‘Ranjna Patel’, a pride of community
Ranjna Patel, is the name which is synonyms for her ‘outstanding community work’ in New Zealand. She is a champion of community cause and has an illustrious career in working for the community. Its not surprising to see her getting acknowledged for her outstanding work and being rewarded with recognitions and accolades, time to time. She was one of the three finalists of New Zealander of the Year award this year and winner of the Trade Me Innovator of the Year Award, only a few days ago.
Ranjna is the Founder and Director of Tamaki Healthcare-Formerly Nirvana Health Group and Bettr-online virtual health service. The company delivers Primary Healthcare to the communities across Auckland, Christchurch, Whangarei, and Palmerston North. There are over 50 clinics serving a population of around 2,80, 000 people.
Ranjna is actively involved in many wider community groups, Women’s groups, and a Hindu temple. She sits several advisory boards including National Ethnic Forum for NZ Police, Counties Manukau Police, Mental Health Foundation, Diversity Works, Global Women and Co of Women. Ranjna is the Executive Trustee of Total Healthcare and ISSO Hindu Temple.
Ranjna has been awarded a NZ Order of Merit (ONZM), Queen’s Service Medal (QSM). She has also been inducted into the Co. Of Women NZ Hall of Fame for Women Entrepreneurs, won EEO Diversity Awards, Walk the Talk and IBA Best Businesswoman of the Year, a finalist for Westpac Women of influence in Business and Entrepreneur for three years, NEXT Woman of the Year-Business and Innovation, EY Entrepreneur of the Year-Master Category and the Deloitte’s Top 200 Awards -Visionary Leader. Winner of Westpac Women of Influence-Community Hero in 2020. Ranjna is a judge on the EY Entrepreneur of the Year for 2018 and 2019 and Deloitte 200 Inclusive and Diversity Judge. Ranjna is a JP also.
Ranjna established a residential facility in Otahuhu for perpetrators of Family Violence with an aim to work in an innovative way for the men. She later opened 2 more homes on a Public Private Relationship in Papakura and Te Atatu, aptly naming them ‘Gandhi Niwas’-the abode of nonviolence or peace, the name ‘Gandhi’ being the epitome of non-violence. The project is a partnership among Sahaayta Counselling and Social Support, New Zealand Police, ACC, Serenity Foundation and Total Healthcare PHO.
In 2020, a five-year study done by the Massey University showed 60% of men did not reoffend in a sample of around 900, one of the largest studies done, matching Police data.
Ranjan sits on numerous boards including for the Mental Health Foundation, Global Women, Middlemore Foundation etc. She was also a Director of Bank of Baroda and was on NZCEW and Lotteries Distribution Committee. -TIN Bureau
