Shefali Mehta - Candidate for Portage Licencing Trust
About me
I’m energetic, enthusiastic, hardworking and offer a deep understanding of our community together with management skills as an accountant. I enjoy my roles as a JP and Rotary member.
The future of the Trust is very important. It creates a significant opportunity to provide a way of integrating community activities and helping define our West Auckland Culture. I’ll be your strong voice and strive for more money to be returned to the community to support health, education, sports and arts. I’ll focus on:
Supporting a transparent Trust Model that ensures a safe and prosperous community
Minimising alcohol harm, while providing quality retail and hospitality venues
Giving back to our community to make it strong and healthy
Since 1987 I’ve served communities in India, Fiji, East Africa and Papua New Guinea. In 1994, I was awarded the British Empire Medal by Papua New Guinea government and in 2016 Queen Service Medal for Services to The Community by the NZ government. I respect and appreciate family values of different ethnicities. That’s why I’m asking for your vote.
My journey (with achievements and responsibilities)
We had no plans of travelling overseas! However an opportunity in March 1974 turned the steering wheel of our destiny.
We stayed in Suva, Fiji Islands for 7 and half years. Ravi and Rajiv our two sons were born in Fiji. After Fiji Islands we moved to Kisumu, Kenya for two years and thereafter to Port Moresby – Papua New Guinea for 14 years.
In Fiji & Papua New Guinea I was involved in various Community organisations and have been the chairperson of Cancer Relief Society - Friends of The Disabled Association- Red Cross Special Education Centre and Heart Foundation.
We migrated to Auckland New Zealand on 7th Dec 1997. At present I reside in Auckland with my family. I am active member of ROTARY CLUB AUCKLND HARBOURSIDE since 1998, doing community & Humanitarian service and organising Fund Raising for Auckland Medical Research Foundation –Cure Kids- CanTeen - Starship Children Hospital – St John Ambulance – Leukaemia & Blood Foundation - Southern Cross Campus School – Mangere. I am on the board of Directors since 2008 and support The Rotary Foundation. Also involved in “End Polio Now” campaign, Rotary’s greatest ever program to eliminate poliomyelitis throughout the world with the help of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
In 2012-13 as President of R C Auckland Harbourside the club contributed $ 106,890 dollars towards Starship Children Hospital and AMRF [Auckland Medical Research Foundation]. Lead role in Peace & Conflict Resolution Forum: In attendance was Professor Kevin Clement from University of Otago; the Forum was a success and well attended by the University Students and members of other Rotary Clubs 9920 District.
In 2013 District Conference, PDG Ron Seeto awarded “Pushing Boundaries Award” which has given big boost to serve the community at large. Since, 2014 onwards I am serving at Rotary International on District level and chairperson for Ambassadorial Scholarship for students to study overseas. In October 2015 I had opportunity to charter new club for D: 9920 “R C Papatoetoe Central”. From July 2016 to June 2018 I was Assistant Governor and was in charge of five Rotary Clubs in Auckland. Since 2018 appointed as INTERPLAST District chair, promoting the work INTERPLAST is doing in the world and raise funds for Plastic Surgery- Training - Workshops in Pacific Islands.
From 2008 member of GLOBAL ORGANIZATION OF PEOPLE OF INDIAN ORIGIN –GOPIO NZ. At present I am serving as President of GOPIO Auckland Central Chapter.
Another Community Services I support is BHARATIYA SAMAJ CHARITABLE TRUST. The trust is ensuring that senior citizens are valued and treasured by the society.
Serving as an Executive Member of the board of Auckland Indian Association Inc. participating in the various activities and workshops such as Robbery Prevention & Safety.
Since 2011, I am serving as Deputy Chairperson-Fundraising/Even coordinator for Mt Albert Electorate National Party. I have supported various activities for National Party each year and have contributed towards 2011 - 2014 -2017 General Elections.
Personal recognitions
In 1994 I was bestowed with Queen’s Birthday Honours for Community Service. British Empire Medal -BEM was awarded in Papua New Guinea
In February 2011 I was appointed as Justice of the Peace in Auckland New Zealand.
In New Year Honours 2016 New Zealand government recognised my service to the Indian Community and awarded The Queen’s Service Medal- QSM. This recognition has given me motivation and encourage me to work selflessly for the New Zealanders - to help and support the less privileged people in the community at large.
During Fifth Annual Indian Newslink Sports & Community Awards 2018, I was recognised for distinguished services to communities and the Rotary Movement.
My replies to your queries
1] Why are you standing for this position?
I am passionate about the welfare and future of my area. I work hard to make things happen that are in the best interest of our whole community. I offer experience, dedication and integrity and I promise to continue to promote accountability. I value my local community and offer a deep understanding of our community together with management skills as an accountant. I enjoy my roles as a JP and Rotary member.
I will be a strong voice for you and strive for more money to be returned to the community to support health, education, sports and arts.
Since 1987 I have served communities in India, Fiji, East Africa and Papua New Guinea. I respect and appreciate family values of different ethnicities. I speak English- Gujarati – Hindi & Marathi.
We need more diversity, new energy with professional experience.
2] What do you love most about the area you are seeking to represent?
West Auckland is vibrant and diverse community. I want to bring my skills to the board and see the wise use of Trust funds for the Community.
The future of the Trust is very important as it creates a significant opportunity to provide a way of integrating community activities and helping define a West Auckland Culture.
3] What will your priorities be if you’re elected?
Support a transparent Trust Model that ensures a safe and prosperous community
Minimise alcohol harm, while providing quality retail and hospitality venues
Give back to our community to make it strong and healthy.