Shereena Noelle Sumeran is the first Architecture professional to be featured as a Model of the Fortnight.
She obtained her Masters in Architecture with Honours about four years ago and her thesis on ‘Biculturalism: Maori culture in New Zealand Architecture: A cultural spiritual centre for the Rotorua lakefront’ made a breakthrough in research into the investigation of biculturalism in New Zealand architecture with a feature in Architecture New Zealand.
Her thesis inspired Maori Studies on ‘Ihenga,’ a building in Waiariki Polytechnic in Rotorua. “I was involved in the design process,” she said with pride.
She currently works for a highly recognised architecture company in Auckland and is an active member of the ‘Architecture + Women Committee.’
Born in Palmerston North and raised in Levin, Shereena is the oldest of three siblings.
She is proud of her Indo-Fijian heritage, which grew stronger when she stepped into her teens at the same time when she and her family moved to Rotorua.
“I began a strong relationship with the local Indian community and learn and experience the rich Indian and Maori culture and heritage. I was honoured to be the School Prefect and Chair of ‘CATCH’ (Cultural Awareness to Create Harmony) at School, the latter enabling greater interaction with various ethnic communities in Rotorua,” Shereena said.
She is a recipient of the AFS Award for fostering understanding of international students and the Rotorua Zonta Tertiary Award (a scholarship awarded each year to a young woman who intends to undertake tertiary studies leading to a profession which is less traditionally pursued by females). She was also the Representative Speaker from her School at the Race Relations Day event and a finalist at the Bernina/SGCNZ Costume Design Competition.
Her foray into show business began with Miss Indianz 2007 at which she gained the ‘Miss Beautiful Skin’ (as reported in our October 1, 2007 issue). Since then, she has participated in several Indian fashion shows for Diwali festivals and was the Joint Secretary of the Rotorua Deepawali 2011. – Venkat Raman
For more pictures of Shereena Sumeran, visit www.indiannewslink.co.nz. These pictures appearing in our print and web editions are the intellectual property of Indian Newslink and Bhikhu Bhula. Any reproduction in any form for private, public, commercial or non-commercial purposes is prohibited and any breach would be an offence under the relevant laws in force. If you are interested in modelling, you may contact Bhikhu on 021-0616030.
