Indian community leader selected as semi-finalist for Senior New Zealander of the Year 2026

Indian community leader Jeet Suchdev has been named a semi-finalist in the Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year 2026 category at the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards.

The Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year category recognises New Zealanders aged 70 and over who continue to shape Aotearoa through leadership, service and care, drawing on their life experience to make a lasting impact.

On being selected as a semi-finalist, Suchdev said, “I am thankful to Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards for this opportunity.”

“I was not even aware that i was nominated by someone from the Indian community,” he added.

In his seventies, Suchdev is the chairman of the Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust, a Not for Profit organisation serving the community since 1995. The organisation offers a wide range of services through Senior Citizens Wing, Children & Youth Wing, New Migrants Support Wing and Social Services Wing.

Under his leadership, the organisation has grown from a small cultural group into one of the country’s leading providers of migrant settlement support, senior wellbeing programmes and youth engagement initiatives.

Suchdev has worked extensively on cases of elder abuse, supporting vulnerable older people to access protection, dignity and ongoing care.

“I hope to inspire other members of the community to contribute towards a social cause in New Zealand,” Suchdev said.

Through the Trust, he assists seniors in securing safe accommodation and accessing essential services. He has also worked closely with Auckland Council’s Age-friendly team, advocating for improved wellbeing outcomes, accessible facilities, health services, housing and transport for seniors across the region.

As part of his work advancing culturally appropriate senior care, Suchdev helped establish New Zealand’s first culturally responsive care home in partnership with BUPA NZ at David Lange Care Home, a milestone for ethnic communities.

The top three finalists across all seven award categories will be announced on Thursday, 26 February 2026.