From humble prayer gatherings in living rooms to building Taranaki's first Hindu temple — discover the journey of faith, community, and devotion that drives the Taranaki Hindu Cultural Trust.
How a dream born in living rooms is becoming a temple for all of Taranaki
In 2014, a small group of Indian families in New Plymouth came together with a shared dream — to establish a Hindu temple in Taranaki. What began as intimate prayer meetings in living rooms, where families gathered to recite shlokas, celebrate festivals, and share the comfort of familiar traditions in a new land, soon blossomed into something much larger.
These gatherings were more than rituals — they were a lifeline. For families thousands of kilometres from home, they offered a sense of belonging, a connection to their roots, and a promise that their children could grow up knowing the richness of Hindu culture and spirituality.
Fuelled by faith and an unwavering sense of purpose, the community formalised its efforts by establishing the Taranaki Hindu Cultural Trust — a registered charity (CC61749) dedicated to acquiring and designing a cultural hub & temple in the Taranaki region.
A pivotal milestone came when the Trust wish to buy a suitable building in New Plymouth, with the heart-led vision to purchase, design, and renovate this premises into a cultural hub & temple. This project, sustained by the collective prayers and contributions of devotees, represents our hope to establish a permanent spiritual home where Sanātana Dharma will flourish for generations to come.
The official activities and long-term directions of the Taranaki Hindu Cultural Trust are governed by our registered Trust Deed. The purposes of the Trust include:
Today, the Trust continues its mission — guided by dharma, powered by seva, and sustained by the generosity of a growing community across Aotearoa and beyond.
Support Our JourneyThe pillars that uphold our mission and shape everything we do
धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः
Dharma protects those who protect it
Righteousness & Cosmic Order
We are guided by dharma in every decision — upholding truth, integrity, and moral responsibility in our service to the community and the divine.
परोपकारः पुण्याय
Serving others is the greatest virtue
Selfless Service
Service without expectation of reward lies at the heart of our Trust. Every volunteer hour, every contribution, and every act of kindness is an offering to the divine.
सङ्घे शक्तिः कलौ युगे
In unity lies strength in this age
Community & Togetherness
A temple is more than a building — it is a sangha, a community of hearts united by faith. We build not just walls, but bonds that transcend borders and generations.
विद्या ददाति विनयम्
Knowledge bestows humility
Knowledge & Wisdom
We are committed to preserving and sharing the vast treasure of Hindu philosophy, scripture, languages, arts, and cultural practices with future generations in Aotearoa.
Accountability and trust — the foundation of our stewardship
The Taranaki Hindu Cultural Trust operates with complete transparency and accountability. We are proud to be a registered charity with Charities Services New Zealand and an IRD-approved donee organisation.
| Charity Registration | CC61749 — Charities Services, New Zealand |
| IRD Status | Approved Donee Organisation |
| Tax Credit | 33.33% tax credit on all donations |
| Annual Returns | Filed annually with Charities Services |
| Governance | Managed by an elected Board of Trustees |
Every dollar donated to the Trust is used with the utmost care and devotion towards our mission. Our financial statements are publicly available through Charities Services New Zealand.
Make a Tax-Deductible DonationThe dedicated leaders guiding our mission with integrity and devotion
President
Ashwani leads the Trust with vision and dedication, stewarding the community's dream of a Hindu temple in Taranaki from its earliest days. His leadership unites the community around a shared purpose and guides the Trust's strategic direction.
Treasurer
Ramesh manages the Trust's finances with diligence and integrity. He oversees all financial reporting, ensures compliance with Charities Services, and safeguards every donation entrusted to the Trust by the community.
Secretary
Manju ensures the Trust's operations run smoothly and transparently. From governance compliance to community communications, her meticulous attention to detail keeps the Trust accountable and connected with its supporters.
Committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of charitable governance
