About Us

#WhatWeDo

We are HOTA (Hindu Organisations, Temples, and Associations) New Zealand

Organisation is Strength!

Welcome to the Hindu Organisations, Temples, and Associations (HOTA) Forum New Zealand, a vibrant platform dedicated to fostering unity, collaboration, and progress among Hindu organisations, temples, and associations in New Zealand. The HOTA Forum NZ is committed to bringing together Hindu groups, institutions, and sampradayas collectively working towards the Hindu resurgence.


The HOTA Forum NZ strives to support Hindu organisations by offering a shared platform for dialogue, provide crucial resource and knowledge sharing, encouraging networking and collective action to foster pride in our shared civilisational heritage.


In New Zealand, many Hindu organisations, temples, and associations are dedicated to revitalising Hindu culture, knowledge systems, art forms, sciences and contributing to the local community whilst showcasing Hindu Dharma's diversity grounded in our inherent shared unity. However, historically, challenges have arisen due to disorganisation within Hindu society.


The HOTA Forum NZ encourages individual growth for each Hindu organisation, temple, or association while fostering collaborative efforts. The HOTA Forum NZ provides the platform for all Hindu groups to come together, work together and grow together.

Ekta shankh (2)
#VisionAndMission

Vision:

Sanghe Sakti Kaliyuge” (Organisation is Strength)


Mission:

The HOTA Forum NZ is committed to promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of Hindu heritage, values, culture, and traditions while nurturing a sense of community among its members. Our primary objectives include:


  • Facilitating Collaboration: We foster collaboration among various Hindu organisations, temples, and associations to synergize efforts and address common challenges.


  • Resource Sharing: The HOTA Forum NZ serves as a repository of information, resources, and best practices, empowering member organisations with valuable insights and tools for effective community engagement.


  • Cultural Preservation: We are dedicated to preserving and promoting Hindu cultural practices, rituals, languages, knowledge systems, sciences, and traditions for the benefit of present and future generations.


  • Advocacy and Awareness: The HOTA Forum NZ advocates for the interests of the Hindu community, raises awareness about issues impacting Hindus globally, and works towards fostering inclusivity and understanding.


Way Forward:

With a strong foundation firmly established, the HOTA Forum NZ is committed to enhancing and strengthening networking connections within the Hindu community. This includes temples, organisations, and associations that celebrate the achievements of the Hindu community.


Empowering Language-Based Organisations: To maximise their impact, Hindu organisations and temples should actively engage with the community, particularly focusing on language-based organisations. This strategy fosters ongoing connections with both children and parents.


Expanding Raksha Bandhan Celebrations Across Cities: After a successful celebration in Auckland and Wellington, the tradition of Raksha Bandhan should be extended to other cities such as Hamilton, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Christchurch, and Dunedin. This provides an opportunity for Hindu organisations, temples, and associations within each city to collaborate and join forces.


Investing in Early Education Opportunities: Recognising the profound influence of early education, there should be a dedicated effort to instil Hindu values in children and youth through tailored programs. If feasible, the establishment of early childcare centres by Hindu Trust, with support from both the government and the community, can be considered in various cities.


National Conferences for Promoting Hindu Impact and Influence: The HOTA Forum NZ will plan and host regular conferences in major cities in New Zealand to highlight Hindu impact and influence, encompassing disciplines like Yoga, Ayurveda, and Meditation. The aim is to engage with schools, parents, students, regional and national governments and explore avenues for integrating Yoga into school curricula, healthcare facilities, and even correctional institutions.


Ensuring Accurate Representation in Academia and Media: The HOTA Forum NZ must remain vigilant in preventing misrepresentation, misinformation, and disinformation about Hindus in academia as well as mainstream media. This ensures that the rich heritage, traditions, and contributions of the Hindu community are accurately portrayed, and to prevent the vilification of the Hindu society due to its Hindu identity.

#History

The Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations (HOTA) Forum NZ, established during the 3rd New Zealand National Hindu conference in May 2010, stands as a pivotal achievement stemming from the conference. Swami Vigyananand introduced the idea of the HOTA Forum during a plenary session, emphasising the crucial role it would play in fostering collaboration among Hindu organisations, temples, and associations, rooted in the profound Hindu concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which posits that the world is one large family. This guiding principle serves as the bedrock for the HOTA Forum NZ's mission and vision.


The HOTA Forum NZ orchestrates two significant events each year. The first, the HOTA Forum itself, serves as a platform for leaders, executives, and volunteers from diverse Dharma-based organisations to engage in in-depth discussions about the achievements, challenges, and pressing concerns within the Hindu community. These gatherings provide a space for multiple Hindu entities to discuss and deliberate on matters affecting Hindu society, working collectively towards a brighter future. 


The second event sees the HOTA Forum NZ orchestrating a remarkable cultural celebration that centres around the Hindu Festival of Raksha Bandhan. This event promotes universal fellowship and veneration of womanhood, highlighting the values of respect and unity within the community. Throughout its journey, the HOTA Forum NZ has witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 55 organisations in New Zealand, all dedicated to working together, cementing its status as an essential institution for the Hindu community in the country. The HOTA Forum NZ's commitment to unity, cultural exchange, and mutual respect plays a vital role in nurturing a strong and vibrant Hindu community in New Zealand.



International Participation:

The HOTA Forum NZ participated in the following World Hindu Congresses:

Hindu Organisations Conference | 21 - 23 November 2014 | New Delhi, Bharat

The first Hindu Organisations Conference was held as a part of the first World Hindu Congress (WHC 2014).


Hindu Organisations Conference | 7 - 9 September 2018 | Chicago, Illinois, USA

The second Hindu Organisations Conference was held as part of the second World Hindu Congress (WHC 2018).


Hindu Organisations Conference | 24 - 26 November 2023 | Bangkok, Thailand

The third Hindu Organisations Conference was held as part of the third World Hindu Congress (WHC 2023).


The coordinator of all the three Hindu Organisations Conferences during World Hindu Congress (2014, 2018, 2023) was Prof Guna Magesan, the current President of Hindu Council of New Zealand.


New Zealand activities:

HOTA Forum in Auckland

2 June 2010 | Hindu Council of New Zealand | Hindu Heritage Centre

20 February 2011 | NZ Hindu Temple Society | Mahatma Gandhi Centre

18 March 2012 | Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh | Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust Hall

30 June 2013 | Yogi Divine Society | Mahatma Gandhi Centre

28 August 2019 | Bharatiya Mandir |Bharatiya Mandir Community Hall

5 September 2022 | Hindu Council of New Zealand | Shree Swaminarayan Temple


Raksha Bandhan Festival 

29 August 2010 | Hindu Council of New Zealand | Mahatma Gandhi Centre

August 2011 | NZ Hindu Temple Society | Mahatma Gandhi Centre

August 2012 | Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh | Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust Hall

August 2013 | Yogi Divine Society | Mahatma Gandhi Centre

7 August 2022 | Hindu Council of New Zealand | Mahatma Gandhi Centre

#Features
  • Forum Features:

    Our interactive platform offers a range of features tailored to meet the needs of our diverse membership:

    • Discussion Forums: Engage in meaningful discussions, share experiences, highlight existing and upcoming challenges, and seek advice on various topics related to Hindu organisations, temple management, community events, and more.


    • Resource Library: Access a comprehensive repository of articles, guides, and educational materials covering religious practices, cultural heritage, organisational management, and community development.


    • Event Calendar: Stay updated on upcoming Hindu festivals, cultural events, workshops, seminars, and conferences hosted by member organisations in New Zealand.


    • Networking Opportunities: Connect with leaders, volunteers, and members of Hindu associations countrywide, fostering collaborations and partnerships for mutual growth and development.

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#Donation

Donate and be a Hero

Your generosity is solicited to help HOTA Forum NZ to continue to organise events

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#Volunteer

Volunteering Roles

Leverage your cutting skills and your precious time to help HOTA Forum NZ to deliver

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#Team

A leadership team with vision

HOTA Leadership team that is powering the way forward

Prof Guna Magesan

President

Vinod Kumar

Auckland

Dr VK

Hamilton

P Sharma

Wellington