In October 2000, the Auckland City Council organized the first  Asian Forum to facilitate liaison and build rapport between various statutory and non-statutory agencies, and to raise awareness about issues faced by Asian peoples in the Auckland region.

This event identified the need for a support network for Asian communities. The Asian Network Steering Committee was established to respond to this need. The Committee consisted of members from deferent ethnic groups, predominantly from Asian communities. The Committee worked with clearly defined objectives to advocate on behalf of Asian communities and provide opportunities for Asian communities to be heard in the public arena. In December 2002, The Asian Network Steering Committee got itself registered as an incorporated society under the new name of The Asian Network Incorporated (TANI).