Prabodh Mishra (aka PK) is a Lower Hutt Justice of the Peace (JP) and has been recognised for his longstanding contributions both in the diplomatic service and community engagement. After serving as a Fijian Diplomat in London and New Zealand he and his family settled here in 1987 in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, where he continues to play an active role in civic life.
As a Justice of the Peace (JP), PK assists local residents with witnessing documents, taking statutory declarations, and supporting access to justice. PK has received the Queens Service Medal QSM.
His unique background as a Fijian Indian and experience in international relations has enabled him to serve as a bridge between diverse communities, promoting inclusivity and multicultural understanding in his adopted home.
PK wrote a book on his life experience (and sold some copies on Monday night) which in part detailed the horrendous time he, his family and all Fijian Indians had during the military coup. To be told the country you were born in no longer wanted you and you had to go to a country you had no connection with was a very fearful thing to happen.
Racism is a very debilitating thing to happen to anyone and PK and his family found that this disease was alive and well in the UK as well.
There were good things along the way of course, a scholarship to study at Oxford University and Diplomatic status before the coup, but they now live in Lower Hutt where it is much more peaceful, although I suspect racism is still something that affects us all at various times.
It was indeed a pleasure to listen to PK and his son Rajeev speak on Monday night.
It was indeed a pleasure to listen to PK and his son Rajeev speak on Monday night.