In a panel discussion organised by the Khadija Leadership Network (KLN) and Pearl of the Islands Foundation in Auckland on Tuesday, three women MPs - Golriz Ghahraman of the Green Party, Parmjeet Parmar of the opposition National Party, and Priyanca Radhakrishnan of the ruling Labour Party, participated.

If a single word could describe Bala Beeram’s – once again National’s candidate from Kelston – passion for joining politics, it would be education. Which actually is no surprise given, both he and his wife, were teachers in India before immigrating to New Zealand, some 21 years back. He comes from Andhra Pradesh and is a proud father of a 19-year-old daughter who is training to become a neuroscientist.

Kiwi-Indian and former List MP from New Zealand First (2014-17), Mahesh Bindra, sat with Gaurav Sharma, Associate Editor of The Indian News, on Tuesday, for a straight talk on a range of issues, including his relationship with Shane Jones and other party leaders, his party's stand on racism, immigration and exploitation of international students coming from India, as well as on New Zealand-India relations going forward.

Labour's rising star, sat with his namesake Gaurav Sharma, Associate Editor of The Indian News, on Thursday, for a straight talk on a range of issues concerning racism, migrant exploitation, his drive in politics, his election campaign for 2020, his priorities for Hamilton West, and Labour's plan for economic revival in a post-covid New Zealand.

I hope to continue in this role as Minister of Ethinic Affairs when we form the next government; Can't comment on Section 64 of Social Security Act 2018 but will advocate for helping migrants in every possible way : Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, National List MP based in Manukau East.