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Fresh from being crowned Miss Earth New Zealand 2026, Yajna Singh is proving that intelligence, ambition and compassion can go hand in hand. In an exclusive conversation with The Indian News Editor Yugal Parashar, the Auckland-based mechanical engineer shared her inspiring journey, passion for sustainability, commitment to education, and message for young women aspiring to make a difference.
Originally from South Africa, Yajna moved to New Zealand with her family 12 years ago. Today, she works as an Application Engineer and has built a successful career in engineering while remaining deeply committed to community service and environmental advocacy.
Reflecting on her recent win, Yajna said her decision to compete for the Miss Earth New Zealand title was driven by a desire to inspire others, particularly young women and her two younger sisters.
“I’ve always wanted to be a positive role model,” she said. “I wanted to show that women do not have to fit into one box. You can be intelligent and beautiful, ambitious and compassionate. You can work in engineering while still embracing fashion, creativity and femininity.”
Her message challenges outdated stereotypes and encourages women to pursue their passions without limitations.
As a mechanical engineer, sustainability is not just a pageant platform for Yajna—it is part of her everyday work. She explained how her role involves condition monitoring, a process that uses vibration analysis to assess machinery performance and identify potential failures before they occur.
“Preventing equipment failures helps reduce downtime, waste and unnecessary emissions,” she explained. “Small improvements in efficiency can have a significant environmental impact.”
One of the key areas she is passionate about is promoting circular processes, particularly oil recycling. According to Yajna, many industries still treat machine oil as a single-use product despite available technology that allows it to be recycled and reused multiple times.
“Recycling oil can dramatically reduce carbon emissions and waste,” she said. “The solutions already exist. We simply need greater awareness and willingness to adopt them.” That emphasis on awareness naturally leads to another area close to her heart education. Yajna believes education is one of the most powerful tools for creating meaningful environmental and social change.
“We cannot improve what we do not understand,” she said. “The more knowledge people have, the more empowered they are to make better decisions.”
Her commitment to education extends beyond words. She runs a private tutoring business and teaches students mathematics, physics and English, helping young learners build confidence and develop critical thinking skills. “I want students to think creatively and take ownership of their learning,” she said. “If we encourage curiosity from a young age, we can inspire future innovators and problem-solvers.”
In addition to tutoring, Yajna uses social media to make engineering more accessible. Through videos and content from her workplace, she provides followers with a glimpse into the real-world applications of engineering and encourages young people to consider careers in STEM fields.
Yajna also spoke proudly about the influence of her Indian heritage on her personal values and outlook on life. “Our culture places a strong emphasis on family, education, discipline and giving back to the community,” she said. “Those values have shaped who I am.”
She believes many traditional Indian values align closely with environmental stewardship and caring for others. Whether through simple lifestyle choices or community engagement, she sees these principles as an important part of her identity.
For young women considering careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, Yajna’s advice is clear and powerful. “Believe in yourself and do not be afraid to take up space,” she said. “Many times, I find myself being the only woman in the room, but that should never stop anyone from pursuing their goals.” She hopes to see more women entering STEM professions and helping shape the future through innovation, leadership and fresh perspectives.
Yajna will represent New Zealand at Miss Earth 2026 in October, joining 75 other contestants for a month-long programme in the Philippines, where they will work together on various charitable and community service initiatives. With her unique combination of technical expertise, environmental commitment and dedication to empowering others, Yajna Singh is set to be a remarkable ambassador for New Zealand on the international Miss Earth stage. -as told to Yugal Parashar
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