Following the first Kiwi-India Conclave held on June 28 at Auckland’s Ellerslie Convention Centre, the Steering Committee will conduct a sample poll accounting for the responses received from various political parties.
Manukau Indian Association will conduct the pool for the New Zealand India Central Association (NZICA), with the equal partnership of all Indian associations and organisations based in the country.
All political parties have been requested to respond in writing to the issues raised at the Conclave. The need for such a written response was felt that the time allotted to each political party (about 15 minutes) at the conclave was short.
The Steering Committee will collate the information and invite members of the community for a meeting in August to deliberate upon the responses received and undertake an intra-community dialogue. The attendees will give their verdict.
The issues that will form the core of the verdict are Felony, Healthcare, Employment Parity, First-Time Homebuyers, Domestic Violence and Multiculturalism.
Felony
Although statistics may prove that crime is on the decline, the reality is different. The issue that businesses face is that of police apathy and inaction and lack of a strong deterrence. The Indian community believes that the message ‘crime does not pay’ has not reached some sections of the society. The community does not agree to lighter sentencing because this is not enough deterrence.
Healthcare
The community is more susceptible to ailments such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. While ample support is available, the perception is that there is not enough targeted assistance available to prevent or educate the community on these issues.
Employment Parity
Indians with recognised educational qualifications face a glass ceiling when it comes to parity in employment. Exceptionally qualified and talented individuals have to jump through hoops to get the type of employment for which they are qualified. A skills audit may help to identify the lacunae.
First-time homebuyers
The community is concerned that no political party has announced any policy initiatives to assist First-Time Home Buyers, especially in over-heated areas.
Domestic violence
This social menace can be properly addressed through a Government-Community partnership. It is important to consider possibilities of funding to educate victims and effective enforcement of laws.
Multiculturalism
Will New Zealand move away from the current practice of biculturalism? Will ethnic communities also be included in the ambit of nationhood? Is it possible to incorporate multiculturalism in the legal framework?
We hope that public interest on issues affecting the community will continue to remain in focus, as witnessed at the Conclave.
Veer Khar is the President of Manukau Indian Association and prime mover of the Kiwi-India Conclave 2014.
