Upcoming Events

Thank you to everyone who joined us on 3 December at Des Traditions Restaurant & Event Centre for an inspiring evening of connection, kōrero, and community building.

Our Speakers 

We were honoured to hear from:

* Dr. Waqar Qureshi – Chair & President, PDCNZ 

* Mr. Ajaz Nusrat – VP Engagement & Employment, PDCNZ 

* Hon. Michael Wood – Former MP & Former Minister for Immigration 

* Hon. Chris Carter – Chair, Henderson-Massey Local Board & Former Minister for Ethnic Communities 

* Mr. Richard Orgias – Director & Senior Consultant 

* Mr. Tauqir Khan – Senior Professional & Community Leader

Guests of Honour 

We were privileged to be joined by distinguished community leaders: 

* Omar Fahmy – Chair, Whau Ethnic Collective 

* Venkat Raman – Editor, Indian Newslink 

* Yasir Abdulrahman – Trustee, North Shore Islamic Trust 

* Zayd Abedin – President, E to the M 

* Sufian Ilyas – Secretary, E to the M

Their presence added immense value to this gathering and strengthened the kaupapa of PDCNZ.

A collective inspiration as Rumi said: “When we are inspired, we become unstoppable.” And last night, your energy, engagement, and presence proved exactly that — a community moving forward with purpose and passion.

Thanks to all guests, speakers, volunteers, and the team at Des Traditions, your support made this evening truly memorable.

Photo Highlights Below!

More photos and videos of speakers and networking are on our Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/pdcnz

 

Ngā mihi nui — thank you.

— PDCNZ Team

info@pdc.oreg.nz

 Thank you to everyone who joined us for the PDCNZ Inaugural Event. It was an inspiring evening that brought together leaders, professionals, and community supporters committed to strengthening pathways for migrant professionals across Aotearoa New Zealand.

We were honoured to host a distinguished group of guests:

Speakers:

• Dr. Waqar Qureshi,  President of PDCNZ 
• Ms. Tayyaba Khan, Chair Advisory Board, PDCNZ
• His Excellency Dr. Faisal Aziz, High Commissioner of Pakistan
• His Excellency Mr. Prasanna Gamage, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka 
• Mrs Prabha Ravi, Councillor Hutt City, representing Mayor Ken Laban 
• Mr. Winsome Lam, President, Hutt Multicultural Council 
• Mr. Mark Wheeler, District Governor, Rotary 
• Ms. Leanne Asher, Engineering New Zealand
   

Guests of Honour:

• Her Excellency Mrs. Isaura Duarte, Ambassador of Colombia
• Mr. Pablo Ciallella, Second Secretary, representing the Ambassador of Argentina
   

Other Distinguished Attendees:
Ms Glenda Barratt, Ms Afnan Al-Rubayee, Ms Lynn McKenzie, Mr Peter Berry, Mr Rahul Watson Govindan and Ayo Oyawale.

Their presence and support made this launch meaningful and memorable.

This event marks the beginning of a collective journey. Together, we will continue building stronger connections, greater opportunities, and a more inclusive future for migrant professionals in New Zealand.

We want to extend my deepest gratitude to all who have contributed to making this evening meaningful and memorable.

* To our Guest Speakers — thank you for sharing your insights, your wisdom, and your encouragement. Your presence added immense value to today’s gathering.

* To the Excellencies and Distinguished Guests — we are honoured by your attendance and humbled by your support. Your participation reflects the importance of this initiative and inspires us to aim higher.

* To all Delegates — thank you for taking the time to be here, for engaging with our vision, and for adding your voices to this important conversation.

* A heartfelt thank you to the Dowse Art Museum for hosting us in this beautiful space and for your warm support throughout the planning of this event.

* To the PDCNZ Team — your passion, hard work, and belief in this initiative have made today possible. This event is a reflection of your dedication.

* To our Event Manager — thank you for your leadership, coordination, and professionalism in bringing everything together seamlessly.

* And to the entire Event Team — your behind-the-scenes effort, attention to detail, and commitment ensured that every part of this evening ran smoothly. We truly appreciate your contributions.

Today is not just the launch of an organisation — it is the beginning of a journey powered by collective passion, shared purpose, and the belief that we can create better pathways for professionals in New Zealand.

In the words of Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Tonight, we have taken the first step in making the impossible possible — by coming together as a community, by choosing collaboration over isolation, and by believing that our voices matter.

Thank you once again for being part of this milestone.

Let’s continue this journey with courage, unity, and purpose.

The best chapters are yet to be written.

Ngā mihi nui — thank you.

— PDCNZ Team

info@pdc.oreg.nz