From reproductive health and nutrition to yoga, emotional wellbeing and movement, an upcoming community seminar aims to give women practical knowledge, professional guidance and a...
From reproductive health and nutrition to yoga, emotional wellbeing and movement, an upcoming community seminar aims to give women practical knowledge, professional guidance and a supportive space to discuss their health.
By Webfit News | Auckland | 21 October 2026
Women's health is about more than medical appointments, diet or exercise. It also involves emotional wellbeing, access to reliable information and having the confidence to ask questions about personal health.
That broader understanding of wellbeing will be at the centre of a free community seminar coming to Auckland's North Shore next month.
The NZ Hindu Women Forum, in partnership with the Hindu Professionals Association of New Zealand, will host A Healthcare Wellness Conversation for YOU! on Saturday, 14 November 2026, at Sunnynook Community Centre.
The event will bring together specialists in reproductive health, nutrition, holistic wellbeing, yoga and movement for an interactive discussion designed to help women make informed decisions about their health.
Organisers say the seminar is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening women's wellbeing and community connections across New Zealand.
The seminar will be led by Sarisha Rameshlall Komal, the NZ Hindu Women Forum's North Shore Coordinator, an education specialist, holistic counsellor and author.
Komal will also serve as the event's Master of Ceremonies.
She says the initiative is intended to create a welcoming environment where women can speak openly with health professionals, exchange experiences and learn practical approaches to everyday wellbeing.
“The woman who takes care of herself today helps inspire a healthier, stronger and more confident generation tomorrow,” Komal said.
She believes community conversations can play an important role in helping women feel more informed and supported.
“We are delighted to bring this important conversation to the North Shore, creating a welcoming space where women can connect with health professionals, ask questions, share experiences and explore practical ways to enhance their overall wellbeing.”
The event is intended to encourage discussion rather than simply deliver a series of formal presentations.
Participants will have opportunities to engage with speakers through questions, demonstrations and community networking.
The programme will feature five speakers covering different aspects of health and wellness.
Dr Reshma Desai – Reproductive Health
An obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Desai will discuss reproductive health and the physical changes women experience at different stages of life.
Her session is expected to provide participants with an opportunity to better understand important aspects of women's healthcare.
Nivedita Sharma Vij – Nutrition and Everyday Health
A registered nutritionist/dietitian and co-founder of Muskaan Care Trust NZ, Vij will focus on practical nutrition guidance and healthy everyday choices.
Her contribution will explore how food and dietary habits can support general wellbeing.
Prabha Patel – Holistic Self-Care
Director of Energy Healthcare and a facilitator at The Reconnect, Patel will discuss Ayurveda, energy healing and holistic approaches to self-care.
These approaches will form part of the event's broader wellness discussion. Complementary practices should not be regarded as substitutes for evidence-based medical diagnosis or treatment.
Amita Changoiwala – Yoga and Mindfulness
A Hatha yoga teacher, Changoiwala will demonstrate techniques intended to support relaxation, mindfulness and physical stress relief.
Her session will introduce practical movement and breathing-based activities.
Swetha Chepur – Dance and Emotional Expression
A dance therapist and owner of Bazinga – The Dance Rapsody, Chepur will explore how movement and cultural arts can support emotional expression and social connection.
The programme will also include live demonstrations involving yoga, dance and music.
Women's health is often discussed through individual medical concerns, but the organisers want to encourage a more connected approach.
Physical health, mental wellbeing, family responsibilities and social support can all influence how women experience everyday life.
For some women, finding time to focus on their own wellbeing can be difficult alongside work, childcare, family commitments and other responsibilities.
Community-based programmes can provide an accessible starting point for conversations that might otherwise be postponed.
However, a seminar cannot replace individual medical advice, and participants with specific health concerns should seek guidance from appropriately qualified healthcare professionals.
The value of this initiative lies in bringing different perspectives into one setting while encouraging participants to ask questions and make informed choices.
The North Shore event is part of a wider programme organised by the NZ Hindu Women Forum.
According to the Hindu Council of New Zealand, earlier community engagement activities have included programmes at the Indian High Commission in Wellington and elsewhere in the country.
The initiative is also building momentum towards the third NZ Hindu Women Conference, planned for Christchurch in 2027.
The accompanying photographs supplied by the organisers show participants and organising members at the second NZ Hindu Women Conference in 2026, reflecting the existing network behind the initiative.
By taking smaller seminars into local communities, the organisers hope to extend participation beyond major conferences and create more opportunities for women to connect throughout the year.
Komal says the local programmes are helping establish stronger networks of informed and empowered women across New Zealand.
Although organised by the NZ Hindu Women Forum and the Hindu Professionals Association of New Zealand, the North Shore seminar is free and open to the public.
Organisers say women and community members from diverse backgrounds are welcome.
The programme will include interactive question-and-answer sessions, practical discussions, live demonstrations and an opportunity to meet other participants.
Complimentary refreshments and healthy juices will also be provided.
| Event | A Healthcare Wellness Conversation for YOU! |
| Date | Saturday, 14 November 2026 |
| Time | 4:15pm – 6:00pm |
| Venue | Sunnynook Community Centre, Acacia Room |
| Location | North Shore, Auckland |
| Admission | Free |
| Registration | Compulsory due to limited capacity |
| Registration address | tinyurl.com/HPANZWomenHealth |
For enquiries: Sarisha Rameshlall Komal, North Shore Coordinator and Event MC, on 021 136 2461, or email hindu.nz@gmail.com.
Community health initiatives do not always need to be large or expensive to make a meaningful contribution.
Sometimes the most useful starting point is bringing people into the same room and giving them the opportunity to ask questions without feeling rushed or uncomfortable.
This seminar offers that possibility.
Its programme recognises that women's wellbeing can involve several interconnected areas, from reproductive healthcare and nutrition to stress management and social connection.
It also reflects the role community organisations can play in making health conversations more accessible.
The challenge will be ensuring participants leave with reliable information, useful connections and a clearer understanding of where to seek professional support when needed.
For the NZ Hindu Women Forum, the November seminar is another step towards its larger 2027 conference.
For women attending, its value may be much more immediate: an opportunity to spend time thinking about their own health, ask a question they have been putting off or connect with someone who understands their experience.
Women's wellbeing should not become a priority only when something goes wrong. Creating opportunities for open, informed conversations is one way communities can help change that.
Primary Source: Hindu Council of New Zealand, media release, NZ Hindu Women Forum Brings Women's Health and Wellbeing Seminar to Auckland's North Shore, 21 October 2026.
Organisers: NZ Hindu Women Forum and Hindu Professionals Association of New Zealand, service divisions of the Hindu Council of New Zealand.
Event Coordinator: Sarisha Rameshlall Komal, North Shore Coordinator, NZ Hindu Women Forum.
Photographs Courtesy: Hindu Council of New Zealand / NZ Hindu Women Forum, supplied with the media release.
