Hon Judith Collins
Minister for Ethnic Affairs

7 November 2012 Media Statement
Diwali festival lights up Parliament

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins is looking forward to hosting members of New Zealand’s Indian community at Parliament tonight to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights.

Ms Collins says the festival’s growing popularity in New Zealand reflects the appeal of Indian culture as much as it does our vibrant Indian population.

“Diwali showcases India’s colour and energy and allows members of the Indian community to share their story with us,” Ms Collins says.

“The festival carries significance all New Zealanders can relate to – it’s a time of festivity, goodwill, reflection and renewal and a time to acknowledge the importance of relationships, particularly with friends and family.”

Ms Collins says the Indian community continues to make a significant social and cultural contribution to New Zealand.

“Diwali is excellent opportunity for Indian New Zealanders to celebrate their heritage and for all New Zealanders to acknowledge the contribution the Indian community continues to make to the cultural landscape of our nation,” Ms Collins says.

“India and New Zealand have a very strong relationship, underpinned by the strong people-to-people links shared between our two countries. It is by sharing in events like Diwali that we will continue to make these connections even stronger.”

For Ms Collins’ Diwali message see http://youtu.be/SmRkm0WVsEo

________________________________________

© Scoop Media

Mighty River: 'Mum And Dad’ Investors Myth Busted

Green Party research, confirmed by Treasury, shows that half of the shares in Mighty River Power that National sold to retail investors went to just 13,000 people and that 10 percent of the retail shares went to just 400 wealthy people and organisations, Green Party Co-leader Dr Russel Norman said today.

The sale of Mighty River Power saw 113,000 retail investors, referred to as ‘mum and dad’ investors by the National Government, buy 26.9 percent of the company. Analysis by the Greens and Treasury shows that half of those shares were, in fact, purchased by fewer than 13,000 people who bought an average of nearly $35,000 worth of shares...

“The truth is that 98 percent of New Zealanders bought no shares at all. Half the retail shares went to just 0.3 percent of the population, and a tiny group of just 400 wealthy individuals and organisations got 10 percent of the retail shares. More>>