The New Zealand Royal Honours system remains a pinnacle of national gratitude, celebrating citizens who demonstrate outstanding service and achievement. Over the years, this prestigious system has highlighted the diverse ways in which individuals enrich society, acknowledging substantial contributions across a wide spectrum of fields, including education, health, communities, business, commerce, racing, and other vital sectors.

The 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List continues this proud tradition of elevating exceptional leadership and community dedication. This year, the highest echelons of the Honours see the appointment of two women as Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit and four men as Knights Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Beyond these prominent titles, the list comprises scores of other dedicated individuals whose tireless work across various sectors has driven progress and fostered unity throughout the nation.

Achievers from the South Asian Community

Zealandia News congratulates seven outstanding members of the South Asian community for their exceptional achievements in this year’s list. Archna Tandon has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, while Dr Shuchi Kothari, Dr Sumati Govind, and Dr Udaya Samarakkody have been named Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Furthermore, the King’s Service Medal has been awarded to Raveen Annamalai, Dr Shanthi Selvakumar, and Vijeshni Rattan. Through their selflessness, professionalism, and deep commitment to the well-being of others, these recipients bring immense pride and honour to all New Zealanders.

Archna Tandon, ONZM – Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit

Nearly three decades of service to ethnic communities, women, and Hindu economic empowerment

The appointment of Archna Tandon as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) recognises nearly 30 years of service to ethnic communities and women, of which 20 years were dedicated to the University of Canterbury and eight years to the Department of Corrections.

Her extensive service spans co-founding cultural festivals in Lincoln, contributing to national women’s well-being frameworks, serving as a Justice of the Peace, and providing steadfast leadership within New Zealand’s Hindu community.

Hindu leadership, FTA seminars, and the 3rd Hindu Women Conference

Archna Tandon currently serves as the Coordinator for the 3rd Hindu Women Conference, scheduled for 2027 in Christchurch. The conference is organised by the NZ Hindu Women Forum, a service division of the Hindu Council of New Zealand (HCNZ) .

In a significant expansion of her role, Tandon is also one of three Coordinators for the Christchurch event in a national series of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) seminars on the proposed New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement. These seminars are organised by the NZ Hindu Women Forum in association with the Indian High Commission and are proudly supported by the HOTA (Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations) Forum New Zealand. The seminars serve as a prelude to the 2nd New Zealand Hindu Women Conference, themed “Women Entrepreneurs – Leading Progress, Powering Prosperity”, scheduled for 30 August 2026 in Auckland.

Tandon’s coordination work for the Christchurch FTA seminar reflects her deep commitment to empowering Hindu women entrepreneurs and businesswomen. By facilitating discussions on trade policy, market access, and economic collaboration between New Zealand and India, she is helping to position Hindu women as key drivers of bilateral prosperity—a modern expression of Hindu economic principles such as Artha (economic well-being) and Seva (service through enterprise).

Her Hindu faith has consistently informed her community work. Drawing upon Sanatana Dharma values, Tandon has worked to ensure that Hindu women’s voices are represented in national policy discussions, including the national women’s well-being frameworks she helped develop.

“This recognition is not only a personal milestone, but also a celebration of the vibrant and resilient ethnic communities and women I have had the privilege to serve and walk alongside for nearly three decades. My achievements are the result of collective effort. I share this honour with the volunteers, organisations, colleagues and my family, whose support since 1997 continues to inspire my commitment to an inclusive New Zealand. I also dedicate this to the Hindu women across Aotearoa who quietly sustain our temples, traditions, and communities every day,” she said.

Dr Sumati Govind, MNZM – Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit

Strengthening public governance and amplifying minority voices

The appointment of Dr Sumati Govind as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit celebrates a distinguished career focused on strengthening public governance and grassroots well-being. Her extensive work, particularly in Wellington, has ensured that diverse minority perspectives are heard and valued at the highest levels.

Dr Govind has served on multiple boards and advisory committees, championing inclusive policy-making and culturally responsive service delivery.

“This honour acknowledges not only my efforts but also the collective efforts of the people, organisations and communities I have worked alongside. I accept this honour with humility, with appreciation for those who supported my journey, and with a renewed commitment to continue serving Aotearoa New Zealand with integrity, purpose and care,” Dr Govind said.

Dr Shuchi Kothari, MNZM – Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit

Transforming New Zealand cinema through equity and representation

The honour conferred upon Auckland-based Dr Shuchi Kothari celebrates her significant contributions to cinema and her work toward achieving equitable representation in the creative sector. Acknowledged and supported by the University of Auckland, her creative projects focus on dismantling systemic barriers within the film and television industry.

Dr Kothari has mentored emerging filmmakers from minority backgrounds and advocated for funding models that prioritise diversity.

“I say surprise because when you do this type of mahi, you just do it out of necessity, never thinking of it as exceptional. I am equally grateful to those who walk alongside me today, working to ensure New Zealand’s screen landscape is a fair and equitable reflection of our society,” Dr Kothari said.

Dr Udaya Samarakkody, MNZM – Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit

A lifetime of surgical care for children and global medical mentorship

The appointment of Dr Udaya Samarakkody as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit celebrates 30 years of service to medicine and child health. Based in Hamilton, she provides advanced surgical care for children in the Midland region and is involved in governance, ensuring equity of care.

Dr Samarakkody has developed an extensive outreach service and has provided leadership, mentoring, and training for future doctors and surgeons nationally and internationally. She is an active member of the Sri Lanka Friendship Society Waikato Inc., holding various executive responsibilities over the years.

“I have trained young Sri Lankans in classical and contemporary dance, helping to bring the annual cultural concert to a professional level. I support Sri Lankan specialist trainees in finding training placements in New Zealand, bringing a wealth of knowledge, skill and experience to New Zealand healthcare. This honour is a fitting accolade for a lifetime of dedication and service to the Tamariki of the Midland region, and to Sri Lankans in the greater Waikato region,” she said.

King’s Service Medal (KSM) Recipients

Raveen Annamalai, KSM

Nearly two decades of visionary multicultural leadership in Wellington

The award of the King’s Service Medal to Raveen Annamalai of Wellington recognises nearly 20 years of exceptional service and visionary leadership. Over this period, he has dedicated himself to civic welfare in Wellington, co-founding cultural organisations and later presiding over the Multicultural Council of Wellington to foster national unity for minority groups.

“Beyond all my personal and family commitments, I have always set my priorities to serve people wherever help, support and assistance were needed. This recognition belongs not only to me, but also to every individual, family, organisation and community that has been part of this meaningful path. Receiving this prestigious honour is both inspiring and uplifting,” he said.

Dr Shanthi Selvakumar, KSM

35 years of medical practice and philanthropic service across the Pacific

Aucklander Dr Shanthi Selvakumar receives the King’s Service Medal in recognition of 35 years of medical practice in Blockhouse Bay and extensive philanthropic work. Her career includes leading initiatives at the Shakti Women’s Refuge, where she currently serves as Chairperson, alongside conducting free medical camps across the Pacific with the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council.

Her global community service remains deeply rooted in her spiritual values.

“Love All, Serve All,” she said, quoting Sathya Sai Baba. “To every woman who has survived hardship, I want you to know that, as a migrant woman from humble beginnings, if I can achieve this, so can you!”

Vijeshni Rattan, KSM – King’s Service Medal

Nearly 20 years of social welfare, intercultural unity, and Hindu community leadership

The honour bestowed on Vijeshni Rattan of Wellington celebrates nearly two decades of exceptional dedication to social welfare, language preservation, and intercultural unity. Her initiatives have consistently focused on preserving heritage languages, fostering cross-cultural relationships, and ensuring that minority groups feel valued within New Zealand society.

Vijeshni Rattan (L) along with other leaders at 6th National Hindu Conference in 2026

Hindu leadership roles and conference coordination

Vijeshni Rattan currently serves as the Vice President of the Hindu Council of New Zealand (HCNZ) and as the President of the HCNZ Wellington Chapter. In these capacities, she provides strategic direction for the council’s national programmes, including religious festivals, youth camps, and community safety initiatives.

Most notably, Rattan was the Coordinator for the 1st Hindu Women Conference, held last year (2025) at the High Commission of India (HCI), Wellington. That landmark event, organised by the NZ Hindu Women Forum under HCNZ, brought together over 150 Hindu women from across the North Island to discuss topics ranging from spiritual well-being and domestic safety to career development and intergenerational cultural transmission. The conference was widely praised for creating a safe, empowering space where Hindu women could share lived experiences and build networks of support.

Rattan’s own Hindu faith—rooted in the values of Dharma (righteous duty), Karma (selfless action), and Sangha (community)—has been the driving force behind her volunteer work. She has also led Hindi language preservation workshops for second-generation Hindu youth, recognising that language is a vital carrier of culture and identity.

“This honour reflects not only my journey, but the collective strength, support and love of the communities I have been privileged to serve—especially the Hindu women who trusted me to coordinate our first national conference. That event was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together. This recognition inspires me to continue serving with even greater dedication, ensuring that every culture feels valued, respected and proud of its identity,” Ms Rattan said.

A growing legacy of diversity and service

The 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List underscores a powerful truth: that New Zealand’s strength lies in its diversity. From medical pioneers and cinematic storytellers to governance experts and Hindu community builders—including those facilitating crucial FTA discussions between New Zealand and India—each recipient reflects a unique thread in the nation’s multicultural tapestry.

As Archna Tandon coordinates the Christchurch FTA seminar and prepares for the 3rd Hindu Women Conference in 2027, and as Vijeshni Rattan continues to lead the HCNZ Wellington chapter, their honours serve not as an endpoint but as a renewed call to service—rooted in ancient Hindu values yet entirely relevant to modern Aotearoa.

Zealandia News (New Zealand Bharat News) extends its warmest congratulations to all recipients.