Our People

At the 2026 AGM in September the NZISA moved to a new governance structure. The old 19 member board (formerly Executive Committee) made up of officers from each member club was replaced with a new 6 member board each with dedicated portfolios who oversee the running of the NZISA. The board is supported by sub-committees who assist with the organisation of the various NZISA events.

We welcome interest from any members of the community who want to join a sub-committee in their area of interest. Please get in touch with us if you would like to be involved.

Board Members:

PRESIDENT | Suresh Wallabh

Suresh has been NZISA President since 2014. Working with all clubs and delegates has seen Suresh lead NZISA to a high level. He has been instrumental in engaging with Hockey New Zealand and has allowed NZISA to have experienced Hockey NZ personnel, services and technology to be involved with the Queen’s Birthday Tournaments. Suresh’s home club is the Pukekohe Indian Sports Club where he has been past president for a number of years.

SECRETARY | Kalesh Patel

Kalesh took on the role of NZISA Secretary in 2025. He works extremely well with all delegates and together with the President to operate NZISA efficiently. This in addition to meticulous record keeping, keeps NZISA engaged with the affiliated Indian Sports Clubs. Kalesh’s home club is the Christchurch Indian Sports Club where he has been an active member for a number of years, along with being a current executive committee member.

The Secretary is responsible for the administrative tasks of the Board. This includes correspondence to the organisation, collating meeting documents and maintaining and controlling access to the NZISA’s documents.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR | Kirit Makan

Kirit has been NZISA Treasurer since 2014 and has continued as the Financial Advisor role in 2026. He has developed a strong understanding of the NZISA’s finances over the last decade as we have grown and modernised our events, ensuring that we continue to be in a healthy and stable financial position now and into the future. Kirit’s home club is the Pukekohe Indian Sports Club.

The Financial Advisor is responsible for the NZISA’s day to day finances as well as exploring opportunities to strengthen our financial position to ensure we can continue to be in a position to grow to reach more of the Indian community in New Zealand.

TOURNAMENT LIASON | Hansa Parbhu

Hansa is a Life Member of the NZISA and has been involved with the organisation as an Executive Committee member for 38 years including 10 years as the NZISA Treasurer and contributing to a number of sub-committees in that time. She brings a deep knowledge of the NZISA’s operations along with experience in organising the various event. Hansa’s home club is the Wellington Indian Sports Club.

The Tournament Liason Officer is the link between the Board and the event sub-committees to keep the board informed of their progress. They also assist the sub-committees to review the events and bring suggestions for changes to the events to ensure that they meet the needs of our community

NEW SPORTS | Pravin Lalloo

Pravin is a Life Member of the NZISA and has been involved with the NZISA as an Executive Committee Member for 40 years during that time he has served three years as the President as well as being involved as a co-ordinator of various sub-committees. Pravin is passionate about widening the reach of the NZISA through exploring new opportunities to engage the Indian community in New Zealand in sporting events.

The New Sports Officer is responsible for researching and exploring new opportunities for the NZISA to provide events which grow the reach of the NZISA across the country.

COMMUNICATIONS | Kiran Parbhu

Kiran has been a member of the NZISA Executive Committee since 2015 and has worked on various sub-committees. Kiran’s home club is the Central Districts Indian Sports Club.

The Communications officer is responsible for the NZISA’s communications including it’s website, publications and social media as well as finding new opportunities to promote the NZISA to the wider community.

Sub-Committees:

The NZISA relies on volunteers from across the country who work together on Sub-Committees to help with the organisation and running of our events. If you are interested in joining one of the subcommittees, please get in touch with us.

NZI-HC Committee

Organises the annual New Zealand Indian Hockey Championship

Under 23’s Hockey Committee

Organises the annual Under 23’s Hockey Tournament

Heritage Hockey Committee

Organises the NZISA’s Heritage Hockey Tournament campaigns including selection, coaching and team logistics

Cricket Committee

Organises our Cricket events including the annual Cricket Tournament, Training Camps and Representative Fixtures

Golf Committee

Organises the annual NZISA Golf Open

New Sports Committee

Explores opportunities to engange in new sports and events to widen the NZISA’s reach