Tell us a bit about your (and/or your family’s) New Zealand journey. (in 400 words please)

Basically, I belong to a small village from Haryana which is located on the border of Punjab-Haryana. We do have a big joint family there and I am the youngest son of my parents. My family has been in local politics for decades in India. My grandfather, grandmother and my father had served as a Sarpanch (headman) of our village for more than 25 years.

After finishing my bachelor’s in political science, I moved to NZ in 2009 for my higher studies. I accomplished my qualifications in Rotorua in Wairakei Institute of Technology (now Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology). Initially, as an international student, I struggled a lot but I always felt surrounded with positive vibes.

When majority of people were planing to move out of Christchurch because of massive earthquake, I decided to embrace this lovely city in 2013 soon after getting my residence visa. I never wanted to be an active politician but I was always a community hearted person. At that time I was more involved in my business and family.

I joined New Zealand Labour Party around three years ago. Later on, I become the Chairperson of Canterbury IndiaNz Labour Party branch and soon after this, I became Chairperson of new established Multicultural Labour Canterbury branch in 2018. Proud to say, I am also a White ribbon ambassador. I also manage the Canterbury Punjabi social, sports, and cultural group. Our group organise some annual events as well such as first-ever Canterbury Kabbadi cup and Canterbury Turban day in Christchurch.

I am a community person who is always ready to stand with the community. Working as a volunteer and Organisers of some Community Events, I have a passion for community. Now, I am standing for Halswell community board elections. If elected, I would bridge the gap between different communities and the city council.

Together we can make a difference.

What motivated/prompted you to stand for local government elections this time? Please also indicate which area/position you are standing for.

I am standing for local board elections for Halswell. My family has been a part of Local politics in India for decades. Since, Political science was the main subject in my bachelor’s degree, I was intrigued to learn more about it. During my upbringing, my parents taught me the importance of high moral values in a person's life. Initially I didn’t want to be an active politician but I was always a community hearted person.

My parents' guidance has made me a person with strong ethics who has capability to be a strong community leader in nearer future. I joined Labour party three years ago. Soon after I became Chairperson of Canterbury IndiaNz Labour party Branch. Last year I became chairperson of Multicultural Labour Canterbury branch. I also believe that my academic qualifications in political science, my community heart, my strong entrepreneurial attributes and my basic understanding of politics make me a strong and reliable candidate for Halswell community board

What are the issues concerning the area (ward/council/city) you are standing in? (please list four main)

According to me the main issues in Halswell area comprise Road safety, improve water quality, property rates, secure surroundings, supporting small businesses and environmental conservation.

When I considered the increasing rate of burglaries in Wigram, I discussed this issue with the local councillor and local MP Dr. Megan Woods & arranged a community safety meeting to come up with some tangible solutions.

Since I do have an entrepreneurial mindset, So I would propose some brilliant ideas to the council in order to generate income and cut down the excessive costs. If elected, I will my efforts in order to come up with potential solutions of other issues in Halswell area.

Christchurch mosque attacks changed/or should have changed/ how multiculturalism is viewed in New Zealand. Please share some concrete suggestions on how all of us can work together to make Aoteoroa New Zealand a more diverse, inclusive, and multicultural society.

After the Christchurch mosque attacks, the multicultural societies have certainly proved their oneness and Locals have also embraced NZ’s multicultural diversity. It’s my firm belief that we need more diversity in every level of governance in our country, to initiate better conversation and dialogues between our diverse communities. Attending Multicultural events would be a great efforts to bring all communities closer to each other.

During my one of my door knocking sessions, I met with a lady who suggested to organise a Multicultural Christmas Party every year. I also think that multicultural events, multicultural gatherings, social forums would eradicate the communication gap between different multicultural communities.