Elected to the position as Mayor of Christchurch in 2007, Bob Parker has been active in local body politics since the early 1990s. Starting out as a member of the Banks Peninsula community board, he went on to serve two terms as the District's Mayor (2001-2006) and after leading the amalgamation of the Banks Peninsular District and the City Council became a Christchurch City Councillor in 2006.

He also held the position of independent chairman of the Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy for two years.

It was great to see your enthusiasm for India and Indians in Canterbury. What has your association with India been?

Simply through friends, work colleagues and events. Padmini Nistala used to work at Council and she and her husband have hosted my wife Joanna and myself at her house on a number of occasions. I have met her family who visited from India. I have never been to India but I believe this City is now ready to begin a process of engagement to build a sister city relationship somewhere in India. It is an idea whose time has come.  

You have had the honor to meet Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi.  Could you tell us a little about your association with them?

I was making a television program about Sir Edmund Hillary and it would not be complete without some comment from the then Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi. With the help of our then prime minister the late David Lange I was able to arrange Rajiv and Sonia to be surprise guests and appear in person on my program. The honor of their visit was greatly appreciated by all New Zealanders. They were both beautiful human beings, and Rajiv made an impression that none of us who worked on the program will ever forget. Warmth, charisma, calmness and humility were my memories of this man.


You mentioned in your speech that India will shape New Zealand. How so?

India is emerging as one of the greatest economies in the world. Innovative, determined and filled with great creative energy and thought, India will come to dominate much of the world economy. As the relationship between our two countries grows, so to will New Zealand's economy begin to reflect the needs of the economic super-power that India now is. Thus we will be shaped by our business and tourism relationships. Education too will be an opportunity for our two nations to share values and build friendships. Such shaping of this small nation by the massive presence of India globally is inevitable and exciting.

Sir Edmund Hillary is a hero in India. How do people of Christ Church view him?

As one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of our people. It is a great honor that India too see's Sir Ed's contribution as of significant value.

 Can you name a few leading contributions to Christ Church from people of Indian origin? 

Ishvar Ganda, former City Councillor, is one name that jumps straight into mind. Also the enormous contribution to the local economy as the owners of numerous small business' that Indian entrepreneurs are famous for. The diaries and corner stores, petrol stations and wonderful restaurants that have made Indian food famous in Christchurch. As a thought leader, Mahatma Gandhi must also be seen as one of the great influencers of all Nations, including New Zealand.

You mentioned in your speech that you envision a very diverse population in the future of Christ Church. What value have immigrants brought to Christ Church? 

Immense value. Exploring and sharing different cultures is one of the greatest gifts that can be found. And in thought too: different cultural backgrounds drive different approaches to problem solving and also for research and development. 

Any message for our readers?

I want to say thank you for to all your readers who live in this city. Your contribution has made our City a better place for us all to live. Here are some words from a letter from an Indian visitor whom I had the privilege of meeting. He said: "Love is the force that rules the universe, let us all embrace and feel the ecstasy of love in its highest order for ever and ever" - Kameswara Rao Nistala. I welcome all to Chirstchurch and let us find that love together in this place.

|