Rakesh Nauhria is a virtuoso orchestrating success and community impact in New Zealand's business symphony.
Born in 1977, Rakesh journey is a symphonic tale of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to constructing not just buildings but a better future for all.
The overture began with a Bachelor of Business Studies at AUT in 1999, crescendoing into a dynamic partnership with his father, Roshan Nauhria, in the year 2000. A Harvard Business School alumnus, he joined forces with his father, initiating a business venture that would soon evolve into a powerful melody in the construction industry.
Their venture, starting with a modest team of eight employees, marked the inception of a transformative period when Rakesh founded Nauhria Precast in 2001.
"In the melody of challenges, we found our rhythm, doubling our precast market share even in the storm of the global financial crisis," says Rakesh.
Beyond the boardroom, Rakesh displays leadership excellence, evident in his role as Founding Chairperson of Reinforcing Steel Sector Group in 2019, and his current stint as Chair of the Precast Sector Group since 2022.
The company's commitment to sustainability struck a harmonious chord, earning them Concrete NZ Sustainability Supreme Award in 2013.
Rakesh went on to win a string of awards, including Indian Business Award Supreme Winner in 2014, and Westpac Business Auckland Best of the Best Supreme Award in 2015. And now he has been honoured with Kiwi Indian Business Leader of the Year award at Kiwi-Indian Hall of Fame 2023.
"I am absolutely honoured and very humbled to be receiving this award. This award is not about me; it's about the harmony of the 350 incredible souls at Nauhria, each contributing a unique note to our success.
“Ninety per cent of our team are first-generation Kiwis, ranging from India, Philippines, South Africa, Iran, Iraq, Somao, Tonga, Fiji, and China; they all came to NZ, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, to provide a better life from themselves and their children.
“Through their amazing skills, dedication, and loyalty to NZ and Nauhria, we have succeeded and continue to succeed in our company's purpose of 'Helping Build a Great and Safe NZ," says Rakesh.
The entrepreneur says with the population of Indian-origin people in NZ increasing, it is wonderful to see such events recognise the success of the ethnic group, not just in business but in their community and social efforts.
“Indians by nature have a very hard working and community-oriented ethos; they will always make a difference in every county or setting they are in; it is great to see these awards recognise and acknowledge their efforts to their community and inspire other Indians to continue to make a difference.” he points out.
Amidst the symphony of success, Rakesh remains a family man, married to Nirosha Nauhria since 2013, and a devoted father of two boys aged nine and six years. Offstage, his love for sports reveals a man of diverse interests.
Rakesh envisions the future with a long-term lens. "Our success hinges on looking after our team, fostering client relationships, embracing innovation, and maintaining a strong financial foundation," he says.
Rakesh Nauhria's journey stands as a melodic saga of visionary leadership, resilience, and a commitment to composing not just success but a harmonious impact on both the business landscape and the broader community in the captivating tapestry of New Zealand.