The 1st New Zealand Hindu Women Conference – the very first Hindu Women’s Conference held outside Bharat – was successfully organised by the Hindu Women Forum, a division of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, on Saturday, 20 September 2025, at the High Commission of India Auditorium, Wellington.
With the theme “Promoting Women –Strengthening Communities”, the conference was more than just a gathering – it marked the first steps toward building a strong, enduring platform for Hindu women across Aotearoa to connect, inspire, and empower one another. It highlighted the richness of Hindu values alongside modern opportunities in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service, while also addressing the challenges women face today and offering practical strategies for empowerment.
A Historic Inauguration
The conference was inaugurated by Her Excellency Neeta Bhushan, High Commissioner of Bharat to New Zealand, who served as the Chief Guest. Over 120 women of all ages and backgrounds – including community leaders, educators, professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and homemakers – came together from across Aotearoa. This enthusiastic response underlined the strong need for such a platform and signalled the conference’s potential to grow into a significant national movement.
The day began with Māori and Hindu prayers, setting a tone of inclusivity and mutual respect. Vijeshni Rattan (President, Hindu Council of New Zealand – Wellington) delivered the welcome address, and Radhika Ravi (Secretary, HCNZ – Wellington) gave the vote of thanks. Manisha Morar, President of the Wellington Indian Association, presented the keynote, followed by blessings from community leaders from Auckland, Hastings, Palmerston North, and Wellington.
Highlights of the Programme
• Government & Community Collaboration:
A panel moderated by Dr Melissa Derby, Race Relations Commissioner, brought together representatives from the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, Ministry of Social Development, NZ Police, and Ministry for Primary Industries to discuss “How Government Agencies Can Support Hindu Women in Strengthening Communities.”
•Hindu Women in Leadership & Decision-Making:
Supported by the HOTA (Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations) Forum NZ, this session included participation from organisations such as BAPS, Chinmaya Mission, Art of Living, Amma NZ, Gayatri Parivar, Hindu Council of New Zealand, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, ISKCON, and others. Geeta Devi (Australia) introduced the HOTA concept, while invited speaker Akila Ramarathinam (Australia) shared insights on building community volunteering.
•Women in Public Leadership & Education:
Subsequent plenaries were chaired by Prabha Ravi (Lower Hutt mayoral candidate) and Dr Pushpa Wood (Director, NZ Centre for Financial Education & Research, Massey University).
Voices from the Participants
Participants described the conference as “uplifting, inspiring, and much needed.”
•“Listening to stories of resilience, heritage, and leadership was profoundly moving.” – Dr Amita Fotedar, Wellington
•“The integrity of the stories and integration of Hindu ideals into daily life was most striking.” – Dr Julia Anne, Rotorua
• “This is the need of the hour – a platform for Hindu women to uplift each other and connect with the wider Kiwi community.” – Tarana Agrawal, Wellington
• “We should continue with more interactive sessions and showcase women doing amazing grassroots work.” – Neelu Toare, Auckland
Key Outcomes
The conference concluded with a set of milestone initiatives:
1.Future Conferences Announced: 2nd NZ Hindu Women Conference in Auckland (2026) and 3rd in Christchurch (2027).
2.Formation of Hindu Women Forums in major cities: Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Hawke’s Bay, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Dunedin.
3.Expansion of HOTA Forums to cities like Hamilton, Wellington and Palmerston North.
4.Launch of an initiative to establish a Hindu Women Entrepreneurship Network.
5. Identification of new, talented speakers and organisers within the community.
6.Enthusiastic interest in cultural and networking activities, including the 3rd Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Closing Reflections
“This historic gathering has created a strong momentum for the future,” said Radhika Ravi, Conference Coordinator. “On behalf of the Hindu Council of New Zealand and the Hindu Women Forum, we extend our deepest gratitude to all participants. Your presence, contributions, and enthusiasm have made this event truly special and deeply meaningful.”
The 1st NZ Hindu Women Conference has not only inspired women to volunteer and lead in their communities but has also laid the foundation for a nationwide network of empowered Hindu women working together for the wellbeing of society.
Tin Bureau