Catching up with Ranisha Chand from the 2020 Y25 cohort

On a trip to Wellington for a youth conference, Ranisha found herself voicing concerns of the ethnic women. The local MP hosting her was impressed enough that Ranisha found herself with a job in the halls of Parliament.  

Ranisha was part of the first Y25 cohort in 2020, and, back then, she was on her way to becoming a doctor. But in that election year, Ranisha realised that her interest in democracy, policies and political parties outweighed any other career pathways. She switched her major to politics and squeezed a degree into two years. 

While still studying at Otago, Ranisha attended a youth conference that would cement her new path.

"I was being vocal because I was frustrated about the lack of support for women in refugee and migrant communities, and it was around getting therapy and counselling in the cases of sexual abuse claims through ACC, I saw the Minister responsible in the same room and I couldn’t help myself from asking."

Labour MP Ingrid Leary was so impressed that she reached out and offered Ranisha a role as her Parliamentary Executive Assistant.  

Now, Ranisha is a Research Advisor for Labour MP Hon. Priyanca Radhakrishnan. A highlight of her role is working with MPs who are passionate about representing the very communities they serve in Parliament.   

It was through her own advocacy work that Ranisha came to see the power of making systemic change. She moved to New Zealand from Fiji at age 13, and for the first time experienced bullying at her new school. This experience is what cemented her values for standing for what is fair, just and encourages a cohesive society because it taught her how to stand up for herself even when it feels hard and especially when it feels unfair. She became involved in various organisations empowering women, youth, migrant and ethnic communities. 

Ranisha was part of an NGO that was instrumental in changing legislation around forced marriage, so that youth, especially young girls from the migrant community, are protected against forced marriages. On the ground, Ranisha marched in Auckland city for a legislative change and collected hundreds of paper petition signatures. Her work today is a full-circle moment, as her current boss was one of the MPs who spoke in Parliament on forced marriage and voted for the change to be reflected in legislation. 

Today, Ranisha sits on several executive boards including Empowher an organisation on a mission to provide a socially cohesive platform for women from all walks of life to grow, connect and inspire one another through entrepreneurial and personal development initiatives.  

Recently, this trailblazer was able to keep a promise she made to herself on the day she arrived in New Zealand: "The very first time we came from Fiji to New Zealand, we arrived on the plane and my dad said to me, 'I’ve done my bit, it’s your turn now'. In that moment, I realised that they had left their home to build a future for us, and I promised myself that one day I would buy them a house they could call home."

Years later, Ranisha has bought a house with her father. She is following her path, her way, while building a future that centres her beloved community. 

More Whakaaro 

How has your view of the world evolved in the past five years? 

'When I came to New Zealand, my understanding of the political system was that it’s something that we should fear due to the number of coups in Fiji, and I was after an opportunity to debunk that forever - safe to say that I have. I’ve been learning a lot about my Girmit heritage, which is a translation of the word ‘agreement’, referring to indentured labourers who were shipped to Fiji during the British Raj in India to work sugarcane plantation in Fiji and other colonial territories. I have also understood the importance of having strong values because it really does shape a country and the world. On that note, FREE PALESTINE.'  

What are you proud of? 

"When I came to New Zealand, I really didn't know many people or had friends, so I’m proud of the connections I’ve built and the support from like-minded women like my Y25 cohort. All of my bosses to date—each of them women—have mentored me, and that support network is so valuable to me." 

How does life compare now to what you thought it would be like 5 years ago?

"Well, I thought I would be on my way to being a doctor! But I love my job and I know that it is a privilege to be in a role that you enjoy, especially in the midst of cuts to the 33 pay equity claims. Lastly, the young girl who was bullied in high school for having an accent is proud."  
  

Who is your hero? 

"Well, I have a selfie of myself with Jacinda Ardern. Forr me, she is a leader who led us through a terror attack, COVID-19 and natural disasters. When I’m having a tough day at work, I often pull up that selfie and remind myself of her kindness, empathy and leadership and that usually cheers me up! " 

What is the best thing and the worst thing about adulting? 

"The best thing is that you get to make your own decisions. The worst thing is that nobody is supervising those decisions. "

 
What’s one word that would sum up how you feel about the future? 

"Hopeful. It’s really rewarding to see a lot of ethnic young people working in the public sector and advocating for issues in their communities. The future looks hopeful when young people are willing to make Aotearoa an inclusive and cohesive society for all." 

What would you buy if you had a bonus $50? 

"I’m in my saving era, so I would probably invest in Sharesies, particularly in a female-led initiative. But if I had to spend it, I would go to the night markets in Papatoetoe."