Māori-Indian Collaborations Highlight India’s Independence Day in NZ

New Zealand’s Indian community celebrated India’s Independence Day with a series of vibrant events from August 15 to 17, 2023. The festivities showcased not only India’s rich cultural heritage but also the growing collaboration between Māori and Indian communities across the country. Major urban centres, including Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin, hosted flag-hoisting ceremonies and cultural nights that highlighted the diversity of India.

In Auckland, which hosts the largest Indian diaspora in New Zealand, events spanned three days. One of the standout features was a culinary competition where Māori chefs faced off against their Indian counterparts. This MasterChef-style contest brought together chefs from the Whiria Collective and Indian chefs, showcasing a fusion of Māori and Indian cuisines. Judges, including Auckland University of Technology lecturer Anand Erickson, praised the innovative dishes that combined traditional Indian spices with New Zealand ingredients.

On August 16, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and opposition leader Chris Hipkins participated in the celebrations at the Dew Drop Events Centre in Auckland. Their lively appearance included dance moves to a popular Indian song, captivating the audience and emphasizing the spirit of unity prevalent throughout the events.

Cultural performances were abundant, with organizations representing over fifteen Indian states presenting their regional dances. On August 17, Auckland’s Mount Eden became a stage for folk and classical dances, celebrating the diversity of India. The Indian High Commission in Wellington and the Consulate General in Auckland hosted a joint reception on the actual date of independence, August 15, marking India’s liberation from British rule in 1947. This gathering was attended by noted figures, including Nikhil Ravishankar, the incoming CEO of Air New Zealand, who is set to assume his role in October.

Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell highlighted Ravishankar’s appointment, noting the significant contributions of the Indian community to New Zealand’s socio-economic landscape. The sentiments of friendship and collaboration echoed throughout the weekend, with speakers like Indian High Commissioner Neeta Bhushan and community leaders emphasizing the importance of cultural ties.

The Indian community has grown considerably in New Zealand, as revealed by the 2023 Census, which recorded 292,092 individuals identifying as having Indian heritage. This figure represents a 22 percent increase since 2018, making the Indian population the third largest in the country, surpassing the Chinese community. Remarkably, there were only six Indians recorded in New Zealand in 1881, a testament to the community’s rapid growth and prosperity.

The economic impact of the Indian diaspora is noteworthy. In 2024, the median income for Indian adults in New Zealand was reported at $51,600, significantly higher than the national average of $41,500. The Indian community’s contributions to the economy are estimated at around $10 billion in 2019, according to a report by Sense Partners for the Waitakere Indian Association. Economists suggest this figure has likely increased, reflecting the community’s integral role in New Zealand’s economy.

Cultural celebrations were not limited to Auckland. In Palmerston North, various community groups organized an event titled “United in Diversity,” while the Dunedin Indian Association hosted a “grand patriotic event” featuring Carnatic music at the University of Otago’s union hall. Hamilton welcomed Indian pop singer Shibani Kashyap, in collaboration with local associations, further enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.

Performances from the award-winning dance group from Telangana drew significant attention, showcasing ancient forms like Perini Natyam and Oggu Katha. Dancer Ravi Kumar noted that their performances narrate stories associated with the Hindu God Shiva, a significant figure in their tradition.

Community members expressed the importance of these celebrations in preserving Indian heritage. Sonali Banerjee of the Probasee Bengali Association emphasized the need to pass on cultural values to younger generations. Similarly, performer Mary Shaji highlighted that celebrating festivals like Independence Day helps maintain a connection to their roots and values in New Zealand.

The events over these three days not only marked a significant occasion for the Indian community but also illustrated the growing bonds between Māori and Indian cultures, fostering a spirit of unity and celebration in New Zealand.