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After almost 30 years promoting New Zealand and Fiji links, Satendra Singh's heart sinks as he thinks about the toll the latest coup has taken on ordinary Fijians.
Dr Singh, made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the Indian community, and to the Fiji Association he co-founded in Auckland in 1977, lobbied government officials for a seasonal work scheme.
But as hundreds of Fijian workers were preparing to pack their bags this month, the plans were disrupted by the military coup.
The New Zealand Government banned seasonal work, travel and sport as part of its sanctions against Fiji.
"That is understandable - New Zealand can hardly continue these things when a legitimately elected government has been overthrown," said Dr Singh, 59, who moved to New Zealand from Fiji 40 years ago.
He believed the scheme would be revived once political stability returned to Fiji but it would be too late for this round of seasonal work.
Despite challenges, promoting culture and relations has brought much joy to Dr Singh.
His involvement includes a variety of welfare, cultural and community projects associated with the Indian, Fiji-Indian and Maori communities in Auckland.
Dr Singh was given a Queen's Service Medal in 1990.
