Congratulations to Ranjna Patel, who has been named as one of three finalists in the 2021 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards – Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa.
Now in it’s 12th year, the awards celebrate Kiwis from all walks of life who use their passion to make Aotearoa a better place.
Ranjna Patel, who is a co-founder and director of Tamaki Health as well as an executive trustee for Total Healthare PHO, is being recognised for her groundbreaking work with Gandhi Nivas.
Founded by Ranjna in 2015, Gandhi Nivas works with the perpetrators of family violence to prevent them from reoffending. So far the programme has seen extraordinary results, with a recent five-year study by Massey University showing that the programme was able to prevent almost 60 percent of men who took part in the programme from reoffending.
Ranjna is one of three finalists for the New Zealander of the Year 2021, alongside Siouxie Wiles and Christchurch shooting survivor and community leader Farid Ahmed.
Ranjna is also a finalist in the Trade Me New Zealand Innovator of the Year/Te Pou Whakairo O Te Tau category.
Miriama Kamo, Te Koruru – Patron of the Awards, says: “In these challenging times, we believe compassion, commitment and creative solutions are key to keeping our communities connected. Across the world, intolerance and misinformation seek to divide us - but our three finalists look to inform, to uplift, and to unite. We are proud to present them as the finalists for the next Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year – Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa.”
Speaking to Times Online about her nominations, Ranjna said:
“This has given me a voice at so many levels where I can talk about diversity and inclusion. It has opened many doors to be heard, given me a platform. I am aware there is a use-by date that goes by quickly and I intend to make the most of it.”
The nomination is the latest in a string of accolades for Ranjna, which include winning Westpac Women of Influence – Community Hero in 2020; IBA Best Businesswoman of the Year, EY Entrepreneur of the Year – Master Category and the Deloitte’s Top 200 Awards – Visionary Leader.
Winners will be announced at the New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala Dinner in Auckland on Wednesday 31 March 2021.
