LOWER HUTT — Independent Mayoral candidate Prabha Ravi officially launched her campaign for Mayor of Lower Hutt last Friday 27 June, unveiling her vision for the city to a hall of dozens of enthusiastic supporters and community leaders at the Lower Hutt Events Centre.

In a powerful speech, Ravi laid out her platform of “smarter with your money; stronger for our community,” positioning herself as a fiercely independent leader with the governance experience to tackle the city’s biggest challenges.

“Our city is at a crossroads,” Prabha told the audience. “Rates are rising fast, but core services are struggling. This is not just a budget problem; it’s a leadership problem. That’s why I’m standing for Mayor, because I believe we can do better, and I have the experience to make it happen.”

Drawing on her nearly 30 years as a Lower Hutt resident, business owner, and community advocate, Ravi shared her personal journey from arriving in New Zealand in 1999 to building a life and a renowned dance school in the city. She positioned her lived experience as a "bridge-builder" between cultures as a unique strength she would bring to the mayoralty.

“I’m not a career politician. I don’t answer to any political party. I answer to you,” she stated, emphasising her independence.

Ravi’s speech outlined three core priorities:

1. Value for Money: She committed to commissioning an immediate financial review of the Council and introducing a "Ratepayer Value Charter" to ensure spending is focused on outcomes. “Every dollar must work harder for the families who pay it,” she said.
2. Infrastructure That Works: She pledged to prioritise investment in basics like roads and water systems, while advocating for more frequent and affordable public transport.
3. Inclusive, Connected Communities: Ravi promised to invest in libraries, parks, and community spaces, and to launch initiatives like “Community Connect” to fund grassroots projects and elevate underrepresented voices.

The event served as a key fundraiser for the campaign and marked the official start of Ravi's bid for the city's leadership ahead of the local body elections.

About Prabha Ravi

Prabha Ravi is a Justice of the Peace and management consultant with over 20 years of governance experience across the health, education, arts, and community sectors. She is the founder of the Natraj School of Dance and a recipient of the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for her services to ethnic communities and dance.

Biographical Snapshot

Prabha Ravi – Independent Candidate for Mayor of Lower Hutt

• Justice of the Peace (JP)
• Queen’s Service Medal recipient (2017) – for services to ethnic communities and dance
• Founder & Artistic Director, Natraj School of Dance (est. 1999, Lower Hutt)
• Principal Consultant, Grow Consultancy
• Former Chair, Hutt Valley DHB Consumer Council
• Board Member: Arohanui Strings, Hutt Radio and Archives Charitable Trust, Hutt Sister City Foundation
• Member: Hutt City Council Community Panel – Central Ward (two terms)
• Governance roles with: Volleyball NZ, Baseball NZ, Play Aotearoa, BATS Theatre, Arts Wellington
• Senior leadership roles at Education NZ, Toi Whakaari, YMCA Central, WelTec, and more
• Finalist, Wellingtonian of the Year (Education, 2016)
• Mayoral Civic Honour Award, Hutt City (2011)
• Special Commendation, Indian Newslink Business Awards
• Finalist, Wellington Airports Awards for Lower Hutt, Wellington and Upper Hutt (2024)

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