New Zealand’s main political opposition party, National Party recently organised a fund raiser event for Panmure-Otahuhu electorate on Saturday, 23rd April 2022 at Papatoetoe Cosmopolitan Club at Papatoetoe. The man behind the event was party’s former four times list Member of Parliament Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi. Event was attended by over 100 party supporters, community leaders and business leaders. Ethnic media was also invited to the event and the general topic of discussion amongst the guests was of need of a change in the government.

It was supposedly meant to be a fun event, but party’s leader Christopher Luxon set the tone in his speech for the elections in 2023. He appealed to all National party supporters to tighten up belts now for next year’s elections if they want to bring the derailed economy of the country back to track. He said Labour government has put country’s economy in shambles and it needs an urgent recovery effort by opening borders and all industries and businesses at the soonest. Christopher further reiterated that under this government the image of the country has received a big dent world over that New Zealand is no more open for business with the world. He said due to no clarity or assurance on pathway to residency to skilled migrants, country is losing a lot of great talent to our neighbouring country, big time. He said the inflation is all time high in New Zealand, crime is rampant, and businesses are suffering because of government’s short-sighted decisions. He asserted that country needs to come out of this mess sooner than later. Christopher later answered questions from the audience on different issue mainly on rising crimes against migrants, immigration, and various visa category issues.

Towards the end of programme, a few exotic wines and some other items were auctioned to raise money for the electorate. A sumptuous dinner was also served to all attendees and Christopher Luxon went around to each table to meet his supporters and to listen to them. -TIN Bureau