Please Contribute Here to help us Grow!
The Hindu Council of New Zealand (HCNZ) is pleased to announce the 6th New Zealand National Hindu Conference, which will take place on Saturday, 16 May 2026, at the Swaminarayan Complex, ISSO, Auckland.
Held under the theme “Growing Communities, Thriving New Zealand”, the conference will bring together Hindu community leaders, youth, women, academics, professionals, practitioners, and community organisations from across Aotearoa for a full day of dialogue, collaboration, and forward planning for the future of the Hindu community in New Zealand.
“The National Hindu Conference has become a key platform for discussing issues affecting the Hindu community in Aotearoa. With more than 200,000 Hindus now calling New Zealand home, the conference aims to strengthen community cohesion while also exploring ways for Hindus to contribute positively to the social, cultural, and civic life of the country,” said Dr Vinay Karanam, Coordinator of the 6th National Conference and Joint General Secretary of HCNZ.
Professor Guna Magesan, President of HCNZ, said the conference provides an important opportunity for the community to come together and shape its collective future.
“We are encouraged to see young leaders such as Dr Karanam taking a leading role in organising this national conference. It reflects the strength and continuity of leadership within our community. We encourage more young people to step forward, take initiative in community work, and contribute positively to New Zealand society.”
He added, “We are Hindus who are proud New Zealanders, and proud New Zealanders who are Hindu. This conference provides an opportunity for us to come together, listen to one another, and chart a bold and united path forward for our community in Aotearoa.”
Conference Programme
The conference programme will feature six thematic sessions addressing key areas relevant to the growth and wellbeing of the Hindu community.
Sessions will explore engagement with government agencies in areas such as community safety, education, settlement support, and ethnic community services. A dedicated session on Hindu youth will focus on identity, leadership, belonging, and the experiences of young Hindus growing up in Aotearoa.
The programme will also consider Hindu participation in public life, including representation in politics, public administration, the judiciary, and law enforcement.
Another session will focus on the role of academia and media, exploring how Hindu perspectives and experiences are represented in research, education, and public discourse, and how the community can better amplify its voice while addressing misrepresentation.
The final session will explore ways to strengthen unity across the diverse Hindu diaspora in New Zealand while recognising the wide range of linguistic, cultural, and regional traditions within the community. It will also highlight the important role of temples, language schools, cultural organisations, and denominational institutions in preserving and transmitting Hindu knowledge, values, and community life for future generations.
Participation and Opportunities
The Hindu Council of New Zealand invites delegates from across the country to attend the conference. Registration is open to members of the Hindu community as well as interested members of the wider public who wish to engage in the discussions.
Delegate registration: https://hcnz.org/nznhc2026/register
Community members are also invited to join the Conference Organising Committee, offering an opportunity to contribute their skills and help shape one of the most important gatherings for the Hindu community in Aotearoa.
Express your interest: https://hcnz.org/nznhc2026/committee
The organisers are also calling for speakers, presenters, and panellists to contribute to the conference discussions. Community leaders, academics, professionals, youth representatives, and subject matter experts are encouraged to submit expressions of interest. Presentations will typically run for 10–15 minutes and should provide evidence-based insights and practical recommendations.
Submit your expression of interest: https://hcnz.org/nznhc2026/speaker
Submission deadline: 15 April 2026
In addition, the organisers are inviting community volunteers to assist with running the conference on the day, including registration, session support, hospitality, and media coordination.
Volunteer registration: https://hcnz.org/nznhc2026/volunteer
Businesses, community organisations, and institutions are also invited to support the conference through sponsorship partnerships. Sponsorship provides an opportunity to connect with the Hindu community across Aotearoa while supporting an event focused on dialogue, leadership, and community development.
Sponsorship enquiries: https://hcnz.org/nznhc2026/sponsor
Email: [email protected]
Further information about delegate registration, speaker submissions, volunteering opportunities, and sponsorship packages can be found on the conference website.
Conference Details
Date: Saturday, 16 May 2026
Venue: Swaminarayan Complex, ISSO Auckland
Host: Hindu Council of New Zealand
Website: www.hcnz.org/nznhc2026
About the Hindu Council of New Zealand
The Hindu Council of New Zealand is a national representative body that works to promote the interests, welfare, and cultural identity of Hindus in Aotearoa New Zealand. The organisation engages with government, community groups, and wider society while supporting cultural, educational, and community initiatives across the country.