The Hindu Council of New Zealand (HCNZ) convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, 26 July – at the Hindu Heritage Centre in Rotorua, bringing together representatives from Auckland, Wellington, and Rotorua to reflect on past achievements and set future priorities.
The AGM featured a special presentation by General Secretary Nitika Sharma titled “Reconnecting and Re-setting HCNZ’s Pathway,” aimed at guiding new members through the Council’s history and wide-ranging activities. Annual reports from various forums and regional branches were also presented, covering youth engagement, interfaith dialogue, cultural festivals, and education.
Dr Guna Magesan, President of HCNZ, emphasised that the Hindu Heritage Centre is increasingly becoming a hub of activity, with four charitable funding agencies expressing interest in collaborating with the Council. “The AGM is not just a time for reflection, but an opportunity to chart a purposeful path forward,” said Dr Magesan. “Our efforts are grounded in the timeless values of service, unity, and cultural pride.”
Key outcomes from the meeting included the formation of new HCNZ branches in Rotorua and Hamilton, and a strengthened focus on the Hindu Students Forum, Hindu Women’s Forum, and Hindu Youth initiatives. Enhancing engagement with government agencies is also a strategic priority.
Reports were delivered by Vijay Chand (Hindu Elders Foundation, Rotorua), Saakshi Hegde (Hindu Youth and Students Forum), Shaveta Gupta and Komal Sahani (Hindu Women’s Forum), Vijeshni Rattan (HCNZ Wellington), Monika Bansal (AROGYA – Yogathon), and Dr Guna Magesan (Hindu Heritage Centre).
The AGM also saw several new appointments: Dr Vinay Karanam was named Joint General Secretary, Monika Bansal was appointed Assistant Treasurer, Saakshi Hegde became Auckland Coordinator, and Komal Sahani was announced as Rotorua Coordinator for Hindu Youth NZ. In the Hindu Students Forum, Abirami Kaliban was elected President and Nikhil Anil Sneha as Treasurer.
The Council also recognised volunteers and community leaders for their contributions, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing identity, service, and unity. The Hindu Heritage Centre was lauded for its role in strengthening community presence and cultural continuity in the Bay of Plenty.
The Hindu Council of New Zealand is a non-profit organisation formed in 1998 to coordinate the activities of Hindu organisations in New Zealand.