Civic events  |  Yesterday

Share this story

Binod Parajuli’s name may be on the Civic Award he received last year, but the honour was dedicated to the wider Nepali community.

Every week for the last 13 years, Binod has hosted Namaste Nepal - a half hour radio program on Plains Media, both live and as a podcast.

The show is one of the most listened to of Plains Media’s language programs, hosted in Nepali for Nepali people living, working and studying in Christchurch.

It features music and local community news, showcasing ancient Nepali culture and traditions.

“My interest was doing a radio show for my community, for my people. I wanted to contribute,” Binod said.

“Every week I research local things, what’s happening in the community, news from Nepal, events, festivals, sports and activities through the Nepal New Zealand Friendship Society of Canterbury Inc. We cover everything, there are no restrictions.”

He also often has guests visiting Christchurch from Nepal or from the city’s Nepali community.

“It is good to keep the emotional connection in the community to Nepal.”

Binod’s dedication to the program, which he produces live and researches in his own time on top of his day job in customer service, saw him acknowledged as an Emerging Leader at the 2024 Christchurch City Council Civic Awards.

“I do not take these things personally. “It was an honour, yes, but it was my way of putting back into the community,” he said

“The thing is it’s a bit emotional. The community is like your family but with no blood relations among the members. I want to pay it forward to my community.”

“It brings with it a rich cultural heritage rooted in respect, resilience, family, and community connection. And enriching Christchurch city’s cultural diversity itself.”

Binod said New Zealand and Nepal are connected.

“This bond is more than just between governments, but it lives in the hearts of the Nepali community here through voices on Namaste Nepal, and through recognition like the Civic Award that honours their contributions,” he said. 

"That’s why so many Nepali people living in Sir Edmund Hillary's homeland fondly regard New Zealand as a home away from home."

If you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the life and people of Christchurch and Banks Peninsula, nominations for the Christchurch Civic Awards 2025 are open now.