What is your role and what are some of the things that you enjoyed doing this year?
I am the Property and Infrastructure Manager, and my job is to ensure all Unitec buildings and facilities meet compliance requirements and are generally fit for purpose. Since given 50/50 responsibility at MIT/Unitec I have most enjoyed meeting and working with new people. Another work I am involved in is separation of utilities (water, power, gas, etc) to ensure we are not billed for sold buildings.
Akl vs Nadi Airports soccer 2014
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I play soccer and take active interest in the sport. I play in O’40s division in Auckland Footballs winter league and tournaments during summer season, and successfully took a team from Auckland Airport to participate in a tournament in Fiji, six years is a row. I also like to travel, and I go to the islands once a year (except during Covid lockdown). I have a small family, wife and daughter, who usually like to travel also. We recently went to a wedding in Fiji, my daughter met some distant cousins and enjoyed the colourful functions.
Fiji Islands, Viti Levu, Lautoka, Aerial view of harbour
Where did you grow up and what’s interesting about that place?
I grew up in a village Lautoka, Fiji. When I grew up sugar cane farming was the top earner for the country but it has changed a lot. I got my primary and secondary education there before moving on. What’s interesting there is you do not have to worry too much about time (except when you at work), usually called “Fiji Time”. People are generally very relaxed, and while income is low, the many taxes and insurances we pay here are not much of a concern for many there.
Do you speak any other languages, what is special about that for you?
I can speak Hindi, which is my mother tongue. When I go back to Fiji, many of the elder family members do not understand English so it makes it easy to communicate with them. When shopping in Fiji, the language makes me feel like local, which means I get ‘local’ prices in markets.
Tell us a funny memory from childhood
I remember this vividly, I was six, my younger bother five, and the elder brother seven. We lived in a village not far from the main highway, and we often played in that area. One day a tourist stopped his car to take our photos, we were young and dumb and not so adapted to modern things. My elder shouted “…he is coming to take our heart out, run….” We all ran for our lives, and hid in the nearby cane farm.
What is your favourite book or movie? Why?
Movie – Escape to Victory, 1981. It’s a great story about football and an escape plan for the WW2 prisoners of war held in German POW camp. The plan was to play the game against a German team, and an escape. The match was going so well the prisoners went to play although they could escape through the tunnel in changeroom at half-time. Once game was over, the spectators invaded the pitch and helped prisoners escape anyway ! And not to mention some of the great footballers actually were in this movie.
Snowie
Kids/pets/partner you want to brag about?
Yes, my daughter’s pet dog Snowie. We bought it for her so she can play and look after it. But no, Sharon just plays with her only when she likes, and I end up doing everything thing else. Not to mention this Husky is hard work taking for a walk.
Tell us an achievement out of work that you’re proud of.
I have led and completed several complicated works and projects over the years, often going the extra mile, so achievement is a norm for me. One particular project that comes to mind is the Y2K. I was working for Auckland Airport and the pundits of the electronics and computing sector were telling everyone that on the midnight of 31st December 2000, everything will stop. My job was to have alternative equipment, systems, resources and personnel on site to restart and replace electronics equipment that would STOP. With months on planning and confident with my business continuity plan, NOTHING actually happened, and everything worked normal. So, an achievement without having to do anything anticipated.
Is there a song that reminds you of a significant/interesting/funny time in your life?
Oceans Apart by Richard Marx. I arrived in NZ in the late 1980s leaving so many family and friends behind. This song gave me the motivation to keep going, it was those days.
Best concert/show/event you’ve ever been to? What made it special
The Mamma Mia at the Civic Theatre (early 2014) was special for me. I used to like their songs in my younger days, but seeing them live in concert was extra special. What was special is the songs that we played over and over again, we could hear live in concert.
What’s your favourite food or signature dish?
Fresh chicken curry cooked on the bone Fiji style. Fiji Indian women have adapted and fine-tuned the flavours to make this special curry. Unique flavour and taste, not readily available.
Who do you most admire and what is it about them that makes them special?
I admire leaders – those who lead by example and that paves the path for the future of many. Those who are genuinely concerned about the issues and act as role models for others in society.