Dr Rajen Prasad has had extensive experience in strategic development, governance, social policy and the social services as a senior practitioner, a researcher and an Associate Professor. He has led major human rights institutions in New Zealand focused on race relations and advocacy for families. He served as a New Zealand Member of Parliament for two terms. He has worked in Southern Africa and was the Commonwealth Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Lesotho. He serves on several governance boards including the University of Auckland. He also served as a Director and then as Chairman of Bank of Baroda New Zealand.