Humility
We listen first. The people we serve are the experts on their own lives.
Founded in 2016 to serve those most often overlooked, and to build the kind of care system we'd want for our own.
We're guided by a simple but powerful belief, every life holds equal value. Rooted in the ethos of Leaving No One Behind, we work to empower individuals facing disadvantage or adversity, including people living with disabilities, health challenges, mental health conditions, women, migrants and former refugees, NEET youth, and ex-offenders rebuilding their lives.
Our work is shaped by humility, equality, and inclusivity, advancing education, culture, social welfare, health, wellbeing, and human rights for stronger, healthier communities across Aotearoa.
Muskaan, meaning smile, was born from a simple promise: no whānau should navigate a rare condition alone. Established in 2016, what started as a handful of families helping each other find clinics has grown into a national charitable trust.
Today, our flagship programme TASCA NZ, Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Aotearoa New Zealand, leads advocacy for those living with thalassaemia and sickle cell disease, co-founded by our Chairperson Vivek Vij.
Four principles shape every decision we make and every whānau we walk with.
We listen first. The people we serve are the experts on their own lives.
Care should reach those facing the steepest barriers, not just those who can ask loudest.
Culturally safe support for every background, faith, identity, and ability.
We don't speak for people, we stand beside them as they find their own voice.
Trustees, clinicians, and advocates who give their time, expertise, and care. Hover any member to read their bio.
Trustee & Chairperson
Vivek is a trustee and Chairperson volunteering with Muskaan Care Trust NZ. An IT engineer living with Thalassaemia, he is a passionate advocate for better support for people with genetic blood disorders in New Zealand. He co-founded TASCA NZ and represents ethnic consumer voices at the Consumer Council, Te Whatu Ora. He is also an international member of a global patient organisation.
Trustee & Clinical Advisor
Dr Previn Dalal is a highly respected South Asian General Practitioner in Auckland and a Trustee and clinical advisor for Muskaan Care Trust. She actively promotes education and awareness about haemoglobinopathies and the importance of screening in medical practice. She and her team are experienced in managing long-term conditions.
Trustee
Balwant is a trustee at Muskaan Care Trust NZ and a retired Accounts and Audit Officer with over 50 years of experience in financial management, bookkeeping, and tutoring. Living with Thalassaemia and other chronic health conditions in his family, he is deeply committed to supporting people affected by genetic blood disorders.
Trustee
Harender is a long-standing trustee of Muskaan Care Trust NZ, contributing to the organisation's governance, strategy, and community work. He brings deep community connection and a commitment to supporting whānau across Aotearoa.
Clinical & Technical Advisor
Dr Preetam Rao has joined Muskaan Care Trust as Clinical and Technical Advisor. Preetam is a well-known and respected General Practitioner in our Migrant, Refugee, and Asian Communities, bringing clinical expertise and cultural insight to the Trust's programmes and care pathways.
Health Advisor
Manisha is a registered nurse at Starship Hospital and an academic at University of Auckland. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing and a Postgraduate Certificate and is completing a Master's in Nursing focused on child health and community-centred care. She supports stronger connections between communities and health services, particularly for families affected by thalassaemia.
Community Health Lead
Illiana Fusitua is a Senior Diabetes Coordinator and HOPE Programme Developer at Diabetes New Zealand. Highly respected within Pacific and diverse ethnic communities across Aotearoa, she holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health, and helps coordinate and co-facilitate HOPE programmes.
Technical Advisor, TASCA NZ
A seasoned health professional, a woman, and a mother with lived experience. Pioneering self-care, self-determination, and self-management — building resilience and confidence in people living with chronic health, genetic blood, and rare conditions. Volunteering as consultant, technical advisor, and service designer for TASCA NZ at Muskaan Care Trust.
Community Advisor
Mita ji is a long-standing community advocate contributing to Muskaan Care Trust's mission of inclusive, culturally safe care. She brings deep ties to local migrant and ethnic communities and supports the Trust's outreach and whānau programmes.
Technology & Digital
Ananya is a full-stack developer and founder of DevXWeb, focused on building modern web applications and AI-powered digital solutions. At Muskaan Care Trust, she supports technology and digital initiatives — website development, social media, and systems that strengthen the organisation's online presence and operations.
Board Member & Secretary
Benifer is a long-standing board member and Secretary at Muskaan Care Trust NZ. She is an accounting professional with a Bachelor of Commerce and Cost & Works Accountant qualifications. She also serves as a Justice of the Peace and Marriage Celebrant in New Zealand, and is a well-respected member of the migrant and Parsi communities.
Web Developer
Sanurag Maini is a Web Developer for Muskaan Care Trust, supporting the organisation's digital presence. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Software Engineering and focuses on improving the website's functionality, usability, and accessibility — helping strengthen the Trust's community outreach and online engagement.
Lived-Experience Advocate
Living with thalassaemia is a journey that often goes unseen. Through my own experiences, I've come to understand the importance of awareness, early education, and compassionate support. I'm committed to using my voice to make information more accessible and to help others feel understood in their own journeys.
Volunteer, partner, or share your story. There's a place for you here.
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