NZ Hindu Women Conference Unites 250+ Women

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Monday, 7 September 2026

The Hindu Women Forum, a service division of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, hosted the 2nd New Zealand Hindu Women Conference at the Swaminarayan Complex in Papatoetoe, Auckland. Held under the theme “Women Entrepreneurs – Leading Progress, Powering Prosperity,” the event brought together more than 250 Hindu women to explore entrepreneurship, leadership, professional development and community service.

The conference recorded strong growth compared with its inaugural edition in 2025, which attracted 125 delegates in Wellington. Participants travelled from Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hawke’s Bay, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, highlighting the expanding reach of the Hindu Women Forum across New Zealand.

As part of its commitment to community service, the organizers announced that 50% of the conference entry fees would be donated to the Nepal Flood Relief Fund. The initiative reflected the forum’s emphasis on combining women’s leadership and professional growth with social responsibility and community support.

Key Highlights:

• More than 250 women from across New Zealand attended the conference
• The conference focused on women’s leadership, entrepreneurship and community development
• Half of the entry fees were donated to the Nepal Flood Relief Fund

High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, H.E. Muanpuii Saiawi, graced the event with her presence as the Chief Guest and formally inaugurated the conference. During the speech, she mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Auckland had brought the ties between the two countries to a new level, ‘Strategic Partnership’ and that the relationship between India and New Zealand had gained much more ground since then. She also recalled the completion of the Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand in the next nine months.

Dame Ranjna Patel DNZM, a Trustee of the International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation gave the keynote address and shared the 5-point call to action for Hindu women – to Serve, to Lead, to Empower, to Connect and to Inspire. She encouraged women to use their skills for the good of society, take on leadership, getting involved with other women and beyond Hindu network, Māori and Pacific networks and mainstream.

Member of Parliament Dr Parmjeet Parmar broadened the definition of entrepreneur to encompass beyond business, "the ability to take risks and bring about change in life, in science, in public service and the arts.

The conference had specific segments dedicated to entrepreneurship, public leadership, professional development and community leadership. During the Hindu Women Entrepreneurs Network session, the opportunities that are being created for the women as a result of the changing economic scenario were discussed. Guest speakers ranged from Dr Amita Fotedar, who spoke on trade opportunities, to Raewyn Bhana, Binal Nagar and Dr Julia Anne on the entrepreneurial journey and holistic wellness, and their connections with the Māori community.

The session on Hindu Women in Public Leadership focused on Emotional Intelligence, Leadership Frameworks, Leadership in Academia, Resilience and Women's participation in Media. The other session explored leadership within the professions and community, including public sector leadership, values-based parenting and legacy of Girmit women and community building in the South Island of New Zealand.

This also involved a restorative yoga and meditation session with Amita Changoiwala, based on Hatha Yoga. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Pallavi Sinha and the Way Forward was presented by Sonali Hegde.

The conference ended with a spiritually uplifting kirtan performance by the Meditation NZ Kirtan Band ending what was a very empowering experience for Hindu women to come together from being a part to being a lead singer of the Kirtan Band, whilst preserving the culture and contributing to wider New Zealand society.