Kanwaljit Bakshi re-elected to New Zealand Parliament
Sunday, 18/12/2011
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111219/cth1.htm#12
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, who created history by becoming the first turbaned Sikh to enter the New Zealand Parliament in 2008, has now won his second successive term as a Member of Parliament.
Though he was not a direct contestant in the elections that concluded with official declaration of results yesterday, he had been chosen for the second successive term in the Parliament by virtue of being on the Party List. He represents the National Party.
The New Zealand Parliament has two types of members, one, who are elected directly, while the second category is of members who are on the party list. Each voter has two votes.
Of 121 members elected to the New Zealand Parliament, 70 had been elected directly while the remaining 51 were the Party List MPs.
Bakshi, who represents the ruling National Party, has been successful from the Party List category this time, though in his first elections in 2008 he had defeated Ross Robertson of Labour Party in the immigrants dominated Manukau East constituency in a tough fight.
Belonging to a business family, Bakshi moved to New Zealand in 2001. His business interests are in property, transport and fashion industry. Youngest among three siblings, he went to Guru Harkrishan Public School and did his B Com from Delhi University.
In 1985, he married Irvinder Kaur and now the couple has two sons named Gawan and Rijak. "After moving to New Zealand, " he says, " I have been active both with the business as well as Indian community."
While talking about his switch over from business to politics, he says that his father was a politician. "By helping him in his poll campaigns, I developed a strong taste in politics."
He says he thoroughly enjoys his role as an MP and works tirelessly for the people of his local community. In the previous term, he was a member of the Government and Administration Committee as well as of the Justice and Electoral Committee.
"My role as a voice for the Indian community in New Zealand Parliament is also important for me," he added.
