Garam Masala: December 2015

Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, List MP based in Manukau East

Welcome to our December newsletter

This is the last week of Parliament for 2015. It has been an interesting year with some major positives.

Before I share our achievements for the year I’d like to offer my sincere condolences to the people of Chennai, India. The recent floods have had devastating effect on lives of people in Tamil Nadu. May lord provide them with strength to overcome this difficult period – Kia Kaha.

I was also shocked to hear of the sudden death of my good friend and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Alberta, Canada S. Manmeet Bhullar. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

In New Zealand the National-led Government announced some major initiatives this year in a number of areas. We are supporting education to the tune of $10 billion this year, including $244 million for seven new schools, and $74.9 million in early childhood education to help children get the best possible start to life.

I am also pleased to share Aorere College and Clendon Park School located in my electorate of Manukau East will be reviewed in four to five years by the Education Review Office. The ERO evaluates and reports on the education and care of students in schools and early childhood services. Schools and early childhood services are reviewed on average once every three years. The less frequent the review, the better performing the school or early childhood service. ERO schedules a review in four to five years in schools or kura kaupapa Maori that have a stable ERO reporting history and demonstrate competence in using self-review to improve the teaching and learning of students. Congratulations to the leadership, management and school board for their efforts on this special achievement.

Prime Minister’s Pacific Youth Awards

Sione Faletau from my electorate of Manukau East won the Prime Minister’s Pacific Youth Awards. Sione was recognised in Parliament; he is a youth leader at his church and supports the Otahuhu Tongan Group during the annual Polyfest. He is a performer and an inspiration for the youth of this country. I also congratulate other PM’s Pacific Youth Award winners.

A sham-e-gazal evening

The Urdu Hindi Cultural Association of New Zealand organised a sham-e-gazal evening and their annual general meeting recently. It was an evening of outstanding poetry in presence and company of outstanding people who have great knowledge of prose and poetry. I also congratulate individuals who were elected to the association.

Christmas Parade

The Papateotoe Otara local board organised its Christmas Parade. It was great to enjoy the parade with members of the community and supporters of the National Party.

Kumon Institutes awards

Kumon Institutes support learning and development of our children. Recently Kumon organised an awards event where they awarded students who have outperformed their peers by five years or more. It is great to see educators encouraging our future generations.

The Punjabi foundation film festival

The Punjabi foundation of New Zealand organised its second film festival. It was great to watch Punjabi movies made from home grown Kiwi talent. Kudos to NZ Punjabi Foundation, volunteers, participants, Punjabi Media and sponsors for this effort.

Finally, my office is going to close over the Christmas break. In the mean time you might also like to connect with me on website -www.bakshi.co.nz or on Facebook.

I and my staff take this opportunity to wish all of you Seasons Greetings for 2016.

ends

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