Sindhya Kirpalani crowned Mrs. Globe – Women of Worth, she is the first woman of Indian heritage to hold the title of Mrs. New Zealand.
Vineeta Rao
Indian Newslink
From the vibrant multicultural communities of Auckland to the dazzling international stage in Shenzhen, China, Sindhya Kirpalani, the reigning Mrs. New Zealand, has carved out a remarkable chapter in New Zealand’s history. She represented Aotearoa at the prestigious Mrs. Globe 2025 international pageant with elegance, poise and purpose and returned home a global inspiration.
Sindhya did not just take part; she made her mark, earning three international accolades. These included Mrs. Globe – Women of Worth Award, Mrs. Globe 3rd Runner-Up – People’s Choice, Mrs. Globe New Zealand 2025
You may be forgiven for thinking that these are mere beauty pageants but these titles do go beyond beauty or stage presence. They honour a personal journey of resilience, cultural representation, and the unshakable commitment of a woman who is using her platform to uplift others.
“Representing New Zealand on the world stage was the honour of a lifetime,” says Sindhya. “I wore the silver fern with pride, carrying not just my own dreams, but the hopes, stories, and strength of women across Aotearoa.”
From Migrants to Changemakers
Sindhya moved to New Zealand in 2007 with her husband Prakash Kirpalani and son Sahil, seeking not just new opportunities, but a community they could call home. In the years since, the Kirpalani family has become an integral part of the fabric of Auckland, volunteering, mentoring, and leading projects that promote social cohesion, mental wellbeing, and charitable giving.
Their shared commitment to service has become a way of life. Whether through fundraising efforts or grassroots entrepreneurship, the Kirpalanis have remained deeply invested in building a stronger, more compassionate New Zealand.
A Kiwi Voice on the Global Stage
Sindhya’s presence at Mrs. Globe 2025 was more than a personal milestone, it was a powerful statement about identity and representation. As the first woman of Indian origin to win the title of Mrs. New Zealand, she carried the stories of multiple communities on her shoulders.
“When they called my name, I did not just hear it as Sindhya,” she recalls. “I felt the pride of every woman, every migrant, and every Kiwi who has ever dared to dream bigger.”
Her win spotlighted New Zealand’s unique brand of diversity on an international stage, and offered a moving reminder that the Kiwi story is no longer one-dimensional. It is woven from many threads, including those of its thriving South Asian communities.
A moment of pride and purpose – Sindhya Kirpalani is crowned Mrs. Globe People’s choice 2025 on the international stage in Shenzhen, China
Beyond the Crown: A Life of Purpose
While the crown may glitter, Sindhya’s greatest achievements lie offstage. A longtime advocate for mental health and child welfare, she was recently recognised with an Auckland Community Award for her service to vulnerable groups.
She is also the founder of SoleHues, a wellness and lifestyle brand focused on mindfulness, self-worth, and empowerment. Through this initiative, she mentors women, facilitates healing spaces, and encourages authentic conversations around identity and growth.
“These titles are not just about me,” she says. “They reflect the strength of New Zealand women, fierce, compassionate, and committed to driving real change.”
Building Pathways for Others
Looking ahead, Sindhya is using her platform to pay it forward. She is launching a leadership mentorship and pageant coaching programme to support future contestants and aspiring change-makers, particularly women from underrepresented backgrounds.
She is also expanding The Kirpalani Foundation, a charitable trust focused on improving child welfare and mental health access in underserved communities across Aotearoa.
“My journey has always been about lighting the path for others,” she says. “If my story can inspire even one young woman or uplift one struggling child, it is worth every challenge I have faced.”
A Global Win for New Zealand
At its heart, Sindhya Kirpalani’s success is a New Zealand story, one that embodies the spirit of inclusion, ambition, and giving back. Her international triumph is not just about one woman standing tall in a pageant gown. It is about what she stands for: a more diverse, more empathetic, and more empowered Aotearoa.
In flying the silver fern in Shenzhen, she reminded the world, and all of us back home. that beauty, when rooted in purpose, can be a powerful force for change.
Vineeta Rao is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Auckland.
