Issues concerning the Indian Diaspora along with the challenges the migrant community faces in integrating into the mainstream of the society came under focus at a recent seminar in Auckland.
The Kiwi-India seminar series held at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) campus on October 21 and 28 attempted to throw light on some of the hitherto ignored areas of the migrant community.

The seminars were jointly organised by the AUT Centre for International Development and Asia 2000 Foundation of New Zealand.

A panel comprising Asia Vision chief reporter Bharat Jamnadas, Unitec Health School lecturer Ruth De Souza, Winmac Solutions director Ann Pala, AUT communications and marketing directorate information advisor Dr Bhavani Paulraj and New Zealand Asia external relations manager Pradeep Kanthan discussed the state of the Indian community and its vicissitudes on October 21.

Chaired by AUT Business School lecturer Dr Edwina Pio, the panel also examined the settlement process of the Indian community and the attendant issues.

India’s economic policies and the country’s emergence as an economic power was discussed at a business seminar on October 28.

The event came on the heels of prime minister Helen Clark’s visit to India to discuss with the Indian leaders ways and means of fostering bilateral relations.

The session, chaired by Cereus Holdings chairman and Asia 2000 Foundation trustee Vino Ramayah comprised a panel including Solid Energy New Zealand chief operating officer Barry Bragg, Wenlyn Limited chief executive Wenceslaus Anthony, India New Zealand Business Council chair Paddy Marra, ministry of foreign affairs and trade South Asia Division director Sarah Denis and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise education manager Ian Stockwell. The session moderator was AUT Business School MBA student Rohit Da Cunha.