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Auckland, November 30, 2020
The Pakistani community honoured businesses and its members at an Awards Ceremony held on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Te Atatu Community Centre in West Auckland.
Organised by Pakistan Association of New Zealand (PANZ), the event witnessed Awards presented under Special Recognition and Community Services.
Guests of Honour
Among the Guests of Honour were Transport and Workplace Relations & Safety Minister Michael Wood, Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon and community leaders.
President Naveed Hamid said that ten Special Recognition Awards were given to individuals and organisations for their outstanding services and contribution to the Pakistan community.
The Winners
“Seven Community Service Awards were given to the members of the Pakistan community for their outstanding performance in various categories throughout New Zealand. Categories Awards included Student of the Year Award, ‘Youth Leadership Award, Sportsperson of the Year Award, Outstanding Professional Award, Business of the Year Award, Women Leadership Award, and Community Service Award,” he said.
Dr Hanif Quazi of Palmerston North received the Community Service Award from Mr Hamid.
He was recognised for his services over the past 54 years in the Science, Research and Community Development in New Zealand.
Women Leadership Award was presented to Sania Ashraf and Dr Tahira Jokhio, both from Auckland, while Business of the Year Award was presented to Valentia Technologies.
Dr Ibrar Khalid from Timaru won the Outstanding Professional Award, Uzair Qamar (Christchurch), received the Sportsperson of the Year Award for Weightlifting, Fatima Imran (Palmerston North) won the Youth Leadership Award and Laiba Batool received Student of the Year Award.
Special Recognition Awards
Special Recognition Awards were given to Saleem Zubair AKA Billa Jee (Blood Balti), Kashif Shuja (Squash Player), Nasir Khan (Sadeaala Radio & TV), RJ Nasir Khan (Radio Host and Film Maker), Muhammad Naeem (Community Work Napier), Imran Hussain (Apna TV and Radio Apna), Supreme Sikh Society, Jenny Salesa (MP), Michael Wood (Minister) and Priyanca Radhakrishnan (Minister).
Mr Hamid said that the Awards Night was a rare event amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We had extended an open invitation to the members of the Pakistani community and requested them to book in advance.
The Programme commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran.
Live music comprising Pakistani songs was heard throughout the evening.
