Pancha Narayanan, President of the Upper Hutt Multicultural Council and National President of Multicultural New Zealand, has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his exceptional service to ethnic communities and the promotion of social cohesion across Aotearoa. This prestigious recognition highlights his tireless work in fostering an inclusive society that celebrates cultural diversity and unity.

Originally from Malaysia, Mr. Narayanan has called New Zealand home for over 30 years. During this time, he has become a prominent advocate for ethnic and migrant communities, dedicating himself to improving the lives of newcomers while also strengthening the social fabric of New Zealand. A central part of Pancha’s work is his founding of Huarahi Hou, a pioneering initiative that seeks to build pathways for connection between migrant communities and Māori. This groundbreaking project focuses on creating meaningful relationships between tangata whenua and manuhiri, fostering a spirit of mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration. Huarahi Hou aims to break down barriers, encourage shared knowledge, and empower both Māori and migrant communities to walk alongside each other in the spirit of partnership, as outlined in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Huarahi Hou’s grassroots approach has received widespread recognition, both in New Zealand and internationally, for its transformative potential. It provides a unique opportunity to weave together the cultural threads of our diverse communities, ensuring that all people, regardless of their background, feel a sense of belonging and connection to the land and its people. Through his work with Huarahi Hou, Mr. Narayanan has been able to bridge the cultural divide, creating opportunities for collaboration and shared learning.

In addition to his pivotal role with the Upper Hutt Multicultural Council, Mr. Narayanan has served as a Justice of the Peace and has been a tireless advocate for immigrant communities across the Wellington region. His efforts to create spaces where people from all walks of life can feel heard, valued, and supported have made a lasting impact on both the local and national level.

Mr. Narayanan’s leadership and dedication were previously recognised in 2010, when he was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for his outstanding contributions to supporting immigrant communities. His ongoing commitment to unity, equity, and cultural understanding continues to resonate deeply with the diverse communities he serves. His work has played a crucial role in shaping Upper Hutt into a more inclusive city, where people of all ethnicities can thrive together, side by side.

As President of the Upper Hutt Multicultural Council, Mr. Narayanan has worked tirelessly to build bridges between diverse communities, ensuring that Upper Hutt remains a place where everyone, regardless of their background, can come together to create positive change. His leadership has made Upper Hutt a beacon of multicultural harmony, with events, initiatives, and collaborations that bring the community closer together.

Pancha Narayanan’s appointment as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit is a fitting recognition of his long-standing and exceptional commitment to the betterment of Aotearoa. His work, rooted in respect for all people and cultures, continues to inspire those around him. Through his leadership, Mr. Narayanan has proven that the strength of Aotearoa lies in its unity—an enduring unity that celebrates our differences while embracing the shared values that bring us together.

This honour is not only a testament to Mr. Narayanan's dedication but also a reflection of the vibrant, multicultural community he has worked so hard to nurture. His contributions will continue to inspire generations of Kiwis, helping to create a future where cultural understanding, inclusivity, and respect for all are the foundations of our society.