Latest news with #PrabhaRavi
Scoop
01-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Prabha Ravi For Mayor Of Lower Hutt
LOWER HUTT — Independent Mayoral candidate Prabha Ravi officially launched her campaign for Mayor of Lower Hutt last Friday 27 June, unveiling her vision for the city to a hall of dozens of enthusiastic supporters and community leaders at the Lower Hutt Events Centre. In a powerful speech, Ravi laid out her platform of 'smarter with your money; stronger for our community,' positioning herself as a fiercely independent leader with the governance experience to tackle the city's biggest challenges. 'Our city is at a crossroads,' Prabha told the audience. 'Rates are rising fast, but core services are struggling. This is not just a budget problem; it's a leadership problem. That's why I'm standing for Mayor, because I believe we can do better, and I have the experience to make it happen.' Drawing on her nearly 30 years as a Lower Hutt resident, business owner, and community advocate, Ravi shared her personal journey from arriving in New Zealand in 1999 to building a life and a renowned dance school in the city. She positioned her lived experience as a "bridge-builder" between cultures as a unique strength she would bring to the mayoralty. 'I'm not a career politician. I don't answer to any political party. I answer to you,' she stated, emphasising her independence. Ravi's speech outlined three core priorities: Value for Money: She committed to commissioning an immediate financial review of the Council and introducing a "Ratepayer Value Charter" to ensure spending is focused on outcomes. 'Every dollar must work harder for the families who pay it,' she said. Infrastructure That Works: She pledged to prioritise investment in basics like roads and water systems, while advocating for more frequent and affordable public transport. Inclusive, Connected Communities: Ravi promised to invest in libraries, parks, and community spaces, and to launch initiatives like 'Community Connect' to fund grassroots projects and elevate underrepresented voices. The event served as a key fundraiser for the campaign and marked the official start of Ravi's bid for the city's leadership ahead of the local body elections. About Prabha Ravi Prabha Ravi is a Justice of the Peace and management consultant with over 20 years of governance experience across the health, education, arts, and community sectors. She is the founder of the Natraj School of Dance and a recipient of the Queen's Service Medal (QSM) for her services to ethnic communities and dance. Biographical Snapshot Prabha Ravi – Independent Candidate for Mayor of Lower Hutt Justice of the Peace (JP) Queen's Service Medal recipient (2017) – for services to ethnic communities and dance Founder & Artistic Director, Natraj School of Dance (est. 1999, Lower Hutt) Principal Consultant, Grow Consultancy Former Chair, Hutt Valley DHB Consumer Council Board Member: Arohanui Strings, Hutt Radio and Archives Charitable Trust, Hutt Sister City Foundation Member: Hutt City Council Community Panel – Central Ward (two terms) Governance roles with: Volleyball NZ, Baseball NZ, Play Aotearoa, BATS Theatre, Arts Wellington Senior leadership roles at Education NZ, Toi Whakaari, YMCA Central, WelTec, and more Finalist, Wellingtonian of the Year (Education, 2016) Mayoral Civic Honour Award, Hutt City (2011) Special Commendation, Indian Newslink Business Awards
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Prabha Ravi Announces Independent Candidacy For Mayor Of Lower Hutt
Press Release – Prabha Ravi With over two decades of civic leadership and cultural contribution in the Hutt, Prabha Ravi is entering the race with a clear purpose: to deliver smarter council spending, more responsive local services, and inclusive, people-first leadership. LOWER HUTT — Longstanding community advocate and respected governance professional Prabha Ravi has announced she will stand as an independent candidate for Mayor of Lower Hutt in the 2025 local elections. With over two decades of civic leadership and cultural contribution in the Hutt, Prabha is entering the race with a clear purpose: to deliver smarter council spending, more responsive local services, and inclusive, people-first leadership. 'Lower Hutt has been my home for over 25 years. It's where I raised my children, built a business, and formed relationships that have shaped who I am,' says Prabha. 'I'm running for Mayor because I believe our city deserves leadership that's thoughtful, future-focused, and genuinely connected to the communities it serves.' A Life of Service, Rooted in Community Prabha is widely known as the founder and artistic director of Natraj School of Dance, an institution that has trained more than 1,600 students and presented bold, cross-cultural performances across Aotearoa. Her creative direction has brought together Indian classical dance with Māori, Samoan, Sri Lankan and Western forms—celebrating diversity and building bridges through art. 'Through dance, I've seen what's possible when people come together across cultures, generations, and life experiences,' says Prabha. 'That spirit of connection is what I want to bring to Council—not just symbolic gestures, but practical progress.' She has served as Establishment Chair of the Hutt Valley DHB Consumer Council and was on the Hutt City Council Community Panel for the Central ward for two terms. She is a Justice of the Peace, and has received the Queen's Service Medal for her contribution to ethnic communities and dance. She currently sits on the boards of Arohanui Strings, Hutt Radio and Archives Charitable Trust, the Hutt Sister City Foundation, and is a member of the Hutt Valley Rotary Club and the Hutt Multicultural Council. She also holds governance roles with national sports organisations including Volleyball NZ, Baseball NZ, Play Aotearoa, BATS Theatre, and Arts Wellington. A Track Record of Strategic Leadership Professionally, Prabha is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Grow Consultancy Ltd, a firm that supports New Zealand businesses and education providers with international strategy and market development. Her previous senior leadership roles include Head of Engagement at Toi Whakaari, Director of International Education at YMCA Central, Waiariki Institute of Technology, and senior strategy roles with Education New Zealand and WelTec. She has worked at the intersection of public policy, education, arts, and economic development, with a strong focus on strategy, stakeholder engagement, and community-building. This mix of grassroots experience and executive capability is what Prabha now brings to her mayoral campaign. A Vision for a Stronger, Smarter, More Inclusive Hutt Prabha's campaign is centred on results—not rhetoric. Her platform is built around three core pillars: 1. Value for Money: Smarter Council Spending Introduce a Ratepayer Value Charter to promote outcome-based budgeting Audit major council projects for effectiveness and accountability Prioritise frontline services and cost-of-living relief 'Every dollar must work harder. Lower Hutt families deserve more for what they pay.' 2. Transport and Infrastructure That Works Advocate for more frequent and affordable public transport, including on weekends. Maintain affordable council parking and improve reliability 'Getting around shouldn't be a burden. Let's build a city that moves with you.' 3. Inclusive, Connected Communities Launch Community Connect to support grassroots initiatives and local hubs Champion the arts, sport, and youth participation across the Hutt Ensure all communities—especially rangatahi and ethnic groups—are represented and heard 'We're stronger together—and every voice matters. My campaign is about delivery, not division. I'm not here to play politics—I'm here to work for the people of Lower Hutt,' says Prabha. 'Good leadership listens. It acts. It delivers. That's the standard I'll bring.' Biographical Snapshot Prabha Ravi – Independent Candidate for Mayor of Lower Hutt Justice of the Peace (JP) Queen's Service Medal recipient (2017) – for services to ethnic communities and dance Founder & Artistic Director, Natraj School of Dance (est. 1999, Lower Hutt) Principal Consultant, Grow Consultancy Former Chair, Hutt Valley DHB Consumer Council Board Member: Arohanui Strings, Hutt Radio and Archives Charitable Trust, Hutt Sister City Foundation Member: Hutt City Council Community Panel – Central Ward (two terms) Governance roles with: Volleyball NZ, Baseball NZ, Play Aotearoa, BATS Theatre, Arts Wellington Senior leadership roles at Education NZ, Toi Whakaari, YMCA Central, WelTec, and more Finalist, Wellingtonian of the Year (Education, 2016) Mayoral Civic Honour Award, Hutt City (2011) Special Commendation, Indian Newslink Business Awards
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Prabha Ravi Announces Independent Candidacy For Mayor Of Lower Hutt
Press Release – Prabha Ravi With over two decades of civic leadership and cultural contribution in the Hutt, Prabha Ravi is entering the race with a clear purpose: to deliver smarter council spending, more responsive local services, and inclusive, people-first leadership. LOWER HUTT — Longstanding community advocate and respected governance professional Prabha Ravi has announced she will stand as an independent candidate for Mayor of Lower Hutt in the 2025 local elections. With over two decades of civic leadership and cultural contribution in the Hutt, Prabha is entering the race with a clear purpose: to deliver smarter council spending, more responsive local services, and inclusive, people-first leadership. 'Lower Hutt has been my home for over 25 years. It's where I raised my children, built a business, and formed relationships that have shaped who I am,' says Prabha. 'I'm running for Mayor because I believe our city deserves leadership that's thoughtful, future-focused, and genuinely connected to the communities it serves.' A Life of Service, Rooted in Community Prabha is widely known as the founder and artistic director of Natraj School of Dance, an institution that has trained more than 1,600 students and presented bold, cross-cultural performances across Aotearoa. Her creative direction has brought together Indian classical dance with Māori, Samoan, Sri Lankan and Western forms—celebrating diversity and building bridges through art. 'Through dance, I've seen what's possible when people come together across cultures, generations, and life experiences,' says Prabha. 'That spirit of connection is what I want to bring to Council—not just symbolic gestures, but practical progress.' She has served as Establishment Chair of the Hutt Valley DHB Consumer Council and was on the Hutt City Council Community Panel for the Central ward for two terms. She is a Justice of the Peace, and has received the Queen's Service Medal for her contribution to ethnic communities and dance. She currently sits on the boards of Arohanui Strings, Hutt Radio and Archives Charitable Trust, the Hutt Sister City Foundation, and is a member of the Hutt Valley Rotary Club and the Hutt Multicultural Council. She also holds governance roles with national sports organisations including Volleyball NZ, Baseball NZ, Play Aotearoa, BATS Theatre, and Arts Wellington. A Track Record of Strategic Leadership Professionally, Prabha is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Grow Consultancy Ltd, a firm that supports New Zealand businesses and education providers with international strategy and market development. Her previous senior leadership roles include Head of Engagement at Toi Whakaari, Director of International Education at YMCA Central, Waiariki Institute of Technology, and senior strategy roles with Education New Zealand and WelTec. She has worked at the intersection of public policy, education, arts, and economic development, with a strong focus on strategy, stakeholder engagement, and community-building. This mix of grassroots experience and executive capability is what Prabha now brings to her mayoral campaign. A Vision for a Stronger, Smarter, More Inclusive Hutt Prabha's campaign is centred on results—not rhetoric. Her platform is built around three core pillars: 1. Value for Money: Smarter Council Spending Introduce a Ratepayer Value Charter to promote outcome-based budgeting Audit major council projects for effectiveness and accountability Prioritise frontline services and cost-of-living relief 'Every dollar must work harder. Lower Hutt families deserve more for what they pay.' 2. Transport and Infrastructure That Works Advocate for more frequent and affordable public transport, including on weekends. Maintain affordable council parking and improve reliability 'Getting around shouldn't be a burden. Let's build a city that moves with you.' 3. Inclusive, Connected Communities Launch Community Connect to support grassroots initiatives and local hubs Champion the arts, sport, and youth participation across the Hutt Ensure all communities—especially rangatahi and ethnic groups—are represented and heard 'We're stronger together—and every voice matters. My campaign is about delivery, not division. I'm not here to play politics—I'm here to work for the people of Lower Hutt,' says Prabha. 'Good leadership listens. It acts. It delivers. That's the standard I'll bring.' Biographical Snapshot Prabha Ravi – Independent Candidate for Mayor of Lower Hutt Justice of the Peace (JP) Queen's Service Medal recipient (2017) – for services to ethnic communities and dance Founder & Artistic Director, Natraj School of Dance (est. 1999, Lower Hutt) Principal Consultant, Grow Consultancy Former Chair, Hutt Valley DHB Consumer Council Board Member: Arohanui Strings, Hutt Radio and Archives Charitable Trust, Hutt Sister City Foundation Member: Hutt City Council Community Panel – Central Ward (two terms) Governance roles with: Volleyball NZ, Baseball NZ, Play Aotearoa, BATS Theatre, Arts Wellington Senior leadership roles at Education NZ, Toi Whakaari, YMCA Central, WelTec, and more Finalist, Wellingtonian of the Year (Education, 2016) Mayoral Civic Honour Award, Hutt City (2011) Special Commendation, Indian Newslink Business Awards
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Prabha Ravi Announces Independent Candidacy For Mayor Of Lower Hutt
With over two decades of civic leadership and cultural contribution in the Hutt, Prabha Ravi is entering the race with a clear purpose: to deliver smarter council spending, more responsive local services, and inclusive, people-first leadership. More >>
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Prabha Ravi Announces Independent Candidacy For Mayor Of Lower Hutt
LOWER HUTT — Longstanding community advocate and respected governance professional Prabha Ravi has announced she will stand as an independent candidate for Mayor of Lower Hutt in the 2025 local elections. With over two decades of civic leadership and cultural contribution in the Hutt, Prabha is entering the race with a clear purpose: to deliver smarter council spending, more responsive local services, and inclusive, people-first leadership. 'Lower Hutt has been my home for over 25 years. It's where I raised my children, built a business, and formed relationships that have shaped who I am,' says Prabha. 'I'm running for Mayor because I believe our city deserves leadership that's thoughtful, future-focused, and genuinely connected to the communities it serves.' A Life of Service, Rooted in Community Prabha is widely known as the founder and artistic director of Natraj School of Dance, an institution that has trained more than 1,600 students and presented bold, cross-cultural performances across Aotearoa. Her creative direction has brought together Indian classical dance with Māori, Samoan, Sri Lankan and Western forms—celebrating diversity and building bridges through art. 'Through dance, I've seen what's possible when people come together across cultures, generations, and life experiences,' says Prabha. 'That spirit of connection is what I want to bring to Council—not just symbolic gestures, but practical progress.' She has served as Establishment Chair of the Hutt Valley DHB Consumer Council and was on the Hutt City Council Community Panel for the Central ward for two terms. She is a Justice of the Peace, and has received the Queen's Service Medal for her contribution to ethnic communities and dance. She currently sits on the boards of Arohanui Strings, Hutt Radio and Archives Charitable Trust, the Hutt Sister City Foundation, and is a member of the Hutt Valley Rotary Club and the Hutt Multicultural Council. She also holds governance roles with national sports organisations including Volleyball NZ, Baseball NZ, Play Aotearoa, BATS Theatre, and Arts Wellington. A Track Record of Strategic Leadership Professionally, Prabha is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Grow Consultancy Ltd, a firm that supports New Zealand businesses and education providers with international strategy and market development. Her previous senior leadership roles include Head of Engagement at Toi Whakaari, Director of International Education at YMCA Central, Waiariki Institute of Technology, and senior strategy roles with Education New Zealand and WelTec. She has worked at the intersection of public policy, education, arts, and economic development, with a strong focus on strategy, stakeholder engagement, and community-building. This mix of grassroots experience and executive capability is what Prabha now brings to her mayoral campaign. A Vision for a Stronger, Smarter, More Inclusive Hutt Prabha's campaign is centred on results—not rhetoric. Her platform is built around three core pillars: 1. Value for Money: Smarter Council Spending Introduce a Ratepayer Value Charter to promote outcome-based budgeting Audit major council projects for effectiveness and accountability Prioritise frontline services and cost-of-living relief 'Every dollar must work harder. Lower Hutt families deserve more for what they pay.' 2. Transport and Infrastructure That Works Advocate for more frequent and affordable public transport, including on weekends. Maintain affordable council parking and improve reliability 'Getting around shouldn't be a burden. Let's build a city that moves with you.' 3. Inclusive, Connected Communities Launch Community Connect to support grassroots initiatives and local hubs Champion the arts, sport, and youth participation across the Hutt Ensure all communities—especially rangatahi and ethnic groups—are represented and heard 'We're stronger together—and every voice matters. My campaign is about delivery, not division. I'm not here to play politics—I'm here to work for the people of Lower Hutt,' says Prabha. 'Good leadership listens. It acts. It delivers. That's the standard I'll bring.' Biographical Snapshot Prabha Ravi – Independent Candidate for Mayor of Lower Hutt Justice of the Peace (JP) Queen's Service Medal recipient (2017) – for services to ethnic communities and dance Founder & Artistic Director, Natraj School of Dance (est. 1999, Lower Hutt) Principal Consultant, Grow Consultancy Former Chair, Hutt Valley DHB Consumer Council Board Member: Arohanui Strings, Hutt Radio and Archives Charitable Trust, Hutt Sister City Foundation Member: Hutt City Council Community Panel – Central Ward (two terms) Governance roles with: Volleyball NZ, Baseball NZ, Play Aotearoa, BATS Theatre, Arts Wellington Senior leadership roles at Education NZ, Toi Whakaari, YMCA Central, WelTec, and more Finalist, Wellingtonian of the Year (Education, 2016) Mayoral Civic Honour Award, Hutt City (2011)
