Ganesh is a first-generation New Zealander of Indian ethnicity, raised in Whakatiki Upper Hutt. Ganesh acknowledges Māori as Tangata Whenua of Aotearoa. Ganesh lives with his partner in Te Whanganui a Tara Wellington.

An economist by trade, Ganesh has accumulated more than 40 years of experience and knowledge during a professional career that has ranged from academia, to consulting, to public service. Ganesh is a polished presenter, with experience across conference, hui, workshop, and board audiences. He has also been sought after by media for commentary across a variety of economic and social topics.

Despite his passion for numbers, Ganesh believes economics is distinct from money and finance, and prefers a framing centred on whakapapa, whenua, whai hua - people, place, and value. Economics is about nurturing, protecting, maintaining, and improving the resources (whakapapa, whenua, people, and place) that we all individually and collectively rely on to produce and deliver the goods and services we value and are valued. In doing so, we enable people to contribute through jobs providing incomes, opportunities, and futures – whether through the market or the non-market economy.