Stories by Blessen Tom
News
Most South Asians in New Zealand remit up to 10% of income home
New research reveals that more than 58 percent of South Asians in New Zealand send up to 10 percent of their income home each year.
The changing face of Corrections officers in NZ prisons
Asian staff constitute the second-largest group of frontline officers in the country's penitentiaries.
Auckland bus drivers caught in the line of fire when passengers lash out
Violence on public transport appears to be on the rise in the country's largest urban centre.
Māori and Tamil waiata brings communities together
Canada-based musician Wilbur Sargunaraj has collaborated with Māori artists to create a unique cross-cultural song about kinship and connections. Video
South Asian photographer exploring colour discrimination in New Zealand
Abhi Chinniah is turning heads in the country's fine arts scene with powerful and creative portrayals of the migrant and refugee experience.
Muslim New Zealanders reflect on Hajj pilgrimage experience during Eid al-Adha
Hajj, the obligatory pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims are required to undertake at least once in their lifetime if they are able, concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Adha.
‘A win for democracy’ - Indian New Zealanders reflect on 2024 election result
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist party loses its outright majority in parliament.
Hundreds of experienced international nurses jobless amid nursing shortage
Hundreds of internationally qualified nurses from India are reportedly struggling to find jobs despite recent Te Whatu Ora data showing that more than a quarter of hospital nursing shifts fell short…
Nurses stranded on accredited employer work visas file complaints against Canterbury firm
Two complaints have been filed with Immigration New Zealand against a recruitment company in the South Island.
Bolstering support for Asian personnel in the NZ Defence Force
The founder of a Pan-Asian network in the New Zealand Defence Force hopes to support Asian personnel in their defence careers.
Universities concerned as visa frustrations from Indian students remain high
New Zealand universities have directly engaged with the government about the high student visa rejection rate of Indian applicants in 2024.
Kiwi Indian tastes entrepreneurial success in Silicon Valley
Ken Hendricks is the first Kiwi Indian to be accepted into the highly competitive Y Combinator start-up programme.
Chewing over the South Asian fascination with paan in NZ
The specialty Indian digestive is becoming increasingly available in main centres nationwide.
How a revision of nursing registration processes is affecting healthcare migrants
Recruiters are divided on the Nursing Council's recent changes to the registration process for healthcare workers educated outside New Zealand.
Thousands of Kiwi Indians excluded from voting in election
With nearly 968 million people expected to vote, India's 2024 general election will be the world's largest.
Wellington City Council creates landmark ethnic advisory group after protracted struggle
Ethnic communities outnumbered Māori and Pasifika communities in the 2018 census, but the council has been accused of dismissing their demands - until now.
Ethnic communities deliver mixed verdict on immigration reform
Community leaders have welcomed changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme but warn that more work still needs to be done.
South Asians reflect on their under-19 Cricket World Cup experience
Snehith Reddy's unbeaten 147 against Nepal was the highest individual score in a match in the tournament.
Almost a quarter of aggravated robbery victims were of Indian descent in 2023
Twenty-four percent of crime victims in 2023 who were referred to Victim Support were from the Indian community, which makes up about 5 percent of the country's population.
How vibrant Holi celebrations are bringing communities together
Thousands nationwide celebrate the Festival of Colours, marking the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the triumph of good over evil.
Breakout Black Caps star Rachin Ravindra excited about IPL debut
The Kiwi star has had a remarkable year, scoring three centuries in his first World Cup and earning top international awards.