Migrants plead on NZ Random Acts of Kindness Day
September 1 is celebrated as New Zealand's Random Acts of Kindness Day and considering the uncertain Covid times we are living in, we all need to celebrate the day even more.
The day, which started officially in New Zealand in 2005, aims to boost the “kindness quotient” and has garnered increased popularity over the years.
Random Acts of Kindness Day is the brainchild of Josh de Jong, who was stuck in Auckland traffic one afternoon in 2005 and watched some irate drivers ahead of him getting into a bit of a road rage stoush. This incident made him think “what would it be like if on one day every person in New Zealand was kind to a stranger?” And that’s how the day came into existence.
Interestingly, New Zealand is the only country in the world to have a national Random Acts of Kindness Day.
Our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern always urges people to ‘Be Kind’ regularly in her speeches during the Covid-19 pandemic and her favourite catchphrase has spread from the Beehive to the living room and beyond.
Now, on New Zealand’s Random Acts of Kindness Day, we asked our Kiwi Indian community to tell us one act of kindness that they expect from this government.
Here’s what they say:
Armaan Hora, student: The government should show kindness toward separated families. The government should at least allow vaccinated people to travel to New Zealand. Everyone deserves to be with their loved ones.
Danish Saxena, essential worker: Being an immigrant, I haven’t faced any act of kindness from this government during these Covid times. My father passed away in March, but I couldn't travel back to India and be with my family because if I did travel, I would not have been able to come back due to border closure. My mother and wife are alone in India, but I am unable to do anything to bring them here. I feel very helpless. Please ‘Be Kind’ toward immigrants who have invested so much in this country.
Harmanpreet Singh, chef: Dear Jacinda, please open SMC Expression of interest. We came here for a better future. I have been staying here for six years, but still, as a migrant, my future is uncertain here. You always say 'be kind', but I request you to be kind and think about our future.
Amarpreet Kaur, administration professional: Being kind means empathising and helping those in need. I request Prime Minister Ardern to support migrants that have been separated from their families for years now. I am one of them as I had been separated from my daughter. Be Kind and unite the families, Prime Minister.
Rupinder Kaur, essential worker: We are expected to be nice and kind to others, but when it comes to the NZ government, they have strict immigration rules and policies for migrants who are still struggling for their visas and residencies. Many migrants like me are front line workers and are working hard and even risking their lives by working during the lockdown. I genuinely feel the government should be kind and easy up the rules. Let’s spread the message of kindness in this Covid 19 pandemic time, even more, this Random Acts of Kindness Day.”
