Our Team
|
|
Dedicated people working to strengthen and empower families across South Auckland.
|
 |
Jit Kaur
Founder & President
|
|
In 2002, Jit Kaur founded the New Zealand Sikh Women’s Association after former Prime Minister Helen Clark encouraged her to establish the organisation following a tragic murder-suicide involving an Indian mother and her child in South Auckland.
|
|
Driven by a deep desire to support her community, Jit recognised that many victims of domestic violence had no culturally appropriate support to turn to. She created NZSWA to fill that gap — providing a safe, trusted space where families could seek help without fear of stigma or shame.
|
|
Under her leadership, NZSWA has grown from a grassroots initiative into a recognised community organisation, handling around 15 new cases per week through police referrals, court referrals, and community drop-ins. Based in Otahuhu, the association serves families across South Auckland and Counties Manukau.
|
|
“Family violence is not only a husband and wife problem — it affects children and the elderly as well. We know the culture and the people, and they know they can trust us.”
|
|
|
|
Ranbir Kaur Saini
Senior Registered Social Worker & JP
|
|
Ranbir Kaur Saini is the Senior Registered Social Worker at NZSWA, bringing qualifications in Social Work, Economics, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications. She is also a Justice of the Peace and a White Ribbon Ambassador — championing the prevention of violence against women.
|
|
In her frontline role at NZSWA, Ranbir works directly with families affected by domestic violence — providing crisis support, advocacy, and culturally appropriate guidance. She also facilitates the Positive Parenting programme and leads community outreach across South Auckland.
|
|
Ranbir is also one of four Indian “Hope Champions” for Diabetes Auckland, educating South Asian women and families about diabetes prevention and management. Through community events, she has reached over 2,500 Indian women and children — breaking down cultural stigma and promoting healthier lifestyles in familiar, trusted spaces.
|
|
“Southeast Asian women are really at risk because we’re not open about these things. People feel comfortable with us because they know us — especially the older people, because we can speak their language.”
|
|
|
What Our Team Provides
|
|
Our staff and volunteers bring cultural understanding, language skills, and lived experience.
|
|
🗣️
|
Bi-lingual Support
Our team provides services in English, Hindi, and Punjabi
|
|
|
🤝
|
Qualified Social Workers
Trained professionals providing culturally responsive advocacy and support
|
|
|
💬
|
Ethnic Counsellors
Culturally appropriate qualified counsellors for individual, relationship, and family counselling
|
|
|
❤️
|
Dedicated Volunteers
Community members who bring passion, professionalism, and cultural understanding
|
|
|
🏛️
|
Agency Partnerships
Working alongside Police, WINZ, Oranga Tamariki, Barnardos, Plunket, and more
|
|
Join Our Team
|
|
We’re always looking for passionate people to support our mission.
|
|
🙋
|
Become a Volunteer
Make a difference in the lives of families in our community
|
Learn More →
|
|
|
✉️
|
Get in Touch
Contact us to learn about opportunities with NZSWA
|
Contact Us →
|
|