Who we are
Pushpa Prasad
PRESIDENT
Pushpa, founded the Multicultural Council of Rangitīkei/Whanganui with her husband Vijeshwar and two daughters 28 years ago.
When they Migrated to New Zealand in 1989, they didn’t get much help to integrate into the community and they were especially worried about their two girls finding other Fijian Indian children to associate with and retaining their Hindi language and culture. Two years later, they moved to Whanganui from Levin, where they started an Indian cultural group to meet the need of themselves and others. Later it morphed into an organisation for all ethnic communities and changed its name to the Multicultural Council of Rangitīkei/Whanganui and joined National Federation of Multicultural Council 2003. For almost 20 years she worked for an organisation helping ‘second chance learners’ find work or pursue further education, she then retired a few years ago to give her ‘all’ to the council.
She continues to teach English and gives driving lessons to people on work permits or temporary visas who can’t get help from other organisations. She’s a good listener, provides help to ethnic and migrant families, and is available to counsel people and advocate for them.
Vijeshwar Prasad
TREASURER
Vijeshwar founded the Multicultural Council of Rangitīkei/Whanganui with his wife Pushpa 20 years ago.
When they came to Whanganui in 1989 they didn’t get much help to integrate into the community. They were especially worried about their two girls finding other Fijian Indian children to associate with, and retaining their Hindi language. They started an Indian cultural group to meet the need of themselves and others.Later it morphed into an organisation for all ethnic communities, and changed its name to the Multicultural Council of Rangitīkei/Whanganui.
Teena Lawrence
VICE PRESIDENT, previously Treasurer & Secretary
I have been an active member of the Multicultural Council for many years volunteering at events, facilitating workshops, providing admin support and also sit on the Welcoming Communities Advisory group for Whanganui and Rangitikei.
I am also a member of the local Cook Islands Community and past Secretary.
I have lived in Whanganui since 2006. I have 5 children, two still at home, and 4 grandchildren. I’ve hosted international students for approximately 5 years. Both my mother in laws are Migrants, my grandfather and two great grandfather’s. I hail from the ancestor Hinengakau. My marae is Ngapuwaiwaha located in Taumarunui. I’m a real fruit salad, but I identify as Maori. I love food and cooking.
I have completed Governance training with MFNZ, and also Ministry for Pacific Peoples.
Sharain Rose Llaneta
Executive Committee Member
Over the years, she has served several ethnic communities and now holds the role of Chairwoman of the River City Filipino Club. She is deeply involved in the Multicultural Community, working to unite people and share Filipino culture alongside New Zealand’s rich cultural heritage. Her travels across the country have deepened her appreciation for its diversity, beauty, and vibrant spirit. She remains committed to fostering connection, cultural pride, and inclusivity within her community. Today, she is proud to call New Zealand home and to raise her family in such a supportive and inspiring environment.
She has extensive experience in the hospitality and travel industry, working closely with travel agents around the world to provide exceptional services for tourists visiting New Zealand, and also supporting administrative operations.
Diana Liu
SECRETARY
Diana Liu migrated to New Zealand in 2015 and is deeply grateful for the warm welcome and support she received from the local community. Inspired by this kindness, she has dedicated herself to enriching the wellbeing and cultural diversity of Whanganui and Aotearoa.
An active volunteer with the Multicultural Council of Rangitīkei & Whanganui (MCRW) for six years, Diana is now serving her fourth term as Secretary. She is passionate about sharing Chinese culture and is the founder of the Aotearoa Chinese Culture Club, which launched the Celebrate Spring festival in Auckland in 2017. Diana also shares her culture through cooking, engaging the community via her “Whanganui Diana’s Kitchen” Facebook page.
She is also a volunteer with Amnesty International Whanganui Group, and the founder of Films and Arts of Courage, which organizes documentary screenings and art exhibitions to encourage dialogue on human rights.
With extensive experience in management, training, and teaching, and a decade in finance and teaching— including co-founding and serving as CFO of Fortune Financial Management Consulting Co., Ltd, and founding the Ancient Wisdom Private School— Diana brings strong organizational and leadership skills to her work.
