India Unlocked Episode 3: Investment in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
When the Auckland Business Chamber, Deloitte and the Consulate General of India in Auckland surveyed New Zealand businesses earlier this year, one finding stood out clearly: understanding India’s individual states remains one of the biggest barriers to invest and trade in the diverse market that is India.
That’s why we created India Unlocked—a state-by-state event series designed to help New Zealand businesses better understand where the investment opportunities are, what makes each state unique, and how to engage successfully. This time, we bring the series into the room for Episode 3.
Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are two of India’s fastest-growing state economies, combining strong natural resources with rapidly expanding infrastructure and investment. Home to major ports, competitive mineral and pharmaceutical industries, and among India’s most investment-friendly regulatory environments, the two states offer strong opportunities across mining, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food processing, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.
Hear directly from a panel that includes India’s Consul General in Auckland and Auckland-based business and community leaders with firsthand experience in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, sharing insights into each state’s business environment, key industries, investment ecosystem and practical advice for New Zealand businesses looking to establish partnerships or expand into the market.
Speakers
Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi
Consul General, Consulate General of India
Dr Madan Mohan Sethi is Consul General of India in Auckland. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 2006, after four years working in Odisha’s state healthcare sector and training at MKCG Medical College in Berhampur. His postings since have spanned Yangon, Mandalay, Rome and Ho Chi Minh City, where he served as Consul General for four years, building trade, education and cultural ties across all twenty-nine Vietnamese provinces.
Mahia Williams
Co-Founder, Whiria Collective
Mahia Williams is a Māori leader, connector and co-founder of Whiria Collective, a Māori-led consultancy that creates pathways for Māori businesses, creatives and communities to access global opportunities. With a background in immigration services and international engagement, she brings a strong understanding of people, policy and cross-cultural partnership, grounded in whakapapa and a belief in Māori leadership shaping Aotearoa’s global presence.
Siva Killari
CEO, Granite Marbles
Siva Killari is an Auckland-based entrepreneur, investor and property developer with strong ties to New Zealand’s Indian and Telugu communities. He is CEO of Granite Marbles, operating in the natural stone sector, and has ventured into the Indian film industry as a producer through Shark 9 Pictures. Killari is also active in community welfare and cultural initiatives across Auckland’s Indian diaspora.
Govardhan Mallela
Managing Director, TAS NZ Limited, Chartered Accountants
Govardhan Mallela is Managing Director of TAS NZ Limited, Chartered Accountants, with close to three decades of experience in accounting, taxation and business advisory. He also serves as Director of Finance for CP Group, overseeing financial operations across more than 45 companies in New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Singapore, Malaysia and India, and holds an independent directorship with Baroda NZ Ltd.
