community. This commitment is exemplified by the Indian Newslink Business Awards, an annual event that honours outstanding achievements in business and entrepreneurship since its launch in November 2008.
The Awards Programme has grown in stature and significance over the years, attracting nominations from a diverse range of businesses and individuals. The rigorous judging process, overseen by an independent panel of experts, ensures that the awards maintain their integrity and credibility. Each year, the Black Tie Dinner brings together the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, Ministers, business leaders, community representatives, and government officials to celebrate the achievements of the finalists and winners.
The 15th Annual Indian Newslink Business Awards Night was a testament to the resilience, creativity, and determination of the Indian business community in New Zealand. The theme of the 2024 awards was ‘The Next 25 Years,’ reflecting the growing importance of these values in the business landscape. The event featured inspiring speeches, a Panel Discussion and the presentation of awards in various categories.
Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards
These Awards were established in 2012 and have been growing. Entries are invited from throughout New Zealand through a nomination process and the best are selected by a Committee. In addition, every year, four or five Sports Achievers of Indian origin who have brought fame to New Zealand in various fields and have since retired, are honoured with Elite Sports Awards, selected specially by the New Zealand Indian Central Association, which is now celebrating its 98th year.
Entry to these Awards is open to all people of Indian, Fiji-Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan and Nepali origin. The Winners in the Community, Arts and Culture segments represent a wide range of talent and social service ranging from community work to designing and creativity and performing and non-performing arts.
The Lecture Series
The Indian Newslink Lecture Series began as Indian Newslink Sir Anand Satyanand Lecture in July 2011 and was rebranded simply as Indian Newslink Lecture in 2019. The Lecture was established to promote Good Governance in public and private sectors, equating with Honesty, Integrity, Accountability and Transparency. Among the Speakers over the years have been Present and Former Prime Ministers, Finance Ministers, Top Government Officials, successive Indian High Commissioners, Reserve Bank Governor and Chairmen and Chief Executives of major organisations.
Festivals of India
Launched in September 2019, this Programme brings together the Culture, Colour, Costumes and Cuisine of India.
Looking Ahead
Indian Newslink looks ahead to the future with optimism and ambition. The publication is committed to continuing its mission of delivering high-quality journalism, supporting the community, and adapting to the evolving media landscape. Plans for the future include expanding digital offerings, exploring new content formats, and enhancing engagement with readers through social media and interactive platforms.
The 25th anniversary presented an opportunity to reflect on the values and principles that have guided the Company’s journey. These include a commitment to truth and integrity, a dedication to community service, and a belief in the power of journalism to inform, educate, and inspire. These values will remain at the core of operations as Indian Newslink embarks on the next chapter of its journey. The Company and its brands continue to grow and evolve, committed to the founding principles and to serve the community with dedication and excellence.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our staff, correspondents, contributors, stringers, advertisers, sponsors, well-wishers and friends.
We are grateful for your support and look forward to continuing this journey of excellence and innovation together.
The 25th anniversary presented an opportunity to reflect on the values and principles that have guided the Company’s journey. These include a commitment to truth and integrity, a dedication to community service, and a belief in the power of journalism to inform, educate, and inspire. These values will remain at the core of operations as Indian Newslink embarks on the next chapter of its journey. The Company and its brands continue to grow and evolve, committed to the founding principles and to serve the community with dedication and excellence.
