Priyanca Radhakrishnan becomes first-ever Indian-origin minister in New Zealand Cabinet

Priyanca Radhakrishnan on Monday became New Zealand's first-ever Indian-origin minister as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern inducted 5 new ministers into her cabinet. Priyanca Radhakrishnan (41) is born in India. She went to school in Singapore before moving to New Zealand for her further education. She was an advocate as she spent her life advocating on behalf of people who fail to raise their voices. These include women survivors of domestic violence and migrant workers who have been exploited. Also Read | New Zealand General Election 2020: Jacinda Ardern wins the second term; set to return as NZ PM In September 2017, Priyanca was elected as a Member of Parliament belonging to the Labour Party. In 2019, she was appointed as the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Minister for Ethnic Communities. She was further given the new role of Minister for Diversity, Inclusion, and Ethnic Communities. Also Read | New Zealand Sikh Games distribute 1500 free food bags in South Auckland Likewise, she has become the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector and Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment. Priyanca has become New Zealand's first-ever Kiwi Indian Minister. She lives in Auckland with her husband. While announcing the names of the new ministers in her cabinet, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that she was excited to bring in some new talent, with the first-hand experience that they will be working in. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern assigned a number of indigenous Maori lawmakers to top positions, including Nanaia Mahuta, who will take on the role of foreign minister, and Kelvin Davis, who will be the minister for children. Robertson, who will also continue his previous job as a finance minister. -PTC News