Lara Zijl 
In an era where mainstream media faces growing scepticism, shrinking newsrooms, and increasing algorithmic dependence, NZB News has defied the odds. This month, we proudly celebrate two significant milestones—1 million cumulative article reads and 130,000 engaged subscribers—establishing NZB News as one of the most trusted and community-driven digital media platforms in Aotearoa.
While the numbers themselves are exciting, they reflect something deeper: the success of a radically inclusive, community-powered editorial model that empowers contributors across disciplines to share knowledge, perspectives, and stories that matter. At the core of this model is a diverse group of writers, thinkers, and changemakers—our authors—who have transformed NZB News from a fledgling publication into a powerful force for grassroots journalism.
A Media Movement Born from Purpose
When Shivaprasad T R, MD and CEO of Bharat1 Group and Editor-in-Chief of NZB News, envisioned this platform, the mission was clear: to create a decentralised, culturally grounded, and intellectually rich alternative to conventional media. He understood that today’s readers are not only consumers of content—they are communities seeking context, credibility, and connection.
“NZB News was never about chasing clicks,” Shivaprasad explains. “It was about inviting readers to participate in shaping the narrative of our times. We trust our writers to speak with clarity, conscience and courage.”
From day one, NZB News has prioritised authentic voices over sensational headlines, nurturing a collaborative publishing environment where writers bring their lived experiences, academic rigour, and professional insights directly to the reader.
The People Behind the Pages: Celebrating Our Authors
At the heart of NZB News’ growth story is an eclectic group of authors who each bring a unique lens to their subject matter. Let’s meet some of the remarkable contributors whose articles have helped shape the discourse.
Shirish Narsapur
An orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine expert, Shirish’s writing seamlessly blends science, health, and personal philosophy. His articles delve into the interplay between physical wellbeing and ethical living, offering reflections on medical ethics, sports culture, and public health from a practitioner’s perspective. His series on injury prevention and the future of orthopaedics has drawn thousands of reads across multiple regions.
Col. (Retd.) Dinesh Ramaswamy
A retired Indian Army officer, Col. Ramaswamy’s writing is a masterclass in strategic clarity and defence analysis. His articles have illuminated complex military doctrines, geopolitical trends, and India–Pacific security affairs with unmatched precision. In a time of growing global tension, his voice brings authority and calm to volatile conversations.
Genevieve Montgomery
Genevieve is a scholar of architecture, history, and civilisations, whose work consistently draws connections between the past and present. Her feature series on classical Indian architecture and its philosophical underpinnings has been widely shared among academic circles and cultural institutions, bridging disciplines and continents.
Sushma Nagraj
A respected Bharata Natyam and Carnatic music teacher, Sushma infuses her cultural insights with meditative depth and artistic integrity. Her writing on the intersection of spirituality, tradition, and performance has introduced classical Indian arts to new generations of readers, fostering global appreciation for South Asian heritage.
Marcus Trifalgur
From culinary trends to lifestyle musings, Marcus’s contributions are vibrant and sensory. His recent series on Aotearoa’s fusion cuisines and the multicultural dining evolution have delighted food enthusiasts while offering social commentary on integration, identity, and taste.
Theodora Chapman
Theodora writes with passion about wildlife conservation, sustainability, and environmental justice. Her articles offer grounded perspectives on biodiversity, the role of activism, and indigenous stewardship, aligning ecological urgency with hopeful storytelling.
Seraphina Hughes
A voice of grace in the world of arts, music, and cultural criticism, Seraphina’s essays evoke both emotion and intellect. Her explorations of classical Western music, Indian dance forms, and literary traditions exemplify cross-cultural scholarship with elegance.
Chintapally Suresh
An engineering and science enthusiast, Suresh’s articles offer highly accessible explanations of complex technical subjects. His pieces on mathematics, automobiles, and the philosophy of design reflect a deep respect for precision and creativity.
Tracey Wilson
With a strong grounding in local governance, legal policy, and public administration, Tracey’s articles provide sharp, well-researched insights into the mechanics of democracy, council politics, and market regulation in New Zealand.
Mahesh Sahu
Our resident OTT and cinema buff, Mahesh delivers enthusiastic, yet nuanced takes on the ever-evolving landscape of film and entertainment. His articles have covered everything from Bollywood nostalgia to Korean thrillers, always with a keen eye for direction, storytelling, and cultural shifts.
Imogen King
A rising star in international affairs and political science, Imogen’s articles blend theory with real-world observations. Her pieces on trade negotiations, election cycles, and diplomatic dynamics are crisp, compelling, and always current.
Tracey Beatrice
Focused on international trade, finance, and policy, Tracey’s writing demystifies the forces shaping global economics. Whether it’s analysing the RCEP or unpacking carbon pricing strategies, she writes with clarity and confidence.
Vinay Karanam
An authority on Hindu thought, multiculturalism, defence, and emerging technologies, Vinay’s articles traverse vast intellectual terrain. His multi-part explorations on crypto, philosophy, and military history have been lauded for both depth and breadth.
Dorothy Brown
Dorothy explores the social sciences, group theory, and religious anthropology. Her deep dives into collective psychology and behaviour—particularly in diasporic communities—have resonated strongly with academic and general audiences alike.
Dr. Rukumangada Acharya (Madhva)
A respected voice in Vedic philosophy and Indian metaphysics, Dr Acharya’s writing brings a timeless spiritual dimension to our pages. His Sanskrit exegeses and essays on dharma, consciousness, and knowledge traditions are among our most commented and reread articles.
Vincent Mathews
Tech-savvy and gaming-curious, Vincent’s pieces on AI, digital ecosystems, and the psychology of play reflect both critical thinking and a genuine love of innovation. His speculative tech columns are particularly popular among our Gen Z readership.
Kara Riggs
Kara’s expertise in sports, adventure, and outdoor lifestyles offers high-energy storytelling grounded in real-world challenges. Her profiles on local athletes and fitness trends bring a uniquely Kiwi flavour to our sports coverage.
Artificial Intelligence Meets Authentic Journalism
Even our resident AI bot, WiDesAI (kiWI Desi AI), plays a role in democratising media. Designed by the NZB News tech team, this bot helps with automated web-scraping, trend monitoring, and headline summarisation, ensuring our human writers always start with a rich foundation of timely data—while maintaining editorial independence and human insight at every stage.
More Than Just Content—A Community
Our 130,000 subscribers are more than readers; they are participants in a living, breathing knowledge ecosystem. Many engage directly with authors through comment threads, feedback surveys, and community polls. Others have gone on to pitch articles of their own, contributing to the publication’s diverse and growing library.
We’ve seen grandparents and Gen Zs alike share our articles across WhatsApp groups and Reddit threads. Teachers cite them in classrooms; industry professionals reference them in talks. In a fragmented digital world, NZB News has become a gathering place of substance, where intergenerational dialogue thrives.
What’s Next for NZB News?
The journey doesn’t stop at one million reads. Our editorial roadmap includes:
- Expanding our contributor base to include Pacific voices and Māori thought leaders.
- Launching region-specific content streams, with targeted features from Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland, and beyond.
- Introducing multi-format storytelling, including podcasts, video essays, and reader-led interviews.
- Publishing print anthologies of our best long-form journalism, curated by topic and author.
- Continuing our focus on deep-dive series, including ongoing favourites like “Quantum Leap,” “Bharat Is Not for Beginners,” and “Voices of the Diaspora.”
Conclusion: A Future Written Together
As we mark these milestones, one thing is clear: NZB News is not simply a publication—it is a movement. A movement powered by the belief that truth has many voices, and that journalism thrives when it serves communities, not algorithms.
To every reader who shared an article, to every author who gave their time, intellect, and passion, and to every subscriber who said “yes” to thoughtful news—we thank you. Here’s to the next million reads, the next hundred thousand subscribers, and to a media landscape led not by clicks, but by community.
We write the future—together.
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