Manjit Chawla: 2025 Civic Honour Award winner

Published on 24 November 2025

A unifying figure whose community service bridges cultural and religious boundaries, Manjit Chawla has served Palmerston North as a Justice of the Peace since 2021, as a Red Cross volunteer, and has been president of the Sikh Society for the past decade.

Manjit has guided the Society’s growth to over 1,000 members, leading the development of a new community centre planned for 2026. With visions for a Sikh sports club, he also oversees a Punjabi language school and music education programmes for young people.

The city motelier and financial advisor with a background in food and hospitality arrived in New Zealand 18 years ago. He now supervises a weekly community kitchen inspired by the Sikh tradition of Langar that promotes food security with dignity for all, providing over 12,000 free meals annually.

Recognised for his charitable causes, which include sending hearing aids to India, Manjit’s inclusive activities foster cultural preservation, youth engagement and interfaith harmony. His cross-cultural impact has significantly enhanced Palmerston North’s social fabric.