The Hindu Council of New Zealand Inc. is pleased to announce the 2nd New Zealand Hindu Elders Conference, themed “Old is Gold 2.” The conference will take place on Saturday, 28th September 2024, at the Hindu Heritage Centre, 225 Malfroy Road, Rotorua. Building on the success of the first conference held 15 years ago, this event will celebrate the invaluable contributions of elders within the community.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, 28th September 2024
Location: Hindu Heritage Centre, 225 Malfroy Road, Rotorua
Theme: Old is Gold 2
Coordinator: Dr. Guna Magesan

Organised by the Hindu Elders Foundation, a division of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, the conference is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers from various senior citizen organisations. The inaugural conference, held on 3rd October 2009, also highlighted the enduring significance of elders in the community.

Conference Objectives: The Hindu Elders Foundation aims to foster a robust and dynamic network for elders, grounded in the principles of Sanatan Dharma (the universal or eternal law). Key areas of focus include:

Positive ageing
Health and well-being
Addressing social issues such as acculturation and the stress of settling in a new country
Bridging the generation gap
Promoting community cohesion, spiritual growth, and cultural preservation
Collaborating with government agencies and NGOs

Dr. Guna Magesan, President of the Hindu Council of New Zealand and coordinator of the conference, stated, “Our aim is to facilitate and empower the community so that Hindu elders can live with confidence and be active, contributing citizens of New Zealand. We seek to create awareness about opportunities for elders to channel their energy towards social cohesion, family unity, community strength, and economic prosperity.”

Program Highlights:

Networking opportunities for elders and their families
Discussions with government agencies and service providers
Sessions on positive ageing, health, and well-being
Deliberations on the impact of the past 15 years since the first conference

Shri Vijay Chand, President of the Hindu Elders Foundation Rotorua, emphasised the importance of diverse participation. “We are inviting senior citizen organisations, community groups, NGOs, and government agencies to participate. We request each senior citizen organisation to bring no more than 15 representatives to ensure broad representation.”

The conference is expected to draw around 120 participants, with strong interest already shown by community members. Efforts are underway to engage with NGOs, government agencies, local government, and Members of Parliament. Recently, a Ramayan recital by Shri Hem Chand and team was held at the Hindu Heritage Centre, which was well-received by the community.

Join Us: The Hindu Council of New Zealand looks forward to welcoming Hindu elders and their families to the Hindu Heritage Centre. This conference provides a unique opportunity to engage with the community, share wisdom, and contribute to the betterment of New Zealand society.

For more information and to confirm participation, please contact:

Prof. Guna Magesan, Conference Coordinator
President, Hindu Council of New Zealand
Phone: 021 0345621
Email: hindu.nz@gmail.com

About the Hindu Council of New Zealand: The Hindu Council of New Zealand Inc. strives for the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one large family) and is supported by a team of dedicated volunteers. The Council aims to foster a harmonious, inclusive, and thriving community, dedicated to promoting cultural, spiritual, and social well-being, and contributing to the progress and unity of New Zealand.