Meet The Kiwi-Indian Duo Guiding Migrants Through NZ Immigration & Education

Starting an educational journey as a migrant in New Zealand can appear challenging. The costs, visas, the quality of the course and what comes ahead of it can overwhelm a first timer.

With so many options already available, the question arises, how should one choose the best option and what makes it so best?

For Auckland-based Millennials Immigration NZ, owned by husband-and-wife team Anish Rana and Saumya Malik, the answer lies in transparency, reliability, and personalised guidance.

“Having personally gone through this journey ourselves, we deeply understand the challenges and opportunities, which allows us to provide practical guidance and comprehensive support,” say Millennials Immigration NZ advisers, Anish Rana and Saumya Malik.

“We provide a complete solution for all education and immigration needs, ensuring clarity, confidence, and success at every step,” they add.

From law and business to immigration

Coming from business and disciplined backgrounds, Anish’s and Saumya’s journey to New Zealand was no different from that of an international student.

While Anish began his journey in postgraduate studies in the UK, giving him a first taste of international education and living abroad, Saumya began her professional journey as a lawyer in India, representing clients before the High Courts and the Supreme Court in Delhi.

Then moving to New Zealand and completing and kickstarting his career, Anish’s skills led him to the NZ international tertiary education sector, where he says he found the perfect alignment of his skills and passion.

“Helping students achieve their dreams of studying abroad has always been my biggest motivation throughout my career,” Anish shares.

“During my years of working in the NZ international tertiary education sector, I had the privilege of recruiting students and supporting them in fulfilling their aspirations, which became a constant source of inspiration for me. To take this passion to the next level and provide more holistic support, I obtained my Immigration Adviser license,” he adds.

As for Saumya, who wanted to further enhance her legal expertise, particularly in corporate and commercial law, led her to pursue Master of Laws (LL.M) at the University of Auckland. Transitioning from a litigation lawyer in India to establishing a career in New Zealand presented significant challenges, as she adapted to a new legal and regulatory environment, gained an in-depth understanding of New Zealand’s immigration system, and completed the requirements to become a Licensed Immigration Adviser.

“In addition, building credibility and trust within the community required persistence, professionalism, and a strong commitment to client service. By focusing on maintaining high standards, continuous learning, and delivering consistent results, I was able to navigate these challenges successfully,” Saumya shares.

This decision, she describes, was both professional and personal, a step towards broadening her global perspective, deepening legal knowledge, and opening new opportunities for growth.

“Law has always been my forte, in India, helping people and representing them in court gave me immense satisfaction and reinforced my love for the profession,” she says.

“That same passion for advocacy and service guided me when I came to New Zealand. I wanted to continue using my legal background to support people in meaningful ways, which inspired me to become a New Zealand Licensed Immigration Adviser,” she adds.

Overcoming the migrant challenges

Anish shares, having taken up their fair share of challenges as young students and newcomers in New Zealand like balancing studies, finances, and adapting to a new culture. Still, moving to New Zealand meant learning to navigate a different education system and immigration processes, adapting to local culture, and managing personal and professional responsibilities simultaneously.

“Initially, the financial pressures and time management demands were intense, but through persistence, continuous learning, and building strong professional networks, I was able to overcome these obstacles,” he says.

Today, as Licensed Immigration Advisers and Directors of the firm, Millennials Immigration NZ, Anish and Saumya provide an enhanced platform for students and families from the subcontinent who wish to explore opportunities here and potentially make New Zealand their home.

Being part of the Indian community in New Zealand gives them “strength, pride, and a strong sense of belonging.”

“Representing and supporting the Indian community here is not just a responsibility—it is an honor and a source of immense pride, as it allows us to contribute positively while preserving our cultural identity,” Saumya shares.

While for Anish — “I am proud of establishing my name in the NZ international tertiary education sector, which has supported me throughout my journey,” Anish tells The Indian Weekender.

Having worked for several years in the Marketing & Sales side of the NZ international tertiary education sector, Anish says he now has an extensive knowledge that can be shared with students - knowledge that is often not easily accessible to them.

Understanding how education providers operate and how it aligns with immigration processes allows students to have clarity in planning their study pathways, making informed decisions, and confidently navigating their journey in New Zealand. Today, Millennials Immigration NZ is recognised as one of the trusted immigration firms for students and migrants who wish to settle in New Zealand based on the experience in the sector.

“Together, we take pride in proudly serving hundreds of clients including students, families, workers and employers, supporting them in their immigration journey, and standing with them every step of the way,” Anish shares.

For them, what makes this work truly rewarding is the feeling of helping someone achieve their goal.

They say that it is deeply satisfying to know that our guidance and support can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Advice from the Millennials

Advice from the millennials themselves - start with a clear vision, take the time to understand the local market, and remain consistent.

“There is nothing more powerful than putting in consistent effort every day, all year round—over time, this dedication propels you years ahead in your journey. Alongside this, building trust and delivering value should always take priority over seeking quick gains. Persistence, integrity, and commitment are key to long-term success.”