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A rare honour for an inspiring leader

A rare honour for an inspiring leader
June 12 2009
Accomplished businessman and dedicated community leader Roshan Lal Nauhria’s long time contribution to both the Indian community in New Zealand and the country’s economy has been justly recognised with theconferment of the honour of Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit by Queen Elizabeth-II on June 1.

When Indian Weekender visited him on the day to convey the congratulations and best wishes of our readers, Nauhriaji said, “I am truly humbled by all this. I acknowledge all the help and co-operation I have received from all sections of the community in my endeavours. I think it is in fact recognition for every Indian’s effort of contributing to making New Zealand a better place.”

Nauhriaji came to New Zealand in 1972 as a young man of 28 with his wife and lots of dreams. A professionally qualified engineer from the presitigious Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, he gained experience working as an engineer in his newly adopted country.


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In late 1976, he started his own construction company and soon earned a name for himself not only in New Zealand but also in Fiji where among other major projects, he helped build the the Monasavu power station – Fiji’s biggest hydro power station. A few years later, he diversified into themanufacture of construction products.

He now runs two factories – one in Highbrook Drive East Tamaki and other in Hobill Ave Manukau – making reinforced steel, mesh, precast concrete panels, beams, flooring and other materials for the construction sector. He employs more than 60 people and his enterprise holds about 20% market share in Auckland.

What is most commendable is that while putting his businesses firmly on the path to growth and success, Nauhriaji found the time, energy, funds and commitment to contribute handsomely to community initiatives. His involvement in community work almost sgoes back to the time he started out in business.

In the 1980s, Nauhriaji along with a few others felt the need for a proper place of worship for all people of Indian origin who followed the Hindu faith. It was a desire of many but it was only the dedication with which he championed the cause of the project from 1986 that the Bharatiya Mandir became a reality in 1993 after spending seven years and $2 million on the project.

The temple on Balmoral Road, which is indeed a landmark today in the central Auckland, attracts more than 4,000 devotees every week and on festive occasions over 3,000 visit it on a single day. The project is a continuing one and recently some properties close to the temple have been acquired with a dream of building a community hall to cater to the growing Indian community. The projected cost is around $5 million and it is expected to be completed by 2011–12.

He has also helped other religious organisations like the Hamilton Gurdwara, Otahuhu Gurdwara and Kolmar Road Gurdwara in Papatoetoe. He has been an active member of the well known Hare Krishna temple (ISKCON) at Riverhead. He was deputy Chairman of the temple’s trust for many years. He has actively supported many other temples that have come up in Auckland.

Nauhriaji was chosen as the President of United Indianz when it was created by more than 20 community groups to organise a joint program to celebrate the 60th Indian independence day in Auckland. The function in August 2007 was attended by the Governor General, the then Prime Minister and many other dignitaries. Later this group continued as a representative of Indian political ambitions and conveys the community’s view point across the political spectrum.

Though New Zealand is his Karma Bhoomi, he has never forsaken his Janma Bhoomi. He has extended his philanthropic activities in his country of birth, too. A place of worship has been made by his contributions in the town Dharam Kot in Punjab where he was born.

He has donated funds to build additional facilities to the school where he had his own education. He has also given his hometown a charitable hospital which currently has 28 beds and is planned to be grow into a 50-bed facility with modern amenities.  It already has an operating theatre, diagnostic laboratory, X-Ray and ultra sound facilities. The Hospital has started functioning since December last year.

This project was completely funded by him. The Foundation stone of this hospital was laid by Rt.Honourable the Late David Lange, New Zealand’s former prime minister. It has all amenities and employs about 20 staff.

Nauhriaji is a dedicated family man and has a daughter and a son. Daughter Vicky is married and settled in India. Son Rakesh is a young business graduate from Auckland University of Technology and works with him in his companies. When Indian Weekender visited him Nauhriaji was busy spending quality time with his little grandchildren.

Despite his busy schedule, he is still active in various Indian associations and always finds the time to help out with matters concerning the community and building business links between New Zealand and India as a prominent member of the India Trade Group. Indian Weekender wishes him all the very best.
Accomplished businessman and dedicated community leader Roshan Lal Nauhria’s long time contribution to both the Indian community in New Zealand and the country’s economy has been justly recognised with theconferment of the honour of Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit by Queen Elizabeth-II on...
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