A Myopic and Blinkered Auckland Transport Planners

Thakur Ranjit Singh

No-care attitude, inexperience, short-comings and short-sightedness.  These adjectives come to mind when we look at road chaos in Auckland. It appears Auckland Council, NZ Road Transport Authority and other agencies vested with  responsibility for making our roads safer and traffic more free-flowing seem to be doing exactly the opposite.

Hope two Phils also get to read FIJI PUNDIT blog or Facebook, or Auckland Council Watch, so they can get informed: Transport Minister, Phil Twyford and Auckland Mayor, Phil Goff.

As a school bus-driver-journalist with a window-seat, I have a better perspective and real-life experience than many bureaucrats, some very ill-experienced, giving questionable advice, making nonsensical decisions and making our life more difficult. The frustration is that nobody seems to take notice, and you seem to whipping a dead horse. There are other issues that I will bring up if somebody asks, but today I wish to say what I endure and encounter on a daily basis in West Auckland.

Waimauku, Whenuapai and Riverhead Chaos

Waimauku:

Thanks for the multi-million dollar roundabout at State Highway 16 / Muriwai Road/Waimauku Station Road junction. Traffic flows very nicely now. But… 
With new housing developments and increased student traffic at a growing hub of Waimauku, there are no designated bus stops. Collectively we pick and drop some 200 school students there – but, sorry, no bus stops. 

I drop students with my hazard lights on and urging speeding motorist with hand, to slow down for school buses, where they need to pass at 20km/hr. But nobody seems to know this rule.

It appears Auckland road transport planners, who need to make our roads safer and free-flowing, seem to be doing the opposite. Either they are inexperienced, do not care, or do not know. The problem is that they do not seem to listen, and you get a feeling you are whipping a dead horse. I have the same feeling.

Accidents are waiting to happen. Hope local National (Helensville) MP Chris Penk, who replaced Sir John, also reads my blog and social media to get informed, so he can pull up some bureaucrats for bus stands, which have been requested. However, we have been told that things move at snail’s pace in those managing roads and transport. Like, they took many many months to change Motorway 16 speeds limit on approaches to Waterview tunnel. This took a double-decker busload of NZ Road Transit and Auckland Council Officials to change the digital speed limit from “80” to “100!” As they say, it takes a village to change an electric bulb.
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Whenuapai

As there is no ramp linking busy State Highway 16 to Motorway 18, (wonder why) Brigham Creek Road substitutes as that link. This busy road runs through de-facto Whenuapai shopping centre, past the Airforce base. (Whenuapai Village is hidden behind Air Force base, nearer to Herald Island). Realising this is major link, one would assume planners would to be more sensible. But this is not so. We have bottleneck and traffic jams on single lane Brigham Creek Road because of poor planning at traffic lights at junction of Brigham Creek/Totara/ Mamari Roads.
  

Whenuapai has massive housing development, yet no bus stops have been planned or allocated. The traffic light creates a bottleneck on the major road linking Highway 16 to Motorway 18. Please read the article.

Going towards Air Force base at traffic lights there are three designated lanes: one turning left into Totara Road, one going ahead, connecting Helensville and Massey traffic to Motorway 18 and Hobsonville, and one turning right into a half-horse settlement into Mamari Road for a few houses.

My estimate is, some 4% of traffic turn left, less than half a percent turn right, and over 95% go straight towards Air Force base. A sensible planner would allow at least 2 lanes for straight traffic, to ease daily queues for major “ramp” linking State Highway 16 to Motorway 18. 

And like Waimauku, there are no bus stops for the ever-increasing houses and developments in and around that area.

Riverhead

Again, this is a hotbed of development and ever-increasing population. The newly –renovated and developed shopping centre has a new-humped pedestrian crossing. I would estimate over 100 students catch school buses and are dropped. 

Again, no bus stops have been designed or allocated in or around the newly decorated shopping centre. Accidents are waiting to happen.

Somebody is bound to get a jolt or get hurt on the humped crossing as there are no advance warnings of this-it comes as a surprise, wonder why. 

The road planners be they Auckland Transport or NZ Transit Authority, it appears they have novice planners, still learning their job in an expanding city, while sitting in their ivory towers. People on the field, like bus drivers (like me) who have experience on roads and could reason things out should sit in an advisory role in their planning committees.

The new roundabout in Waimauku seems to have made a positive effect on traffic -flow. However, an expanding hub, with some 200 students using buses have no bus stops in the whole Waimauku Village. Hope local national MP, Chris Penk, who replaced Sir John Key, is reading this.

But unfortunately I do not qualify –as neither do I belong to their school-boys club, nor I am one of their cronies. (And Paul Henry would say, neither do I look or sound like a ‘Kiwi”)

Over to you, two Phils (Twyford and Goff) and one Chris (Penk) – to provide us some solution, or please pass the towel to wipe the tears!

Cry, West Auckland.

[Thakur Ranjit Singh is a journalist - runs his blog, FIJI PUNDIT, his Facebook Page, Auckland Council Watch, is a media commentator and a critic of poor transport planning by those who do not seem to care or know. He is also a part-time school bus driver linking West Auckland, (from Waimauku) to Takapuna]

E-mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz]

WELCOME TO OUR VILLAGE, NEVE ARDERN-GAYFORD - AOTEAROA IS BLESSED WITH A WEE ANGEL

Thakur Ranjit Singh

Many months ago, I had already predicted on Radio Tarana that IT WILL BE A GIRL.

And in my Facebook posting, yours truly repeated that prophecy and prediction over 6 hours before the delivery again. On the day of Winter Solstice (shortest day) on 21 June, 2018, I repeated that it would be a bundle of little goddess - A GIRL.

And indeed, Neve Te Aroha Ardern-Gayford, as she was christened, was born later in the day. My Hindu calendar says 21 June, 2018 was “Durgashtami” (birth of Hindu Goddess Durga). So, it was another blessing to the nation.
Strangely, I could hardly find any other journalist or media which ventured on the challenge of a prediction.

Welcome to our village, wee one. Neve Te Aroha Ardern-Gayford (middle) with her parents- Jacinda Ardern (left) and Clark Gayford. FIJI PUNDIT had predicted that it would be a little goddess- A GIRL. And we have a wee angel, Neve.

FIJI PUNDIT is quite used to it - and was correct in past predictions as well.  Prior to the election, I had predicted that Jacinda Ardern would be the next Prime Minister after a Hail Mary pass from Andrew Little.

After the election and the first count, I predicted an additional seat to Labour and the Greens –and again was right.

And I had also predicted change in National Party leadership, and Bill English, (now Sir) would be rolled unless he left before 2020 election. And he left and there is a new National Party leader.

And on Diwali night of 19 October, 2017, I had predicted that Winston Peters would click left, and pick Labour. The rest is history. I wish to reflect back to that historical and eventful Diwali night:

As I was getting ready for Diwali Pooja at about 6pm when Winston was expected to announce his verdict, I was called by Shalen Shandil of Radio Tarana and had the Indian Newslink editor, Venkat Raman on the other line, to discuss our predictions. Both of us were election commentators and observers at Radio Tarana’s Facebook live streaming radio broadcast on Election Day on 23 September, 2017. And I predicted that Winston will choose left - the Labour. And Raman concurred with me on this prediction.

In my Diwali prayers I had requested Lakshmi Mata-the mother of wealth and prosperity, for better fortunes for all of us. And she did listen. We were delivered an incarnation of goddess of wealth and prosperity for all the people of New Zealand. Like that darkest night of Diwali, the nation longed to be rescued from the darkness. And additionally, Aotearoa needed to be rescued from the neglect and heartlessness of nine years.

Jacinda Ardern-an epitome of positivity and a Prime Minister with a heart and empathy with the poorer sections of NZ community. On Diwali night 2017, FIJI PUNDIT had wished Laxmi Mata for an angel who could deliver us away from darkness. And she was delivered as the Prime Minister.

This millennial Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern created many firsts, which among others included being somebody with a heart, very close to people, who could come down from her ivory tower and have empathy with the vulnerable, be a grassroots person and seamlessly holding the coalition Government together with her inclusive quality. But most important was the positivity that oozed out of her.

It was not difficult to predict it would be a girl, as girls have a heart of gold, they project positivity, and anybody with a girl, and a granddaughter can reflect the happiness they bring. Her elevation as PM brought joy and delight to the hitherto suffering poorer “underclass”. Since Jacinda came to power, this tenderness was passed to common people while, I presume the little one, was prodding and gently nudging this Hail Mary in her womb. 

As Jacinda is the age of my millennial daughter Ragni Singh Chand, I feel I have also become a grandfather (Nana). And my only granddaughter Rania Roma Chand has got a little baby cousin sister, enhancing the inclusivity that the baby’s mother promotes. This is similar to what the Managing Trustee of Shri Ram Mandir, Auckland, Pravin Kumar reflected on my Facebook prediction: You will soon become a proud nana (maternal grandfather) for the 2nd time. 

And how true he was. 

The pleasure for this young couple, will be shared by all who have had experience of being parents. NZ Herald of the day after, (June 22, 2018) summed it fittingly:

The birth of the baby is…a demonstration of what is possible here. A woman young enough to have her first baby is Prime Minister of this country. It is almost unprecedented, remarkable enough to attract attention world around.

And a letter-writer in NZ Herald quipped in praising PM’s Baby for cracking glass ceiling for girls:

Girls can now dream of holding the highest office in the land - and holding their baby at the same time

FIJI PUNDIT, Nana (grandfather) to Rania and Neve Te Aroha Ardern-Gayford joins in unison with the nation to proclaim: Welcome to our village, wee one!

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a media commentator and political observer. He runs his blog, FIJI PUNDIT, and lives in Auckland, New Zealand. E-Mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz]

PART 2: FIJI GIRMIT COUNCIL - Moving Ahead and rejuvenation -Tiger Zinda Hai

Thakur Ranjit Singh

Part 1 of the article spoke about the history and plight of Fiji Girmit Council (FGC), and its story, of being an injured tiger needing compassion: Ek Tha Tiger - once it was something.

This article is about how this tiger is alive and able to come kicking if its 10 affiliates come together to remove the thorns in its feet. Yes, it is alive- Tiger Zinda Hai - it can be great once again.

Girmit Centre is our heritage, but unfortunately it is not receiving the support and attention from some member organisations. All affiliates need to start taking interest in reviving the centre to its past glory, and thus pay homage to our Girmitiyas. It is requested all affiliated consider recommendations given below and enable this heritage a worthy memory to our forebears.

With 12.5 acres of land, and over 8 acres still unused there is a great deal of potential. We call upon Fiji Indian Diaspora and those Girmitiya children with skills, resources and pride in their heritage to add value to it, in light of recommendations below. Hence, let us join hands, and put our heads (and wallets) together to move ahead.

British Indian Raj and its successor Indian Governments after independence had virtually disinherited and forgotten its stolen children in Fiji.

With renewed interest of Indian Government in Pacific in general and Fiji in particular, this is an opportunity for the Indians to appease the ghost of Girmit. [This of course is due to counteracting Chinese influence in the Pacific region India and the Western World had idnored].

It would be highly commendable for Modi’s BJP Indian Government to redeem India’s past desertion and neglect of Fiji Indians for some 14 decades. After all, those over 35,000 Girmitiyas who chose or were forced to settle back in Fiji, were Indian citizens. We pray India to give a helping hand to realise some or most of the recommendations below. 

Suggested Recommendations:

1) ORGANISE AND AWAKEN AFFILIATES , AND ORGANISE 140 YEARS GIRMIT CARNIVAL:

Sanatan, Muslim League, Arya Samaj, Sikh Association, Gujarat Samaj, TISI Sangam, Ahmadiyya Muslim, Andhra Sangam, Council of Churches and Kabir Panth - they all need to be reminded to fulfil their obligations, pay membership levy and appoint credible delegates. Those not wishing to join or pay may send non-voting delegates, and those wishing to opt out should be given that discretion. 

FGC needs to reassemble and come with strategic plans for next 12 months that includes 140th year celebration, and also a mid-term plan (5 years) and long term plan (10 year).

For 140th year Carnival, I recommend an experienced and very capable candidate, National President of TISI, Mr Sadasivan Naicker be appointed by the reconvened Executives as Chairman of 140th Girmit Celebration Committee. 

Rajendra Prasad (left) Trustee of Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ and Vinod Patel, Trustee of Fiji Girmit Council at plaque commemorating 125 years of Girmit at Fiji Girmit Centre. It is recommended a similar plaque be unveiled by PM of the day on 14 May, 2019 for 140th Anniversary, and that day be declared a Public Holiday in Fiji.

2) REQUEST FIJI GOVERNMENT TO DECLARE 14 MAY AS PUBLIC HOLIDAY FOR GIRMIT THANKSGIVING DAY

Fiji Girmit Council be requested to add voice and already submitted plea from Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ to declare 14 May as Girmit Thanksgiving Day in Fiji with a public Holiday. 

3) CONVERTING CENTRE FOR INCOME GENERATION

Immediate capital improvements at the centre should make it attractive for wedding and other events needing catering facilities. A modern kitchen with all associated facilities be added to make it into a suitable wedding, social, cultural, corporate and religious venue, among others.

4) PROVIDING ACCOMODATION FACILITIES

As a supplement to providing wedding venue, especially for visiting overseas people, the centre should aim to provide accommodation facilities. Girmitiya descendants who are architects and builders/contractors, be requested to design and build living facilities they can donate/subsidise and name after their Girmitiya forebears, e.g. Bansi, Muthu Sami, Rehman unit, etc.

5) GIRMIT VATIKA (Orchard)

Develop an orchard/forest/green area by dedicating at least one acre (may be more) of landscaped garden. It should be planted with, among others, income-generating plant, trees and fruit plants close to Girmitiyas. Among others, they may include Sandalwood, Mango, Bel, Imli (tamarind), Banana, Jackfruit, Salipha, Neem, Kaju, Jamun, Guava, Balawa (pundanus), bamboo etc.
Totaram Sanadhya may be perhaps one unsung Girmit hero who need to be recognised. Therefore, we may name it (Totaram) Sanadhya Vatika

This Plaque was erected and unveiled by Prime Minister of Fiji in 2004 by Laisenia Qarase during 125th Anniversary commemoration of  arrival of first Girmitiyas. It is recommended that for 140th Anniversary on 14 May 2019, a carnival be organised with wider Girmit-related activities. Prime Minister of the day be requested to unveil a plaque and also declare 14 May as Girmit Thanksgiving  Day Public Holiday.

6) EXPAND LIBRARY- SHIFT BRIJ AND PADMA LIBRARY TO CENTRE

Expand the existing Library, and request the shift of Brij and Padma Library at Saweni to Girmit centre. Special plea should go to the new Government to remove travel ban on Professor Brij Lal, and he (including Padma) be invited to formally open the Library as part of 140 years celebration.

7) FGC TO BE DECLARED POLITICALLY AND RELIGIOUSLY NEUTRAL

While the inaugurating document declares that FGC is apolitical and religiously-neutral, it needs to be reiterated because of some misinformation and disinformation. People need to be assured of its impartial and neutral stance in all issues. The last thing FGC should be used is as a launching pad for political, religious and academic opportunism.

8) GIRMIT MUSEUM

Girmit Centre should be housing all items relating to Girmit period, and a museum should be introduced. People should be requested to donate all old items to be housed in the Girmit Centre for preservation for future generations.

This is a wood "Kholu" at Girmit Centre. It is is rotated by bullocks to extract oil from sesame (till) and make other vegetable oils. It was gifted to Girmit Council by Muthuswami Pillay, a Girmitiya and his sons Nadesan Pillay, Ram Sami Pillay and Keshwan Pillay of Tagi Tagi, Tavua. Similarly, we could collect other old items to develop a Girmit Museum for new generations to see how our Girmitiyas lived their modest lives. We need to preserve all the artifacts and older Girmit articles at the FGC Museum. It is hoped we can get Indian Government support in this area.

9) BOLLYWOOD FILM SET/LOCATION

Request be made to Bollywood to develop part of the Girmit Centre site for film/documentary set. Suggested set includes CSR Coolie Lane - living quarters of Girmitiyas, thatched houses (bure), Sugar mill, railway and sugar transport modes, and other scenario of Girmit. This could be used for films and documentaries and should be gifted to FGC as part of the expanded museum.

10) SYRIA MONUMENT

Syria Monument was commenced by Indian High Commission, Suva in Nasilai Village, Rewa, Fiji prior to 2006, and was halted after initial foundation because of political events. It is recommended that Indian Government now be requested to erect it at Girmit Centre as it would be very accessible to tourists and all Fiji Indian Diaspora visiting Fiji via nearby Nadi Airport. Nasilai Villagers have already been rewarded by Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ with over $60,000 development in the village hall, toilet and kitchen facilities. It would be very fitting to have this monument in Lautoka, which would further enhance the Girmit Museum.

Future Action

We call on the descendants of all Girmitiyas worldwide to show unity and resolve in adding colour, vibrancy, respect and honour to those who went away weeping, and longing for our happiness. At least we owe it to them.

I suggest the new energised Executive Committee of FGC should discuss the above recommendations, among others and come up with a strategic plan to make the centre a pride to the memory of Girmitiyas.

And as earlier stated, we approach and request Indian Government to help us retain memory of Indians who were their children stolen by the Girmit system.
Let’s do this - let us make this dream into a reality.
Yes, Tiger Zinda Hai and will sprint again.

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is Secretary and Founding Trustee of Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ which has successfully marked Girmit Remembrance Day in NZ. They had raised Girmit awareness worldwide and requested Fiji Government to declare 14 May as Girmit Public Holiday. Thakur is a journalist, a media commentator, and runs his blog FIJI PUNDIT]