Lara Zijl 
The first New Zealand Hindu Women Conference, held on Saturday, 20 September 2025 in Wellington, symbolises a landmark moment for women’s empowerment and leadership in New Zealand’s Hindu community. The event, hosted by the Hindu Women Forum at the Auditorium Hall of the High Commission of India, brings together visionaries, leaders, community advocates, and government representatives under the theme “Promoting Women – Strengthening Communities.” This detailed article covers the conference programme, speakers, themes, and its broader impact on society.
Setting the Stage: Purpose, Vision, and Participation
The NZ Hindu Women Forum, a division of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, designed the conference as a national gathering for women across ages, backgrounds, and professional sectors. The day-long event fosters dialogue and learning focused on strengthening female leadership in families, organisations, and the public sector. It celebrates achievements, highlights challenges, and explores actionable pathways to uplift women within the Hindu community, while welcoming allies from all walks of life.
Registration is open to women, supportive men, students, and community leaders, with special student entry incentives. Collaborative support is provided by the HOTA Forum New Zealand and the High Commission of India.
Conference Programme: Welcome and Inaugural Session
The gathering begins with registration and refreshments, setting an atmosphere of hospitality and connection. The Master of Ceremony, Tanya Mehra from HWF Auckland, oversees proceedings.
Highlights of the opening session include:
- Lighting of ceremonial lamps to honour tradition and unity.
- Prayers led by Māori and Hindu elders, emphasising interfaith respect and shared values.
- Welcome address by Vijeshni Rattan, President of Hindu Council NZ (Wellington Chapter).
- Messages on the community service of Hindu women by Manisha Morar, President, Wellington Indian Association.
- Addresses by Her Excellency Neeta Bhushan, High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, and Hon Nicola Grigg, NZ Minister for Women.
- Blessings and best wishes from community leaders across multiple cities.
These elements highlight the importance of faith, tradition, and international partnership in grounding the conference.
Plenary Session 1: Leadership and Decision-Making Across Organisations
Chaired by Geeta Devi from HOTA Forum Victoria, this session delves into governance and leadership within Hindu temples, associations, and community organisations. Women representatives from New Zealand’s major Hindu groups, including BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Chinmaya Mission, Art of Living Foundation, ISKCON, and others, share experiences and best practices.
Key topics include:
- The power of networking and collaboration, with insights drawn from international experiences.
- Strategies to strengthen women’s voices in organisational governance.
- Academic perspectives from Dr Vithya Yogarajan, University of Waikato, on effective decision-making.
Audience Q&A rounds enable interactive learning and further clarify points raised by speakers.
Plenary Session 2: Working with Government Agencies
This session, chaired by Dr Melissa Derby, Race Relations Commissioner, focuses on the intersection of community work and government partnership. Representatives from agencies such as the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, Ministry of Social Development, NZ Police, and the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment share insights.
Topics covered:
- Effective approaches for community organisations to engage and collaborate with government bodies.
- Empowering women’s participation in policymaking, advocacy, and public services.
- Innovative solutions for challenges like immigration, public safety, and social welfare.
Panel discussions are followed by audience questions, fostering constructive dialogue and practical takeaways.
Plenary Session 3: Hindu Women in Public Leadership
Led by Prabha Ravi, Director of Grow Consultancy, this session explores the roles of Hindu women in governance, politics, and public administration.
Session highlights:
- Personal leadership stories and inspirational journeys.
- Dr Arpita Das from the NZ Public Service Commission delivers insights on values-driven decision-making and governance.
- Loveleen Dobhal, Coordinator for Queenstown, illustrates the impact of women leaders in unifying communities in the South Island.
- Komal Sahani, Coordinator of Hindu Youth New Zealand Rotorua, presents youth leadership models to empower the next generation.
- Opportunities to ask questions encourage the audience to share perspectives and express ambitions.
Plenary Session 4: Leadership in Academia, Media, and Public Service
Chaired by Dr Pushpa Wood from Massey University, this session explores the diverse realms Hindu women are entering and excelling in, such as technology, academia, outdoor achievements, and public service.
Key speakers include:
- Ambica Dixit, Principal Partner in Data, AI & Robotics, discussing tech sector leadership.
- Namitha Raj, Wellington IT professional, shares experiences from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, reflecting on resilience and adventure.
- Anuradha Singh from NZ Customs, demonstrates the progression from community service into influential leadership roles.
Practical and motivational elements underscore the session, inspiring attendees to pursue excellence in every field.
Closing Session: Reflections and Networking
The day concludes with closing remarks and reflections from Dr Julia Anne of the Hindu Heritage Centre Rotorua. Nitika Sharma, General Secretary of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, outlines actionable pathways forward, and Shyama Kumar delivers a heartfelt vote of thanks.
A networking segment, accompanied by tea and coffee, allows attendees to forge new relationships and set the stage for ongoing collaboration.
Key Features: Leadership, Collaboration, and Recognition
Throughout the conference, keynote addresses and panel discussions spotlight the achievements and contributions of Hindu women to New Zealand society. Recognition of outstanding community leaders and cultural performances add to the celebratory and inclusive spirit of the event.
Sessions on public leadership, decision-making, and working with government agencies extend beyond academic exploration into actionable steps for community development and gender equity.
Partnerships, Cultural Bridges, and Networking
Invitation and participation from government representatives, community leaders, and international speakers demonstrate strong cross-sector partnerships. Inclusion of Māori prayer and leadership in opening ceremonies symbolises the conference’s commitment to biculturalism and New Zealand’s values of unity in diversity.
Networking opportunities facilitate ongoing mentorship, professional advancement, and innovation. The event encourages intergenerational dialogue, ensuring young women leaders are supported as they rise.
Pathways for Empowerment
Workshops, discussion panels, and interactive segments offer concrete tools for:
- Strengthening governance in temples and organisations.
- Building personal and collective capacity for leadership and advocacy.
- Connecting community groups with government agencies.
- Advancing career, education, and public service opportunities for women.
- Fostering mental health, resilience, and community connectedness.
Academic input, lived experiences, and practical advice form an integrated roadmap for attendees.
Celebrating Diversity and Resilience
The conference welcomes women from all backgrounds—professional, academic, youth, and senior leaders. Cultural performances and faith-based ceremonies enrich the programme, affirming identity and belonging.
Recognition is given to trailblazers and unsung heroes alike, encouraging all women to participate in community building and social transformation.
Summary
The 1st NZ Hindu Women Conference marks a defining moment for empowerment, leadership, and collaboration in the Hindu community and beyond. By bringing together voices from across the country, the event lays the foundation for strong, diverse, and resilient communities aligned with Aotearoa’s multicultural values. The conference represents much more than a day’s proceedings—it is a platform for shaping New Zealand’s future, led by women committed to service, inclusion, and excellence.
