Staff Reporter –
info@indiannewslink.co.nz
The contributions of the Indian community to the progress of Indian economy were recognised by a top official of ANZ Bank last fortnight.
Speaking at the ‘ANZ Diwali’ Festival held at Sudima Auckland Airport Hotel on October 21, 2016, Andrew Webster, the Bank’s General Manager said that cultural diversity was important for ANZ.
“Our people come from over 230 different backgrounds. We have Indian staff from across the globe and 15% of staff in our Auckland Business Banking team are Indian,” he said.
Helping new migrants
Mr Webster said that the Bank has helped about 7000 Indian customers into a banking relationship this year and continues to help people moving to New Zealand with its Migrant Banking Package.
“New Zealand and India enjoy a strong relationship, with 52,000 Kiwis travelling to India and close to 60,000 Indians visiting New Zealand during the period covering March 2015 and 2016. India is a very important trading partner for New Zealand and an important segment for ANZ both in New Zealand and globally,” Mr Webster said.
As a part of its Diwali celebrations, ANZ had decorated its ATMs with special Rangoli designs at 11 locations in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch, in neighbourhoods popular with Indian communities.
The Bank also sponsored ‘Diwali Market Day’ in Waitakere (West Auckland) and Christchurch, in addition to special offers and prizes at its selected branches.
Among them was a Limited-Edition Cricket Bat signed by the Black Caps.
ANZ Community Awards
Head of Migrant Banking Eric Chuah announced the winners of various categories of Awards, selected in association with the New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA).
Among them were Jay Randhawa of Waikato (2016 ANZ Diwali Migrant Support Award) for services to the community; Dr Sashi Patel of Rotorua (2016 ANZ Diwali Entrepreneur Award) for making a significant impact in the community through small business; Prakash Biradar of Auckland (2016 ANZ Diwali Community Spirit Award) for services to the community through a not-for-profit organisation; and Ratna Venkat of Auckland (2016 ANZ Diwali Young Achiever Award) for exceptional leadership and demonstration of innovative ways to achieve excellence beyond what is expected of them.
As a special gesture, the Bank presented her a cheque for $500 “to help on her journey to pursue her passion in the fine arts.”
Earlier, Ratna presented a Kathak performance accompanied by Professor Sukh Dev Madhur (Vocal and Harmonium) and Basant Madhur (Tabla).
