About

what we do

The mission of our Koota is to promote, preserve and maintain the cultural and linguistic heritage of Karnataka, to foster the interests of Kannadigas, and to enrich the diverse cultural mosaic of New Zealand with the best of Indian traditions.

culture

To promote, foster and maintain the cultural and linguistic heritage and interest of people from Karnataka.

gift

To keep alive and inculcate customs of India and of Karnataka amongst the younger generation of Koota families.

bond

To promote friendship and respect between members of the Koota and the people of New Zealand.

link

To liaise and cooperate with similar communities and societies in New Zealand and in India.

nz new

To help and assist in providing information and settling of new immigrants from Karnataka and India.

brief history

 Walking down memory lane of NZKK tells us the story of how NZKK came into being. Sometime in March 1994, Prof Vaman Murthy and Dr Lingappa Kalburigi initiated a get together in Cornwall park of One Tree Hill, open to all Kannadigas and thus NZKK was formed. The first president was Prof Vamana Murthy and Dr Lingappa Kalburgi was the first secretary.

namma kannada koota

parichaya

Namma Parichaya - About New Zealand Kannada Koota

New Zealand Kannada Koota is an association of New Zealand residents hailing from the Kannada speaking state of Karnataka in India .A need to reconnect with their culture, language and heritage has necessitated many linguistic and cultural communities across the world to be established.  Kannada Koota in New Zealand was thus formed in the year 1994 under the guidance, efforts and leadership of Dr. Vamanamurthy and Dr. Lingappa Kalburgi. 

Kannada Koota is an immigrant community organisation which strives to unite Kannadigas under one roof to promote the culture and languages of Karnataka state of India.

Namma Kannada Koota
Kannada Koota Logo BG

our popular events

Celebrating important events to showcase the rich culture of Karnataka and India is one of the key focus areas of New Zealand Kannada Koota.

Yugadi
yugadi

The Kannada New Year based on the lunar calendar.

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Rajyotsava
kannada rajyotsava

The anniversary celebrations of the State formation day.

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Koota Sports
annual sports

Both indoor and outdoor sports to attract all sport enthusiasts.

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Gowri Ganapati Utsav
gowri-ganesha utsav

Gowri Ganesha Utsav and also our AGM.

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family recreation
picnic

An outdoor family activity which includes games for all age groups.

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Dosa Camp
fundraising events

Fundraising events at various different time of the year.

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our executive committee

Dr. Vinay Karanam is a Kannadiga hailing from Ballari and Bengaluru. He was a senior scientist working with Department of Atomic Energy in Mumbai before moving to NZ in 2020. A chartered engineer, fellow of Institute of Managers and Leaders, Member of Institute of Directors, and a certified AI quantum engineer and cybersecurity professional. He has contributed to several prestigious projects including, Mangalyaan-X, Chandrayaan-X, including INS Arighat and Aridhaman. He lives with one wife and two daughters.
Vinay-picture
Dr. Vinay Karanam President, NZKK, 2026-28
president@nzkk.org
 He is the Architecture Manager at Auckland Transport in Auckland, New Zealand. He previously served as an Architect Technical Lead within the same organisation and specialises in Enterprise Architecture. He was previously president of Wellington Kannada Katte and Wellington chapter of Hindu Council of New Zealand. 
Ram
Ram Bharadwaj Secretary, NZKK, 2026-28
secretary@nzkk.org
Kumuda Setty is a business and community leader with over 35 years of experience in strategic partnerships, business development, sales and marketing. She served as President of NZ Kannada Koota from 2016 to 2019, including during its Silver Jubilee celebrations, and is committed to strengthening community connection and preserving Kannada culture in Aotearoa. Kumuda is a trustee of Sustainability Shift and has also served as a Trustee of Essilor Vision Foundation and co-founded Aid4Periods, reflecting her commitment to inclusion, equity and community wellbeing.
Kumuda
Kumuda Setty Treasurer, NZKK, 2026-28
treasurer@nzkk.org
  • Jeevitha Ashok
  • Rashmi Kulkarni
  • Roopa Chandan
  • Srikanth Jayam
  • Vignesh Iyer
  • Pradeep Kumar
  • Shiva Prasad Kotekar
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