Venkat Raman
Auckland, January 2, 2025
A new 20-member team of office-bearers, with equal representation for women, has taken charge at the New Zealand Telugu Association (NZTA), pledging to explore and expose talent and improve its services to the community.
The new Executive Committee, which took official charge on New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025) is led by Arun Reddy Gone as the President. A native of Godavarikhani (known as the Coal City, River City and Black Gold City), he was the Vice-President of the Association in the previous five Committees and hence comes with rich experience.
The New Executive Committee
Among the other members of the Executive Committee are Janak Raj Bandi (General Secretary), Sunitha Itla, Mohan Rao Maddala, Pooja Chakilam (Vice-Presidents), Prabhakar Reddy Lakkireddy, Neha Parepalli, Girish Neelapu, Abhijeet Reddy Konda (Joint Secretaries), Navitha Sreeram (Treasurer), Mahesh Kalam (Vice-Treasurer), Sudha Tata, Roma Nory, Nagarjun Yerram, Vishrutha Ayireddy, Nirmal Kumar Racherla, Spandana Dasaroju, Winston Pole, Rukmini Puletipalle and Sreesudha Pattisapu (Members).
Mr Gone described his team as ‘Young, vibrant and service-minded, aiming to provide a platform for Telugu people in New Zealand to celebrate their rich heritage, conduct impactful programmes and events, and instill pride in the Telugu community.
“One of the oldest associations representing a regional community (established in 1998), the New Zealand Telugu Association is dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture and is always grateful for the support of sponsors, well-wishers, and other community leaders. The Association extends its heartfelt thanks to previous presidents for laying a strong foundation and looks forward to working with community leaders on mutual focus and objectives,” he said.
Mr Gone said that the Executive Committee is committed to serving the Telugu community.
“We aim to bring out the best in our people’s talents and work together as a progressive community, embracing progress and change while supporting each other. We welcome the participation of commercial and non-governmental organisations through sponsorships, memberships and other avenues of involvement. We welcome everyone to our events,” he said.
Mr Gone can be contacted on 027-2461800. Email: president@nzta.org
About NZTA
The New Zealand Telugu Association was established in 1998. Over the past three decades, it has grown to become a vibrant, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Telugu-speaking people from India in New Zealand. Its efforts have helped promote Telugu, one of India’s largest spoken regional languages, with significant representation in New Zealand.
The primary mission of the Association is to maintain and celebrate the Telugu culture, traditions, and language and aims to provide a platform for cultural exchange, social interaction, and community support. NZTA fosters a sense of belonging and unity among its members through social, cultural and religious events. Thousands of people including political, business and community leaders attend its events, the most popular among them being Sankranthi, Ugadi, Dassera and Diwali, among other observances. Regular programmes include Blood Donation, Health Camps, Telugu Language Classes for children.
Mr Gone said that NZTA is committed to its mission of cultural enrichment, education and community service.
“We aim to expand our reach, embrace emerging generations, and continue being a beacon for Telugu traditions in New Zealand. NZTA stands not just as an organisation but as a testament to the resilience, unity, and rich cultural tapestry of the Telugu people,” he said.
