Philanthropy

Auckland has been kind to Aaron and his family. Since arriving in New Zealand in 1980, the Bhatnagar family have prospered and benefitted from the opportunities that a great country like New Zealand can offer. This multi-generational success, firstly with Sir Roger Bhatnagar in the 1980s and 1990s, and then with Aaron and his wider family in the late 2000s through to the 2020s, has given the Bhatnagar family an opportunity to contribute back to the city that they so dearly love.

Aaron served as an Auckland City Councillor and Committee Chairman in the final term of the old Auckland City Council, and was heavily involved in Auckland and New Zealand politics between 1996 and 2010. Aaron also served for many years on the St Joseph of Cluny Kindergarten management committee. His other not-for-profit service includes serving for a number of years on the NZ Shareholders Association Auckland committee.

Some of the more recent projects that Aaron and the Bhatnagar family have assisted include
  • The Auckland City Mission's Homeground building, which is now complete and will massively improve the City Mission's ability to assist the homeless, the addicted and those with social deprivation get help when they need it most.
  • Joining the Auckland Art Gallery Foundation as Governors, building on their love of New Zealand modernist era art from the 1950s-1980s and their personal connection to the Gallery.
  • The King's School Centennial Building, which provides one of Auckland's best schools with a facility to providing students with an edge in meeting their needs for the next century.
  • Auckland Cricket, with the assistance in renovating the Bert Sutcliffe lounge at Eden Park and providing Auckland Cricket with the cricket memorabilia of Sir Roger Bhatnagar.
  • ​The King's College Performing Arts Centre (Toi Manawa), providing King's College with a state-of-the-art facility for promotion of music, dance, drama, cultural activities and more. 
  • Great Potentials, with a specific fundraising initiative over multiple years to promote awareness and build relationships with other philanthropists.
  • The NZ Symphony Orchestra, with a "Maestro Circle" gift to promote awareness of the NZSO and build relationships with other philanthropists.
  • Parnell Cricket, with a "Foundation level" gift to assist with the rebuild of their clubrooms.
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The Sir Roger Bhatnagar collection at Bert Sutcliffe Lounge, Eden Park

​On 24 November 2017, the Sir Roger Bhatnagar collection of cricket memorabilia was unveiled at the Bert Sutcliffe Lounge at Eden Park. Over the course of the 1980s and 1990s, Sir Roger amassed a significant collection of cricket bats and other memorabilia representing a unique snapshot of top level cricket in NZ. This memorabilia collection was looking for a new home when Sir Roger's health challenges meant he required assisted living in a special care facility. ​The Bhatnagar family was delighted to assist  with the renovations of the Bert Sutcliffe Lounge, and in return, find a home for these items to go on display.The event was officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. Winston Peters MP, and the family is deeply grateful for his attendance.
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Sir Roger Bhatnagar Collection unveiled at Auckland Cricket, Aaron Bhatnagar on LinkedIn, 24 November, 2017

Sir Roger Bhatnagar collection opening Auckland Cricket, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, 24 November, 2017

Sir Roger Bhatnagar collection donated to Auckland Cricket, Auckland Cricket, 24 November 2017

You can read a little bit more about Sir Roger's story on the "About" page.
Aaron Bhatnagar Mara Bhatnagar Auckland Art Gallery
Aaron and Mara, becoming Governors of the Auckland Art Gallery, 11 Dec 2019
Aaron Bhatnagar King's School
Mara and Aaron Bhatnagar, & Headmaster Tony Sissons (r), at the official unveiling of the Donors wall at the King's School Centennial Building, Remuera, Auckland, Sept 2018
Aaron Bhatnagar Auckland City Mission
Aaron and Mara Bhatnagar (left, centre) at the reception for the Auckland City Mission, Government House, Auckland, Nov 2019
Aaron Bhatnagar Sir Roger Bhatnagar
Aaron, Sir Roger, and Rt Hon Winston Peters, at the launch of the Sir Roger Bhatnagar Collection at Bert Sutcliffe Lounge, Eden Park, Auckland, Nov 2017
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Bhatnagar Family, at the launch of the Sir Roger Bhatnagar collection at Bert Sutcliffe Lounge, Eden Park, Auckland, Nov 2017
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The King's College Performing Arts Centre, "Toi Manawa", unveiled to its donors at a private event, October 2024.