NRNA NZ NCC (2025 - 2027)
NRNA NZ NCC- Annual General Meeting and Handover program took place at Blackberry Eatery, Papamoa beach, Papamoa on Aug 3, 2025. The newly elected executive committee under the leadership of President Dr Achyut Aryal took oath during the Handover Program.
President
Dr. Achyut Aryal is an academician and entrepreneur with extensive experience in the education sector. He has contributed significantly to both research and educational development, working to empower communities through knowledge and innovation. As the President of NRNA New Zealand (2025–2027), he is dedicated to strengthening the voice of the Nepali diaspora and fostering meaningful connections with New Zealand society. Dr. Aryal brings a vision of unity, opportunity, and progress for the community at large.
Vice-President (North Island)
Mr. Tak Gurung runs a roofing business and is a well-known figure among Nepalese community in Tauranga. For over 25 years, he has been actively involved in social service, supporting the Nepali community and working to promote Nepali tourism.
Vice-President (South Island)
Mr. Bhandari is an emerging entrepreneur and a respected community figure. He holds a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance and a Bachelor’s degree in Law. Originally from Pokhara, Kaski, Nepal, he now lives in Christchurch, New Zealand. He is actively involved in community initiatives and in promoting Nepalese culture.
General Secretary
Mr Bashel has served NRNA NZ NCC (2019-2021, 2021-2023, 2023-2025) in the same role. He lives in Matamata, near Hamilton in New Zealand and he runs a dairy farm as a Manager. He is certified with Production Management Animal Husbandry and National Certificate in Agriculture.
Secretary (North Island)
Mr. Suresh has over 20 years of leadership experience in the QSR and hospitality industry, with a strong track record of managing operations across New Zealand, Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore. He has played a key role in expanding international food brands and developing high-performing teams in diverse markets. Currently, he brings his operational and people management expertise to New Zealand’s retail sector, serving as a Sales and Service Manager.
Secretary (South Island)
Milan GC is a dedicated community leader who has served the Nepalese community in New Zealand for several years. He has been a secretary for NRNANZ for the past two years and will continue to serve in this role for the next two years. His commitment and leadership have been instrumental in supporting the welfare of nepalese community and driving the organization’s mission forward. He serve to dairy industry as a Assistant manager , based in Southland, New Zealand, He is passionate about leveraging his professional expertise and community involvement to create a positive impact on the lives of Nepalese residents in New Zealand.
Treasurer
Dr Sulav Paudel is a Senior Scientist specialising in pest management, with extensive work across Asia and the Pacific on invasive pest control and biosecurity. He is the Founding President of the Nepalese Student Society at Pennsylvania State University, USA, and a founding member of the inaugural NRNA Youth Leadership Program 2019 (USA). Now based in Christchurch, he leads funding efforts for the Nepal New Zealand Friendship Society of Canterbury (NNZFSC) and is an active proponent of migrant support, youth sports, and cultural programmes within the Nepalese community.
Deputy Treasurer
Mr. Sapkota is a tourism entrepreneur & Nepal’s Tourism Ambassador to New Zealand. He is the founding President of The Queenstown Nepalese Society and has been serving Nepalese community for a long time. He is currently working as an Operation Manager in a multinational company in Queenstown.
Spokesperson
Dr. Niraula is a Quality Control Analyst who earned his Master’s degree in Pharmacology from South Korea and completed his PhD at Massey University, Wellington. He has served in various community organizations, including as the President of the Nepalese Society of Wellington and Secretary of the Society of Nepalese Students in Korea, to name a few. He currently resides in Timaru and also serves as a Board Member of Multicultural Aoraki.
Women's Coordinator
Mrs. Dawadi is a socially committed and culturally active individual. She has played a vital role in promoting Nepali language, literature, and cultural identity through her involvement in literature writing and different community programs. Her dedication to uplifting women and preserving cultural values reflects her deep sense of responsibility and leadership. Namita continues to inspire the Nepali diaspora with her creative expression and tireless community service.
Youth Coordinator
Mr. Aryal, based in Auckland, is deeply passionate about serving the Nepalese community. This marks his first role in a Nepalese social organization, and he is dedicated to making the most of this opportunity to contribute to the community
Executive Member
Originally from Pokhara, Nepal, and now based in Ōtepoti Dunedin, Dr Ashik Banstola is a dedicated neuroscientist. Beyond the lab, he is an active contributor to initiatives that support and empower the broader Nepali community in Aotearoa New Zealand. Dr Banstola is passionate about fostering youth leadership, cultural connection, and equitable representation for diaspora Nepalese across the country.
Executive Member
Bidhya Adhikari, permanent resident of New Plymouth since 2017, Graduate from Tribhuvan university In Bachelor of Humanities & Sociology, Graduate in Cookery from WITT, worked as a Teacher in Nepal and senior sous chef here in New Plymouth. Currently mother of a little baby girl and planning to be an entrepreneur in near future.
Executive Member
Mr. Ghimire, who resides in Auckland, is passionate about the spiritual world as well as serving the Nepali community.
Executive Member
Dr Niroula graduated from Otago University, Dunedin and is currently working in Wellington.
Executive Member
Mr Liladhar Ghimire lives in Tauranga and has been working as a Head Chef in an Indo-Nepalese restaurant.
Executive Member
Mr Dhakal lives in Auckland and is passionate about serving Nepalese community.
Executive Member
Mr Rabin Pun Magar, currently living in South Island, Southland, works in dairy farming sector, He is involved with Southland Nepalese Society as an Executive Member and in Southland Magar Community as Joint secretary.
Executive Member
Mr. Sanjay Tamang lives in Ashburton and enjoys working with Nepalese community organizations. He is also involved with the Tamang Society of New Zealand.
Executive Member
Ms. Thapa has long been dedicated to women’s empowerment, actively collaborating with NGOs and INGOs in Nepal. With a strong background in social work, she currently brings her leadership expertise to the hospitality industry, serving as a General Manager.
Executive Member
Mr Suresh Lama, originally from Dolalghat, Kavrepalanchok, and now living in Christchurch, New Zealand has been in New Zealand for over seven years. Over this time, he has worked in both the hospitality and customer service sectors, and is currently self-employed. He is a friendly and sociable person and loves being part of the community. He is especially passionate about getting involved in Nepalese cultural programs, festivals, and events, as he feels these involvements give him a chance to connect with people and celebrate our heritage. As an executive member of the Nepali Pariwar NZ Society, he enjoys bringing people together and building lasting connections through our traditions.
Executive Member
Dr. Ujwal Bastakoti is a Marine Scientist who applies expertise in R&D, technical consulting, and practical solutions in aquaculture and sustainability. He also supervises master’s students in their research projects, and has previously worked with the United Nations. Additionally, he volunteers as the Secretary of the Southland Nepalese Society for the 2025–27 term, actively contributing to the Nepalese community in the Southland region.
ICC Member
Mr. Tika Ram Giri lives in Southland and has previously served as Vice President of NRNA NZ.
