Our Vision
Organisation of Hindu Malayalees New Zealand (OHM NZ) focuses on the integration of our community members into the New Zealand society through various development programs focused on charity and social harmony while inculcating the ‘spirit of giving’. OHM NZ is heavily invested in our youth to build them up as accomplished and upright individuals with strong moral values to selflessly serve the welfare of the world. Our vision is to grow this community as a major contributor to the New Zealand society by being progressive while bringing in the ethos of diversity of Hinduism and creating awareness of the ‘Hindu way of life’.
लोका: समस्ता: सुखिनो भवन्तु!
ലോകാഃ സമസ്താഃ സുഖിനോ ഭവന്തു
May there be peace and comfort for the whole world
Our Mission
Organisation of Hindu Malayalees New Zealand (OHM NZ), formerly known as AMHS was formed to bring together Malayali Hindus in New Zealand as a family with its roots deeply set in Sanatana Dharma, the eternal truth of life. OHM NZ believes in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the cosmos is one family) and promotes good race relations, eliminates discrimination of all sorts and encourages equality of opportunity for all people that make up the New Zealand society. OHM NZ aims to preserve and promote the Hindu cultural heritage of India and Kerala while being a safe space to explore, learn and practice Hinduism as a religion of humanity that encompasses honesty, goodwill, patience, and generosity.
Our Patron
Shiva Sri Parameshwaran (Chandru) Kurukkal – the chief priest of Papakura Ganesh Temple, Auckland is our Patron. Sri Chandru Kurukkal has been in New Zealand since 2002. Even though Chandru Kurukkal, who belongs to a family of priests (his father was the chief priest at old Kalpathy temple for more than 25 years and his grandfather was a chief priest for over 35 years in Srilanka), completed his ITI Electrician course in Kerala, following his family tradition he went on to study Vedas and Scriptures from Amaravani Veda Paada Shaala under the tutelage of Guru Ramanatha Dikshithar.
After completing his Veda studies, he worked in many temples in Kerala as an assistant Priest. He moved to Sri Lanka in the nineties to become a priest at a temple. He continued to be in Sri Lanka for 3 years and then later on moved to Malaysia for 8 years. He arrived in New Zealand in June 2002 to take over as the Chief Priest of Papakura Ganesh Temple in Auckland.
Being proficient in several languages including Malayalam, he soon became a familiar figure among Hindu Malayalees of Auckland. Malayali Hindus in Auckland always refer to him for their religious and cultural queries. So, the formation of OHM NZ was also based on his consultation and Sri Chandru Thirumeni as he is fondly known among Malayalees, happily agreed to be the Patron.
President’s Message
Namaskaram,
It is both a privilege and a blessing to serve as the President of OHM NZ, a community that feels more like a family, united by our shared heritage, values, and culture. I am constantly inspired by our community’s strength, resilience, and spirit as we continue to uphold our cherished values of dharma (righteousness), seva (selfless service), and samskaram (culture).
Our heritage serves as a guiding light in today’s world, reinforcing the importance of cultural celebrations, spiritual practices, and community service. Through these traditions, we honour our past and prepare the next generation to carry these ideals forward.
My vision for the year is to strengthen our bonds further, support our younger generation to stay connected to their roots, and create inclusive spaces where every generation feels connected and represented.
I warmly invite all Hindu Malayalees in New Zealand to join OHM NZ — this is our community, our extended family, and our cultural home. Together, let us preserve our traditions and build a future rooted in unity and belonging. I encourage every member of this vibrant community to stay engaged, participate in our community activities, and support one another in the true spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, embracing the unity of a world that is truly a family.
Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment. I am excited for all that we will accomplish together as a united community!
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
Warm regards and Hari Om,
Smitha Nair
President OHM NZ (2025 – 2026)
president@ohmnz.org.nz
Newsletters
Our monthly newsletters are a platform to inform and communicate with members on a monthly basis about the happenings, events and news of OHM NZ and also for our members to showcase their talent in anything – be it art or articles. We produce a newsletter every month that has fascinating information on Temples of Kerala, recipes, arts and articles from our members.
Image Gallery
More than a image, it’s a memory, we always want to cherish
