Ella Kumar is the current chair of Auckland’s Puketāpapa Local Board, and in 2010 she was the first Kiwi-Indian woman elected to a local board in the country. 

She's a qualified aerobics instructor, volunteer, marriage celebrant and is known for her passion for the community of Mt Roskill.

Kumar was recently awarded the Hall of Fame Award at the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame Awards 2024 for her remarkable journey that inspires many Indian New Zealanders.