New Zealand
The New Year Honours 2026 have recognised six distinguished South Asians for their lifelong contributions to refugees, youth empowerment, ethnic harmony, cultural preservation, and community leadership across New Zealand.
The New Zealand Order of Merit
The King has been pleased, on the celebration of the New Year, to make the following appointments to the New Zealand Order of Merit, recognising individuals whose service has made a lasting impact on communities and the nation.
Championing Refugees and Youth: Dr Mohammad Arif Saeid (ONZM)
Dr Mohammad Arif Saeid (Arif) was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his services to refugees and youth.
Arriving in New Zealand as a refugee in 2001, Dr Saeid has emerged as one of the country’s most influential advocates for displaced communities. He co-founded the Refugee Council of New Zealand (RCNZ) in 2004 and continues to serve as its President, shaping national refugee policy and championing asylum seekers’ rights.
He has represented New Zealand refugee communities at United Nations Human Rights forums and within the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network. During his years with Refugees as Survivors New Zealand, Dr Saeid expanded culturally responsive mental health services and founded initiatives including road-code training, youth development programmes, and employment pathways for refugee youth.
A key driver of the Refugee Youth Action Network (RYAN), he has worked closely with New Zealand Police and government agencies on youth engagement, counter-radicalisation, and social integration. Alongside his wife, Dr Fahima Saeid, he played a critical role in community recovery following the 15 March 2019 Christchurch terror attack and during the Afghan refugee resettlement in 2021.
Strengthening Ethnic Communities: Ravinder Singh Powar, JP (MNZM)
Ravinder Singh Powar, JP, was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to ethnic communities.
Powar was a driving force behind the establishment of New Zealand’s first Sikh Temple, which opened in Hamilton in 1977. In the years leading up to its establishment, he served as Treasurer, General Secretary, and Vice President of the New Zealand Sikh Society, laying the foundations for a Gurudwara that today serves thousands.
The temple has played a vital role in community welfare and food distribution, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr Powar received Life Membership of the New Zealand Sikh Society in 2008 for 30 years of service.
Beyond the Sikh community, he has served as President of the Waikato Multicultural Council since 2011, with leadership roles dating back to 2006. He is an executive member of the Waikato Indian Cultural Society and the Hamilton Punjabi Sports and Cultural Club, and has organised blood donation drives through the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Memorial Trust.
Since 1977, Powar has held senior positions with the Country Section New Zealand Indian Association, including President, Vice President, Treasurer, Auditor, and General Secretary. He also worked with Massey University’s religion department to compile Sikh scriptures and educational material for academic use. In 2020, he became a Life Member of the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils.
Compassion in Action: Dr Fahima Saeid (MNZM)
Dr Fahima Saeid was awarded the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to refugees.
Arriving in New Zealand as a refugee in 2001, Dr Saeid co-founded the New Settlers and Family Community Trust (NFACT) in 2019 and became its Chief Executive Officer in 2020. Under her leadership, NFACT expanded programmes in social work, counselling, mentoring, education, and refugee settlement support, collaborating closely with New Zealand Police and government agencies.
She has organised initiatives such as Triple P parenting seminars, women and youth wellness retreats, and community education programmes. Dr Saeid played a key role in supporting Afghan refugees in 2021, with NFACT acting as the primary settlement organisation.
A qualified counsellor, she provided trauma support following the Christchurch terror attack and during the Auckland floods, and has worked with Refugees as Survivors New Zealand. She also serves on several regional and national advisory groups, earning widespread respect for her compassionate leadership.
Promoting Punjabi Culture and Women’s Wellbeing: Gurpreet Kaur (MNZM)
Gurpreet Kaur was honoured for her services to the Indian community, particularly her long-standing work promoting Punjabi culture, women’s wellbeing, and community health in South and East Auckland.
Since 2003, Kaur has played an active role in preserving Punjabi language, culture, and heritage through her involvement with the Punjabi Cultural Association (PCA) and the Indian Central Association. She has contributed extensively to major cultural initiatives, including the Auckland Diwali Festival, Auckland Council–run multicultural events, children’s dance programmes, and the Vaisakhi Mela Festival.
A strong advocate for women’s empowerment, Mrs Kaur organised Women’s Traditional Games for over a decade and continues to run weekly meditation classes for women. She spearheaded Aqua Aerobics sessions at Papatoetoe Pool, encouraging Punjabi women of all ages to develop essential swimming and water-safety skills.
Her community health initiatives include monthly blood pressure and diabetes screening workshops for Punjabi residents. She has also hosted domestic violence awareness workshops, annual Pink Ribbon Luncheon events, and supported the New Zealand Sikh Games.
Since 2015, Mrs Kaur has been actively involved in numerous Rotary Club community projects, extending her service beyond the Indian diaspora. As a secondary school teacher, she regularly volunteers to manage extracurricular activities, supporting school sports teams and cultural groups. In 2023, she became Chair of the Post Primary Teachers’ Association, Auckland East, further strengthening her leadership role in education and advocacy.
Serving the Indian Community: Mohan Durlabh Mistry (KSM)
Mohan Durlabh Mistry was awarded the King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to the Indian community.
Mistry has been deeply involved with the Wellington Indian Association (WIA) since 1987, serving as Executive Member, Treasurer, Auditor, President, and currently Chair of the Board of Trustees since 2023.
He led the Association through challenging periods, overseeing the restoration of the Indian Temple Dome in Kilbirnie, creation of additional car parking, and earthquake strengthening of the temple building. Earlier, as Treasurer, he raised funds to purchase WIA’s first computers, modernising its operations.
He has represented WIA on the New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA) and served the Multicultural Council Wellington since 1990, where he is currently Vice President. A Life Member of WIA and Multicultural New Zealand, he received the NZICA Hidden Gem Award in 2024. He has also supported long-running charity street collections for the Heart Foundation, Mary Potter Hospice, and the Cancer Society.
Preserving Punjabi Heritage: Harjinder Singh Basiala, JP (KSM)
Harjinder Singh Basiala, JP, received the King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to the Punjabi community.
With more than 30 years of service, Mr Singh has been instrumental in preserving Punjabi language, journalism, and cultural heritage in New Zealand. After working with Ajit, the world’s largest Punjabi newspaper, he founded the Punjabi Herald in 2009, New Zealand’s first online Punjabi-language news platform.
A qualified interpreter, he translated key government communications, including COVID-19 health guidelines, ensuring accessibility for Punjabi-speaking communities. He has served on the South Asian Advisory Board with Counties Manukau Police, strengthening trust between law enforcement and the community.
Singh is an active Justice of the Peace, a Marriage Celebrant, and a long-time supporter of the New Zealand Sikh Games, producing Punjabi history publications and children’s learning resources. He helped launch Punjabi Language Week in 2020 in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and received the Service to Punjabi Media Award from the Akal Foundation New Zealand in 2021.
Honouring Service, Strengthening New Zealand
The recognition of these five South Asians in the New Year Honours 2026 underscores New Zealand’s commitment to acknowledging service, diversity, and community leadership. Their contributions continue to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and united nation.
