~ Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2022 ~
Hall of Fame Inductee 2022
Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan
Priyanca Radhakrishnan, the first Kiwi Indian woman to serve as a Minister in the New Zealand Government, was inducted into the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame in 2022 — a significant milestone in the history of representation and diversity in New Zealand politics.
Born in Chennai, India, to a family with roots in Kerala, Priyanca spent her early years in Singapore before moving to New Zealand as an international student. She began her leadership journey when she was elected as the International Students’ Officer at Massey University, gaining her first experience in campaigning and representation.
Guided by a deep sense of social justice, Priyanca entered politics through the Labour Party, driven by a desire to give back to the country she now calls home. Her personal values were shaped by her upbringing and a family history of progressive politics.
As a Member of Parliament and later as a Minister, Priyanca has become a vocal advocate for ethnic communities, striving to make their voices heard and their needs met. Her campaigns and policies focus on safe and fair working environments for migrants, protection and support for vulnerable groups, and improved access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Known for her dedication to public service, she has devoted much of her career to positive societal change both within and beyond Parliament. Her work reflects a vision of a society where all people can live with dignity and security.
Priyanca attributes her success to the unwavering support of her family, husband, and in-laws, which has enabled her to pursue her goals and serve the community effectively.
Her induction into the Hall of Fame celebrates her legacy of progress, representation, and leadership — making her an inspiring role model for how commitment to service and community can build a more inclusive New Zealand.
Roopa Suchdev
Community Service Excellence Award Winner 2022
Roopa Suchdev, Community Services Excellence Award (2022), is a social activist who has served decades long and whose contributions have really influenced the South Asian community in New Zealand.
Roopa Suchdev is an Indian migrant who came to New Zealand in 1992 and has since then dedicated her life to serving the community. She co-founded Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust with Jeet Suchdev in 1995, a platform aimed at supporting and empowering various communities in Aotearoa.
As a professional with more than twenty years of experience in the sphere of domestic violence, Suchdev has been a proponent of vulnerable populations, especially women, striving to support, educate, and offer safe areas to those in need. Her work has contributed greatly to solving some of the most vital social problems among migrant and ethnic groups.
The New Zealand Government recognized her excellent work in community service by offering her the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) in 2005. Her work has also been recognised internationally with the inclusion of an honouring of her with the Bharat Gaurav Award in New Delhi, with regard to her service to South Asian communities in New Zealand.
Roopa Suchdev has been a pillar in society, known to be caring, strong, and dedicated to supporting others. She believes in the value of wellbeing and self-worth; her philosophy is about the empowerment of individuals to live with dignity, purpose, and confidence.
Auckland Indian Association
Community Organisation of the Year 2022
Auckland Indian Association, Community Organisation of the Year (2022) is one of the oldest and most powerful Indian community organisations in New Zealand, and has a long history of service, advocacy, and cultural preservation over a century.
The Association was formed in 1920 by its first President, Chhotubhai Patel, to represent and advocate the Indian community when migrants were going through a difficult time, as they were discriminated against and faced immigration restrictions.
The Association expanded with the growth of the community. This culminated into the development of the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in 1955 which has since then been a focal point of cultural, social and community life in Auckland.
The Auckland Indian Association has been crucial in the preservation and promotion of Indian culture in New Zealand over the decades. Various events and programmes are still held at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre, including one of the most well-known celebrations in the community, the annual Navratri festival, which features traditional Garba dance.
With its tradition of community participation, cultural expression and social support, the Association has been a pillar of the Kiwi-Indian community. Its work has been a reflection of the history and development of Indian migration in New Zealand.
The Auckland Indian Association is an example of how a community can be united, resilient and the permanence of initiatives led by communities.
Video Highlights
Photo gallery 2022
