Second New Zealand Hindu Women Conference to Be Held in Auckland, Focus on Women Entrepreneurs and Leadership

The theme reflects a clear focus on women-led business, professional growth, community leadership and the wider contribution of Hindu women to New Zealand society.

Hindu Community Leaders, Youth and Policymakers Unite at 6th NZ National Hindu Conference in Auckland – WebfitNews

Building on the First Conference

One of the major outcomes of the first New Zealand Hindu Women Conference was the establishment of the Hindu Women Entrepreneurs Network. The second conference aims to strengthen and expand that initiative by creating a national platform where women can connect, share ideas, build networks and explore opportunities in business and community life.

According to the media release, the conference will celebrate the achievements, leadership and contribution of Hindu women in shaping the future of Aotearoa New Zealand. It will also encourage greater participation by women in public life, community organisations, entrepreneurship and social development.

Tanya Mehra, Coordinator of the 2nd NZ Hindu Women Conference, said the event is about recognising the strength, resilience, creativity and leadership of Hindu women.

She said the conference will provide an opportunity for women entrepreneurs and women from all generations to come together, share their experiences, learn from one another, build networks and inspire future leaders.

Key Purpose of the Conference

The conference has three broad aims.

First, it seeks to provide a dynamic platform for Hindu women in New Zealand to connect, collaborate and inspire one another. This includes encouraging women to take a more active role in public life, community organisations and social development.

Second, it aims to strengthen the Hindu Women Entrepreneurs Network and support women-led initiatives and enterprises. This is especially important at a time when many women are balancing business, family, professional responsibilities and community commitments.

Third, the conference will recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of Hindu women to New Zealand society. These contributions are not limited to business. They include education, volunteering, family leadership, cultural preservation, intergenerational support and civic engagement.

Programme Highlights

The programme is expected to include keynote addresses by national and international speakers, panel discussions, workshops and networking sessions.

One of the major focus areas will be the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, with a panel discussion expected to explore how trade, business and international partnerships may create opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

Workshops will also focus on building successful businesses and careers for Hindu women entrepreneurs. These sessions are expected to give participants practical ideas, confidence and connections that can support their professional journeys.

Another important session will focus on working with government agencies and accessing support services. This is a practical and necessary topic because many small business owners and community leaders often do not know where to start when seeking government support, funding pathways, advisory services or compliance guidance.

The day will begin with Māori and Hindu prayers, followed by an inaugural session featuring keynote addresses, blessings and messages of support from leaders in government, community, business, education and media.

Government and Community Participation

Organisers have said that Her Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand, the Minister for Women and the High Commissioner of Bharat to New Zealand are being invited to participate in the conference. Invitations are also being extended to other dignitaries.

Dr Melissa Derby, the Race Relations Commissioner for New Zealand, has been invited to moderate the panel session on working with government agencies.

Representatives from the Ministry for Women, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Ministry for Ethnic Communities, Ministry of Social Development, New Zealand Police and other government agencies have also been invited to contribute to the session on government partnerships and support for women.

This part of the conference could become one of the most valuable sessions for attendees. Community events often become ceremonial, but this one appears to be trying to connect celebration with real-world access, policy awareness and practical support. That is the right direction.

Who Can Attend

The conference is open to women entrepreneurs, professionals, educators, students, homemakers, community leaders and volunteers. It is also open to women of all ages and backgrounds who are interested in Hindu culture and values.

Men who wish to support and encourage women’s leadership within families and communities are also welcome to attend.

This wider inclusion matters. Women’s leadership cannot be treated as a women-only responsibility. Families, community organisations, temples, businesses and public institutions all have a role in creating space for women to lead.

Registration Details

The conference fee is $50 per person, with an earlybird fee of $40 available until 31 July 2026.

The registration fee includes all conference sessions, a conference scarf, refreshments, vegetarian lunch and a gift from a women’s self-help group.

Free registration will be available for up to two female students from each university or polytechnic.

Online registration is available at:

https://tinyurl.com/NZHWC2026

Organisers have said that even before the formal launch of the conference, more than 50 women had already expressed strong interest in participating and contributing.

To keep the event meaningful and effective, registrations will be capped at 300 participants and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. At least 50 places have been reserved for women from outside Auckland, recognising expected interest from regions including Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatū, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago.

Women interested in being a speaker, committee member, exhibitor, sponsor or volunteer are invited to send a one-page CV or expression of interest to hindu.nz@gmail.com.

Webfit News Perspective

The Second New Zealand Hindu Women Conference is more than a community gathering. It reflects a wider shift in New Zealand’s migrant and faith-based communities, where women are increasingly leading enterprise, education, cultural work and public engagement.

The focus on entrepreneurship is especially timely. Many women in the community already run small businesses, professional practices, cultural initiatives, food ventures, education services and social projects. What they often need is not motivation alone. They need networks, visibility, mentoring, access to systems and confidence to step into larger leadership spaces.

A conference like this can help, but only if the momentum continues after 30 August. The real success will not be measured only by attendance numbers or photos on the day. It will be measured by how many women leave with stronger connections, clearer direction and real opportunities to grow.