Māori-Indian Collaborations Shine at New Zealand’s India Day Festivities

New Zealand’s Indian community celebrated India’s Independence Day with a vibrant series of events over the weekend. Marking the occasion, festivities took place across urban centres including Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Dunedin, and Palmerston North. The celebrations featured a blend of cultural showcases, culinary competitions, and fashion displays, highlighting the rich heritage of India and the collaborative spirit between Māori and Indian communities.

In Auckland, the largest Indian diaspora in New Zealand took centre stage. Events spanned from August 15 to August 17, with the highlights being a Masterchef competition where Māori chefs faced off against their Indian counterparts. The competition showcased innovative dishes that combined traditional Indian spices with local New Zealand ingredients. Chefs from the Whiria Collective, including Sam Linstrom and Hera Te Kurapa, competed against chefs from India, such as Anuj Mathur and Suprabhat Banerjee. The unique culinary fusion excited judges and attendees alike, with Auckland University of Technology lecturer Anand Erickson noting, “This fusion food and molecular gastronomy is quite contemporary and trending.”

Celebrating Cultural Diversity and Community Achievements

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and opposition leader Chris Hipkins joined in the festivities at the Dew Drop Events Centre on August 16, engaging the audience with an energetic dance performance to a popular Indian tune. The celebrations at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Eden Terrace brought together various Indian diaspora organisations to honour India’s millennia-old culture.

On August 15, the anniversary of India’s independence from British rule in 1947, the Indian High Commission in Wellington and the Consulate General in Auckland hosted a joint reception. Notable attendees included Nikhil Ravishankar, the incoming chief executive of Air New Zealand, who is set to take over leadership in October. Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell praised Ravishankar’s appointment, emphasising the significant contributions of the Indian community in New Zealand over many decades.

According to the 2023 Census, 292,092 people in New Zealand identified as having Indian heritage, marking a 22 percent increase since 2018. The Indian population has now surpassed the Chinese community, becoming the third largest ethnic group in the country, following Māori and New Zealand Europeans. In 1881, only six Indians were registered in New Zealand, showcasing the remarkable growth and integration of this community.

A Showcase of Cultural Heritage and Future Prospects

Cultural performances were a highlight of the celebrations, with groups representing over 15 Indian states performing their regional dances at Auckland’s Mount Eden. The events included folk and classical dances that celebrated India’s diverse traditions. The award-winning dance group from the Indian state of Telangana captivated audiences with performances of Perini Natyam, Oggu Katha, and Dappu, sharing stories related to the Hindu God Shiva, a central figure in their cultural narratives.

The events not only celebrated India’s independence but also highlighted the need to preserve and pass on cultural heritage. Sonali Banerjee from the Probasee Bengali Association of New Zealand expressed the importance of such celebrations for the younger generations. Mary Shaji, a performer of Mohiniyattam, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Marking our festivals, including Independence Day, is a way for all of us here in New Zealand to remain connected to our Indian roots and values.”

The Indian community’s contributions to New Zealand’s economy have been significant, with an estimated $10 billion contribution in 2019, according to a report by Sense Partners for the Waitakere Indian Association. Recent data revealed that the median income for Indian adults in New Zealand stands at $51,600, which is higher than the national average of $41,500. This economic success reflects the resilience and enterprising spirit of the Indian community, further solidifying their role in New Zealand’s multicultural landscape.

As the festivities concluded, the sense of unity and celebration resonated throughout New Zealand, reinforcing the bonds between Māori and Indian communities and paving the way for future collaborations. The success of the Independence Day celebrations highlights the importance of cultural exchange and the shared values that unite diverse communities in New Zealand.