New Zealand (Commonwealth Union)_ In a historic recognition of cross-cultural innovation and public service, Indian-origin technologists and community leaders Sunit Prakash and Lalita Kasanji have been named Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit. The distinction honours their extensive contributions to digital technology and their efforts to strengthen ties between India and New Zealand. The prestigious honour, established in 1995 to acknowledge exceptional service to the nation, is rarely awarded in the field of Information Technology. Since its inception, only about fifteen individuals have received this accolade for services to IT. Prakash and Kasanji are now the first members of the Indian community to be recognised in this category, marking a significant milestone for both the tech sector and the Indian diaspora in New Zealand.
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The couple, who hold dual New Zealand and Australian citizenship, have worked for decades to uplift underrepresented communities in the digital economy. Their efforts culminated in the launch of the New Zealand Centre for Digital Connections with India in 2023. This independent and self-funded initiative serves as a bridge for digital collaboration between the two nations, offering policy recommendations, mentoring programmes, and public engagement strategies. “Our aim has always been to illuminate the unseen contributions of Indian IT professionals in New Zealand,” said Sunit Prakash. “Sunlight is a powerful disinfectant, and we are bringing a magnifying glass.” The Centre’s research highlights that Indian IT professionals contribute an estimated NZD 350 million to the New Zealand economy annually. According to the duo, these professionals provide not only technical expertise but also global networks and cultural insights that are crucial in today’s interconnected world.
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Lalita Kasanji, a prominent figure in community development, echoed this sentiment. “Until I met Sunit, Digital India and the growing Indian community had largely been invisible to New Zealand. We wanted to change that,” she said. Through their combined efforts, the couple has crafted initiatives that elevate the visibility and impact of the Indian tech community, while advocating for broader systemic recognition. Their influence extends beyond research and community engagement. The couple’s strategic recommendations have informed policy discussions about a possible Digital and IT Trade Delegation to India, an initiative that aligns with New Zealand’s broader ambitions to deepen trade relations with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The proposal could serve as a vital link in ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement between the two countries.
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The recognition also continues a proud family legacy of public service. Lalita’s mother, Mrs. Ruxmani Kasanji, was honoured with the same title in 2019 for her long-standing work in community service. The couple’s son, Arjun Prakash, is currently a Quad Fellow pursuing a PhD in Artificial Intelligence in the United States, underscoring a multi-generational commitment to service and innovation. Often compared to India’s Padma awards, the New Zealand Order of Merit represents one of the country’s highest civilian honours. It recognises individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement or meritorious service to the Crown and the nation in a civil or military capacity.
With a population of over 320,000 people of Indian origin in New Zealand and a significant footprint in the technology sector, the couple’s work is not only timely but also crucial to shaping an inclusive digital future. Their leadership in creating cross-border tech pathways has brought international attention to the value of diverse talent in driving national progress. As the world increasingly looks to India as a global technology leader, the efforts of Sunit Prakash and Lalita Kasanji offer a model of how diaspora communities can act as powerful agents of connection and innovation. Their recognition as Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit stands as a testament to the enduring power of vision, collaboration, and community-led progress.
