The Indian High Commission in Wellington and its consulate office in Auckland, have been widely praised for their efforts over the last six weeks or so, for their proactive approach in helping anyone in need from the Indian community, as New Zealand was in lockdown.
Whether they were Indian tourists stranded in New Zealand who couldn’t go back due to suspension of all international travel, family visitors, or work visa holders who lost their jobs during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have tried our best to help everyone who has approached us, with food parcels, supermarkets coupons, as well as even arranging for emergency accommodation in few cases. And we have worked with our every active Indian diaspora here in New Zealand, to make it happen, for which I am very thankful. In total, the High Commission has spend over $100,000 during this time providing assitance,” informed Muktesh Pardeshi, the Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand. He was briefing the media last week from Wellington.
The envoy also shared that over 2,000 persons have registered with the High Commission till Friday last, expressing their desire to avail the Vande Bharat Mission (VBM) flights, as and when they become available for Indian nationals stranded in New Zealand. He was non-commital though, on the question of how much the passengers will have to pay for these flights.
“While I can’t comment on the price-point, I can happily share the possibility that New Zealanders, or anyone in India who is eligible to enter New Zealand, may be permitted to take these flights and come here. Both our governments are working to make this happen. As an example, just this week I got confirmation from Indian Government representatives in San Francisco that VBM flights, which flew to the US to bring Indians back, carried US nationals and Greencard holders with them,” Pardeshi informed.
Meanwhile, Bhav Dhillon, who is the Honorary Consul of India in Auckland, and was part of the media interaction, added, “I share the sentiments of the High Commissioner and assure everyone that our doors and hearts are open 24/7, for any Indian in need in New Zealand.”
The last word belonged to Pardeshi who ended on an encouraging note, saying, “We are there. Approach us and we will help as much as we can.”
– Gaurav Sharma
