Please Contribute Here to help us Grow!
The Hindu Heritage Centre, a Division of Hindu Council of New Zealand, is proud to announce a new initiative aimed at empowering Hindu women to take a leading role in community engagement and volunteer activities. This initiative, a first of its kind in the region, seeks to harness the skills, talents, and dedication of Hindu women to foster a more inclusive and engaged community.
Recognising the vital role women play in both the family and society, the Hindu Heritage Centre Rotorua, situated at 225 Malfroy Road, is committed to providing opportunities for women to contribute meaningfully to community development. Through this initiative, women will receive training, support, and opportunities to lead and participate in a variety of community service projects.
Following the success of first Rotorua Ethnic Market and Guru Purnima Festival, several Hindu women came forward to volunteer for the community. Here are some of the activities happening or planned at Hindu Heritage Centre in near future:
HHC Activities Coordinator
- Hindi Language Classes – Shweta
- Scripture Classes (Sanskrit Shlokas & Mantras) – Ishwari Vaidya
- Yoga and Dance Fitness Classes – Varsha Kaki
- Semiclassical & Folk Dance Classes – Jaya Sinha
- Classical Singing Classes – Vidya Vasudevan
- Mehndi Classes – Varda Korde
- Rangoli Classes – Pooja
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing Training – Kavitha Magesan
- Girls & Young Women Cricket Training – Pragnya Korde
- Hanuman Chalisa Training – Vaishali Kinal Kumar Patel
- Rotorua Ethnic Market – Komal Sahani
- Health for Humanity Yogathon – Monika Bansal
“We believe in the power of women to drive positive change,” said Dr Guna Magesan, President of the Hindu Council of New Zealand. “By empowering Hindu women to take on leadership roles in community engagement, we are not only enriching their lives but also enhancing the well-being of our entire community. This initiative is about recognising and valuing the unique contributions that women can make.”
The programme will feature workshops on leadership, project management, and community service, as well as opportunities to volunteer in areas such as education, health, and cultural preservation. These activities are essential as the Hindu Heritage Centre is committed to preserving and celebrating Hindu heritage, fostering cultural enrichment, and providing spiritual nourishment within the community.
Weekly Hindi language classes are held every Saturday, and initial Hindu scripture lessons with Sanskrit shlokas and mantras began on Guru Purnima on 21 July. The Centre has initiated a Rotorua Ethnic Market, organised bimonthly, and plans to start regular yoga and dance fitness classes following the success of International Yoga Day.
In the next three months (August, September, and October), new projects such as Rangoli and Mehndi classes, Hanuman Chalisa recitations, semi-classical and folk-dance classes, classical singing classes, and cricket training for girls and young women will be launched, led by experienced women instructors. In November, the Centre will organise a Tongariro Alpine Crossing event in collaboration with Hindu Women Forum. Additionally, it will host educational programs, workshops, and seminars to deepen understanding of Hindu traditions and practices, celebrate festivals, and organise cultural events and exhibitions. Through these initiatives, the Centre aims to actively engage and enrich the vibrant Rotorua community.
The Hindu Heritage Centre Rotorua invites all members of the community to support and participate in these initiatives. By working together, we can create a stronger, more connected, and vibrant community. Beyond cultural exchange, the Centre will serve as a venue for community events, meetings, and private functions.
For more information on the initiative or to learn how you can get involved, please contact:
Prof Guna Magesan
President, Hindu Council of New Zealand
021 0345621