Lara Zijl 
The Hindu Council of New Zealand (HCNZ) has officially announced the sixth New Zealand National Hindu Conference, set to take place on Saturday, 16 May 2026, at the Swaminarayan Complex, ISSO, in Auckland.
Held under the theme “Growing Communities, Thriving New Zealand”, the one-day gathering aims to bring together Hindu community leaders, youth, women, academics, professionals, and community organisations from across Aotearoa for dialogue, collaboration, and strategic planning for the future of Hindu life in New Zealand.
With more than 200,000 Hindus now calling New Zealand home, the conference comes at a pivotal moment for a community that has grown significantly in both size and influence over the past two decades.
“The National Hindu Conference has become a key platform for discussing issues affecting the Hindu community in Aotearoa,” said Dr Vinay Karanam, Conference Coordinator and Joint General Secretary of HCNZ. “With more than 200,000 Hindus now calling New Zealand home, the conference aims to strengthen community cohesion while also exploring ways for Hindus to contribute positively to the social, cultural, and civic life of the country.”
Professor Guna Magesan, President of HCNZ, emphasised the event’s role in fostering collective identity and forward momentum.
“We are encouraged to see young leaders such as Dr Karanam taking a leading role in organising this national conference. It reflects the strength and continuity of leadership within our community,” Professor Magesan said. “We encourage more young people to step forward, take initiative in community work, and contribute positively to New Zealand society.”
He added: “We are Hindus who are proud New Zealanders, and proud New Zealanders who are Hindu. This conference provides an opportunity for us to come together, listen to one another, and chart a bold and united path forward for our community in Aotearoa.”
Six Thematic Sessions to Shape Community Future
The conference programme will feature six focused sessions addressing critical areas for the growth and wellbeing of New Zealand’s Hindu diaspora.
Key topics include engagement with government agencies on community safety, education, settlement support, and ethnic community services. A dedicated youth session will explore identity, leadership, belonging, and the lived experiences of young Hindus growing up in Aotearoa.
Other sessions will examine Hindu participation in public life—including representation in politics, public administration, the judiciary, and law enforcement—and the role of academia and media in shaping how Hindu perspectives are represented in research, education, and public discourse.
The final session will focus on strengthening unity across New Zealand’s diverse Hindu community, recognising its wide range of linguistic, cultural, and regional traditions. It will also highlight the vital role of temples, language schools, cultural organisations, and denominational institutions in preserving and transmitting Hindu knowledge, values, and community life for future generations.
Community Invited to Participate, Contribute, and Lead
The Hindu Council of New Zealand has opened registration for delegates from across the country. Attendance is open to members of the Hindu community as well as interested members of the wider public who wish to engage in the discussions.
Registration is now live at: hcnz.org/nznhc2026/register
Beyond attendance, the organisers are inviting community members to join the Conference Organising Committee, offering a chance to contribute skills and help shape one of the most significant gatherings for Hindus in Aotearoa. Expressions of interest can be submitted at: hcnz.org/nznhc2026/committee
The conference is also seeking speakers, presenters, and panellists to contribute to session discussions. Community leaders, academics, professionals, youth representatives, and subject matter experts are encouraged to submit expressions of interest. Presentations will typically run for 10–15 minutes and should provide evidence-based insights and practical recommendations.
Speaker submission deadline: 15 April 2026
Submit at: hcnz.org/nznhc2026/speaker
Volunteers are also needed to assist with conference operations on the day, including registration, session support, hospitality, and media coordination. Volunteer registration is available at: hcnz.org/nznhc2026/volunteer
Businesses, community organisations, and institutions are invited to support the event through sponsorship partnerships. Sponsorship offers an opportunity to connect with the Hindu community across Aotearoa while supporting an event focused on dialogue, leadership, and community development. Enquiries: hcnz.org/nznhc2026/sponsor
About the Hindu Council of New Zealand
The Hindu Council of New Zealand is a national representative body registered with the Charities Commission (CC54548) and holding donee organisation status from Inland Revenue. The Council works to promote the interests, welfare, and cultural identity of Hindus in Aotearoa New Zealand, engaging with government, community groups, and wider society while supporting cultural, educational, and community initiatives nationwide.
Conference at a Glance
- Date: Saturday, 16 May 2026
- Venue: Swaminarayan Complex, ISSO Auckland
- Host: Hindu Council of New Zealand
- Theme: Growing Communities, Thriving New Zealand
- Website: www.hcnz.org/nznhc2026
Media and General Enquiries
Dr Vinay Karanam
Conference Coordinator – 6th New Zealand National Hindu Conference
Email: info@hcnz.org
Phone: 022 396 6989
