Noted Kiwi-Indian business and community leader Bhav Dhillon has become the first ever Kiwi-Indian chair of the billion plus dollars strong community trust – Foundation North.
Mr Dhillon was first appointed in 2017 as a Trustee of the prestigious community funding body for the Auckland and Northland region which provides more than one billion dollar community funding to individuals and institutions working within the space of community development before being elected as the new Chair last week.
The announcement of Mr Dhillon’s election as the new Chair was made on Foundation North’s twitter account earlier today when a virtual powhiri was held in a zoom meeting to welcome new members and the chair of the board and to farewell the departing members.
Notably, Trustees and the Chair are appointed to the Board for a four-year term by the Minister of Finance.
Among Mr Dhillon’s range of leadership positions, key are being the Managing Director of CEMIX, an iconic Kiwi brand involved in manufacturing innovative construction products for over 35 years and interests in media, property and publishing. He is also the Hon Consul of India for Auckland, Northland and Waikato region along with being on the board of Better Way Foundation which works alongside NZ Police, Auckland Council and other like-minded organisations for creating pathways for positive change among kiwi youth at risk of gang culture and drugs.
Recently he has also led relief efforts on behalf of the High Commission of India in supporting hundreds of stranded Indian citizens, students, and work visa holders during the Alert Level 4 & 3 lockdown in Auckland with food, grocery and accommodation along with coordinating efforts in arranging repatriation flights.
Meanwhile, several leaders from both sides of the political spectrum has welcome the decision of elevation Bhav Dhillon as the Chair of the Foundation North.
Welcoming the decision Labour Party's Chief Whip Michael Wood said, "Congratulations to Bhav Dhillon on his elevation to Chair of Foundation North, one of New Zealand's most important philanthropic organisations. Bhav will no doubt bring his wide ranging vision, professional expertise, and care for the community to this important role."
Similarly National Party's MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi also expressed rejoice saying, "Over the years that I have come to know Bhav Dhillon, he has come across as someone who is willing to listen and act on concerns of our communities."
“It is only natural that due to his strong leadership and strategic management he has earned his position. The work that Mr Dhillon has done over the past many years is commendable,” Mr Bakshi said.
Foundation north holds $1.4bn in investments and gives out approx $50 million as grants to the community.