Awards to celebrate achievements of NZ Punjabis

In a bid to recognise the work and contribution of Punjabi community in New Zealand, the New Zealand Punjabi Foundation (NZPF) is launching Kiwi Punjabi Awards Night.

The awards will be held on November 4 in Papatoetoe and is an invitation-only event.

Speaking to Indian Weekender, NZPF Chairperson Navtej Randhawa said that they feel the need to acknowledge the contribution Punjabis are making in New Zealand.

“There are so many Punjabis in New Zealand and some of them are doing exceptionally well and have spent all their life working for the community. We feel that they should be recognised. So NZPF worked to bring this event where we will have seven awards.”

The awards categories will include-Sports, Art and Culture, Business personal of the year, Woman of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Young Achiever.

Talking about the eligibility for the awards, Mr Randhawa said, “Basically, anybody who is very happy about being Punjabi, is eligible. We have one award- Honorary Punjabi, for a person who has worked for the Punjabi community but he/she is not of a Punjabi background. But we feel that person deserves to be appreciated for their contribution. So have this award for them.”

“For other awards, the eligibility is anybody who has got Punjabi heritage. There are no other criteria. It’s the values and heritage they bring that matters,” added Mr Randhawa.