New Zealand Hindu Women Conference Draws 250+ Women

The Hindu Women Forum, a service division of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, hosted the 2nd New Zealand Hindu Women Conference at the Swaminarayan Complex in Papatoetoe, Auckland, bringing together more than 250 Hindu women from across Aotearoa New Zealand. Held under the theme “Women Entrepreneurs – Leading Progress, Powering Prosperity,” the conference highlighted women’s entrepreneurship, leadership, professional growth and community service.

The participation more than doubled from the inaugural 2025 conference, which brought together 125 delegates in Wellington. Women from Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hawke’s Bay, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown attended the event, reflecting the growing national reach of the Hindu Women Forum.

In a gesture of community service, the organisers announced that 50% of the conference entry fees would be donated to the Nepal Flood Relief Fund, reinforcing the forum’s focus on leadership through service and social responsibility.

Key Highlights:

• More than 250 women from across New Zealand attended the conference
• The conference focused on women’s leadership, entrepreneurship and community development
• Half of the entry fees were donated to the Nepal Flood Relief Fund

The conference was formally inaugurated by Chief Guest H.E. Ms. Muanpuii Saiawi, High Commissioner of India to New Zealand. In her speech, she noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Auckland had taken the relationship between the two nations to a new level, namely a Strategic Partnership, and said that the relationship between India and New Zealand had improved significantly since then. She also highlighted the finalisation of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement in nine months.

Dame Ranjna Patel DNZM, Trustee of the International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation gave the keynote address and shared the five-point call to action for Hindu women: Serve, Lead, Empower, Connect and Inspire. She invited women to use their skills for the benefit of society; to take on leadership; to assist other women and extend their networking beyond the Hindu community, to include Māori, Pacific and mainstream networks.

Member of Parliament Dr Parmjeet Parmar broadened the definition of entrepreneur to encompass beyond business, "the ability to take risks and bring about change in life, in science, in public service and the arts.

The conference had specific segments dedicated to entrepreneurship, public leadership, professional development and community leadership. During the Hindu Women Entrepreneurs Network session, the opportunities that are being created for the women as a result of the changing economic scenario were discussed. Guest speakers ranged from Dr Amita Fotedar, who spoke on trade opportunities, to Raewyn Bhana, Binal Nagar and Dr Julia Anne on the entrepreneurial journey and holistic wellness, and their connections with the Māori community.

The session on Hindu Women in Public Leadership focused on Emotional Intelligence, Leadership Frameworks, Leadership in Academia, Resilience and Women's participation in Media. The other session explored leadership within the professions and community, including public sector leadership, values-based parenting and legacy of Girmit women and community building in the South Island of New Zealand.

This also involved a restorative yoga and meditation session with Amita Changoiwala, based on Hatha Yoga. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Pallavi Sinha and the Way Forward was presented by Sonali Hegde.

The conference ended with a spiritually uplifting kirtan performance by the Meditation NZ Kirtan Band ending what was a very empowering experience for Hindu women to come together from being a part to being a lead singer of the Kirtan Band, whilst preserving the culture and contributing to wider New Zealand society.