Hosted by The Indian News “a session on Immigration” event on Sunday 1st August, created a lot of waves in the political and social media circles. The main purpose on the event was to provide a forum to the migrants who are adversely affected by the broken immigration system in New Zealand. The very announcement of the event created ripples on The Indian News social media platforms and after the event, Twitter went berserk after a remark by the National MP and party’s Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop. Chris Bishops’ casual mention about the absence of Labour MPs at the event created stir on Twitter and both Labour and National supporters were up in arms accusing each other of dirty politics and racism and calling names.
The events coincided with the governments’ apology on “Dawn Raid” which was rescheduled just 2 weeks ago, to 1st August. The Indian News event was decided in first week of July hence ideally there was no clash with any major public event on immigration or otherwise. Even than people turned up in large numbers for the event and a lot of migrants came to share their stories and grievances. The best thing was that all the opposition party MPs and leaders who were invited to the event were there in full force and had all ears to the people who came to tell about their plights.
Most migrants coming to event were hugely disappointed on finding about no representation from government side, but this was compensated for them by the opposition party leaders. These leaders made their day by listening to their stories personally and assuring them to find some way out to sort their issues including raising it in parliament. After the formal session ended, migrants got the opportunity to talk to MPs and other immigration experts, one on one about their grievances, over a cuppa and snacks arranged for the visitors.
It was very disappointing for some migrants who came with an expectation that they might get some answers about their issues from a government minister or a Labour Party Members of Parliament. Some of the speakers were also critical of Labour Party leaders deciding to abstain from the event. It would have been a great gesture of empathy even if there was one representation from the ruling party whose leader always keeps talking about kindness and oneness for all migrants.
The event anyway turned out to be quite engaging one and the leaders from different parties spelled out their party policies regarding immigration and other matters. Some of the migrants’ stories touched the emotional cord with the leaders and other in the audience. One of the top migrant’s support crusaders #reunitefamiliesnz members were also present at the event. One of its main protagonists Cynthia Garton flew from Christchurch to attend this event.
The Indian News NZ’s initiative was obvious, it was to provide a forum to migrants to share their grievances with leaders who were more than engaging with the community, at the same time encouraging and supportive to the migrant population in the country. We, therefore, appreciate the efforts and thank each one for coming and making this event a great example of kindness and oneness. -Yugal Parashar (The given illustration was created by Katerina Garnyk special for The Indian News event ‘ A Session on Immigration’ from Moscow, Russia. A special thanks to her. The double page spread is bought together by Vritti Parasher)
