Get to know our new Te Anau Whanau Ora Navigator, Sagar Khemani!
Sagar, who is originally from the Himalayan town of Darjeeling in India, spent his early years playing in the biggest mountains in the world and drinking countless cups of Darjeeling tea.
“Later on, I moved to the capital city of New Delhi for university where I pursued a Bachelor of Arts with honours, studying English Literature. I then worked for a local newspaper as well as Time Out magazine, New Delhi, as a journalist.
In 2015, I decided to leave the motherland to try something different and flew to New Zealand to do a diploma in Adventure Tourism Management. I worked in the adventure tourism industry for the next few years until Covid-19 entered our lives and shrunk the industry drastically. I worked at the local supermarket post-Covid for a wee while.”
Sagar has always loved working with people “and wanted to contribute more to Aotearoa as I felt that I had received a lot from this country, and so I wanted to give back.” Sagar went on to work for the Department of Corrections and later the Department of Conservation.
It was then Sagar applied for the role at Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust. “I feel absolutely privileged to be working for NKMP and I hope to continue growing professionally as well as personally as I forge my way ahead in my new role.”
“I am really enjoying making connections with my clients and it is very rewarding work. To be able to help someone and make a real difference in their lives, which has a flow-on effect in making a difference in a small community, is priceless.”
Outside of work, Sagar enjoys running and tramping. “You can often find me training with the Fiordland athletics club and running races ranging from 400metres on a track to an ultra-marathon like the Kepler Challenge. I am also an avid fisherman and if I’m not running or tramping I’m usually fishing. I also enjoy cooking and reading. In the winter months, I like to head up the mountains for skiing.”
Whanau Ora is a whanau-centred service that supports families to achieve their aspirations. Navigators assist with social needs, problem solving, and connection and linkage to other agencies. The navigators will also work with individuals and families on a pathway plan to support goals and future change. You can self-refer or an agency such as the Police or Oranga Tamariki can refer you. To get in touch with Sagar phone 027 555 0069 or visit us at Fiordland Community House, 21 Luxmore Drive, Te Anau.
