Behind the scenes of Hawke’s Bay’s health and community services, one woman’s quiet determination is making waves — changing how immigrant families navigate life and pioneering new care for heart patients. Who is Daman Kaur, and how has she become such a vital force in her community?
A Nurse Practitioner specialising in cardiology, Daman received a Civic Award from Hastings District Council in 2025 for her extensive voluntary work supporting immigrant and ethnic communities.
The Hindu Council of Hawke’s Bay Inc. was also honoured for its efforts in enhancing the Hastings community’s understanding of Hindu culture and uniting diverse local Hindu congregations.
Each year, the Hastings District Council presents Civic Honour Awards to recognise individuals, groups, or organisations that have made significant voluntary contributions to the community.
This recognition celebrates Daman's dedication to helping migrants navigate healthcare, education, parenting, and schooling, alongside her outstanding professional achievements in cardiac care.
“Sewa is preached in my religion as an integral part of your everyday life,” Daman shares with The Indian Weekender.
She also earned national recognition as a finalist in the inaugural Equity Awards of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand. The accolade highlighted her innovative Telehealth video-calling model for cardiac patients, unique to Hawke’s Bay and the first of its kind in New Zealand. This model improves access, equity, and safety for cardiac care across the region.
Now in her late thirties, Daman serves as a Nurse Practitioner — the highest clinical nursing position — specialising in cardiology at Te Whatu Ora Hawke’s Bay. She describes the role as autonomous, allowing her to work independently as an authorised prescriber and provide comprehensive care.
Her path from Chandigarh to New Zealand began nearly 15 years ago when she arrived on a student visa to complete a competency assessment programme to become a registered nurse. “I believe a part of me belongs to both lands now and I won’t be complete without either of them,” she expresses.
Daman chose New Zealand for its natural beauty and lifestyle, preferring smaller towns and countryside living, reminiscent of her upbringing in Chandigarh. She embraced Māori culture, learning Te Reo Māori (levels 1 and 2), finding parallels with Indian values — especially the focus on whanau and spiritual connection to nature and elders.
She calls this a “homecoming” and a way to deepen roots through Whakawhanautanga — the process of building relationships.
Since settling in Hawke’s Bay in 2019, Daman has volunteered with numerous organisations including the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, the Multicultural Association of Hawke’s Bay, Radio Hawke’s Bay, local women’s and interfaith groups, and has served as a primary school board member.
“All these voluntary roles target a bigger good for our migrant communities — from childhood education and cultural awareness to social cohesion, policy writing and influence, and serving the people by doing voluntary health clinics at the temples,” she explains.
Being a finalist for the inaugural Equity Award was a proud moment for Daman and Hawke’s Bay cardiology services.
Daman Kaur/Photo: Supplied
Her Civic Award from Hastings District Council recognised not only her professional excellence but also the impact of her voluntary work on immigrant ethnic populations and the wider community. The recognition honours the influence of her voluntary work on immigrant communities and the Hastings District Council area as a whole.
“Indian culture and values are the building blocks of who I am. My parents always taught me to respect everyone, be grateful for what you have, work hard to achieve your dreams and always help others — do sewa from the heart,” she shares.
To young Kiwi-Indians aiming for healthcare careers, she advises, “Find your why, what motivates you and fills your cup. Health is a very demanding and yet very fulfilling career if you enter with the right mindset.”
Looking ahead, Daman remains focused on advancing equitable healthcare. “It’s just the start. The goal is to have a better equitable and accessible healthcare model for our mokopuna with no access issues or barriers. Empowering ethnic communities for better health, education and a better tomorrow — my work as well as my voluntary role will continue in my journey forward.”