Rotorua Hindu Centre Unveils Garden, Celebrates Ram Temple Anniversary

The Hindu Heritage Centre in Rotorua became a hub of activity on 22 January with two significant events that underscored the community's dedication to sustainability and cultural preservation.

Community Garden and Sustainability Initiative Inaugurated

The day began with the launch of the Community Garden and Sustainability Initiative, funded by the Rotorua Lakes Council’s Community Matching Fund. The project was inaugurated by Neeta Bhushan, High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, and Tania Tapsell, Mayor of Rotorua.

Six wheelchair-accessible raised garden beds were unveiled, each designed to grow fresh vegetables and promote environmental awareness.

• Elderly Community Beds: Inaugurated by Bhushan, these two beds, constructed with redwood sleepers, cater specifically to the elderly community.
• Macrocarpa Beds: Mayor Tapsell unveiled two beds crafted from durable Macrocarpa timber.
• Eucalyptus Beds: Dr Margriet Theron, President of the Rotorua Multicultural Council, inaugurated two beds made from eucalyptus sleepers.

Plans are in place to introduce a children’s herb garden, further enriching the initiative. The garden will serve as an educational hub to promote sustainable practices while strengthening community ties.

Dr Julia Anne, manager of the Hindu Heritage Centre, shared the centre’s ongoing contributions to Rotorua, such as the International Day of Yoga and the Rotorua Ethnic Market. She noted the garden’s potential to inspire new volunteers and benefit the local community.

“This community exemplifies the Hindu principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family. I drove from Wellington to support this meaningful sustainability project,” said Bhushan.

Mayor Tapsell added, “We were delighted to award $12,000 from the Community Matching Fund for this initiative, which aligns with our principles of sustainability. Water harvesting and plans for a children’s garden further demonstrate its positive environmental impact.”

Photo: Supplied

First Anniversary of Shri Ram Mandir’s Pran Pratishtha

In the evening, the Hindu Organisations, Temples, and Associations (HOTA) Forum NZ hosted a Community Devotional Gathering to commemorate the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) of Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. First anniversary of Shri Ram Mandir Pran pratishtha was inaugurated by five women from different countries. Neeta Bhushan,  Tania Tapsell, Dr Margriet Theron, President of Rotorua Multicultural Council, Nilamani Wright, Yoga Teacher and Sakshi Vij Shekon, coordinator of Bhajan Sandhya

Photo: Supplied

Coordinated by Sakshi Vij Sekhon, the event featured a rich blend of spirituality and cultural expression.

Key dignitaries lit the ceremonial lamp, including Bhushan, Mayor Tapsell, Dr Theron, yoga teacher Nilamani Wright, and the event coordinator, Sekhon. Highlights included a yoga demonstration by Wright, devotional songs, and kirtans performed by local groups.

“Thank you for inviting me to this special occasion. The performances were heartfelt, and the community’s unity is truly inspiring,” Bhushan said.

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from Komal Sahani.

Community Praise

Attendees lauded the events:

• Dr Margriet Theron: “Well done, Guna. A very successful event, meaningful and enjoyed by all.”
• Pavani Aravapalli: “A truly fantastic evening! Congratulations on the launch of our new Community Garden.”
• Monika Bansal: “Brilliant initiative! Offering vegetables to the wider community was wonderful, and the kirtan was mesmerising.”
• Nilamani Wright: “If you want a community to serve you, serve your community.”
• Sakshi Vij Sekhon: “It was mesmerising and uplifting.”

A Bright Future

The dual events demonstrated the Hindu Heritage Centre’s vital role in Rotorua, fostering sustainability, cultural celebration, and community unity.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Prof Guna Magesan
President, Hindu Council of New Zealand
021 034 5621 | hindu.nz@gmail.com