Its Diversity Centre a great, cost-effective alternative for events
Venkat Raman
Auckland, May 10, 2020
Members of the Indian Association Manukau New Zealand (IAMNZ) elected Dr Primla Khar was their President for 2020-2021 along with a refreshed Executive Committee.
Her election was unanimous at the ‘virtual, web-based meeting’ held on May 2, 2020.
She was the second woman to occupy the high office in the 41-year history of the Association.
Energy and Enthusiasm
Dr Khar said that the meeting was a ‘great test of the will and inclination of the members to move forward with technology during uncertain times.’
“It was heartening and encouraging to witness the energetic and enthusiastic participation of the senior and elder members of the Association,” she said.
The New Committee
Following are the members of the new Executive Committee: Dr Primla Khar (President); Keshav Govind, Suresh Ramji (Vice Presidents); Aman Kharbanda (General Secretary), Vasanti Govind (Assistant Secretary) Surjeet Singh Suchdeva (Treasurer) Monark Panchal (Assistant Treasurer).
Arvind Patel, Bhavna Moral, Gagan Deep Gupta, Hansa Naran, Harjit Dhaliwal, Hira Dahya, Irvin Govind, Jatinder Pal Kaur Sidhu, Kailash Govind, Kokila Patel, Padma Patel, R P S Bajwa, Roy Kaunds, Sanjay Moza and Veer Khar (Executive Committee Members).
A report from General Secretary Aman Kharbanda said that the meeting discussed the impact of Covid-19 on the economy, on social gatherings and the activities of the Association.
Adverse impact of Covid-19
IMANZ Solicitor and Patel Nand Legal Partner Radhe Nand emphasised the need to manage the financial stress as the world in general faces uncertainty.
He said that financial discipline and collective efforts of the Executive Committee and the support of the members will help the Association to tide over difficulties.
Mr Kharbanda said that the meeting acknowledged the progress of the Association over the past 40 plus years and said that its Diversity Centre is a landmark in Auckland.
“The Diversity Centre, with its multi-layer and multiple facilities is open to all organisations and individuals for their conferences, meetings and social gatherings. The election of Dr Primla Khar as President reinforces our vision of women’s empowerment. The Meeting nominated Joel Ram as the Honorary Auditor while Mr Nand was re-nominated as the Solicitor,” he said.
Kavi Sammelan today
Dr Khar said that the first programme of the new team will be ‘Kavi Sammelan,’ scheduled to be held as a virtual meeting on Facebook today (Sunday, May 10, 2020) from 10 pm.
Those interested can follow this link:
https://facebook.com/events/s/kavi-sammelan-online/2882388785208552/?ti=icl
About the Diversity Centre
Located at 25 Tui Road (off Great South Road) in the South Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe, the Diversity Centre boasts of a number of facilities and amenities that rivals some of the larger, opulent and ‘branded’ venues in and around Auckland.
The property, constructed on land area of 2000 Sq Mts, owned and managed by the IMANZ, towers over four floors, with the built-in possibility of rising higher as needs grow in the coming years.
Four Floors of Excellence
The ground floor will accommodate offices or showrooms, lobby, gymnasium and space for up to 70 cars to park. The First Floor, accounting for about 500 Sq Mts, is an ideal venue for entertainment, cultural and social programmes seating 500 people (Theatre Style) or cater to 280 diners at their tables. As well as a modern kitchen, this floor has the latest multimedia technology. This is a self-contained area, with access to Restroom and other facilities.
Education and Training Centre
The Second Floor (400 Sq Mts) offers several possibilities.
With flexible partitioning, this floor can at once be an education centre, training school, and a venue for small conferences, board meetings or lectures. Communities can conduct language and other classes for children, youth and adults if they so desire. This floor is also self-contained with kitchen, restroom and other facilities. Any event for about 200 persons can be conducted on this floor.
Apartments for Visitors and Refugees
The Third Floor was of special interest to us.
As Mr Khar explained about two years ago, this floor would lift IMANZ into an elevated level of service, not just for the Indian community but for anyone who seeks to use the facilities.
“Seven Independent Units for use as apartments for couples, shared accommodation for visitors to Auckland or for those who wish to hire them on long term basis will be the feature of this floor. This could also be a centre for refugees. We propose to discuss these possibilities with our Members of Parliament and see if they could be of help,” Mr Khar said.
All the floors are served by an elevator.
About IMANZ
IMANZ has come a long way from humble beginnings in 1979 when it started, in hired rooms, as an informal school to teach Indian children their mother tongue. Then known as the South Auckland Indian Cultural Society Inc, the main aim was to preserve and promote Indian culture, hold language classes, celebrate festivals and pass this heritage on to a new generation.
“The world around us, the diaspora and our original name has changed, but not our original objectives remain the same. Our Association is perhaps the only community entity that has people from all religious beliefs. This is reflected in our Executive Committee,” Mr Khar said.
“The existing building of the Association (57 Hillside Road, Papatoetoe) will continue to be available for hire for various activities,” he added.
