NZ Hindu Women Forum Hosts Seminar on India-NZ FTA Opportunities
Auckland event focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs and strengthening bilateral trade ties
- NZ Hindu Women Forum organised a seminar on opportunities under the proposed India-New Zealand FTA.
- More than 180 participants attended the event held at the Consulate General of India in Auckland.
- Experts discussed trade prospects, entrepreneurship and women-led economic growth.
- The initiative will continue with more seminars and the Second NZ Hindu Women Conference in August.
GG News Bureau
Auckland, 17th June: The NZ Hindu Women Forum (NZHWF), a service division of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, successfully organised a seminar on opportunities emerging from the proposed New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs, professionals and community leaders across the country.
The seminar, titled “Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs, Businesses and Community Growth,” was held on June 14 at the Consulate General of India in Auckland. It was coordinated by a volunteer team led by Coordinator Shivani Arora, along with Joint Coordinators Neelu Taore and Madhavi Vora. The event received an overwhelming response with more than 180 registrations.
The programme began with housekeeping announcements by Master of Ceremonies Neelu Taore, followed by the Salutations to Ancestors by Sonali Sharma of Hindu Youth New Zealand and the traditional lighting of the lamp ceremony. Shivani Arora welcomed the participants and speakers, highlighting the importance of creating platforms that encourage women’s participation in business, leadership and economic development. A representative of Dr Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India to New Zealand, conveyed his message of support for the initiative.
Participants attended two expert sessions — “NZ–India FTA: What is the Opportunity and How It Adds Value Over the Medium to Longer Term?” presented by Dr Rahul Sen and Dr Sadhana Srivastava of Auckland University of Technology, and “She Leads, Generations Rise: Naari Shakti, NZ–India Trade, and Intergenerational Prosperity” presented by Mallika Janakiraman, Founder and Chairperson of Wahine Charitable Trust. The sessions generated significant discussions on business opportunities, challenges and future trade prospects.
Participants appreciated the relevance of the seminar, with young entrepreneurs and professionals describing the discussions as informative, insightful and inspiring. The session was moderated by Neelu Taore.
The seminar series serves as a precursor to the Second New Zealand Hindu Women Conference, themed “Women Entrepreneurs – Leading Progress, Powering Prosperity,” scheduled to be held in Auckland on August 30, 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen networks among women entrepreneurs, promote innovation and trade, and deepen economic and people-to-people ties between New Zealand and India. Additional seminars and workshops are also planned in Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga and Rotorua.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Joint Coordinator Madhavi Vora, who acknowledged the contributions of speakers, participants, volunteers and supporters in making the seminar successful.
