at the Government House in Auckland on March 31, 2025 (GH Photo)
Venkat Raman
Auckland, March 31, 2025
New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro today (March 30, 2025) paid tributes to the founders and stakeholders of Gandhi Nivas and said that the Community Service Initiative has been a trailblazer in addressing family violence.
At a reception organised at the Government House in Auckland to mark the Tenth Anniversary of Gandhi Nivas, she said that the Project has had a significant impact on reducing family harm through early intervention and support for families.
“Family Violence seriously harms the mental and physical health of families and our communities. We must welcome and support every intervention to break the silence and the cycle of violence. We must also encourage people to reach out and seek help,” she said.
Supporting Families
Dame Cindy acknowledged the role of Gandhi Nivas in supporting families by counselling perpetrators and helping them to return to their families as reformed men through counselling and other services.
A champion of the empowerment of women, she has consistently advocated for their protection from family harm. Emphasising the importance of creating safe environments and robust support systems for women to rebuild their lives, she praised the work of Gandhi Nivas.
“We must break the culture of silence surrounding abuse. It is important to ensure that victims feel heard and supported and that they have access to resources that can help them regain their independence and dignity,” she said.
Dame Cindy said it was reassuring that the community was seeking support and change. She commended the collaborative efforts of key contributors, including Gandhi Nivas Chairman Ranjna Patel, other Founders and Advisory Board Members, Professor Mandy Morgan of Massey University and the Counsellors and administration staff at Sahaayta Counselling.
An Innovative Approach
Reflecting on the Tenth Anniversary, Ms Patel described Gandhi Nivas as ‘an innovative approach’ dedicated to preventing family harm.
“I feel that in a very gentle way, we have made a significant impact across New Zealand. Mahatma Gandhi’s quote reminds us not to underestimate the small things; they truly can make a big difference.
Our programme addressed family harm by ensuring that the person causing the harm was removed from the home (rather than the victim). We provided temporary accommodation and counselling for them, with comprehensive support also offered to the wider whānau,” she said.
Overcome by emotions more than once during her address, Ms Patel said that as Gandhi Nivas began to take shape, family violence statistics were stark.
“Nearly 30% of women killed in New Zealand in the preceding year were Indian. One in three women experience abuse. Police are called to a domestic incident every four minutes, and yet only 12% of those affected seek help,” she said.
“I have had the great fortune and privilege of working with an incredible community of people to help develop Gandhi Nivas into the organisation it is today. I have also had the privilege of coordinating this amazing programme with the support of some truly inspirational and innovative leaders,” she added.
Recognising Contributors
Ms Patel recognised several people who have contributed to the formation and success of Gandhi Nivas. Among them were Deputy Commissioner John Tims (then District Commander Counties Manukau Police), Assistant Commissioner Thusa Penny, Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo, Acting Superintendent Sunny Patel, Inspector Wati Chaplow, Senior Sergeant Sharon Price, Senior Sergeant Gurpreet Arora Constable Satvir Sen, Massey University Distinguished Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley, the late Professor James Liu, Professor Mandy Morgan, Leigh Coombes, and Dr Matthew Kean, who carried out the ninth piece of research.
Her special acknowledgements were for the people associated with her Serenity Foundation Board, namely Craig Lamberon, Nikki Patel, and Meena Reddy and her Advisory Board Members, Mark Vela, David Codyre, Venkat Raman, Sharon Price, and Rakesh Naidoo.
About Gandhi Nivas
Indian Newslink has published extensively on Gandhi Nivas over the past ten years. These can be accessed on our website, www.indiannewslink.co.nz
About Gandhi Nivas
Established in December 2014 to prevent family harm through early intervention and support services, Gandhi Nivas is a charitable organisation. It provides free counselling, emergency accommodation, and referrals to social services for men identified as being at risk of committing family harm.
The Programme focuses on helping men change their behaviour, reducing the likelihood of further harm, and increasing safety for families.
Gandhi Nivas has shown positive outcomes, with a significant reduction in reoffending rates among participants. It continues to make a difference by restoring hope, empowering change, and saving lives.
Please read our Leader title, ‘Pioneering Change and Protecting Families under Viewlink.
