Vishav Sharma

M.A, B.Ed

Innovative and compassionate, the Shanti Niwas team is excited to introduce you to our Project Coordinator, Vishav Sharma.

Vishav is originally from New Delhi, India and migrated to New Zealand in 2003.

Her skill and experience are a great asset to our team and the local community. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Education, and Masters Degree in Political Science which were obtained in India, as well as a Business Administration & Computing (Level 4 certificate) from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Vishav has had an impressive career to date, giving her a wealth of knowledge to call on in her role as Project Coordinator. She worked as a Civil servant for the Government of India at the Union Public Service Commission, New Delhi for over 25 years. Since relocating to New Zealand, she has worked as the Project Coordinator for Women Youth & Child Care Organisation (WYCCO) in Auckland, serving women and families affected by domestic violence. She has also undertaken various volunteer assignments at Citizen Advisory Bureau (CAB) and ESOL Home Tutor Service Inc.

Extremely passionate about community service, Vishav is honoured to be part of the Shanti Niwas team. She imbibes the core values and beliefs that underpin social work practice and is committed to providing personalised and respectful care that embraces the experience of ageing for all.

Sri Mysore

B.Sc., LLB, BSW, Dip. in allied mental health

Community development has always been at the forefront of Sri Mysore’s career, much to the advantage of Shanti Niwas.

Sridhara Mysore (Sri) immigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2001 with his family after working in Australia for 4 years. But Sri’s initial roots are from the Palace City of Mysore in the Southern State of Bharath/India in Karnataka where he completed many hours of community development work.

In NZ, Sri was encouraged and inspired by the Social Workers who came to support the migrants and refugees at his workplace, ARMS. So he decided to become a qualified Social Worker himself.

Sri achieved his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work Practice and his Post Graduate Diploma in Allied Mental Health to become a qualified and Registered Social Worker. His core specialisation is in Adult Mental Health, community development work and Transcultural Social Work.

Priya Sukumar 

BSocSc, MSW(Applied)

Priya was born in Singapore and grew up in Perth, Western Australia. She moved there with her parents and sister. Her dad was a successful lawyer but was also very active in supporting the community in Singapore and Perth.

Priya decided to pursue a career in Social work as she was strongly influenced by her family, from an early age, to believe that service to man is service to God. As such, she focused her energy on helping people and was involved in numerous social service organizations. This helped her confirm that a career in social work is her passion. She completed her Bachelor of Social Science degree from Edith Cowan University. She then moved to New Zealand and completed a Master of Social Work (Applied) from Massey University.

Priya has more than 25 years experience in the field and has worked for several NZ organizations such as Victim Support and Te Whatu Ora/ Health New Zealand. She now works with Shanti  Niwas after 19 years with Te Whatu Ora/ Health New Zealand.

Priya will focus on bringing a professional and disciplined social work practice to Shanti Niwas while supporting our Seniors. She has a strong client focus and high commitment to working with vulnerable clients to empower them to improve their circumstances.

Priya is married and has 2 daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys travelling and watching movies.

N Sankar

B.Com, ACA(India)

Every organisation needs a level head. N Sankar consistently provides his practicality, performing this role exceeding well for Shanti Niwas! N Sankar, an accountant, migrated to New Zealand two decades ago. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and has worked in India, Fiji and New Zealand in the accounting area.

He values a high level of integrity and exudes it in his personal and work commitment. His interests include community service, providing support to anyone in need, listening to music, meditation, travelling, and creating new friendships.

Ronika Devi

Ronika Devi is the new member of the Shanti Niwas Team.

She is a mother of 3 school going children and Ronika was born and
brought up in Fiji.

In Spite of family care being very hectic she was focussed on learning
and has acquired qualifications of Certificate in Health and
Well-being and also done a Diploma Certificate in Mental Health and
Addictions.

Ronika is very keen to serve the community of seniors and was inspired
by her placement experience in Shanti Niwas.

With her role as Lifestyle and Activity Officer at Shanti Niwas she is
on to the job already and has gained confidence and trust of senior
members of the community and is a great asset the Shanti Niwas Team
 

Shiva Bandari

MBA(Marketing)

Shiva Bandari joined Shanti Niwas in late 2023. He assists in running positive aging activities for seniors in all centers. 

He is a Post-Graduate in Business Administration and has wide experience in marketing and property management. He entertains members with his singing in the programmes.

Shiva has a passion for serving the community which brought him to Shanti Niwas and has become an integral part of the Shanti Niwas Team. 

Shiva is married with two daughters who perform classical dance at events around Auckland.