Palmerston North business owner and community advocate Ankit Bansal has been appointed the new Chair of the Dairy & Business Owners Group Incorporated, a national body representing small retailers across New Zealand.
Bansal succeeds Manish Thakkar and former Chair Sunny Kaushal, who played a key role in bringing the issue of retail crime to national attention.
“Retail crime is not just about lost stock—it’s about fear, safety, and livelihoods,” said Bansal. “I want to make sure every small business owner feels supported, protected, and heard. We will continue pushing for practical reforms, stronger laws, and better protection for our frontline workers.”
A small business owner in Palmerston North and former National Party candidate, Bansal has previously led regional initiatives tackling crime, including organising forums involving police, government agencies, and the business sector. His key priorities include reducing violent and repeat offending, updating trespass laws, and prioritising victims within the justice system.
He also acknowledged Kaushal’s efforts, saying the Founding Chair had laid the groundwork for national awareness and meaningful change.
Sunny Kaushal welcomed Bansal’s appointment, stating, “Ankit brings the right balance of lived experience, strong leadership, and a clear vision for change. He has been a committed voice in our fight for safer communities, and I am confident he will carry the torch with energy and focus. The challenges are serious, but with Ankit at the helm, the voice of small business will only grow stronger.”
Under Bansal’s leadership, the group plans to maintain its push for urgent measures to address retail crime and strengthen collaboration between retailers, police, and policymakers.
The Dairy & Business Owners Group formally evolved from the Crime Prevention Group, which Kaushal led in 2021. After nearly five years of advocacy, the group was established to give thousands of dairies and small businesses a collective voice, focusing on driving better crime prevention strategies within the retail sector.
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