Inception

“Where It All Began”

 

The Beginning

A growing consensus among Tamil engineers in New Zealand inspired the vision to unite and form an association that could:

  • Bring Tamil Engineers in New Zelaand together to foster conneciton, growth and well-being

  • Contribute engineering expertise to the Tamil community

  • Educate and Empower Future Generations

Inaugural Meeting

On 18th September 2022, an inaugural meeting took place in Mt Eden, with the participation and support of 27 Tamil engineers.
During this meeting:

  • The idea to form an official organization was solidified.

  • The name New Zealand Tamil Engineers Association (NZTEA) was unanimously agreed upon.

  • The decision was made to register the group as an Incorporated Society.

Formation of the Association

On 23rd October 2022, the first General Meeting was held:

  • An Executive Committee was officially formed to lead the association.

  • A Constitution was passed to govern the operations of NZTEA.

Subsequently, on 3rd November 2022, NZTEA was officially incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908.

Our Focus Areas

NZTEA operates through three key pillars:

  1. Professional Networking & Support
    Fostering connection and collaboration among Tamil engineers across New Zealand.

  2. Community Engagement
    Offering engineering expertise and support to benefit the wider Tamil community.

  3. Youth & Future Generation Development
    Inspiring and empowering the next generation with knowledge, mentorship, and intellectual growth opportunities.

Our Connections:

Networking of fellow engineers, supporting  wellbeing and professional growth, connecting with government and professional organisations, empowering future generation,

Connecting Students, Educators, and Parents to Empower the Future of Engineering.

NZTEA Members

To foster collaboration, networking and maintain a strong professional network among engineers, NZTEA organises various networking events for its members, including a Members’ Gala dinner, Family Fiesta and fun & networking activities. NZTEA also host technical and non-technical presentations to facilitate sharing knowledge and experience for building engineering skills and mentoring & guiding professional growth.

Future generation

One of the key objectives to build up a strong future generation, NZTEA facilitates and conducts various events such as Maths Challenge, Chess competition, fun coding sessions, speech competition, etc. These initiatives help students enhance their problem-solving skills, time management, knowledge, etc. To celebrate the achievements, motivation and encouragement, NZTEA holds prize-giving ceremony for the above activities every year.

Community

We support our community technically to settle among diverse communities in New Zealand.

NZTEA Executive Committee (2024 – 2026):

The NZTEA Executive Committee holds office for a term of two years. The current committee was elected during the October 2024 election.

  • President:                                 Ragu Ragunathan
  • Vice President:                        Gnanavinthan Thavanayagam
  • Secretary:                                Niranjeyan Tharmapalan
  • Treasurer:                                 Nilushya Yoganandarajah
  • Committee Member:              Vinoth Rakubala
  • Committee Member:              Kugaruban Sithiravel
  • Committee Member:              Piradeef Sivapathakunam
  • Committee Member:              Evansalin Poologasingam
  • Committee Member:              Anburuvel Arulanantham