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

I was born in Nadi Fiji. I am married with two grown up daughters. I migrated to New Zealand with borrowed money in 1989

Qualification

Bachelor of Arts: Major in Accounting, Economics, Diploma in Education, Graduate Diploma in Information Technology in Education and Graduate Certificate in New Zealand Immigration Advice

Experience

• Teacher, HOD and Vice Principal at Jai Narayan College in Suva, Fiji

• Teacher at Nga Tawa School in Marton, New Zealand

• Teacher and HOD at Waiopehu College in Levin

• HOD (Commerce and Computing) at Rangitikei College in Marton

• Licenced Immigration Adviser and Director of River City Immigration & Tax Consultant Ltd

Community Work

• Founder and Past President of Multicultural Council of Rangitikei/ Whanganui Inc

• Became Justice of the Peace for New Zealand in 1998

• Became Judicial Justice of the Peace in 2000

• Received Queens Service Medal in August 2005

• Treasurer of Manawatu/ Whanganui Post Primary Teachers Association

• Treasurer of the Whanganui Justice of the Peace Association

• Member of the Whanganui Grey Power

• Member of the Whanganui Chamber of the Commerce

• Member of NZ Association for Migration and Investments

• Member of NZ Association of Immigration Professionals

Why I want to stand for the Council

• Accountability, Transparency and fairness

• Reflect on diversity of our community (creating a welcoming and diverse environment allows people to see their differences and similarities and be better able to relate to one another)

• Cultural representation: representing different ethnic communities

• Council staff to be “user friendly”

• Promoting Whanganui specially in business environment to create more jobs

• Environment

• Housing for everyone

• Cost effective way of running the council (Rates control in a positive way)

I promise to be your voice on the council and will articulate your requirements strongly and with passion.

"Great things never come from comfort zones"

The quote above reflects my attitude to life that was instilled in me from a very young age . If elected I promise to work tirelessly for your needs and to always listen to you. I am guided by principles of humanity and treat everyone equally irrespective of race, religion or persuasion. My door will always be open, and I shall hold regular clinics to find out about your issues and needs.

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

Whanganui is a beautiful place with different ethnic groups. What we need is Accountability and Transparency so that it can reflect on diversity of our community by creating a welcoming and diverse environment. This will allow people to see their differences and similarities and be better to relate to one another. Cultural representation representing different ethnic communities is very important in a local council.

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

• Need to improve the public transport so that we can reduce individuals bringing cars into the city

• Make Whanganui a e-city by encouraging ebiking

• Advertise and promote new businesses to operate in Whanganui. . If business employ our youths than council should provide some sort of incentive eg rates rebate

• Control spending

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.

Christchurch Mosque attacks have brought different ethnic communities together. Still some people are raciest towards new migrants. In New Zealand people value Multiculturalism and for the development of the country. They bring flavours and are very hard working people. Multiculturalism united the people.