This initiative formalises the work by Sunit Prakash and Lalita Kasanji for the past 40 years with a number of publications, submissions, working groups, presentations, mentoring sessions and more; and it sets up for the next 40 as developments in India, and in technology become increasingly central to New Zealand.

Fiercely independent, fully self-funded, and free to join, this is a group of like-minded people committed to achieving success.

Driven by a sense of urgency, success will be measured by:

1. Participation in advisory groups, workshops & networking sessions
2. Submissions to inquiries
3. Presentations at events
4. Opinions and papers published
5. Guidance to organisations
6. Coaching, guiding & mentoring

Get in touch if you want to:

1. Make a difference
2. Grow your presence in new Indian & New Zealand markets
3. Understand ethnic diversity in your workforce better
4. Achieve your professional aspirations

Lalita Kasanji played a key role in establishing the Office of Ethnic Communities, Department of Internal Affairs, originally known as the Ethnic Affairs Service, in the early 1990s.

She produced publications, presented at conferences, held workshops, and worked across agencies relating to ethnic communities.

 Lalita completed her Masters in Sociology from Victoria University of Wellington, examining the settlement of the Gujarati community in Wellington and its integration into New Zealand society.

Her interests have expanded to complementary health and wellbeing. She is an active board member for business and community organisations.

Sunit Prakash is a senior digital professional. Previously, as Director Support Operations, he was responsible for Customer Service & Support, Asia Pacific Japan for a Nasdaq listed company in Sydney, before returning to Wellington.

He holds a Masters degree in Management Studies from NMIMS, Bombay University, one of India's top B-schools.

Through his work and cohort, Sunit has had a ring-side seat to the successes of the Indian diaspora in IT, notably in Australia, Singapore, Silicon Valley, and elsewhere.

Sunit writes extensively on New Zealand, India, and technology. His opinion pieces are regularly published in the national and professional press.

15 August 24 marked one year since the launch of New Zealand Centre for Digital Connections with India. We said we would make submissions, connect businesses, assist with diversity & inclusion, and support newcomers.

8 Point Report:

1. Submitted a case for a Digital & IT Trade Delegation to India noting India was the only country mentioned in Coalition Agreements. Christopher Luxon Winston Peters Nicola Willis MP Todd McClay Hon Judith Collins KC MP Hon Erica Stanford MP Hon Melissa LEE High Commission of India, Wellington, New Zealand.
2. Delighted to to be invited to go over critical elements with His Excellency David Pine, then NZ High Commissioner to India; In-person meeting with Graham Rouse in Mumbai to undererstand latest plans & developments.
3. Connected a few dots, brokered introductions, some referrals our way were incredible !
4. Ran events thanks Alpa Chhiba & Callum Lowe, showcased role models Cyrus Ranchhod & Shashank Handa, elevated professional profiles, created networks.
5. Conducted a Techweek NZ event; Thanks Ministry for Ethnic Communities Berlinda Chin.
6. Smashed traditional racial stereotpes with six exceptional women digital leaders: Jayshree Ravi Anu Kaw Bushra Nur, MBA (Hons) Sridevi Venugopal Alpa Chhiba Shalini Divya. Rare to see an all-women tech leaders panel, let alone from the ethnic community - a FIRST in NZ.
7. Shared successes, case studies, and developments, a viral post or two, resulting in a high quality curated list of ~650 quality followers - the ONLY of its kind in NZ !
8. Tapped into the Gujarati, Jain & Marwadi business communities, school & university alumni, witnessed firsthand the tremendous successes and eye-watering wealth that Ultra High Networth Individuals have generated - 2nd trip to India.

We know we hit and exceeded several of our objectives. Equally, there is work to do in others.