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

New Zealand’s Indian community celebrated India’s Independence Day with vibrant festivities that took place across the country from August 15 to 17. The celebrations, marked by cultural showcases and community gatherings, highlighted the growing collaboration between Māori and Indian cultures. Major urban centres such as Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Dunedin, and Palmerston North hosted a series of events that underscored India’s rich heritage and the increasing prominence of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand.

Auckland, which boasts the largest Indian population in the country, was a hub of activity. Highlights included a culinary competition where Māori chefs faced off against Indian chefs, as well as fashion shows featuring designs from both cultures. The festivities culminated in a lively celebration at the Dew Drop Events Centre on August 16, where Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and opposition leader Chris Hipkins delighted attendees with a spirited performance to a popular Indian dance number.

On August 17, representatives from over 15 Indian states showcased their unique cultural traditions through folk and classical dance performances at Auckland’s Mount Eden. This was part of a broader initiative to foster community spirit and celebrate diversity. On the actual Independence Day, August 15, the Indian High Commission in Wellington and the Consulate General in Auckland hosted a joint reception, attended by notable figures, including Nikhil Ravishankar, the incoming chief executive of Air New Zealand, whose appointment was praised by Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell for its significance to the Indian community.

The Indian community in New Zealand has seen considerable growth, with the latest 2023 Census reporting that 292,092 individuals identified as having Indian heritage, marking a 22 percent increase since 2018. This demographic shift has positioned the Indian population as the third largest in New Zealand, surpassing the Chinese community. Historically, just six Indians resided in New Zealand in 1881, making the current figures all the more striking.

In recent years, the community’s economic impact has been substantial. According to a report by Sense Partners for the Waitakere Indian Association, the Indian community contributed an estimated $10 billion to New Zealand’s economy in 2019, representing approximately 3.3 percent of the country’s total GDP. This figure has likely increased in the years since, reflecting the community’s growing prosperity. The median personal income for Indian adults in New Zealand reached $51,600, significantly higher than the national median of $41,500.

As part of the broader celebrations, various cultural performances took place, showcasing the spirit of unity among diverse groups. In Palmerston North, community organizations united for an event themed “United in Diversity.” In Dunedin, the Indian Association organized a grand patriotic event featuring Carnatic music at the University of Otago. Meanwhile, Hamilton hosted Indian pop singer Shibani Kashyap, who performed alongside local cultural organizations.

The collaboration between Māori and Indian cultures was particularly evident in Auckland, where the Whiria Collective and India’s CD Foundation curated a fashion show and a Masterchef competition. Chefs from both cultures, including Māori chefs Sam Linstrom, Hera Te Kurapa, and Ihirei Walker, competed against chefs Satyanarayana Pandari, Anuj Mathur, Suprabhat Banerjee, and Prem Ram from India. They creatively blended Indian spices with local New Zealand ingredients to prepare unique dishes for the judges.

Anand Erickson, a lecturer at Auckland University of Technology and one of the judges, expressed enthusiasm for the culinary innovations presented. “This fusion food and molecular gastronomy is quite contemporary and trending,” he said, indicating a hopeful outlook for future culinary collaborations between the two cultures.

Cultural performances were abundant, with accolades going to a dance group from the Indian state of Telangana, which performed ancient dance forms such as Perini Natyam, Oggu Katha, and Dappu. Dancer Ravi Kumar highlighted the storytelling aspect of their performances, which often revolve around the Hindu God Shiva, who holds significant cultural importance in Telangana.

Community members like Sonali Banerjee of the Probasee Bengali Association emphasized the importance of such celebrations in preserving Indian heritage for younger generations. Fellow performer Mary Shaji, who presented the classical dance Mohiniyattam from Kerala, 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 successful collaboration between Māori and Indian communities during these celebrations not only showcased the depth of cultural integration in New Zealand but also highlighted the growing significance of the Indian diaspora in shaping the nation’s multicultural identity. As New Zealand continues to embrace its diverse population, events like these serve as a testament to the strength of unity in diversity.