~ Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2023 ~
Hall of Fame Inductee 2023
Gurunathan Krishnasamy
Gurunathan Krishnasamy, Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame Inductee (2023), is a former politician, journalist, and two-term Mayor of the Kāpiti Coast District whose life story reflects resilience, leadership, and a commitment to social justice.
Gurunathan was born in Malaysia in 1952, and arrived in Wellington in 1974 with few resources, but with great ambition to make a life in New Zealand. In his early days, he worked several part-time jobs while undertaking study and promptly became active in student politics and activism. He co-founded The New Times Monthly during this time and joined the Māori activists of Ngā Tamatoa, becoming its first non-Māori member.
He was also active in the anti-apartheid movement, including during the 1981 Springbok Tour, and so demonstrated his lifelong commitment to social justice and equality. He went on to work as a journalist in Malaysia, before returning to New Zealand in 1995.
In the public arena, Gurunathan was a trailblazer in local government. In 2010, he was elected the first Asian councillor on the Kāpiti Coast. In 2016, he became the first non-Pākehā mayor for the district, serving two terms before retiring from local government in 2022.
His tenure as Mayor was characterised by independent leadership, a preparedness to challenge the status quo and a focus on serving a diverse and changing community. He has continued to serve the community as a columnist and commentator on Māori, multicultural and public affairs.
His story, from a young migrant to a civic leader, is a testament to hard work and dedication.
Gurunathan Krishnasamy’s induction into the Hall of Fame demonstrates his bravery, leadership and paves the way for others and emphasis the significance of the honour coming from his own cultural group.
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Simran Kaur
Young Achiever of the Year 2023
Simran Kaur, Young Achiever Award winner (2023), is one of the most promising young leaders in finance and financial education today. Simran is the founder and co-host of ‘Girls That Invest’, a platform that has revolutionised the way thousands of women globally approach money and investing, and build wealth for the long term.
Driven by a vision of democratising finance, Simran co-founded ‘Girls That Invest’ in 2020 with her best friend Sonya Gupthan. Initially aimed at opening up conversations about women investing, the podcast swiftly morphed into a global movement. It has now become a global movement with millions of podcast listeners, a thriving online presence and educational initiatives empowering learners from over 40 countries.
Simran is recognised globally; as a one of the Forbes 30 Under 30, for her work as a young entrepreneur and social change-maker. She has also been featured in various media outlets including TEDx, Forbes, Vogue, Business Insider and Oxford Women in Business. She was invited to speak in the UK Houses of Parliament for International Women’s Day in 2023, further establishing her as a champion of female economic empowerment.
Simran is not just a media sensation; she’s also a bestselling author. ‘Girls That Invest’, her book, became a bestselling resource for young women looking for financial education in an accessible, relatable and non-technical format. Through her educational, media, and community outreach, she has made investing accessible and empowered women by giving them the tools to manage their personal finances.
Simran’s journey is driven by a mission to bridge the wealth divide by equipping women with financial knowledge and confidence. She has redefined the notion of finance from being inaccessible and scary to being relatable, empowering and real.
Her achievement is a reminder to younger generations to dream big and live without fear or limitation.
Simran Kaur’s journey is an example of innovation, bravery and change.
New Zealand Telugu Association
Community Organisation of the Year 2023
New Zealand Telugu Association, Community Organisation of the Year Winner (2023), is celebrated for its exemplary role in preserving culture, fostering unity, and contributing to communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The New Zealand Telugu Association (NZTA) was formed in 1998 with the aim of uniting Telugu-speaking families in New Zealand and providing a platform for them to celebrate their language, culture and traditions. The association has evolved into one of the most dynamic cultural organisations in New Zealand over the last 20 years, catering to a thriving Telugu-speaking community, and providing support to the new migrants.
In 2023, NZTA marked its 25th anniversary and silver jubilee of its efforts to uphold Telugu culture in New Zealand. Over the years, the association has been organising and promoting Telugu language, arts, music, dance and festivals to ensure that the younger generation stays connected to its roots while growing up in a diverse culture.
Through the leadership of President Suneel Kuncha and support of its past presidents, executive members, and volunteers, NZTA has grown into a vibrant community of over 1,500 members actively engaging in its regular programmes and events.
NZTA has also been involved in important community service. It has contributed to social and humanitarian initiatives through health camps, blood donation camps, charity fundraisers, sporting events, education and community welfare programs.
The organisation has also focused on engaging with young people through language classes, leadership programs, exchange trips and cultural learning opportunities that allow young people to embrace their cultural heritage while fulfilling their obligations to New Zealand.
NZTA has created a home for thousands of Telugu families through unity, service and celebration.
The organisation is testament to power of culture, community and service to benefit generations of people to come.
Anuradha Ramkumar
Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame Cultural Excellence Award
Anuradha Ramkumar is a distinguished veteran dance educator in New Zealand and the founder of Nrityabhinaya – Anuradha’s School of Indian Dances, established in 1996. Through her visionary leadership, the school has played a pivotal role in nurturing and advancing the practice of Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam in Auckland.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the arts and the community, Ramkumar was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2024. Her work has created meaningful opportunities for future generations of New Zealanders of Indian heritage to stay connected to their cultural roots through classical dance.
Over the decades, her school has welcomed thousands of students from diverse backgrounds, including members of the Māori community, reflecting the inclusive and far-reaching impact of her teaching.
Ramkumar believes that the value of Indian classical dance extends far beyond performance. Through her teaching, students not only deepen their connection to culture and heritage, but also build confidence and develop essential life skills such as discipline, creativity, and resilience.
In 2025, her school presented a large-scale, English-language adaptation of the Ramayana at the BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival, earning widespread acclaim from audiences and further showcasing the vibrancy and accessibility of Indian classical arts in New Zealand.
Photo Gallery 2023
