Gurunathan Krisnasamy, the courageous mayor of Kapiti, has sparked more than a few storms in his time, but none quite as electrifying as his induction into Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame for 2023.
For Gurunathan, it's not just a trophy on the shelf. "The award frames a sense of personal satisfaction. This award has had a deeper impact because it comes from my own cultural community.
“I'm humbled that my journey has made a small contribution to the collective success of the Kiwi-Indian community navigating a future in Aotearoa New Zealand," he says, a glint of pride in his eyes.
It's a celebration of overcoming discrimination and a testament to the power of resilience.
In a candid interview, Gurunathan doesn’t hold back. "This award isn't just about me; it's about inspiring others. These are testimonials to impassion, encourage and inspire others to blaze their own trails.
“Given the rise of India on the global stage, the relevance of the Kiwi-Indian community to the rest of Aotearoa, New Zealand, is also bound to increase," he says.
Born in 1952 in Malaysia, Gurunathan faced a world of challenges head-on, armed with a tenacious spirit that would shape his destiny.
Picture this: a young Gurunathan arriving in Wellington in 1974 with nothing but a measly $200 in his pocket. But don't be fooled by the lack of cash; this was the genesis of a tale that would be etched in the history books.
"I had two part-time jobs and lived in a basement for $5 a week," he chuckles, reminiscing about those early days of hustle and survival.
University life wasn't just textbooks and lectures for Gurunathan. He dived into the bubbling cauldron of student politics, co-founding The New Times Monthly and even joining forces with the Maori activists of Nga Tamatoa.
"I became their first non-Maori member," he says proudly, recalling his fiery involvement in protests nationwide.
But the real turning point? That would be the infamous 1981 Anti-Springbok Tour. Gurunathan wasn't a bystander; he was a game-changer. "I was part of the small group that stopped the match," he says.
Fast forward through journalistic adventures in Malaysia and a triumphant return to New Zealand in 1995, Gurunathan became Kapiti’s first Asian councillor in 2010. And if that wasn’t enough, he shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the first non-Pakeha mayor in 2016.
"A small contribution to the collective success of the Kiwi-Indian community," he humbly acknowledges. In 2022, he retired from local government politics.
Beyond the uproar of politics, Gurunathan’s passions endure. He's not just a mayor; he's a columnist, a voice for Maori issues and multicultural communities. And with the recent addition of grandfather to his list of titles, he's ready to pen down the rollercoaster ride of his life.
Gurunathan Krisnasamy’s story isn’t just about politics or achievements; it’s an exhilarating saga of a man who dared to challenge the status quo, a tale of triumph against the odds, and a journey that continues to inspire and captivate those who dream of making a difference.
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