Auckland, 30 August 2026 — The Hindu Women Forum New Zealand (HWFNZ), a service division of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, today concluded the 2nd New Zealand Hindu Women Conference at the Swaminarayan Complex, Papatoetoe, Auckland — a landmark gathering that brought together Hindu women from across Aotearoa under the inspiring theme: Women Entrepreneurs – Leading Progress, Powering Prosperity.

More than 250 delegates from Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hawke's Bay, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown attended — more than double the 125 delegates at the inaugural 2024 conference held at the Indian High Commission in Wellington, which was organised in just six weeks. This extraordinary growth signals the unmistakable momentum building behind the Hindu Women Forum's national vision. In a gesture of deep compassion, the Committee announced that 50% of all entry fees would be donated to the Nepal Flood Relief Fund — a reminder that community leadership is always rooted in service.

Inaugural Session: Setting the Tone

The conference was formally opened by Chief Guest H.E. Ms. Muanpuii Saiawi, High Commissioner of Bharat to Aotearoa New Zealand, whose diplomatic address elevated the day's significance considerably. Her Excellency announced that India–New Zealand relations have been elevated to a Strategic Partnership following Prime Minister Modi's visit to Auckland, and that the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement was finalised in a record nine months — India's fastest-ever FTA and its first women-led trade deal, with negotiating teams primarily comprising women. Under the FTA, New Zealand eliminates tariffs on 100% of tariff lines, while India offers cuts on 70% of tariff lines covering 95% of bilateral trade. Notably, Article 12.4 of the Agreement explicitly commits both parties to foster women's entrepreneurship, remove barriers to trade and investment for women, and promote SME participation — a provision of direct relevance to every delegate in the room.

The keynote address was delivered by Dame Ranjna Patel DNZM, Trustee of the International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation — a pioneering community leader, healthcare innovator, and philanthropist. Dame Ranjna issued a compelling five-point call to action for Hindu women across Aotearoa: to Serve — contributing time, knowledge, and skills without seeking recognition; to Lead — stepping forward without waiting for permission and embracing failure as part of growth; to Empower — bringing other women along and opening doors rather than closing them; to Connect — building relationships beyond the Hindu community, engaging with Māori, Pacific, and mainstream networks; and to Inspire — modelling service and leadership so the next generation follows naturally. She observed that while women readily volunteer for community work, they often resist stepping into formal leadership roles, and called on the community to actively encourage that transition. Economic empowerment through entrepreneurship, she said, creates not only business value but employment, mentorship, and broader societal benefit.

Member of Parliament Dr Parmjeet Parmar — the first Indian-born woman elected to the New Zealand Parliament — broadened the definition of entrepreneurship to encompass risk-taking in any life domain: science, public service, and the arts, as much as business. She encouraged delegates to redefine prosperity as Santosh — contentment and security — rather than financial growth alone, and challenged every woman in the room to ask difficult questions, back herself, and back one another.

The inaugural session was ably led by Master of Ceremonies Junoo Sharma, with a moving salutation to ancestors by Dhruvi Kantharia of Hindu Youth New Zealand, a warm welcome address by Joint Coordinator Neelu Taore, and formal thanks extended by Coordinator Tanya Mehra. Regional blessings were offered by delegates representing Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Wellington, and Christchurch, with a shared call to support women's transition from participation into leadership, to preserve Hindu heritage while contributing fully to New Zealand society, and to prioritise intergenerational mentorship.

Key Outcomes and Session Highlights

Session 2: Hindu Women Entrepreneurs Network, moderated by award-winning mortgage adviser Rachana Dave — recognised as the first Indian woman to receive a Best Financial Adviser award in New Zealand — explored the transformative economic landscape now open to New Zealand's Hindu women entrepreneurs. Dr Amita Fotedar, Senior Policy Adviser at the Ministry for Primary Industries and coordinator of Hindu Women Forum Wellington, provided a comprehensive briefing on the New Zealand–Bharat Free Trade Agreement, projected to boost New Zealand's GDP by $658 million NZD by 2050. Delegates were reminded that meeting Rules of Origin requirements will be essential to fully realise these benefits.

Raewyn Bhana, Manurewa Local Board member, Justice of the Peace, and Queen's Service Medal recipient, spoke compellingly on building Hindu-Māori business connections in Aotearoa. Binal Nagar of Unitec Institute of Technology shared her personal journey of entrepreneurial growth rooted in dharma and community. Dr Julia Anne, Founder and Managing Director of Look After Me and Manager of the Hindu Heritage Centre in Rotorua, presented her holistic wellness model integrating physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. A pilot immersive wellness experience is scheduled for Rotorua, 15–22 November 2026.

Session 3: Hindu Women in Public Leadership was chaired by Sarisha Rameshlall Komal, education specialist, author, and holistic counsellor, who anchored the session in the Bhagavad Gita's teaching: "Evenness of mind is yoga." Nalini Dutt, National Manager of AA Home and Director of Rape Prevention Education, articulated a Dharma-Vivek-Karma leadership framework. Dr Sheerali Arya of the University of Waikato College mapped pathways for Hindu women in academia. Ashima Singh — the first Indian-born New Zealand lawyer appointed to the Notaries Society of New Zealand — delivered an electrifying account of resilience and purpose. Sangita Gupta, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Webfit News and member of the NZ Media Council, challenged delegates to claim their rightful place as experts and decision-makers in media.

Session 4: Hindu Women in Professional and Community Leadership was chaired by Archana Newaskar, Senior Manager at Health NZ and AI and digital transformation leader. Nonita Jaura of the Ministry of Social Development highlighted the ripple effect of public sector leadership. Minaben Bhagwandas of Gayatri Pariwar Wellington called on communities to raise children who ask not "What will you become?" but "Who will you become?" Archna Devi of the University of Canterbury delivered a moving address on the legacy of Girmit women, whose resilience across generations continues to inspire. Loveleen Dobhal Malhan spoke to community-building across the South Island, championing Sanatan Dharma from Queenstown.

A restorative yoga and meditation session was led by Amita Changoiwala of Yogami Classical Hatha Yoga, drawing on classical Hatha Yoga and Sadhguru's teachings.

Conference Milestones

The 2nd NZ Hindu Women Conference also marked several firsts: business stalls were introduced for the first time, with all spots booked within one week of opening. Future conferences are already planned for Christchurch (Year 3) and Hamilton (Year 4), cementing HWFNZ's status as a genuinely national movement. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing community initiative, scheduled for 10 October 2026, has already attracted over 90 registrations.

The closing session was chaired by Archna Tandon ONZM, JP, with the Way Forward presented by Joint Coordinator Sonali Hegde and a heartfelt vote of thanks by Sponsorship Coordinator Pallavi Sinha.

The Way Forward: 3rd New Zealand Hindu Women Conference

The 3rd New Zealand Hindu Women Conference will be held in Christchurch in 2027, led by Coordinators Archna Tandon ONZM, JP and Archna Devi. Women wishing to volunteer with or join Hindu Women Forum NZ are encouraged to connect with the coordinating team directly.

Upcoming events include Dharma Fest (Saturday, 12 September 2026 — free community event with workshops, ethnic stalls, and games), the Raksha Bandhan Celebration (12 September, from 4 pm), and the Hindu Elder Conference – Gold Part 3 (Saturday, 3 October 2026).

Our Generous Sponsors and Vibrant Business Stalls

The Forum extends its deepest gratitude to all sponsors and stallholders whose generous support made this conference possible.

Valued Sponsors:

• Shivani Restaurants and Shivani Bakery — Eggless & vegetarian delights, freshly baked cakes, pastries, breads, and warm ambience for family dinners, events, and celebrations.
• Malabar Gold & Diamonds — Located at 588 Chapel Road, Town Centre Drive, Botany Town Centre, Auckland; offering certified natural, responsibly sourced diamonds, 100% value on diamond exchange, and complete transparency.
• Range International Property Investment — Himanshu Saharan, Director, Range Australasia (award-winning Dubai real estate investment advisory supporting New Zealand and Australian investors; h.saharan@range.ae; +64 21 200 0010).
• HLA – Home Loan Advocate — Malini Sivananthan, Registered Financial Adviser (FSP 406006); fast approvals and smarter home loans across first home buying, mortgage refinancing, debt consolidation, build/investment loans, and bridging loans (www.homeloanadvocate.co.nz; malini@homeloanadvocate.co.nz).
• Ann's Funeral Services — Sam Achary and team, 11c Bolderwood Place, Wiri, Auckland; owned and operated by the Achary Family, serving the community with dignity, fairness, and compassion for over 34 years from purpose-built facilities where all rituals can be performed without restrictions (www.annsfuneral.co.nz; sam@annsfuneral.co.nz).
• Savorit NZ — Sensory delight in every bite; premium Indian food, authentic sweets and snacks, luscious finger foods, and corporate and private event catering (0800 47 47 86; savorit.nz).
• Mandap Events & Hire — New Zealand's premier event and hire specialists for weddings, corporate events, venue styling, and décor (0800 MANDAP / 0800 626 327; www.mandap.co.nz).
• One Stop Consultancy Services — Wholesale and retail solutions, web development, digital marketing, accounting, immigration advice, IT consulting, student support, and security services (0800 222 107; info@onestopconsultancy.co.nz; onestopconsultancy.co.nz).
• 10/7 Security Services — Professional security solutions across Auckland including static guards, event security, mobile patrols, construction site security, alarm response and monitoring, retail loss prevention, concierge security, and CCTV installation (0222 107 107 / 0800 222 107; we@tenseven.co.nz; www.tenseven.co.nz).
• Bank of Baroda — Supporting New Zealand's Indian community with trusted banking services, home loans with cash back up to 1%, competitive interest rates, top-up loan facilities, quick approvals, and flexible tenures up to 30 years (Auckland and Wellington branches; www.bankofbaroda.co.nz).
• satvikMe — Ayurveda for clarity, balance, and wellbeing; offering workshops, courses, and personalised guidance with Ayurvedic educator Veda (www.satvikme.com; hello@satvikme.com).
• Star Property Management — Pallavi Tendulkar (+64 22 500 1180) and Devang Bhate (+64 22 500 1195), managing properties across Auckland.
• Bhavesh Patel, Bayleys Real Estate — Licensed salesperson, 778 Manukau Road, Royal Oak, Auckland (09 624 3900; 021 296 7751; bhavesh.patel@bayleys.co.nz; bayleys.co.nz).
• Relianz Forex — Trusted partner in currency exchange offering competitive rates, and fast, secure, and reliable foreign exchange services (0508 411 111; info@relianzforex.com; relianzforex.com).
• Hillside Automotive — Complete automotive care you can trust, offering servicing, repairs, WOF and safety checks, diagnostics, brakes, clutches, suspension, and electrical/mechanical work for all makes and models (719 Richardson Road, Mt. Roskill, Auckland; 09 625 2360; 021 124 4364; info@hillsideautomotives.co.nz; www.hillsideautomotives.co.nz).
• Kaya Hair & Beauty — Beauty at one spot; offering hair treatments (permanent straightening, nanoplasty, botox, hair spa), haircuts, coloring, styling, threading, nails, makeup, henna tattoos, massages, tinting, waxing, and facials (174 Karangahape Road, Auckland City; 022 675 0402).
• Karma Sweets — 100% pure vegetarian and eggless/gelatin-free authentic Indian and Pakistani sweets made fresh daily, alongside complete catering services for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, festivals, parties, and corporate events (Pukekohe Road, Ponga, Auckland; +64 21 792 272; www.karmasweets.co.nz).
• Sharp Finance Ltd — Raj Rai (021 022 739 69), your home loan specialist helping Kiwi families with first home buyer loans, investment property loans, home loan refinancing, personal insurance, debt consolidation, car loans, and KiwiSaver guidance (www.sharpfinance.nz).
• FinSight NZ Ltd — Precision bookkeeping, local expertise, and financial clarity for your business; offering bookkeeping, payroll services, GST returns, year-end financials, management reporting, cash flow management, budgeting and forecasting, Xero/cloud accounting, business advisory, and accounts payable/receivable management (022 522 5897; niftysanup670@gmail.com; www.finsightnz.com).
• Kiwi Kitchen Studio — Your kitchen cabinet expert providing custom designs, expert craftsmanship, premium quality, and end-to-end solutions from design to installation (3/90 Station Rd, Otahuhu; 027 312 5401; kiwikitchenstudio@gmail.com; www.kiwikitchenstudio.co.nz).
• Junoon Restaurant — Authentic Indian cuisine featuring fresh ingredients and expertly prepared dishes for weddings, birthdays, office events, and family gatherings (228 Orakei Road, Remuera; 09 600 3169; www.junoon.co.nz).
• Ixcel Financial Solutions — Poonam Kumar, Director and Chief Financial Advisor, recognized as an NZA Elite Woman and Top 25 Broker, providing expert mortgage and financial advisory services.
• Nexan Finance Consultancy (A Saarthi Group Company) — Vishal Pandya, Financial Consultant, offering financial planning and advisory, SME and business advisory, strategic financial reporting, portfolio management, long-term wealth creation, and global financial guidance (+64 21 405 579; saarthifinance@gmail.com).
• Artworkszone — Bidisha, UX/UI designer and founder, specialising in UX design, branding, and digital experiences (Auckland; artworkszone.com; bidisha@artworkszone.com).
• Gyani Whānau Holistic Counselling & Education Empowerment Facilitation — Ms. Sarisha R. Komal, Master of Community Development and Education Specialist, providing evidence-informed cognitive behavioural practice and holistic counselling supporting women, individuals, and whānau locally and internationally (Auckland / Online; 021 136 2461).
• H28 Automate — Herasha Randhir, Account Manager, providing automation and business solutions (Karaka, Auckland; +64 21 961 229; herasha@h28.co.nz; h28.co.nz).
• Revive Beauty & Hair — Reshma Mandalia, offering beauty and hair services (Manukau; 021 171 8797; www.revivebeautyhair.co.nz).
• Mana-Ora — Marlini Naidoo, career coach providing career coaching, career transition, workshop delivery, and student career planning for years 11–13 (021 211 2307).
• 9ine Finance Solutions — Nikki Kapadia, Financial Adviser (FSP 101115), your partner in the mortgage journey helping Kiwi families with home loans, refinancing/restructuring, business loans, personal loans, and KiwiSaver guidance (0274 555 574; Nikki@9ine.co.nz; 9ine.co.nz).
• Pharmacy And Natural Therapies — A comprehensive health hub combining traditional pharmacy care with authentic Ayurvedic medicine, natural remedies, and expert consultations (173 Karangahape Road, Newton, Auckland; 09 377 4230).
• The Finance Hub — Sunaina Sachdeva, Insurance Adviser, protecting what matters most with life insurance, health insurance, trauma cover, and income protection (022 850 0013; sunaina.sachdeva@financehub.co.nz; www.financehub.co.nz).
• AKS by Junoo — Junoo Sharma, providing event management, digital marketing, and professional emcee services (021 027 27889; aksbyjunoo@gmail.com).
• Kiwi Ana NZ — Ananya Narayan, Financial Advisor/Director (FSP 577627), providing insurance services covering life, health, income, trauma, business, mortgage, fire and general, and wills (021 0727 017; ananya.narayan@kiwiananz.com; www.kiwiananz.com).

The conference also featured a vibrant array of business stalls, coordinated with great care by Madhavi Ashok Vora, showcasing the entrepreneurial talent, creativity, and diversity of New Zealand's Hindu women-led businesses. The Forum thanks every stallholder for bringing energy, community, and enterprise to the day.

The closing kirtan session, performed by the Meditation NZ Kirtan Band, provided a spiritually uplifting conclusion to a truly remarkable gathering.

About Hindu Women Forum New Zealand

Hindu Women Forum New Zealand is a service division of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, dedicated to empowering Hindu women through leadership, entrepreneurship, community service, and the preservation of cultural heritage across Aotearoa New Zealand. Empowered Women. Stronger Families. Prosperous Communities. United in Dharma. Leading with Purpose.

Media Enquiries:

Hindu Women Forum New Zealand,
A Service Division of Hindu Council of New Zealand
info@women.hcnz.org
www.hcnz.org