~ HALL OF FAME 2017 ~

Hall of Fame Inductee 2017

Sukhi Turner

Sukhi Turner, a Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame inductee, 2017, is a pioneering figure in New Zealand’s political landscape whose career reflects decades of public service.

She made history as the first woman elected Mayor of Dunedin, serving three consecutive terms from 1995 to 2004. She is also widely recognised as one of the first Indian-born individuals to hold a mayoral position in New Zealand. During her tenure, she built strong community support and contributed significantly to the civic and cultural life of the city.

Born in 1952 into a Sikh family in India, Turner spent her early years moving within the country before later settling in New Zealand. She married former New Zealand international cricketer Glenn Turner and eventually made Dunedin her home, where she raised her family.

Her political career began with her election to the Dunedin City Council in 1992. Within three years, she successfully ran for mayor, defeating an incumbent, a notable achievement at the time, and went on to secure re-election in subsequent terms.

Turner’s contributions have been recognised through several honours, including the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal in 1993 and appointment as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002. In 2004, she received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, recognising her achievements as a person of Indian origin living abroad.

She is widely regarded for her approachable leadership style and lasting contribution to public life in New Zealand. Her legacy reflects leadership, representation, and the breaking of barriers in local government.

Shail Kaushal

Young Achiever of the Year

The first Indian born to be elected in local government in Auckland and the only Asian youth to be elected in New Zealand. He started creating history at the age of 16 when he was selected as the youth MP,

At 17, he was the youngest campaign manager to manage general election campaign in 2011. At 18, he was selected among the ten youth in the Auckland to be trained as Future Leaders.
At 19, he was the youngest candidate to contest the local government election
At 20 he became the campaign secretary for Mt Roskill in 2014 general election.
At 21, he led a multilateral delegation and represented New Zealand overseas.
At 22, he was the youngest member of Mayor’s Phil Goff’s winning mayoral campaign committee.

Thakor Parbhu

Community Services Excellence

Thakor Prabhu has been serving the community for more than 50 years through his involvement in various community organisations. He was awarded Queen’s Service Medal in 1989 for his service to the community. Since then he has continued his voluntary work in the community. He has been deeply involved with the Federation of Ethnic Council and Auckland Regional Migrant Centre. He was also on the National Advisory Panel of the Human Rights Commission to promote civil and political rights, economic and cultural rights and race relations in New Zealand.He has effectively lobbied on various ethnic issue at parliamentary level which culminated in the formation of Ministry of Ethnic Affairs with the cabinet.