Māori and Indian Cultures Shine at New Zealand’s Independence Day Celebrations

The Indian community in New Zealand marked a vibrant celebration of India’s Independence Day over the weekend, featuring a range of cultural events that highlighted the collaboration between Māori and Indian traditions. From August 15 to 17, cities such as Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin hosted activities that showcased India’s rich heritage and the growing ties between the two cultures.

Auckland, home to New Zealand’s largest Indian diaspora, served as the epicenter of the celebrations. The festivities kicked off with flag-hoisting ceremonies and culminated in a series of events that drew large crowds. Notable highlights included a culinary competition where Māori chefs went head-to-head with their Indian counterparts. Chefs from the Whiria Collective, including Sam Linstrom and Hera Te Kurapa, prepared innovative dishes using Indian spices and New Zealand ingredients, impressing judges with their fusion cuisine.

On August 16, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and opposition leader Chris Hipkins captured attention during a performance at the Dew Drop Events Centre, demonstrating their enthusiasm for the occasion with an energetic dance routine to a well-known Indian song. Their presence underscored the importance of cultural unity in New Zealand’s diverse society.

The celebration also featured a cultural night on August 17, where performers representing over 15 Indian states showcased traditional folk and classical dances at Auckland’s Mount Eden. The Indian High Commission in Wellington and India’s Consulate General in Auckland held a joint reception to further emphasize the significance of the occasion, with Nikhil Ravishankar, the incoming chief executive of Air New Zealand, in attendance. His appointment was hailed by Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell as a testament to the ongoing contributions of the Indian community, which has grown substantially over recent years.

According to the 2023 Census, a total of 292,092 individuals in New Zealand identified as having Indian heritage, reflecting a 22 percent increase since 2018. This demographic shift marks the Indian community as the third largest in the country, surpassing the Chinese community. In 1881, there were only six registered Indians in New Zealand, making the current figures a remarkable turnaround.

Celebrations continued with a range of performances, including a presentation by an award-winning dance group from Telangana, India, who performed traditional dances such as Perini Natyam and Dappu. Ravi Kumar, a dancer from the group, explained that their performances narrate stories related to the Hindu God Shiva, a significant cultural figure in their region.

Community leaders echoed the sentiment of unity throughout the weekend, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cultural connections. Veer Khar and Bhav Dhillon, along with other speakers, acknowledged how cultural events serve as opportunities to pass down heritage to younger generations. Mary Shaji, who performed the classical dance Mohiniyattam, expressed that celebrating Indian festivals, including Independence Day, helps the community stay connected to their roots.

The economic impact of the Indian community in New Zealand is substantial. A report by Sense Partners estimated that in 2019, the Indian community contributed approximately $10 billion to New Zealand’s economy, accounting for about 3.3 percent of the country’s GDP at that time. This figure has likely increased, as the community’s median income reached $51,600, surpassing the national average of $41,500.

As New Zealand continues to strengthen its ties with India, discussions around a potential free trade agreement with the country are underway, especially following Luxon’s visit to India in March. The collaborative spirit evident during the Independence Day celebrations reflects the growing cultural and economic bond between the two nations, promising a bright future for both communities in New Zealand.