ABOUT US

Bhav Dhillon stands at the pinnacle of achievement across business, governance, diplomacy and community leadership; a rare distinction that has earned him the profound respect of both the Governments of India and New Zealand. 

As founder of The Indian Weekender since April 2009, Bhav has built New Zealand’s most influential media platform for the Indian diaspora, transforming a visionary idea into the community’s leading voice. His hands-on leadership has supported countless cultural events and social causes, while his creation of the acclaimed Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame celebrates excellence and inspires future generations. 

Recipient of India’s highest honour for overseas Indians, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (2019) presented by the President of India, Bhav served with distinction as Hon. Consul of India in Auckland. 

As Patron of the India New Zealand Business Council, he was instrumental in the successful conclusion of the India-NZ Free Trade Agreement. His strengthening of bilateral and trade relations between the two nations has created an enduring legacy that will be remembered for generations. Bhav’s exceptional credentials extend across many spheres of influence. As Managing Director of Cemix and Dunlop Drymix, New Zealand’s largest bagged concrete cement company, he leads ISO 9001-certified multi-site manufacturing operations across New Zealand, establishing himself as one of the nation’s most successful entrepreneurs of Indian origin.

His public sector governance expertise is equally distinguished: former Chair of Foundation North-New Zealand’s largest philanthropic foundation with nearly $2 billion in assets and current Council Member for Unitec and MIT, two of New Zealand's premier tertiary institutions, has further elevated his impeccable credentials.

As a tireless advocate for the Indian community, he is the Founder of the Auckland Indian Diaspora Group uniting 60+ community organisations.

As a thought leader, he is regularly featured in the New Zealand Herald and The Post, thus operating at the highest levels of society with integrity, wisdom and vision.

Through The Indian Weekender, he continues to nurture pride, unity, and a sense of belonging by ensuring every member of the Indian community in New Zealand feels represented, connected and empowered.

Dev Nadkarni, a seasoned journalist and Editor-at-Large at The Indian Weekender, has been a long-standing member of the team. His career spans media, international business development, economic development consulting, the creative industries, and academia.

Now a regular contributor to The Indian Weekender, he writes opinion pieces on topics ranging from several aspects of India–New Zealand relations including geopolitics, economics and trade to the performing arts.His articles have been widely well received by the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, bringing the most pressing questions to the forefront. 

He has worked across three continents, with a strong focus on the Pacific Islands region. Nadkarni was formerly Associate Editor of Tinkle, one of India’s most popular children’s magazines as well as Amar Chitra Katha, and the Founding Editor of The Indian Weekender. He has also worked as a writer and subeditor with the National Business Review (NBR) and a South Asian and Pacific Affairs columnist for the NZ Herald.

With over 25 years of global experience in event management & marketing, Anish is a highly appraised commercial leader known for delivering results-driven brand campaigns that resonate with audiences and drive measurable impact. At The Indian Weekender, he leads brand partnerships, sales, and new business development, working closely with advertisers to create tailored, multi-platform solutions aligned with their marketing objectives.

Anish oversees the publication’s flagship property, the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame Awards, one of New Zealand’s most high-profile community and business events, providing advertisers with premium brand visibility, direct audience engagement & long-term brand association. Renowned for executing large-scale campaigns and high-value partnerships, he has successfully delivered numerous integrated advertising campaigns & brought a diverse portfolio of new advertisers on board.

Through strategic planning, strong client relationships, and a deep understanding of audience behaviour, Anish plays a key role in expanding The Indian Weekender’s commercial footprint while helping advertisers achieve meaningful reach, relevance & return on investment.

Urjita Bhardwaj is the Senior Digital Producer at The Indian Weekender and a journalist with over six years of experience in digital storytelling and multimedia reporting. Based in New Zealand, she covers issues shaping the Kiwi-Indian community, including features, crime, immigration and stories that amplify community voices. Her work is guided by impact-led journalism, aiming to inform, engage and empower readers.

She also captures the cultural heartbeat of the diaspora, reporting on events, identities and lived experiences that reflect the community’s evolving realities. Her skills span news writing, in-depth interviews and video production. Alongside reporting, she manages The Indian Weekender’s e-paper, website and social media platforms.

After relocating from India, Urjita brought on-the-ground reporting experience from demanding assignments, including documentaries during the COVID-19 pandemic and social reporting from Kashmir, Punjab and the Northeast. She takes a careful editorial approach, works with a digital-first mindset, and focuses on reporting that serves the community. 

Born and raised in the vibrant city of Delhi, Gaurav is a Video Journalist and an independent contributor to The Indian Weekender, driven by a deep passion for storytelling that blends emotion, drama, and humour. With sharp instincts, cultural awareness, and a natural wit, he navigates the entertainment and community landscape with confidence, always seeking stories that resonate and spark conversation. His work reflects a strong belief that journalism should not only inform but also connect and entertain.

When he’s not chasing the next big scoop or capturing compelling narratives, Gaurav enjoys crafting punchlines, exploring Auckland’s diverse street food scene, and occasionally breaking into Bollywood dance moves—sometimes on cue, sometimes not. A self-proclaimed class act with a playful, silly side, he brings authenticity and personality to everything he does. Whether on camera or behind the scenes, Gaurav’s stories aim to leave a lasting impression, making audiences feel seen, heard, and thoroughly entertained.

Vidhi is a passionate content creator at The Indian Weekender, dedicated to showcasing Auckland’s best restaurants, events, and local businesses for the Indian community. Through engaging digital storytelling, she helps audiences discover must-visit dining spots, emerging brands, and community-led initiatives while supporting local businesses in building meaningful connections with their customers.

With a strong foundation in marketing and content strategy, Vidhi creates high-quality social media content, interviews, shoots, and campaigns that reflect the voices. She plays an active role in shaping content across platforms, contributing to audience growth, increased engagement, and successful launch and promotion of new digital initiatives.

Vidhi works closely with business owners, partners, and internal teams to deliver content that is both creative and purposeful. Known for her energetic and people-first approach, she thrives on building relationships and amplifying local success stories.