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

New Zealand’s Indian community celebrated India’s Independence Day with vibrant festivities over three days, culminating in events across major urban centres such as Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Dunedin, and Palmerston North. The celebrations, which took place from August 15 to August 17, included flag-hoisting ceremonies and cultural nights that highlighted India’s rich diversity and heritage.

In Auckland, notable events featured Māori chefs competing against Indian chefs in a Masterchef-style challenge. This culinary competition showcased the blending of Indian spices with local New Zealand ingredients. Additionally, Māori and Indian fashion designers displayed their creations, reflecting a unique fusion of cultures. The Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Eden Terrace served as a hub where various Indian diaspora organizations collaborated to celebrate the community’s vibrant presence.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and opposition leader Chris Hipkins took to the stage at the Dew Drop Events Centre on August 16, captivating the audience with their lively dance moves to a popular Indian number. This spirit of camaraderie was echoed in performances by representatives from over 15 Indian states at Auckland’s Mount Eden, where traditional folk and classical dances were showcased.

The celebrations began on August 15, marking the anniversary of India’s independence from British rule in 1947. The Indian High Commission in Wellington and India’s Consulate General in Auckland held a joint reception in Auckland, attended by Nikhil Ravishankar, the incoming Indian-origin chief executive of Air New Zealand, set to assume the role in October. Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell praised Ravishankar’s appointment, emphasizing the significant contributions of the Indian community in New Zealand.

Speakers at various events highlighted the importance of friendship and collaboration between cultures. The Indian population in New Zealand has now surpassed the Chinese community, becoming the third largest ethnic group in the country. According to the 2023 Census, 292,092 individuals identified as having Indian heritage, a growth of 22 percent since 2018. This community, which was nearly non-existent in 1881 when only six Indians were recorded, has increasingly prospered, earning more than the national average.

Last year was significant for the Indian community, with a notable rise in median personal income, now standing at $51,600 for Indian adults, compared to the national median of $41,500. The Indian community’s contributions to New Zealand’s economy were estimated at $10 billion in 2019, a figure anticipated to have increased in the following years.

Cultural performances were a highlight of the celebrations, with events titled “United in Diversity” bringing various Indian states together in Palmerston North. In Dunedin, the Indian Association hosted a “grand patriotic event” featuring Carnatic music at the University of Otago’s union hall. Hamilton’s festivities included a performance by Indian pop singer Shibani Kashyap, organized by the Waikato Indian Association and Indian Cultural Society.

Auckland also saw innovative collaborations between Māori and Indian communities. The Whiria Collective partnered with India’s CD Foundation for a cross-cultural fashion show and Masterchef competition. Chefs from both communities creatively fused culinary traditions, impressing judges with their innovative dishes. Anand Erickson, a lecturer at Auckland University of Technology and a judge for the competition, expressed enthusiasm for this blend of culinary styles, stating, “This – fusion food and molecular gastronomy – is quite contemporary and trending.”

The weekend’s cultural performances included a standout presentation by a dance group from the Indian state of Telangana, which performed traditional dance forms that narrate stories related to the Hindu God Shiva. Dancer Ravi Kumar highlighted the cultural significance of their performances.

The celebrations not only entertained but also served as a reminder of the importance of preserving Indian heritage. Local talent shone through as Sonali Banerjee of the Probasee Bengali Association emphasized the need for such events to pass on cultural values to younger generations. Mary Shaji, who performed the classical Indian dance Mohiniyattam, shared, “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.”

These events reflect the growing integration of the Indian community into New Zealand society, celebrating both their unique cultural identity and their contributions to the nation’s diversity.