Great Punjab Association New Zealand: What it is & what it stands for

The Great Punjab Association New Zealand, a newly formed organisation aimed at uniting people from Punjab's three historic regions, Majha, Malwa and Doaba, has officially launched after attracting a house-full crowd to its inaugural event at the Clevedon Community Centre on 18 July.

Organisers said the event drew a larger audience than anticipated, reflecting strong community support for the Association's vision.

"The association is dedicated to preserving Punjab’s rich heritage, promoting its language and culture, and serving New Zealand’s growing Punjabi community through unity, cultural initiatives, and community service," said one of the organisers.

"Proudly, it is the first-ever Punjabi organisation in New Zealand to represent the people of all regions of Punjab, fostering a shared identity and a stronger, more united community," one of the organisers told The Indian Weekender.

Photo: Gurpal Singh Sidhu - Founder Member - addressing the gathering & introducing vision , aims and objectives of great Punjab association

The programme began with prayers, followed by a welcome from the Association's founders, Gurpal Singh Sidhu and Manpreet Singh Brar, who greeted distinguished guests, community leaders and members of the public.

Manpreet Singh Brar - President delivering his inaugural address to the gathering , outline vision & future direction of great Punjab

Addressing attendees, Gurpal Singh Sidhu outlined the vision behind the newly formed organisation, saying it is the first association of its kind in New Zealand to represent the whole of Punjab by bringing together the three historic regions, Majha, Malwa and Doaba,  under a single platform.

He said the Association has been established on the principles of Unity, Heritage,  Service, with the aim of strengthening community unity, preserving Punjabi culture and traditions, supporting future generations, and serving the wider New Zealand community through meaningful initiatives.

Attendees at the launch of Great Punjab Association New Zealand

Association President Manpreet Singh Brar said the strong turnout reflected the community's connection with Punjab and the confidence placed in the Association's leadership. He also said the support and encouragement received would motivate the team to work towards the welfare and progress of the Punjabi community across New Zealand.

All committee members of Great Punjab Association New Zealand

Sidhu and Brar also acknowledged the Association's executive and committee members, describing them as a dedicated, experienced and hardworking team committed to serving the community. They said the leadership would play an important role in promoting unity, supporting community initiatives and preserving Punjabi heritage for future generations.

Representatives of the Haryana Federation New Zealand, Karanjeet Singh Cheema and Gurbaj Mall, attended the launch and congratulated the Association on its establishment. They described it as a historic initiative that, for the first time in New Zealand, brings together the people of Majha, Malwa and Doaba under one organisation.

Karanjeet Cheema , founder of Haryana federation NZ 

They also acknowledged the longstanding friendship between the Punjabi and Haryanvi communities since the establishment of the Haryana Federation New Zealand in 2019 and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to work together for the benefit and prosperity of both communities.

Concluding the event, Sidhu said achieving a house-full audience for the inaugural event of a newly established organisation reflected the trust and confidence the community had placed in the Association.

Executive committee after the launch of the association

Great Punjab Association New Zealand would continue to support the Punjabi community, promote Punjabi culture and heritage, encourage unity, and serve the wider New Zealand community.

The Association also announced its office bearers and committee members.
Founders: Gurpal Singh Sidhu and Manpreet Singh Brar.

President: Manpreet Singh Brar.

Senior Vice President: Hardeep Singh "Hardy".

Vice President: Miki Sidhu.

General Secretary: Gurpreet Singh Bains.

Secretaries: Parminder Sandhu and Kanwarbir Singh Kalouria.

Treasurer: Gursharan Singh Brar.

Sports Secretaries: Harry Maan and Joban Mohar.

Religious Secretary: Dilpreet Singh Ishar.

Media Secretary: Amrit Singh.

The Association also announced office bearers for its Majha, Malwa and Doaba wings, along with its core committee.

Majha Wing

President: Harman Randhawa
Vice President: Sarbjit Singh
General Secretary: Palwinder Singh
Secretary: Parminder Singh Pamma

Malwa Wing

President: Dilbagh Singh Khosa
Vice President: Sahib Singh Khosa
General Secretary: Dilbabbar Singh Sra
Secretary: Gurkirat Singh Grewal

Doaba Wing

President: Lally Sandhu
Vice President: Mandeep Singh
General Secretary: Sarabpreet Sandha

Core Committee

* Gurpal Singh Sidhu
* Sukhpreet Sidhu
* Mandeep Singh
* Manpreet Singh Brar
* Karanjeet Singh Cheema
* Harman Randhawa
* Dilbagh Singh Khosa

The Great Punjab Association New Zealand has adopted "Unity • Heritage • Service" as its guiding principles.