New Zealand
First Indian orgin Maths Teacher Subash Chandar K Named 2025 Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year. Auckland maths teacher Subash Chandar K, better known online as “theinfinityplusone,” has been crowned the 2025 Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year—an honour celebrating his tireless work in making mathematics accessible, engaging, and stress-free for students across New Zealand.
By day, Chandar K inspires young minds at Ormiston Junior College. By night, he transforms into a YouTube educator, helping over 60,000 students conquer NCEA maths through free tutorials, live problem-solving sessions, and step-by-step exam strategies.
Read & Watch: Subash Chandar K Interview
Read related article : One Indian origin & two Indian Educators Shortlisted for the 2025 Global Teacher Prize
Breaking the Fear of Maths
At last night’s Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, Chandar K was recognised for his innovative approach to teaching. His YouTube channel, InfinityPlusOne, has become a lifeline for students struggling with maths anxiety.
“Many students believe that if they don’t get the answer right immediately, they’re just ‘bad at maths’,” Chandar K said. “But maths isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence. There’s more than one way to solve a problem, and mistakes are part of the journey.”
His mantra to students? “Never leave a question blank.” Instead, he encourages them to attempt every problem, then works backward to understand errors—a method that builds confidence and critical thinking.
A Message to Parents
Chandar K also urged parents to reframe how they discuss maths at home.
“Telling kids, ‘I was bad at maths, so you will be too,’ or dismissing their struggles with comments like, ‘I did this without a calculator,’ can be really damaging,” he explained. “Instead, we should foster a growth mindset—where effort and curiosity matter more than instant success.”
The Heart Behind InfinityPlusOne
The name InfinityPlusOne holds a special meaning—it’s a tribute to his wife, whose unwavering support allows him to pursue his passion.
“She’s been incredible,” he shared. “Some days, I wake up at 4 AM to film a video, and she handles everything else. Without her, I wouldn’t have been able to help so many students over the past 12 years.”
A Win for Education & Community
Chandar K’s award highlights the power of dedicated educators who go beyond the classroom. Whether through his YouTube channel or his classroom, he’s proving that maths doesn’t have to be scary—or boring.
As New Zealand’s first Indian-origin Local Hero of the Year, his story is a testament to how passion, innovation, and community spirit can transform lives—one equation at a time.
