It is a widely shared belief among many community leaders that West Auckland residents needed a place of worship and community centre to serve the needs of the increasing number of People of Indian Origin.
These would be people from India, Fiji and rest of the world.
There is also general acceptance that the Community Centre would cater to people from all ethnic backgrounds, irrespective of their race, culture, language and religion.
Apart from just promoting the principles, teachings, beliefs and practices of Hinduism, it is hoped that the proposed Centre will foster fellowship, goodwill and understanding of people from different and diverse backgrounds, adding to the vibrancy, richness and diversity of New Zealand.
It was out of such a hope and dream the Shri Ram Mandir Charitable Trust was established in September 2011, registered as a charitable entity with the Charities Commission under the Charities Act 2005, and incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957.
Our Objectives
The objectives of the Trust, as set out in the Trust Deed include advancing and promoting greater awareness, better understanding, harmony and cooperation amongst people, irrespective of their racial, ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds.
We also hope that the Trust will initiate, undertake and sponsor voluntary, philanthropic, humanitarian, and charitable services to assist the poor, disadvantaged, disabled and under-privileged people.
As an on-going commitment, the Trust plans to organise and host functions, events, camps to mark, celebrate and promote various religious and cultural activities and festivals, and create awareness, goodwill and understanding in the community.
The Trust realises the value and energy of the youth in the society and the crucial role they can play in shaping the future of a community.
It aims to facilitate participation of the young in activities to develop their full potential and mould them into caring, compassionate and responsible members of the society.
Healthcare programmes
In the long term, the Trust is expected to initiate, establish or administer healthcare, healthcare programmes, and other social welfare services for those in the general community who are in such need.
It is recognised that to achieve its objectives, the Trust will have to liaise with, consult, cooperate and assist organisations and institutions, which are charitable and have similar aims and objectives.
The Trustees
There are currently five Trustees, who bring their different and distinct skills, educational background and professional experiences to the running and operation of the Trust.
The Deed, which establishes the Trust, provides for a minimum of five and a maximum of nine trustees.
All the trustees are people, who have been serving the community in their own way and have been and or still are associated with other charitable groups or organisations as well.
