Urmila Bhana is a key figure in Newtown’s business community. As the owner of a family-run grocery store, her experience in retail spans decades. From the age of four, she worked alongside her family, helping to run the store, which has been part of the community for over 50 years. Bhana’s deep roots in Newtown have fostered her passion for local businesses. Today, she leads the Independent Business Residential Group, a collective focused on solving community challenges. This group tackles projects such as the installation of cycle lanes, ensuring residents and business owners have a voice. 

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Bhana’s store faces challenges like reduced parking due to cycle lanes. Despite this, she continues to advocate for her community in Newtown. Her approach encourages collaboration between businesses and the city council, emphasizing “win-win” solutions that benefit everyone. Her involvement in the group has made her a recognizable figure for those who live or work in Newtown. 

Data-Driven Policy Advocate   

In addition to her business acumen, Urmila Bhana has a degree in statistical analysis from Victoria University of Wellington. This gives her a strong foundation in understanding data, which she applies to her work with the council. Bhana has been vocal about the Wellington City Council’s use of EFTPOS data to assess economic recovery. She argues that this data misrepresents the real situation by failing to account for inflation. To her, accurate data is essential for making informed decisions that truly reflect the economic conditions in Wellington. 

Urmila Bhana has critical view of reports like “Changing Lanes” stems from her belief that the city must rely on solid, transparent data. She stresses the importance of understanding the full story behind the numbers. By doing this, she ensures that local businesses are not misrepresented or overlooked when policies are developed. 

2022 Campaign for Wellington City Council   

In 2022, Urmila Bhana ran as an independent candidate for Wellington City Council in the Paekawakawa/Southern General Ward. Her platform focused on improving infrastructure, particularly in fixing drains, pipes, and restoring parking. She strongly supported the “four lanes to the planes” initiative, aiming to enhance transport access to Wellington Airport. Her experience as a business owner shaped her understanding of how infrastructure affects local commerce. 

Although her campaign focused on business and infrastructure, Urmila Bhana did not provide clear responses to renters’ issues. This led to a limited profile in that area, despite her strong business-oriented platform. Nevertheless, her message of collaboration and data-driven policies resonated with many in the business community. 

Balancing Business with Community Needs in Newtown  

Bhana’s leadership extends beyond her store. Through the Independent Business Residential Group, she advocates for practical solutions to Newtown’s most pressing issues. One key concern is the installation of cycle lanes, which has led to reduced parking for businesses. Urmila Bhana has been critical of how the changes impact local stores like hers. At one point, her business faced backlash, including a can of Coke being thrown at her and her Google reviews being sabotaged after standing up for business owners. 

Despite these difficulties, Bhana remains positive. She emphasizes the importance of balancing the needs of the city with those of local businesses. Her empathetic nature is also evident in her interactions with customers. Often, she offers support to those dealing with personal struggles, providing comfort and compassion when it’s needed most. 

A Vision for a Future for Newtown  

Urmila Bhana’s passion for her community is clear in everything she does. Whether it’s running her grocery store or leading advocacy efforts, she remains committed to improving the lives of Newtown’s residents. Her deep understanding of data and her emphasis on collaborative solutions position her as a key figure in shaping the future of the area.  

Though she was unsuccessful in her 2022 run for council, Urmila Bhana continues to be a voice for local businesses. As Newtown grows and changes, she remains focused on ensuring that the needs of the community are not overlooked. Through her work, Bhana demonstrates that she is not only a successful businesswoman but also a tireless advocate for her neighborhood’s long-term prosperity.