Several New Zealanders of various ethnicities were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to the community as the King’s Birthday and Coronation Honours list for 2023 was announced this week.
Among the notable honourees were some of Indian origin who have passionately worked towards language preservation, community partnership and other diversity initiatives.
Sunita Narayan, an advocate for language education and the Indian community was honoured as Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM). Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo, a champion for ethnic communities within New Zealand Police, received the prestigious title of Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM). Ralph Correa, a passionate advocate for ethnic inclusion and cultural celebration, was bestowed with Queen’s Service Medal (QSM).
Sunita Narayan
Sunita Narayan is among the torchbearers of the Hindi language and Indian culture in New Zealand. Having moved to Aotearoa in 1987, she has volunteered at Wellington Hindi School since 1995, working as a teacher, fundraiser and administrator.
She has held the position of the president of Community Languages New Zealand since 2004 and was awarded the prestigious Vishva Hindi Samman under the foreign category by the Indian government at 11th World Hindi Conference 2018.
Narayan recounts her nomination experience, stating, “The email from the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet (DPMC) had gone into my spam folder and got deleted. A few days before the submission expiration, I had a voice message on my phone. It wasn’t too clear, so I couldn’t respond. It must have been a day before the expiration date when I had a couple of missed phone calls. I returned the call and was surprised to learn that I had been nominated.”
“Even getting the nomination for an honour of this level left me overwhelmed and confused - something I hadn’t ever expected, as I have loved the work I do in the community. I have always considered my students’ successes and the completion of initiatives and community projects I have led as my rewards. I mentioned it to my elder daughter, who suggested I say yes. So, I completed all the formalities and was told my name was in the pool. That was it,” she says.
Expressing her gratitude, Narayan reflects, “When the email with the Governor-General’s letter of congratulation came, I was humbled. It was an incredible moment for me, instantly reminding me of everyone I have worked with and all the children I have taught in our community-based Hindi school. Without them, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be engaged in community education and capability building. I thank all the incredibly talented people I have worked with, and I dedicate my ONZM to them as I continue my journey.”
Narayan recalls the time she received an award in India many years ago and her father told her, “Honours and awards are lights into the future.” He passed away a few years ago, but his words ring true for her even to this day.
Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo
Superintendent Rakesh Sharanund Naidoo has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to New Zealand Police and ethnic communities.
Naidoo’s remarkable achievements include becoming the first individual from the Asian community to attain the rank of inspector at New Zealand Police, in 2012.
He has been a champion for ethnic communities over his 21-year police career, which is recognised in his nomination from the community, and has made substantial efforts to foster partnerships between the police and diverse communities.
In 2014, Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo presented data on family harm, shedding light on the state of abuse in New Zealand. His findings revealed alarming statistics: one in three women and one in six boys experience abuse, and in 2013, four out of 14 women killed were of Indian descent.
Recognising the urgent need for early intervention, Superintendent Naidoo collaborated and provided support to establish Gandhi Nivas, an organisation dedicated to assisting clients in seeking help through early intervention programmes.
His commitment to addressing family harm extends beyond his local region. He has actively supported the establishment of similar services in other areas, aiming to combat the issue.
Within New Zealand Police, he was instrumental in developing the organisation’s first five-year ethnic strategy. He also played a pivotal role in co-establishing an advisory board in partnership with Massey University. This collaboration led to the realisation of the necessity for holistic facilities to cater to clients served with a Police Safety Order.
Since 2021, he has held the position of National Partnerships Manager – Ethnic within New Zealand Police. In this capacity, he has taken a lead role in various initiatives, including involvement with Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Christchurch terrorist attack.
“Police is only as strong as its partnership with communities,” says Naidoo. “I am forever grateful for the dedicated, selfless colleagues and community representatives that I have the privilege to serve with. Your collective efforts have helped us build trust and confidence, and care for our communities. It is these communities and colleagues, past and present, that I stand alongside and on the shoulders of to receive this generous recognition.”
Ralph Correa
Based in Whangarei, Ralph Correa has dedicated over a decade to fostering ethnic harmony in Northland. As a professional financial advisor and a Justice of the Peace, Correa played a pivotal role in establishing Northland Indian Association (NIA) in 2008.
The NIA aims to promote Indian culture and well-being within the Northland Indian community. By organising diverse activities in music, language, dance, sports, arts, food, and entertainment, the association provides opportunities for preserving Indian culture in Whangarei Northland and cultivating friendships. It is a cultural organisation and not a religious one.
Correa also assumes the chairmanship of Multi-Ethnic Collective and actively represents the ethnic community as a speaker in meetings and events focused on fostering ethnic inclusion.
In his capacity as a leader, Correa holds various significant positions, including the presidency of Kensington Cricket Club - Ethnic Youth. He is also a member of committees like Lottery Northland Community Committee and Community Organisation Grants Scheme Whangarei/Kaipara Distribution Committee.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition he has received, Correa said, “It is a great honour to be acknowledged. This recognition reinstates our faith in the system and motivates us to continue our endeavours in Whangarei, Northland. It is a testament to the pioneering work we are undertaking in this region, and our success in delivering projects has garnered recognition from the wider community.”
Regarding Multi-Ethnic Collective, Correa explained, “Through the collective, we engage in face-to-face and online consultations with both the central and local governments. This collaborative effort establishes a platform for a two-way dialogue that, in my opinion, is unparalleled in New Zealand.
“The Multi-Ethnic Collective seeks to amplify the voices of Whangarei’s ethnic community, particularly the Kiwi-Indian community, which comprises highly qualified and experienced individuals.
“These members bring forth a wealth of ideas that have already been tested and proven successful in other countries. I have confidence that in Northland, our suggestions and ideas are taken seriously.”
Correa also expressed joy for his family, stating, “My family is thrilled with the news of this recognition. I am certain that it will inspire the younger generation and new migrants to continue working for the betterment of our community.”