Indian Weekender Top 25 Kiwi-Indian Community Leaders 2021

List of top 25 Kiwi-Indian 

Community Leaders in NZ 

List of 

top 25 Kiwi-Indian 

community leaders 

in New Zealand 

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CELEBRATING HEROES 

OF OUR KIWI-INDIAN 

COMMUNITY 

The Indian Weekender’s 25 NZ-India Most Influential List 

celebrates and acknowledges some of the most influential 

individuals and leaders for the role they play in the general 

well-being of the Kiwi-Indian community in New Zealand. 

This year the focus is on celebrating some of the most dedicated and 

committed community leaders within the Kiwi-Indian community for their 

tireless and passionate work in supporting others. 

Every community has heroes who either rise to specific occasions or work on 

a daily basis to support other’s life-journey. 

They are the ones who make a difference within our community. They are 

passionate about their causes and make valuable contributions to every 

organization in which they are involved. 

They are the people who are dedicated, committed and involved whenever 

called upon to assist and help others, regardless of the situation. 

In most instances, they are not chasing instantaneous fame, in lieu of their 

time, energy and efforts, in helping others, but a satisfaction of being able to 

make a positive impact on the lives of others. 

They may have formed dedicated community organizations to channelize their 

own individual efforts with those of other like-minded people in the community 

or are working as office bearers of pre-existing organizations towards the 

same cherished goal of helping others within the community. 

Given that the Kiwi-Indian community is a migrant community, which 

constitutes of people whose lives are often stretched emotionally and 

physically across the boundaries of many nations, there is more likelihood 

of its members requiring more help and assistance from others, thus putting 

exceptional pressures on the time and energy of our community leaders. 

Not many could comprehend and appreciate the level of sacrifice that these 

community leaders or their immediate families have to bear, especially in 

terms of time and energy, when they stretch out beyond their resources to 

help others. 

Therefore, in 2021 – the year when Covid has caused much disruption within 

our communities – the Indian Weekender has taken upon itself to celebrate 

and acknowledge the immense contribution of some of the leading and 

influential community leaders. 

Without their dedication, compassion, and commitment to one and all, we 

would have far lesser resources than we have now in ensuring general wellbeing 

within our Kiwi-Indian community. 

The Indian Weekender salutes their immense contribution to our Kiwi-Indian 

community. 

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CONTENT 

Blessen Jose............................................................................................................ 7 

Daljit Singh................................................................................................................ 8 

Dhansukh Lal............................................................................................................ 9 

Ella Kumar.............................................................................................................. 10 

Ghouse Majeed...................................................................................................... 11 

Harshad Patel......................................................................................................... 12 

Ilango Krishnamoorthy.......................................................................................... 13 

Jeet Suchdev.......................................................................................................... 14 

Jit Kaur................................................................................................................... 16 

Jyothi Malikarjun.................................................................................................... 17 

Nanettee Nathoo.................................................................................................... 20 

Narendra Bhana..................................................................................................... 21 

Navneet Kaur.......................................................................................................... 22 

Navtej Randhawa................................................................................................... 23 

Nilima Venkat......................................................................................................... 24 

Paul Patel............................................................................................................... 25 

Prashant Belwalkar................................................................................................ 26 

Pravin Kumar.......................................................................................................... 27 

Roopa Suchdev...................................................................................................... 28 

Shefali Mehta......................................................................................................... 29 

Shivani Arora.......................................................................................................... 30 

Srilatha Magthalal.................................................................................................. 31 

Sucharita Verma..................................................................................................... 32 

Sunil Kaushal.......................................................................................................... 33 

Vai Ravindran......................................................................................................... 34 

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The leading 

Kiwi-Indian 

media group 

BLESSAN M JOSE 

Former Vice-President, 

Auckland Malayali Samajam 

We 

speak 

your 

language 

We are 

Social. 

Born and raised in Kerala, Blessan Jose moved to New 

Zealand 10 years ago to embrace New Zealand’s budding 

cultural diversity. Having lived in India and the Middle East, 

Mr Jose already had a global career under his belt but wanted 

to move to New Zealand to take it a step further. A selfmotivated 

entrepreneur with a strong desire to succeed in life 

and thereby uplift the community at large, Mr Jose has been 

inspired to engage in community service since childhood. 

Part of a student union during his university days, Mr Jose has 

since arriving in New Zealand been quite actively involved with 

the NZ Indian diaspora. Former Vice-President and Secretary 

of the Auckland Malayali Samajam, Mr Jose has through 

his work influenced change in the community. Personal 

experiences have shaped his commitment to the work that 

he does for his fellow community members. Reaching for 

the feeling of achievement and personal satisfaction upon 

helping someone, Mr Jose has been over the years involved 

in many community organisations. 

A graduate in Economics and Masters in Business 

Administration, Mr Jose works for the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders in his role at the 

Department of Corrections. Having suffered setbacks when he first arrived in New Zealand, Mr Jose is 

determined to provide a platform for everyone to achieve their dreams. 

His biggest supporter and his wife Tessa George is a registered psychiatric nurse working with the 

Waitemata DHB. They have two daughters, Amelia Rachel Blessan & Hayley Anna Blessan who are 

equally passionate about serving the community. 

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DALJIT SINGH 

Spokesperson, 

Supreme Sikh Society NZ 

DHANSUKH LAL 

President, Auckland Indian 

Association Incorporated 

Well-known for his work with the Sikh community in 

New Zealand, Daljit Singh arrived in New Zealand as 

an 18-year-old with dreams and ambitions to make a 

difference in the world. Migrating from a small district 

in Punjab, Mr Singh worked all types of jobs in the 

horticulture industry, from picking fruits to stocking 

vegetables, to make ends meet. 

Community service and social work, however, was 

never far from his mind. As a young kid in Punjab, he 

was actively involved in various charity events and 

religious programs. He continued this in New Zealand 

with his involvement with the NZ Sikh Society. Playing 

a significant role in the establishment of the Takanini 

Gurudwara, Mr Singh worked with several local and national community organisations 

to build and set it up. A place for all, Mr Singh has actively advocated the use of the 

space for all New Zealanders. 

Known for his relationship building skills, Mr Singh has over the years developed 

strong community connections through his various career paths as a salesperson, 

real estate and immigration advisor. Now as the Race Relations Manager for various 

trusts that work to make an impact in the community, Mr Singh is the spokesperson 

for the Supreme Sikh Society and the many Gurudwaras around New Zealand. 

Mr Singh and the Sikh Society won the New Zealand Food Hero Award 2020 (people’s 

choice) at the NZ Food Heroes Celebrations award for their service to the community 

during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The team distributed about 50 to 2500 packets of 

food a day during the lockdown and still continue to do so. They have also started 

distributing lunch parcels to 20 schools in South Auckland. 

Born in Fiji, community work was an integral part of 

Dhansukh Lal’s adolescent years. With a sense of seva 

instilled in him by his parents, Mr Lal in his early days helped 

raise funds for the Vishnu temple and various primary 

schools across Fiji. His defining moment as a young adult 

was being elected as the National Secretary of the Fiji 

National Youth Council in 1985. Under his leadership, he 

created several youth clubs across the country that helped 

retain youth in their villages. 

Arriving in New Zealand in 1989, he continued his seva 

by joining the Auckland Indian Association as a member. 

He kept going to the temple and taking part in the various 

activities organised by the association. However, he 

started to make an impact and take an active part after 

2010, when he was elected the Assistant Secretary, 

followed by which he became a trustee and then the 

Chairman of the Mahatma Gandhi Charitable Trust. 

At the start of 2021, he stood down as the Chairman to 

become the first-ever Fiji born Indian to be elected as the 

President of the Auckland Indian Association Incorporated. 

Helping people and shaping the future motivates him 

to get up everyday and pursue community service. As a 

grandfather of two, Mr Lal has developed a fine balance 

between spending time with family and working with the 

community. 

A strong believer in the power of service, Mr Singh is grateful for the support of his 

wife and extended whanau which enables him to work for his people. 

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ELLA KUMAR JP 

Board member, 

Puketāpapa Local Board 

The first Indian female in Auckland to be elected to a local board, 

Ella Kumar brings a versatility of experience to her community 

commitments. NZ born, Ms Kumar has been involved with the 

local boards for over 10 years. During this time, she has held 

the events, arts & culture, library, sport & recreation, economic 

development portfolios and has been instrumental in the 

planning of the Auckland Diwali Festival since 2002. 

A mother of three, Ms Kumar comes from a family where seven 

adults, 10 children plus many other migrants lived under one 

roof. Her parents migrated to New Zealand in the 1960s which 

she believes presented her with many opportunities along with 

many challenges. Having taken these challenges head-on, Ms 

Kumar thrives on speaking to people in her community and 

addressing their issues. 

With over 20 years of experience on boards of trustees including 

Mt Roskill Grammar, Roskill Together Board, Ms Kumar is also a 

Justice of Peace and a marriage celebrant. A fitness instructor, 

Ms Kumar has studied health sciences and works every day 

to keep people healthy, physically and mentally. Dancing since 

she was a little girl, Ms Kumar uses her skills to teach dance at 

school and festivals. 

Having grown up in the years when NZ was not as open to 

outsiders as it is now, Ms Kumar has over the years worked to 

build an inclusive culture within the local boards in Auckland. 

A firm believer of the power of the people, Ms Kumar works 

while keeping the community at the heart of all decisions, while 

leaving politics at the door. 

GHOUSE MAJEED 

General Secretary, 

Mana Andhra Telugu 

Association of NZ 

Social and community work is an inseparable part 

of Ghouse Majeed’s life. As a 17-year-old college 

student in Hyderabad, Mr Majeed learnt of his love 

for the community when he became the Vijayawada 

city President to a student wing of a political party. 

With an aim to continue to build on this passion, he 

achieved a Masters in Sociology and enrolled as an 

advocate in the Vijayawada Bar Council. 

However, life had different plans for him! A chance 

meeting and discussion with an immigration 

consultant led Mr Majeed to migrate to New Zealand 

in 2003. This move into a new country, however, 

didn’t deter him from continuing to engage with his 

community. His love for Indian movies and festivals 

led to an introduction to Mr Jeet Suchdev, Founder of 

Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust, with whom he has 

continued to volunteer for 18 years, developing events in collaboration with 

other community organisations. 

Mr Majeed has been an instrumental part of the Urdu Hindi Cultural 

Association of New Zealand (UHCANZ) for the past ten years. One of 

UHCANZ’s most popular events is Mushaira, Kavi Sammelan and Shame-Ghazal 

– events that give poetry lovers of Hindi and Urdu a platform to 

perform their art and recite their original poems to an audience. Mr Majeed 

has been pivotal in the success of this event and has received the Sahitya 

Sadbhavana Samman Award from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan NZ in Association 

with GOPIO for his contribution to UHCANZ. 

As the General Secretary of a newly formed Mana Andhra Telugu Association 

of New Zealand, Mr Majeed has more recently become actively involved in 

working for the promotion of the Telugu language and culture of Andhra 

Pradesh among Andhraits living in New Zealand. 

This truly reflects upon his deep connections with the community and the 

desire to work with people in a manner to empower them and ensure their 

general well-being. 

Wearing multiple hats as an event coordinator, community helper and 

engaged community leader, Mr Majeed has over the years built a good 

rapport and mana with diverse communities across New Zealand. 

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HARSHAD PATEL QSM 

Former President, Auckland 

Indian Association and 

New Zealand Indian Central 

Association 

A name synonymous with service to the Indian community 

in New Zealand, Harshad Patel is the former President 

of Auckland Indian Association and New Zealand Indian 

Central Association, two of the oldest Indian community 

organisations in New Zealand. 

Mr Patel has been involved in the community for more than 

four decades since as early as mid - 1970s when the size of 

the Indian community was barely about 5000. 

His earliest tryst with community work started with 

seemingly humble beginnings as a music enthusiast who 

volunteered himself and his skills on harmonium to play at modest gatherings, which in those days used to be 

the biggest source of entertainment and connection within the community. 

Subsequently, Mr Patel became an instrumental figure in leading a team to fundraise for the Mahatma Gandhi 

Centre and the Radha Krishna Temple – the two iconic sites for the Kiwi-Indian community. 

With his group of volunteer musicians, Mr Patel raised a substantial amount, especially providing music at the 

Navratri festivals for several years. He remained Chairman of the entertainment committee for 21 years. 

Mr Patel has served the two associations at various levels, including as vice president, member of the board of 

trustees, vice chairman of the board, and twice being president. He was awarded life membership of the AIA 

for his exceptionally dedicated services to the organisation. 

In recognition of his contribution to New Zealand’s communities, Mr Patel was conferred with a Queen’s 

Service Medal in 2010 and the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame Community Service Excellence award in 2019. 

Mr Patel continues to remain active in two association’s work in the community and on the issues important 

to the Kiwi-Indian community. 

ILANGO KRISHNAMURTHY 

Treasurer, NZ Hindu Temple Society 

Well-known in the Kiwi Indian diaspora, 

Ilango Krishnamoorthy has been the voice 

of the local community with the council, and 

the government for many years. A strong 

community leader, Mr Krishnamoorthy 

played a primary role in building the Mangere 

Thiru Subramaniyar Aalayam Temple for the 

people of Auckland. 

A resident of the Manurewa suburb for nearly 

30 years, Mr Krishnamoorthy stood for the 

local board elections in 2019. Inspired by his 

interactions with people and their issues at 

the temple, he aims to bring about a change 

from within. 

A popular personality in South Auckland’s 

Indian community, Mr Krishnamoorthy 

arrived in New Zealand with two university 

degrees in Science and Automotive 

Engineering before graduating with his 

MBA from Waikato University in 1996. A 

people’s person, Mr Krishnamoorthy is a 

strong advocate of developing activities and 

initiatives that keep the Indian culture alive 

in New Zealand. Over the years, he has been 

involved in various community activities 

such as community cleaning, teaching 

Tamil to youngsters, cooking at various 

community events, fundraising, religious and 

multicultural dialogues, family counselling 

and more. 

An experienced business director, Mr 

Krishnamoorthy has been running a successful printing business for the past three decades, along with 

providing services in the community. 

The Thiru Subramaniam Temple facilitates activities beyond pooja services for its community. Under its 

community service arm, the Aalayam Community Service (ACS), the temple runs a radio program, every 

Saturday called Aalayam on Planet FM104.6. The show promotes dualism and understanding of the Vedas, 

provides Q & A on Vethantham, interviews with Sadhus from overseas and Vinayagar, Murugan, Siva, Vishnu 

and Amman songs. This show is presented by Mr Krishnamoorthy. 

Under the ACS Sports Club, the temple also organises cricket matches for the youth every week. 

Bringing his passion for Tamil language and literature, Mr Krishnamoorthy introduced classes for children 

under the name of Aalayam Cultural and Languages School that teaches devotional songs and Tamil to 

children. 

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JEET (PRAMJIT) SUCHDEV QSM 

Founder, Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust 

Winner of the 2018 Community Service Excellence award at 

the Indian Weekender Hall of Fame awards, Mr Jeet Suchdev is 

the founder and CEO of the Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust. A 

journey that began almost 25 years ago, Mr Suchdev has since 

tirelessly worked to provide a better life and support for the 

Indian community in New Zealand. 

Despite having achieved success as a restaurant and tours and 

travel business owner, Mr Suchdev’s heart always lay in helping 

people. Alongside the business, he addressed various issues 

faced by migrants, live on radio, along with his sister, Roopa. 

This was the beginning of his life as a social worker. 

After a few years of juggling the two, Mr Suchdev gave up his 

job as a business owner to become a full-time social worker. Mr 

Suchdev then established Bhartiya Samaj in 2005 with an aim to 

make a ‘positive difference’ in the lives of the Indian community. 

The organization delivers development programs for seniors, 

children, youth, and women & families, to bring about positive 

change to the South Asian community. 

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launching “Aashirwad”, the country’s first culturally appropriate 

rest home at the David Lange Care Home. They were the first 

organization to hold India Independence Day celebrations at 

the Aotea Square in Auckland. 

Mr Suchdev has received many accolades and recognition for 

his years of services to the community. Driven by the power 

of service, Mr Suchdev holds an honorary position of Justice of 

the Peace and a recipient of the Queen’s Service Medal for his 

outstanding contributions and service to the community. 

He was invited twice by the Indian Government to represent NZ Indian Diaspora 

in India on a Panel Discussion. On 15 Aug 2020, the High Commissioner of India 

acknowledged Mr Suchdev’s contribution to the help provided to the Indian 

community during the COVID-19 crisis. 

He was recently appointed as a Trustee of Foundation North, member of “Senior 

Advisory Panel” of Auckland Council governing body and director of “NZ culture 

and media group”, is the chairperson of Akarana Community Trust, Roskill Together, 

trustee of Roopa Aur Aap Charitable Trust, board member of Auckland Indian 

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JIT KAUR 

Founder and President, 

NZ Sikh Women’s Association 

Born in Jalandhar, Jit Kaur, fondly referred 

to as Jitto, was raised in a joint family in 

Malaysia. Migrating to New Zealand in 1952, 

Ms Kaur studied in Auckland while working 

full-time to support people with disabilities. 

A strong advocate for the services and food 

workers union in her early days, Jit Kaur 

was known as an outspoken social activist. 

However, in 2002, three murders related 

to domestic violence in the Auckland 

region within her community led to Ms 

Kaur taking matters into her own hands. 

Asked by former Prime Minister and friend 

Helen Clark to create an organisation 

after a murder-suicide involving an Indian 

mother and her child in South Auckland, 

Ms Kaur established the NZ Sikh Women’s 

Association (NZSWA). 

An issue that hit too close to home, Ms 

Kaur was no stranger to the cycle of family 

violence. A survivor of domestic abuse 

herself, Ms Kaur had helped her own 

daughter move on from her own abusive relationship. Providing a way for 

women to talk about these issues, Ms Kaur aimed to create an association 

that provided comprehensive counselling services, education and refuge for 

stressed-out new migrant families in the region. 

Often ethnic women in New Zealand brought with them minds and bodies that 

were conditioned to the prospect of domestic violence. NZSWA empowers 

women to break this cycle of thinking that subjugates them to antiquated 

patriarchal belief systems. 

Since the launch of NZSWA, Ms Kaur has overcome multiple cultural and 

operational barriers to make a tangible impact within her community. 

Undeterred by all muted and hushed voices within a small minority within the 

community which sought to portray her as family-breaker, than acknowledge 

her as a genuine and compassionate social worker who refused to give up 

on women facing domestic abuse, Ms Kaur is an inspirational role model for 

many in the community. 

Over the years her work has been acknowledged, embraced and welcomed 

within not only the Sikh community but also other diverse communities. 

JYOTHI MALLIKARJUN REDDY 

President, Telangana 

Jagruthi New Zealand 

For the past four years, Jyothi Mallikarjun Reddy has been 

a voice for the Telangana community in New Zealand. 

Since the launch of the Telangana Jagruthi New Zealand 

chapter in 2017, Ms Mallikarjun has slowly but steadily 

solidified her position as a community leader within the 

Kiwi-Indian diaspora. 

Ms Mallikarjun has over the years built a reputation 

as a versatile leader who brings to the table a perfect 

understanding of business, social and political acumen, 

to ensure the success of the community. 

Telangana Jagruthi New Zealand (TJNZ) was established 

on the initiative of Kalvakuntla Kavitha, Member of Lok 

Sabha (Lower House of Indian Parliament) and daughter 

of Telangana Chief Minister Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar 

Rao. Kalvakuntla Kavitha appointed Jyothi Mallikarjun 

Reddy as the President. 

It focuses on three issues of critical importance for the 

community – the floral festival of Bathukamma, women 

empowerment, and international student issues. Along with this, it aims to promote Telangana culture in New 

Zealand. 

Within a short span of time, Telangana Jagruthi has become a household name in Telangana and worldwide. 

Jagruthi has grown synonymous with the Bathukamma festival, a celebration of life, love, and nature, unique to 

Telangana. 

Apart from playing a crucial role in Telangana cultural renaissance, Jagruthi also addresses important issues such 

as women empowerment, up-skilling youth, and health care. By playing manifold significant roles, Jagruthi was 

instrumental in garnering grass-root support for the Statehood of Telangana, which was realized in 2014. 

The New Zealand chapter led by Ms Mallikarjun has worked for the protection and promotion of Telangana 

Culture and Social integration between Telangana State & New Zealand. Ms Mallikarjun has been instrumental in 

having a Kiwi-Indian MP speak at the Telangana Jagruthi International Youth Leadership Conference 2019, held in 

Hyderabad in early 2020. She has also actively facilitated connections between the Telangana state government 

and the Labour government in New Zealand. 

Ms Mallikarjun, who professionally works in the technology sector, aspires to inspire the people of Telangana 

with a sense of pride in their culture. Under her leadership, TJNZ hosted the Bathukamma celebrations, an annual 

celebration event for the community which transcends regional and ethnic boundaries and is attended by local MPs 

and leaders of other community organisations. 

In such a short period of time, Ms Mallikarjun’s influence has grown tremendously which resulted in her being 

selected as one of the award winners of “Naaree of the Year” for her outstanding service and contribution to the 

community. 

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sLUMBERZONE CONGATULATES INDIAN WEEKENDER FOR HOSTING 

THE 8TH KIWI INDIAN HALL OF FAME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2021 

APART FROM CARING FOR YOUR SLEEP, we believe in giving back to society. 

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NANETTE NATHOO QSM 

Law-and-Order Chair, New 

Zealand Indian Central 

Association (NZICA) 

Extending a helping hand is second nature to Nanette Nathoo, 

a Queen’s Service Medal recipient, a business owner, Law and 

Order Chair of the New Zealand Indian Central Association 

(NZICA), Kiwibank Local Hero Medal Recipient for 2019, 

and a community crusader who has an aim to create safer 

communities for all. 

A fourth-generation Kiwi-Indian, Mrs Nathoo is often seen 

at most, if not all community events that focus on issues of 

safety, law, and order. A firm believer that the responsibility of 

crime prevention lies with all of us, Mrs Nathoo works with the 

New Zealand Police, especially as the Law and Order Chair for 

NZICA, to create awareness through appropriate messaging 

about remaining safe in the community. 

Aided by her understanding of the culture and various facets 

of her own community, Mrs Nathoo has been instrumental in 

creating transformational safety campaigns that are targeted 

at the most vulnerable in the community. 

In one of her previous campaigns, Mrs Nathoo worked closely 

with New Zealand Police to cater directly to the elders in the 

migrant communities. NZCIA along with the Police created desktop calendars, 

with a special theme every month on crime prevention. The calendar had themed 

messages for every month around issues such as road safety, reporting a crime, 

personal safety, property crime, financial crime and more. The idea behind the 

campaign was to reach out to a mature demographic in the community who 

primarily rely on desktop calendars than on digital tools to keep a track of their 

week. 

Focusing on the two foundational pillars of any community campaign, Mrs 

Nathoo understands the need to use the power of education and awareness 

to communicate with not only the mature audience but also the social media 

generation. 

NARENDRA BHANA 

Former President, Auckland 

Indian Association Inc 

Having moved to NZ as a 16-year-old, Narendra Bhana soon 

realised that leaving home at a young age meant working hard 

to become successful. A born leader, Mr Bhana rose to the 

challenge and has since become an influential figure in the 

Kiwi-Indian diaspora. 

As the President of the Auckland Indian Association 

Incorporated (AIAI), Mr Narendra Bhana is often the voice of 

the Indian community in New Zealand. Looking out for their 

interests and commenting on issues that matter, Mr Bhana 

commands tremendous influence within and outside the 

community. 

Inspired by seeing his father pursue selfless community 

service in his hometown of Navsari in Gujarat, Mr Bhana 

started his journey with AIAI as a volunteer. He then went on to 

serve as the organisation’s Board of Trustees, Treasurer, Vice- 

President, President, and various sub-committee Chairman. 

Under his presidency, the AIAI successfully connected with 

other Indian community organisations and raised its profile 

with the New Zealand Government and the Indian High 

Commission in Wellington. 

A community leader with over 20 years of experience in the banking and telecom 

sector, Mr Bhana has over the years nurtured his relationships with the Indian and 

extended New Zealand community. In his three years as the President of the AIAI, 

Mr Bhana has had to face unprecedented events, which he has approached and 

tackled in his usual affable manner. 

During the first 2020 lockdown, Mr Bhana regularly kept in touch with the members 

of AIAI and was one of the first Indian associations to start helping those in need 

within the community. As an influential figure, Mr Bhana is passionate about 

delivering outstanding community service and making a positive change. He 

continues to use his position to address the issues of the community. 

During the same campaign, Mrs Nathoo also used visual tools and videos to 

create crime prevention videos, with the help of many other equally passionate 

community members and NZ police. 

An ingenious move that provided the viewer with a glimpse into real-life 

situations of petty crimes like mugging, mobile and bag snatching, Mrs Nathoo 

further cemented her position as a smart, compassionate community leader 

with her fingers on the pulse of the community. 

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NAVNEET KAUR BRAICH 

President, Wellington 

Punjabi Women 

Association 

Hailing from a small town called Hoshiarpur in 

Punjab, Ms Braich always had the ambition to 

help those around her. Brought up in a joint family, 

it was ingrained in Ms Braich since childhood 

that giving someone a hand can change their life. 

She lived by this philosophy in her professional 

life as a teacher in India before migrating to New 

Zealand. 

After marriage, she moved to New Zealand with 

her husband and young son in 2002. Like other 

young migrant families, upon arrival, Ms Braich 

experienced loneliness, isolation and a sense 

of disconnect. However, with the time and the 

support of her family, she slowly started to adjust 

to life in New Zealand and engaged herself in the 

local Wellington cultural events and festivals. 

In 2015, Ms Braich along with Maria Singh 

organised her first ever event to raise funds to 

help build the local Gurudwara. Attended by over 

100 women, Ms Braich and Ms Singh raised some funds which were then donated to the temple. This was 

the start of the Wellington Punjabi Womens Association. 

However, tragedy struck as Maria Singh who was like a daughter to Ms Braich passed away in a tragic 

accident in 2018. Inspired by Maria’s work and dreams for this project, Ms Braich drew on it as a source of 

strength and motivation to create a legacy in her name. 

Wellington Punjabi Womens Association was officially registered in 2018, and since then Ms Braich has 

inspired many Indian and ethnic women in Wellington to bring about small changes to their lives. 

Now, Ms Braich along with her committee members, Sarab Gurmeet Kaur, Karmider Kaur, Harpuneet Bath 

and Jasdeep Kaur work with women across ethnicities. She is further inspired to create an impact with this 

association after meeting and interacting with other women community leaders who were happy to show 

her the way to make a difference in this community. 

NAVTEJ RANDHAWA 

Community leader 

A fourth-generation New Zealander who 

identifies strongly with his Indian roots, Navtej 

Randhawa has been proactively working with 

the Kiwi-Indian diaspora for over 20 years. 

An active representative of the Indian 

community since his university days, Mr 

Randhawa’s straight-talking style has 

endeared him to the business and social 

community in New Zealand. Over the years, 

Mr Randhawa has built and invested in 

businesses that have helped New Zealand 

born Indians kids stay in touch with their 

roots. Founding member of NZ Punjabi 

Foundation, Mr Randhawa is a member of 

the Asia New Zealand Foundation Young 

Leaders Network. 

In recent years, his love, passion and 

advocacy for his own Punjabi heritage and the 

wider Indian diaspora has only increased and 

deserves an undiluted acknowledgement. 

Among some of the multiple initiatives under 

his belt that seek to serve the wider Punjabi and Indian community some of the 

key endeavours are Radio Spice and NZ Punjabi Multimedia Trust. 

Working as a real estate agent in his professional life, Mr Randhawa loves 

South Auckland and enjoys living in Papatoetoe. He feels South Auckland is 

one of the most vibrant parts of Auckland and enjoys working with a diverse 

range of people. He believes in giving back to the community and volunteers 

for community initiatives whether it be neighbourhood support or the local 

board at his son’s school. 

However as part of his multiple roles within different community initiatives he 

is seen connected with various segments of the Kiwi-Indian community all over 

the country. 

His world view for a harmonious and cohesive community life also emanates 

from his own small family life with two loving sons Taj and Adesh, he seems to 

be on a life-long mission to serve the Kiwi-Indian community. 

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NILIMA VENKAT MNZM 

General Manager, Shanti Niwas 

Charitable Trust 

A well-known leader in the Kiwi-Indian 

community, Nilima Venkat grew up experiencing 

the power of service. Seeing her mother being 

the unofficial “aunty” of their society in India, 

Mrs Venkat always wished to contribute to 

the betterment of society. Her wish came true 

when she arrived in New Zealand in 1998 and 

put up her hand to be a volunteer at Shanti 

Niwas Charitable Trust. This was the start of 

an impactful journey that has seen Mrs Venkat 

become a dynamic community leader in New 

Zealand. 

General Manager at Shanti Niwas Charitable 

Trust, Mrs Venkat is a qualified and registered 

social worker, founder member and trustee of 

The Asian Network Inc., trustee of the Sahayata 

Trust, member of Consumer Advisory group of 

Health and Disability Commission, past member 

of the Counties Manukau Police Southeast 

Asian Advisory Board, amongst others. She was 

awarded the Member of the New Zealand Order 

of Merit (MNZM) in 2013 for her contribution to 

the Indian community in New Zealand. 

Having experienced isolation and loneliness as 

a new migrant in New Zealand, Mrs Venkat has over the years worked 

towards strengthening the wellbeing and social cohesion of the most 

vulnerable in our community. As a leader who believes in the power of 

changing the world one person at a time, Mrs Venkat has influenced and 

impacted thousands of senior citizens through her various roles at Shanti 

Niwas Charitable Trust. The organisation has a history of working with 

socially isolated senior citizens of Indian and South Asian origin living 

in the Auckland region. It has a mission to deliver culturally appropriate 

community-based support services with an emphasis on furthering the 

delivery of aged care services, health awareness and healthy lifestyle 

education, assistance with settlement in the New Zealand society, 

networking and partnership with other agencies. 

PAUL PATEL QSM 

President, New Zealand 

Indian Central Association 

Inspired by his desire to see Indian heritage, culture 

and community prosper, Mr Paul Patel has over the 

past four decades worked to raise the profile of the 

community in New Zealand. Having grown up watching 

his entrepreneurial grandfather support local Indian 

families in Dannevirke, Mr Patel from a young age, knew 

that he would contribute to the growth and development 

of his own community. 

Now, as the President of the NZ Central Indian 

Association and previous President of the Central 

Districts Indian Association, an organisation founded by 

his grandfather in 1945 under the name of Manawatū/ 

Hawke’s Bay Indian Association, Mr Patel has ensured 

that Indian across New Zealand have a voice. 

With an intention to bring perspectives and experiences 

of all Indians in New Zealand to the fore, Mr Patel set 

about reviving the then docile Manawatū/Hawke’s Bay 

Indian Association to become the Central Districts 

Indian Association. Mr Patel then brought a national 

focus on the region by creating a connection with the 

New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA) – the 

national umbrella body for regional groups. 

Through his work with the association, Mr Patel has 

since then been heavily involved in representing the 

interest and concerns of the wider Indian community to 

policymakers, advisors, and ministers – from the Indian High Commission, Immigration NZ, the Department 

of Internal Affairs, NZ Police, and the Office of Ethnic Community. 

A proud dad of two, Mr Patel credits his achievements to the sacrifices made by his family. Calling them his 

backbone, Mr Patel is dedicated to making a difference for the future generations of Indians who want to 

maintain their Indian culture while calling New Zealand their home. 

In her many roles, Mrs Venkat developed several successful projects 

such as KHUSHI—Elder abuse and neglect prevention service, Dosti— 

visiting service for the lonely and housebound, SNEH—Emergency 

Housing for the seniors, and a branch of Shanti Niwas in North Shore in 

Auckland. 

Her services to the community have facilitated migrants to become more 

resilient, increase capability, self-determination, and helped towards 

settlement and integration within the local community. In a world where 

six degrees of separation is a reality, Mrs Venkat aims at having a larger 

impact by focusing on changing “small bits” of the world. 

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PRASHANT BELWALKAR 

Founder, Migrant Heritage Charitable 

Trust and Ex-President, 

Auckland Marathi Association 

Love for sports, music and theatre was the thread that 

drew Prashant Belwalkar and his family towards the 

Maharashtrian community in Auckland. 

Saying goodbye to their well-established careers in 

Mumbai, Mr Belwalkar left a promising career as a General 

Manager in an IT company to join his wife Varsha, a senior 

horticulturist with the Leela Group, in New Zealand. Aware 

that they were taking a risk, the couple made the decision 

to move to New Zealand for a better life, with Ms Belwalkar 

arriving first followed by Mr Belwalkar in 2000. 

As with any first-generation migrant, the journey and 

adjustment period in New Zealand was unsettling. However, 

due to their experience, the couple was able to quickly 

stabilise and establish themselves in New Zealand. 

This allowed them time and space to reconnect with their 

culture and passion for poetry and sports through the 

Auckland Marathi Association. While at that stage, the 

association was primarily involved in the Diwali and Ganpati 

festivals, Mr Belwalkar was keen to do more and reach out 

to the wider group. His wife, Varsha was the President of 

the association in 2006 - 2007 while he was the President 

from 2016 - 2018. 

During his tenure, Mr Belwalkar impressed upon 

Maharashtrians’ love for theatre to feature the first fulllength 

Marathi play. He was also instrumental in starting the 

association’s first Marathi magazine which gets contributions from its members. 

Looking to bring the extended Indian community into the conversation, Mr Belwalkar 

also established a structure and raised the popularity of a cricket tournament 

between the different communities of India. The tournament is now in its 24th year. 

Thirteen years in running, Mr Belwalkar is also the founder and trustee of the 

Migrant Heritage Charitable Trust, an organization that promotes performing and 

visual arts, literature and 

Radio in the community and has a motto of “preserving the past, educating the 

future”. 

PRAVIN KUMAR QSM 

Managing Trustee, 

Shri Ram Mandir Charitable Trust 

Known for his business acumen 

and genuine love and desire to 

make a difference in the lives of 

the people around him and the 

community, Mr Pravin Kumar is the 

Managing Trustee of the Shri Ram 

Mandir Charitable Trust. Having led 

the establishment of the temple in 

West Auckland, Mr Kumar has been 

dedicated in his involvement in the 

growth of the temple, its activities for 

the community as well as making it 

into a place that is open to all. 

A profoundly religious and spiritual 

leader, Mr Kumar observed an acute 

need for a community centre and a 

place for religious activities to serve 

a fast-growing Indian and Hindu 

population in the West Auckland 

Area. He led the land purchase 

negotiation for the Shri Ram Mandir 

Charitable Trust along with the plans 

for the temple. He engaged with 

the Hindu community across New 

Zealand and overseas to raise money 

for the construction of the temple 

which was completed in 2015. 

To meet the needs of the community, Mr Kumar ensures that all functions at the 

Mandir are fully catered. He has assembled a large team of volunteers that cook, 

serve, and clean up at the temple. He uses his lifestyle block in West Auckland to 

grow vegetables and provide milk for the temple. 

Over the years, Mr Kumar has led several key initiatives to raise funds and awareness 

for different community organisations. He played a key role in the creation of the 

Waitakere Indian Association and served as its Vice President from 2004 to 2008. 

He was the President of the Waitakere Hindi Language and Cultural School from 

2008 to 2011 and has been a member of the Waitemata Police Ethnic Advisory 

Board since 2017. 

Alongside his commitment to the community, Mr Kumar is well-known in the Kiwi- 

Indian community for his business and trade acumen. 

A Chartered Accountant by profession, Mr Kumar completed his Bachelor of Arts 

degree at the University of the South Pacific. Following a ten-year tenure at the 

Westpac Bank in Fiji, he migrated to New Zealand in 1999. A Senior Associate 

member of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia, Mr Kumar has been 

running his business as the Founder and Managing Director of Lotus Group of 

Companies, which includes Lotus Foreign Exchange Ltd (NZ), Lotus Foreign 

Exchange Pty Ltd (Australia), Lotus Foreign Exchange Ltd (Fiji), and Lotus Gold 

Merchants Ltd (NZ) for over 14 years. 

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ROOPA SUCHDEV QSM 

Founder Roopa Aur Aap Charitable Trust 

A popular name in the Kiwi-Indian 

community, Roopa Suchdev is a media 

personality, mum, radio show host and 

a social activist. A former lecturer and a 

film journalist from India, Ms Suchdev, 

since her move to New Zealand 25 

years ago has impacted the lives of 

thousands of Kiwi-Indian families. 

A leader with steely determination, Ms 

Suchdev has tirelessly championed 

for the cause of the unheard, the often 

unseen and the marginalized in our 

communities. What started as a Q & A 

session on her radio show, led to her 

becoming a popular problem-solving 

figure in the migrant community. 

This led to the launch of Roopa Aur 

Aap Charitable Trust, an organization 

that has served the most vulnerable 

victims of family violence and family 

harm where she serves as a Chief 

Executive Officer. Over the last two 

decades, Roopa Aur Aap Charitable 

Trust has worked with an aim to 

provide culturally appropriate services 

to the victims of family violence so that they can recover and rebuild their lives. In this past 

year with the onset of COVID-19, Ms Suchdev worked quite actively with the community after 

seeing a spike in cases of family violence and depression due to the pandemic. 

For Roopa-Ji, as she is fondly referred to, the purpose of Roopa Aur Aap is simple - to support 

the community and anybody who needs help. 

Apart from Roopa Aur Aap, she is also known for her involvement with the Urdu Hindi Cultural 

Association where she works to spread her love for Urdu and Hindi language. Providing a 

platform for budding and popular poets, Ms Suchdev has, through her years of community 

service, worked for the betterment of the society. 

In 2005, Ms Suchdev was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal by the government of New 

Zealand in recognition of her contributions to community service. She is the President of Urdu- 

Hindi Cultural Association of NZ & Co-founder of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust. 

SHEFALI MEHTA QSM 

President, Global 

Organisation of People of 

Indian Origin 

An opportunity in 1974 turned the wheel of destiny for 

Shefali Mehta and her family. Trailblazing through Fiji, 

Kenya, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, Mrs Mehta 

has for long championed the cause of those in need with 

her good deeds. 

A passionate community worker, Shefali Mehta QSM is very 

well recognized for her work in the various communities in 

the Pacific. In Fiji & Papua New Guinea, Mrs Mehta has 

supported various community organisations and has been 

the chairperson of Cancer Relief Society, Friends of The 

Disabled Association, Red Cross Special Education Centre, 

and Heart Foundation. In recognition of her outstanding 

community service, she was awarded the British Empire 

Medal, Queen’s Birthday List 1994 by the government of 

Papua New Guinea. 

Since 2008, Mrs Mehta has been involved in the work of 

the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) 

and currently also serves as the President of GOPIO 

Auckland Central Chapter. She also serves as the Deputy 

Chairperson for Global India New Zealand and Chairperson 

of the Women’s Wing. 

Alongside this, she is an active member of Rotary Club 

Auckland Harbourside where she developed initiatives to 

raise funds for various community & humanitarian services. A natural networker with connections within 

the extended Indian diaspora, Mrs Mehta helped raise a substantial amount for the Auckland Medical 

Research Foundation, Cure Kids, CanTeen, Starship Children Hospital, St John Ambulance, Leukemia & 

Blood Foundation, Southern Cross Campus School, Mangere. 

Under her Presidency at the Rotary Club Auckland Harbourside, the club contributed $106,890 toward 

Starship Children Hospital and AMRF [Auckland Medical Research Foundation]. She played a pivotal role in 

developing a forum “Peace & Conflict Resolution Forum” for the Rotary and University student’s audience. 

She was involved in the “End Polio Now” campaign, Rotary’s greatest ever program to eliminate poliomyelitis 

throughout the world with the help of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 

Apart from her work with Rotary Club and GOPIO, Mrs Mehta has worked with several community organisations 

to bring about changes for the good of the community. She was a key member of the committee that was the 

driving force behind establishing the first culturally appropriate rest home, developed for senior citizens of 

South Asian Origin by the Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust. She also sits on the committee of the Auckland 

Indian association. 

In recognition for all her work, Mrs Mehta was awarded the Queens Service Medal for her services to the 

Indian Community which has further empowered her to work selflessly for the New Zealanders – to help and 

support the less privileged people in the community at large. 

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SHIVANI ARORA 

Restaurateur, Business Owner and 

Member, Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan in NZ 

SRILATHA MAGATALA 

Known within her close social circles as the 

leading lady of Indian hospitality in New Zealand, 

for owning and managing the two most famous 

restaurants, India Gate & Shivani Vegetarian 

Restaurants in the heart of Papatoetoe and 

Mt Roskill suburbs - Shivani Arora has another 

strong community service side that deserves 

equal attention as the entrepreneurial side of 

her personality. 

Not many people in the community would 

know that Mrs Arora is deeply involved in 

the core team managing the Shirdi Sai Baba 

Sansthan in New Zealand, which eventually led 

to the establishment of the Sai baba temple 

in Onehunga, Auckland, and often dividing her 

time and energy between her business and the 

service to the community. 

In her own words, the basic foundation of her 

restaurant business was laid decades ago when 

at the tender age of 12, she would not only cook 

for her extended family but would go out and 

pick her own spices, roast them and make her 

own special masalas. 

It was this innate desire to build everything from 

scratch that was probably ingrained into her right from the very beginning, 

which prompted her to work on the ground level within the space of community 

work when such calling came from inside of her heart. 

Being a devout follower of Sai Baba, Shivani Arora involved herself in core 

volunteer activities such as managing the temple kitchen along with other 

responsibilities that came her way within the various activities of Shirdi Sai 

Baba Sansthan. 

President, New Zealand 

Telugu Association 

Coming from a joint family in India, Ms Magtala 

missed having the love and support of her parents 

and extended family when she moved to New 

Zealand in 2003. Looking for a way to connect 

with new people, Ms Magatala volunteered to 

cook dinner for 300 people at a New Zealand 

Telugu Association event, and thus began her 

journey of community work in New Zealand. 

As with any young family that moves to New 

Zealand, Ms Magatala and her husband initially 

struggled to find the right balance between 

their personal and professional lives. Realising 

that this life is not the life they wanted for their 

children, Ms Magatala then started a courier 

franchise followed by taking up contract work in 

the taxi industry, which allowed her the flexibility 

to be with her growing children, and manage her 

community commitments. 

And as they say, behind every great woman is 

a family that’s cheering her on, inspired by her 

husband’s work as the President of the New 

Zealand Telugu Association, Ms Magatala went 

from being a volunteer of the association to now 

serving her third term as its President. Motivated 

by the difference their parents’ work has made 

to the community, Ms Magatala’s two daughters 

have also been engaged in community work of 

their own. 

For quite a long time, she has remained deeply involved in Sansthan’s activities 

in Sai Temple as a committed volunteer worker without allowing the glamour 

and the glitz of being a successful businesswoman to impact in any manner. 

The fact that she has a supporting family, including husband Kuldeep Arora 

and three children, who equally shares her passion for excellence in business 

and service to the community – keep her going strong – in this life journey. 

The New Zealand Telugu Association was established in 1998 with an intention to maintain the culture of 

Telugu people of India. Since Ms Magatala’s involvement, the association has invested in initiatives that 

focus on giving back to the community such as blood donation camps, meals on wheels for the elderly, 

health awareness programs, badminton competitions and ‘go green’ campaigns with Auckland Council. 

With an aim to be more inclusive, Ms Magatala continues to work with other ethnic and community 

organisations, looking for opportunities of collaboration and knowledge sharing. 

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SUCHARITA VARMA 

Director, Sahaayta 

A champion for the vulnerable, Sucharita Varma has 

been an influential figure in the social services sector 

for the past 11 years. Hailing from Hyderabad in 

Southern India, Ms Varma migrated to New Zealand 

in 2001. Continuing her passion for helping people, 

Ms Varma established Sahaayta Counselling and 

Social Support in Counties Manukau in 2013 with a 

vision to enhance the status, health and well-being 

of the South-Asian community through holistic, 

confidential and culturally appropriate services. 

Ms Varma comes from a counselling background 

and is passionate about working with families, 

especially from migrant and refugee backgrounds. 

She is particularly interested in family counselling 

where she uses a holistic approach in her work with 

her clients. 

She is responsible for creating a model and providing 

oversight for the service delivery for Gandhi NIwas, 

an organisation that provides early intervention 

services for men identified at risk of committing 

family harm. 

A vocal and public figure, Ms Varma has over 

the years brought comfort and solace to many 

survivors of family violence, while also working with 

offenders to reform their lives. Having experienced 

and observed the cultural needs of diverse cultures, 

Ms Varma has over the years worked with various 

agencies to bring about changes through policy, 

counselling and discussions. 

SUNIL KAUSHAL 

President, Waitakere Indian Association 

When Sunil Kaushal migrated to New Zealand more than 

25 years ago with a degree from NIIT (National Institute 

of Information Technology) – one of India’s coveted 

educational institutions – his first job in this country was 

to milk 370 cows. 

From learning the ropes of farming and loving every bit of 

it, Mr Kaushal went on to become a pioneer of business 

exchange between India and New Zealand. Known for his 

business acumen, Mr Kaushal is equally invested in the 

growth and development of the Kiwi-Indian community. 

President of the Waitakere Indian Association 

Incorporated (WIAI), Mr Kaushal has been instrumental in 

commissioning a report of the economic contribution of 

NZ – Indians in 2020. In his three years as the President, 

he has developed many initiatives that have enhanced the 

reputation and profile of the association. 

Apart from WIAI, Mr Kaushal is the Member Of The 

Board Of Advisors at Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa, which 

provides funding for programmes or projects delivering 

play, active recreation and sport experiences for tamariki 

and rangatahi. He is the Board Trustee of the Auckland 

Diving Community Trust and Board Member for the 

Community Organisation Grant Scheme - Waitakere, 

Auckland, New Zealand. He is also a part of the Ethnic 

Peoples Advisory Panel. 

Driven to create a better world for his children, he firmly 

believes in the need to look after our community by being 

a part of the community. “Avoid working in silos and 

within just one’s own communities,” is the driving mantra for Mr Kaushal that he follows himself religiously 

and encourages others to do the same for bringing the real change and create a socially cohesive society. 

Supported by a wife and four kids, Mr Kaushal wants to bring more accountability amongst community 

leaders like himself so that the community remains vigilant and receptive towards positive social change. 

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VAI RAVINDRAN 

President, Auckland Tamil Association 

As the President of the Auckland Tamil 

Association, Vai Ravindran is well known for 

his service, initiatives, and ideas to nurture the 

Tamil population in Auckland. 

Inspired by his father who was a leader 

in the community and worked to enhance 

people’s lives through education, Mr Ravindran 

followed the same mantra when he started the 

Muthtamil Sangam in 2001, as well as became 

the President for the Hindu Temple Society and 

the Vice-President for the Vedanta Educational 

Society. Under his tenure as the President, the 

Auckland Tamil Association has gone from 

strength to strength and has even held the 

Tamil New Year celebrations in the Parliament. 

Born in Madurai, Mr Ravindran and his family 

moved to New Zealand in 1996. Leaving 

behind a pump manufacturing company with 

a 50-member production team, Mr Ravindran 

relocated to New Zealand to explore new and 

different opportunities. However, this experience 

came with its own struggles as despite having a 

degree in Mechanical Engineering and leading a 

business in India, he struggled to find a suitable 

job in New Zealand. As luck would have it, his 

resume was spotted by the management team 

of a company where he had applied for an 

admin job. Impressed with his experience, he 

was offered the position of line supervisor and 

the rest, as they say, is history. 

Leading the Auckland Tamil Association, Vai has been at the forefront of harnessing the potential of the 

Tamil community in Auckland through various social, cultural and educational initiatives. 

Over the years, Mr Ravindran’s passion, commitment and energy has refused to diminish and has instead 

increased manifold, as reflected in his tireless advocacy for Tamil speaking people not only in Auckland but 

places far and beyond all over New Zealand. 

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