Well-known retailer and popular community leader Kharag Singh has a new responsibility on his shoulders.
Known as ‘Sidhu’ in the wider South Auckland community, Singh has been selected as Labour Party’s candidate for Botany for the upcoming 2023 general election. The 59-year-old will be taking on National Party leader Christopher Luxon in the south-eastern Auckland suburb.
The Indian Weekender spoke to Singh about his vision, upcoming challenges and his desire to build stronger communities.
“It is a mixed bag. The emotions are running high and I am very excited about this new challenge. It is a big responsibility, and I can’t take it lightly. I do need full support from our community. I have seen Botany evolve from farmland to the impressive suburb it has become today. This suburb has given my family so many opportunities and it is a privilege to represent not only this suburb, but each and every individual that make Botany so great,” he said.
On being selected as a challenger to National’s prime ministerial candidate Chris Luxon, he says, "There could be nothing better than this. I have immense respect for Luxon. It is a big challenge to fight an election against him, but I am ready for that, and I am hopeful that I will stand out with flying colours. It is a big honour, and I am grateful to Labour Party for showing their faith in me.”
Singh arrived in New Zealand in 1987 after completing his graduation from the northern Indian city of Chandigarh. He settled in Auckland where he worked a vast number of management roles before branching out as an entrepreneur and setting up his first supermarket business in 1995. 27 years on, he is still the proud owner and operator of Everglade 4 Square in Manukau Heights.
Singh is a registered Justice of Peace and an active member of Papatoetoe Rotary Club. He was earlier the president of Life Vision Society, and a member of India New Zealand Business Council. He is actively involved in wider ethnic groups and local community initiatives.
Singh has been involved in grassroots politics in Auckland. He contested the council elections from Manurewa in 2022, when he had emphasised his commitment towards bringing Kiwi-Indian participation in local government bodies. Before that, in 2019, he was Labour’s Botany candidate in the council elections.
Singh explains his passion for politics, "I have a fire within me to ensure that all in our community can prosper and have access to the services that they need. The migrant diaspora, especially the Kiwi-Indian community, has increased many folds in the last few years. Therefore, it is high time we are well-represented in politics. I do feel that Indian representation in New Zealand Parliament is not enough. I want to make sure that the voice of our community and the wider ethnic community is heard".
Talking about how he has seen New Zealand changing, especially the increasing importance of the Kiwi-Indian diaspora, he says, "I have seen the changing face of New Zealand very closely. From a time when it was hard to find a turbaned man on the street to now when the Indian community makes up almost 10 per cent population in Auckland, we have certainly come a long way. I am fully aware of the growing issues in the local community. We are committed to hearing the voices of everybody and will stop at nothing to ensure that we represent our diverse area. As somebody that came to New Zealand with literally nothing, I want to ensure that every member of this community prospers.”