~ Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2024 ~

Hall of Fame Inductee 2024

Ella Kumar

Ella Kumar was honoured with Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame in 2024 for her many years of service in local government, community leadership and advancement of public good, and for being a trailblazer for Kiwi Indian women in public life.

She was the first woman of Indian descent ever elected Chair of a local board in New Zealand and was elected as the first Kiwi Indian woman to a local board in 2010. She has represented the Auckland community on the Puketāpapa Local Board, where she has played a leadership role for several years.

Ella is a third-generation Kiwi Indian who was born and raised in New Zealand and whose family has lived in Aotearoa since the 1920s. Her story is one of overcoming adversity faced by the early Indian families in New Zealand while maintaining her cultural identity.

Besides her public service, she has had a career in health and fitness for over 30 years as a qualified aerobics instructor, personal trainer, pilates instructor and dance teacher. Since 2002, she has volunteered for the Auckland Diwali Festival and since 2019 has been teaching free fitness classes at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre.

Her induction into the Hall of Fame is a celebration of her leadership, diversity and community service.

Video Highlights

Rachin Ravindra

Kiwi Indian Young Achiever Award

Rachin Ravindra fans the quintessential diaspora dilemma every time he clobbers a six during an India, New Zealand match. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a fresh migrant, there’s something delightfully confusing about cheering on a guy who is splitting loyalties with every shot.

If Ravindra’s star wasn’t already shining bright, the year 2023 ensured it now burns like a supernova. Following his World Cup heroics last year, Ravindra didn’t just earn accolades but solidified his position as one of the most exciting prospects in world cricket.

After being named the ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year, Ravindra’s year got even sweeter when the Chennai Super Kings scooped him up for his debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Blackcaps shooting star was also then named Kiwi Indian Young Achiever at the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame Awards 2024–one of Aotearoa’s top honours for Indian diaspora organised by The Indian Weekender.
He started hitting cricket balls when he was six years old and used to take his dad, Ravi Krishnamurthy, to the nets every day.

Krishnamurthy, a software engineer by trade and cricket enthusiast by passion, moved to Wellington from India in 1997, and Rachin was born two years later.

By the time he could walk, Rachin was already rummaging through cricket gear bags, pulling out gloves, pads, and even his protective box with the excitement of a kid raiding a candy store. He took cricket seriously in school at the Hutt International Boys’ School, starting to play in the first 11 in Year 9 and ending up playing club cricket in Years 12 and 13.

New Zealand Indian Central Association

Kiwi Indian Community organisation of the year

The 11th edition of The Indian Weekender Hall of Fame Awards honoured the New Zealand Indian Central Association for its century-long contribution as a cornerstone of unity, advocacy, and cultural preservation within New Zealand’s Indian diaspora.

At the ceremony held on 4 October, NZICA was presented with the prestigious Community Organisation of the Year award. The honour was accepted by then-President Narendra Bhana, widely recognised as a pioneering voice for the Indian community in Aotearoa.

Established in 1926, NZICA remains the only national umbrella organisation representing regional Indian community groups across New Zealand, continuing its legacy of leadership and service for nearly a century.

Ajay Kumar

Businessperson of the Year 2024

Ajay Kumar is the Businessperson of the Year 2024 , acknowledged for his entrepreneurialism, financial services innovation and community empowerment. He is founder and Managing Director of Global Financial Services, a leading financial advisory business in New Zealand.

The firm started its journey in 1999 with limited resources, but has now developed into a prosperous business with several branches in Auckland, offering mortgage broking, insurance, wealth and financial advice.

A former banker from overseas, Ajay moved to New Zealand and recognised the difficulties many migrant families experienced in accessing financial advice. He provided many families guidance and culturally sensitive assistance to help them become home owners and build a strong financial future.

His firm, Global Financial Services, has been recognised by leading banks and business groups. Ajay has also been involved in community projects, philanthropic organisations and financial education initiatives.

The award acknowledges his commercial success and contribution to the community through business.

Pandit Shuk Dev Madhur

Kiwi Indian Arts, Culture & Heritage Award

Pandit Shukdev Madhur is a luminary in the world of Hindustani classical music, whose life and work have created ripples across continents, enriched musical traditions, and inspired generations of musicians. With a rich and versatile mastery of both the violin and vocal styles, Pandit Madhur’s contributions to the art form are unparalleled. His dedication to the preservation, propagation, and teaching of Hindustani classical music has left a significant impact in both Aotearoa New Zealand and his homeland, India.

For decades, Pandit Madhur has been an ambassador of the intricate and emotive traditions of Indian classical music. He has been a voice of authority in the realm of music broadcasting, ensuring the continued presence and evolution of classical forms on airwaves. His work as an educator at the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT), one of India’s most prestigious institutions for educational development, is equally profound. Through his teachings, Pandit Madhur has influenced not just students but has also played a vital role in shaping music education policy and curriculum in India, ensuring that the next generation of musicians is rooted in tradition while embracing modernity.

The year 1993 marked a milestone in Pandit Madhur’s career, as he was honoured with the prestigious National Award by then-President of India, Shankar Dayal Sharma. This recognition was not merely for his remarkable skills as a musician but also acknowledged his dedication to teaching and fostering the growth of classical music. His dual roles as both performer and educator have made him a revered figure, and his impact on music students and enthusiasts continues to be felt worldwide.It is with great pride that we recognise Pandit Shukdev Madhur for his lifelong dedication to musical excellence and cultural harmony.

Hon. Todd McClay

Friend of India Award

Todd McClay was honoured with the ‘Friend of India’ Award at the Kiwi-Indian Hall of Fame Awards 2024, recognising his leadership in strengthening ties between New Zealand and India and revitalising Indo–Kiwi relations.

A key milestone in this relationship was achieved on 27 April 2026, when New Zealand and India signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement—widely described by the Government as one of the most significant trade deals in New Zealand’s history. McClay travelled to India for the signing, where he met his counterpart, Piyush Goyal, culminating years of negotiation efforts that began more than 16 years ago.

Working closely with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, McClay led an intensive diplomatic and trade engagement strategy. Since taking office, he visited India several times—fulfilling a commitment first signalled during the 2023 election campaign.

The agreement marks a new chapter in bilateral relations, with strong potential for expanded trade, deeper business partnerships, and long-term economic growth as India’s global influence continues to rise.

McClay has served as the Member of Parliament for Rotorua since 2008. Prior to his political career, he worked as a diplomat, including serving as Ambassador for the Cook Islands and Niue to the European Union, and built an international career across business, government, and public relations.