A Delayed Story
Stutie (Junoo) Sharma
Auckland, July 6, 2025
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, over 10+ social media influencers gathered at Mt Roskill War Memorial on May 4, 2025, marking the launch of SAKI (South Asian Kiwi Influencers), a groundbreaking platform designed to empower local content creators while supporting Kiwi businesses through collaborative brand promotions.
Founded by Auckland-based entrepreneurs Swaran Katal and Garima Luthra Katal, SAKI aims to revolutionise digital marketing by leveraging the collective power of influencers across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
The meetup brought together established and emerging influencers, including renowned radio personality and comedian Raj Sarkar, popular MC Junoo Sharma (author of this report), and digital creator Chirayu Bhatt. Also in attendance was Neelam, a key figure behind the celebrated magazine Guldasta, alongside rising stars like Ridhi Gandhi, Rishi Grover, Yug Patel, and Vaishnavi Manatkar.
“This is not just about individual promotions, it is about creating a movement where businesses get amplified exposure through a network of influencers. SAKI bridges the gap between brands and creators for maximum impact,” Mr Katal said.
Unlike traditional influencer marketing, where brands rely on single creators, SAKI’s model harnesses the reach of 10+ influencers simultaneously, ensuring wider engagement and better ROI for local businesses. The platform also plans to roll out mentorship and training programs for aspiring creators in the coming weeks.
With plans to expand across New Zealand, SAKI is poised to become a hub for South Asian Kiwi influencers to collaborate, learn, and grow. “Our vision is to foster a self-sustaining ecosystem where talent meets opportunity,” Mr Katal said.
The event concluded with networking and strategy discussions, setting the stage for SAKI’s upcoming initiatives. Businesses and creators keen to join the platform can contact us through our website www.saki.co.nz
Stutie (Junoo) Sharma is a popular Show Producer, Director and Presenter, Master of Ceremonies and Founder of AKS Limited, based in Auckland.
