28/08/2026
Building Partnerships, Sharing Ideas, Creating Impact
On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation (SPMRF), had the privilege of hosting a distinguished delegation from New Zealand for an enriching conversation on shared experiences, values and possibilities for future cooperation.
The delegation comprised Ali Hamlin-Paenga, Hon. Nanaia Mahuta, Jordon Robertson, Dr Jay Whitehead, Hon. Aupito William Sio, Karlene Puriri, Shalom Haenga, Tia Ashby and Victoria Carroll.
The interaction centred on indigenous approaches to policymaking, community-led development, shared values and common aspirations, providing an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of India and New Zealand and the possibilities for learning from one another.
The conversation also brought a Global South perspective to the discussion, highlighting the importance of inclusive policymaking, community participation and locally rooted approaches to development, while exploring shared goals for the future.
We were also joined by faculty members from the University of Delhi, including Prof. Kumar Ashutosh, Head, Department of Continuing Education and Extension, and Dr. Manish Karmwar, Department of African Studies, whose participation added valuable academic perspectives to the dialogue.
The exchange reaffirmed the importance of institutional, academic and people-to-people engagement in building enduring partnerships and creating meaningful avenues for cooperation between India and New Zealand.
