It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Indian Newslink on 14-years of its Publication.
Over the past several years, I have worked closely with this newspaper as a National Member of Parliament to support the Indian community and its cultural events, special occasions and festivities.
Of course, through my regular columns in this publication, I have aimed to keep our community updated on the Government’s work on important issues.
I have had much positive feedback and I am appreciative of the opportunity to write for you, and work with you.
New Zealand’s diversity is one of the reasons many migrants come to New Zealand. Indian Newslink is not only an important source of information for our community, but also over the years, this high-quality publication has become an essential reading for many other ethnic groups across New Zealand.
One in four New Zealanders was born overseas, and 60% of our workforce growth comes from migrants. Our ethnic and migrant communities are playing a bigger role in our society and our economy – helping us export more and create more jobs.
Building New Zealand
The National-led Government was elected with a clear plan to take New Zealand forward by building a faster-growing economy supporting more jobs and higher incomes. In these uncertain times around the world, that’s the only way we can provide Kiwis with the security and the opportunities they deserve.
Our programme is all about supporting New Zealanders and their families to get ahead in New Zealand. We believe in a supportive government that recognises personal responsibility. And we believe in rewarding people for hard work and enterprise.
We appreciate that the past few years have been challenging for many New Zealanders. But I believe that they have shown tremendous resilience. The global economic outlook remains deeply uncertain but New Zealand is faring well compared to most other developed economies.
Growth Programme
Having steadied the economy after the domestic recession and Global Financial Crisis, and having supported the people of Canterbury, the Government has set about a clear programme to build sustainable growth based on more savings, productive investment and exports. At the same time, we have moved away from the debt, property speculation and excessive government spending that marked most of the previous decade.
Continuing to build a more competitive and productive economy is at the heart of four main priorities this term. That is essential if businesses are to have the confidence to invest, grow and create higher paying jobs. Alongside this, we will responsibly manage the Government’s finances; deliver better public services within tight fiscal constraints; and rebuild Christchurch.
Finally, I would like to congratulate all of the nominees for the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards 2013 which will be held at Sky City Convention Centre on November 18, 2013. You are all a great asset to our community.
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi is Member of Parliament on National List. He is seen here with Gopalkrishna Gandhi (former Governor of West Bengal and grandson of Mahatma Gandhi) at the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards Ceremony held on November 19, 2012, watched by BNZ Partners Director Anthony Healy.
