logo
Prabha Ravi Announces Independent Candidacy For Mayor Of Lower Hutt

Prabha Ravi Announces Independent Candidacy For Mayor Of Lower Hutt

Scoop12-05-2025

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

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Denise Eaglesome-Karekare Announces Mayoral Bid: 'Wairoa Is In My Heart, And I'm Ready To Serve'
Denise Eaglesome-Karekare Announces Mayoral Bid: 'Wairoa Is In My Heart, And I'm Ready To Serve'

Scoop

time16 hours ago

  • Scoop

Denise Eaglesome-Karekare Announces Mayoral Bid: 'Wairoa Is In My Heart, And I'm Ready To Serve'

Press Release – Denise Eaglesome-Karekare Denises campaign is rooted in inclusive, community-driven progress, with a strong focus on practical, homegrown solutions. Wairoa District Deputy Mayor Denise Eaglesome-Karekare has today confirmed she will stand for the Mayoralty in the upcoming 2025 Local Body Elections, offering her experience, passion, and deep community connection to the people of Wairoa. A proud wahine Māori of Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa descent, Denise brings with her a life shaped by service — in whānau, in community, and in leadership. 'I was born and raised here. Wairoa is my tūrangawaewae. I've spent my life working alongside our people through tough times and triumphs — and now, I'm stepping forward to serve in a new way.' With over two decades on Council — including five terms as Deputy Mayor — and as long-serving Chief Executive of the Wairoa Young Achievers Trust, Denise has helped shape some of the district's most impactful community initiatives. Her work has focused on youth development, local employment, housing, and supporting whānau through both opportunity and adversity. 'I've always believed in getting stuck in, not standing back. The chance to represent our district as Mayor is not something I take lightly — it's a responsibility I would carry with humility, and with a deep commitment to everyone who calls Wairoa home.' Denise's campaign is rooted in inclusive, community-driven progress, with a strong focus on practical, homegrown solutions. Her Local First approach puts Wairoa at the centre — advocating for better infrastructure, stronger support for whānau, and economic renewal built from the ground up, for the benefit of generations to come. 'This election is about the future — about working together for a Wairoa that thrives, where our tamariki and mokopuna can see their dreams here at home. I believe in the strength of our people, and I'm ready to serve with open ears, an open heart, and clear direction.'

Denise Eaglesome-Karekare Announces Mayoral Bid: 'Wairoa Is In My Heart, And I'm Ready To Serve'
Denise Eaglesome-Karekare Announces Mayoral Bid: 'Wairoa Is In My Heart, And I'm Ready To Serve'

Scoop

time19 hours ago

  • Scoop

Denise Eaglesome-Karekare Announces Mayoral Bid: 'Wairoa Is In My Heart, And I'm Ready To Serve'

Wairoa District Deputy Mayor Denise Eaglesome-Karekare has today confirmed she will stand for the Mayoralty in the upcoming 2025 Local Body Elections, offering her experience, passion, and deep community connection to the people of Wairoa. A proud wahine Māori of Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa descent, Denise brings with her a life shaped by service — in whānau, in community, and in leadership. 'I was born and raised here. Wairoa is my tūrangawaewae. I've spent my life working alongside our people through tough times and triumphs — and now, I'm stepping forward to serve in a new way.' With over two decades on Council — including five terms as Deputy Mayor — and as long-serving Chief Executive of the Wairoa Young Achievers Trust, Denise has helped shape some of the district's most impactful community initiatives. Her work has focused on youth development, local employment, housing, and supporting whānau through both opportunity and adversity. 'I've always believed in getting stuck in, not standing back. The chance to represent our district as Mayor is not something I take lightly — it's a responsibility I would carry with humility, and with a deep commitment to everyone who calls Wairoa home.' Denise's campaign is rooted in inclusive, community-driven progress, with a strong focus on practical, homegrown solutions. Her Local First approach puts Wairoa at the centre — advocating for better infrastructure, stronger support for whānau, and economic renewal built from the ground up, for the benefit of generations to come. 'This election is about the future — about working together for a Wairoa that thrives, where our tamariki and mokopuna can see their dreams here at home. I believe in the strength of our people, and I'm ready to serve with open ears, an open heart, and clear direction.'

Pita Tipene to step down as Waitangi National Trust chair
Pita Tipene to step down as Waitangi National Trust chair

RNZ News

time20 hours ago

  • RNZ News

Pita Tipene to step down as Waitangi National Trust chair

Pita Tipene. Photo: RNZ / Liu Chen The Waitangi National Trust's Pita Tipene is stepping down as trust chair after serving on the board for almost a decade. Tīpene has been a member of the board for nine years, the maximum length set out in the Waitangi National Trust Board Act 1932 before board members must step down. Fellow board members Jane Fletcher and Mita Harris will also close out their time with on the board. He joined the Trust in July, 2016 as a representative of the descendants of Maihi Kawiti, before becoming chair in 2018, taking over from Ngāpuhi kaumatua Pita Paraone who stepped down. The 14-member board will meet on Friday to vote on a new chair. Speaking to RNZ, Tipene said he and other departing board members were confident the Trust would in be left in safe hands. "The journey has been one fantastic experience, working alongside some very capable people." The now scrapped Treaty Principles Bill saw the heat turned up at this year's Waitangi commemorations, leading to protests by Ngāpuhi, ACT Leader David Seymour having his microphone taken away multiple times and threats by NZ First MP Shane Jones threaten to cut funding for the trust. Tipene said ensuring the Crown and Māori had an opportunity to speak with each other face to face was one of the most important parts of the job. "As there may be, as I describe it, 'heat' being brought to the situation we do our best as the Waitangi National Trust to provide an environment where we can bring more light that promise and allow people to have debate and discussion and understand perspectives. "We remember that we are kaitiaki of the grounds, the people on the ground and the wairua. We have to be ensuring everybody is safe to have that debate." Tipene said while he was sad his time on the board was coming to an end, he was a firm believer in refreshing and revitalising organisations. "Some people had suggested to me that I could be like Vladimir Putin and, maybe, change the constitution and stay there forever - obviously that's not going to happen." RNZ understand the Trust's deputy chair Tania Simpson is the frontrunner to take over the top job. Simpson holds a number of director roles across many New Zealand companies, is a member of the Waitangi Tribunal, was awarded the rank of Officer of the NZ Order of Merit in 2024 and has been Deputy Chair of Waitangi National Trust since 2018. Tipene said while there was absolutely "no doubt" Simpson was the go-to person to fill the chair position, her time on the board was also running out. "Tania's tenure on the board is coming up very quickly on the board too, I think it's only another 9 months," Tipene said. "That doesn't take away the absolute skills, wisdom and application and determination that Tania brings to any board, let alone the Waitangi National Trust. But this is how it works and, sadly, we're going to lose Tania too." Tipene said the highlight of his time as chair was the opening of the Te Rau Aroha museum in 2020, which remembers the men and women who risked their lives during the Second World War in the service of their country. Having the late Robert 'Bom' Gillies at the opening was something that "remains etched in my mind and my heart". "I'm leaving something that I'm very passionate about but its all been a great journey and I will arrive at the destination on Friday," Tipene said. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store