LOWER HUTT — Longstanding community advocate and respected governance professional Prabha Ravi has announced she will stand as an independent candidate for Mayor of Lower Hutt in the 2025 local elections.

With over two decades of civic leadership and cultural contribution in the Hutt, Prabha is entering the race with a clear purpose: to deliver smarter council spending, more responsive local services, and inclusive, people-first leadership.

“Lower Hutt has been my home for over 25 years. It’s where I raised my children, built a business, and formed relationships that have shaped who I am,” says Prabha.

“I’m running for Mayor because I believe our city deserves leadership that’s thoughtful, future-focused, and genuinely connected to the communities it serves.”

A Life of Service, Rooted in Community

Prabha is widely known as the founder and artistic director of Natraj School of Dance, an institution that has trained more than 1,600 students and presented bold, cross-cultural performances across Aotearoa. Her creative direction has brought together Indian classical dance with Māori, Samoan, Sri Lankan and Western forms—celebrating diversity and building bridges through art.

“Through dance, I’ve seen what’s possible when people come together across cultures, generations, and life experiences,” says Prabha.

“That spirit of connection is what I want to bring to Council—not just symbolic gestures, but practical progress.”

She has served as Establishment Chair of the Hutt Valley DHB Consumer Council and was on the Hutt City Council Community Panel for the Central ward for two terms. She is a Justice of the Peace, and has received the Queen’s Service Medal for her contribution to ethnic

communities and dance. She currently sits on the boards of Arohanui Strings, Hutt Radio and Archives Charitable Trust, the Hutt Sister City Foundation, and is a member of the Hutt Valley Rotary Club and the Hutt Multicultural Council. She also holds governance roles with national sports organisations including Volleyball NZ, Baseball NZ, Play Aotearoa, BATS Theatre, and Arts Wellington.

A Track Record of Strategic Leadership

Professionally, Prabha is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Grow Consultancy Ltd, a firm that supports New Zealand businesses and education providers with international strategy and market development.

Her previous senior leadership roles include Head of Engagement at Toi Whakaari, Director of International Education at YMCA Central, Waiariki Institute of Technology, and senior strategy roles with Education New Zealand and WelTec. She has worked at the intersection of public policy, education, arts, and economic development, with a strong focus on strategy, stakeholder engagement, and community-building.

This mix of grassroots experience and executive capability is what Prabha now brings to her mayoral campaign.

A Vision for a Stronger, Smarter, More Inclusive Hutt

Prabha’s campaign is centred on results—not rhetoric. Her platform is built around three core pillars:

1. Value for Money: Smarter Council Spending

Introduce a Ratepayer Value Charter to promote outcome-based budgeting 

Audit major council projects for effectiveness and accountability

Prioritise frontline services and cost-of-living relief

“Every dollar must work harder. Lower Hutt families deserve more for what they pay.” 

2. Transport and Infrastructure That Works

Advocate for more frequent and affordable public transport, including on weekends. 
Maintain affordable council parking and improve reliability

“Getting around shouldn’t be a burden. Let’s build a city that moves with you.” 

3. Inclusive, Connected Communities

Launch Community Connect to support grassroots initiatives and local hubs 

Champion the arts, sport, and youth participation across the Hutt

Ensure all communities—especially rangatahi and ethnic groups—are represented and heard

“We’re stronger together—and every voice matters. My campaign is about delivery, not division. I’m not here to play politics—I’m here to work for the people of Lower Hutt,” says Prabha.

“Good leadership listens. It acts. It delivers. That’s the standard I’ll bring.”

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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