The Indian community and business leaders in New Zealand have been discussing from some time the strong need to motivate, bring forward and trained Indian Youth for taking active roles and leadership in representing at Government and other important national and international platforms. One of such young persons - Shail Kaushal (19 Years old) is progressing promisingly. In a recent selection process for the forthcoming Local Government Elections he has been selected for the Roskill Community Voice ticket and confirmed as one of the candidates from Mount Roskill, making him the youngest Indian to stand up and contest the elections. Previously he has brought pride to Indian community by being the Youth Member of Parliament at 16 years and recently being among the 10 young people in NZ trained as future leaders in a joint pilot project by Ministry of Youth Development, Office of Ethnic Affairs and Auckland Council.
The area which he is standing for covers Mt Roskill, Three Kings, Hillsborough, Waikowhai, Lynfield and Wesley. Shail Kaushal says “I am privileged to be standing for the Puketapapa Local Board (Mt Roskill) under Roskill Community Voice, under the banner of City Vision a coalition of Labour, Greens and Progressive Community Independents”. The strong line-up of Roskill Community Voice candidates include Julie Fairey, Harry Doig, Garth Houltham, Michael Wood and Shail Kaushal.
“My vision is simple, I want to see our young people, our community in Roskill given a fair go. I want the youth to be happily employed, learning or in training. I want to see our community to be safe in Roskill”. Proudly brought-up and graduated from Roskill Intermediate and Grammar, currently a University of Auckland student, he brings fresh thinking and strong vision for culturally diverse Mt Roskill and the greater Auckland. “I am committed to fairness, passionate about sustainability, retaining our heritage and believe in putting families, kids first with youth involvement in local communities” Mr. Kaushal said.
As the young people like Shail are making efforts and doing their best to bring pride for our Indian community in New Zealand, it equally puts a great onus on the community to ensure we fully get behind them and support them ensuring they succeed in their goals in the larger interests and future of our community in New Zealand.