Māori and Indian Cultures Unite at New Zealand’s Independence Day Festivities

New Zealand’s Indian community celebrated India’s Independence Day with vibrant festivities from August 15 to August 17, 2023. Events took place across the nation, with urban centres such as Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, and Palmerston North hosting a variety of cultural showcases. Notably, the celebrations featured dynamic collaborations between Māori and Indian cultures, highlighting both communities’ rich heritage and shared values.

In Auckland, the heart of New Zealand’s Indian diaspora, a series of events attracted considerable attention. Among the highlights was a MasterChef competition where Māori chefs competed against their Indian counterparts. This culinary showdown featured chefs from the Whiria Collective, including Sam Linstrom, Hera Te Kurapa, and Ihirei Walker, who showcased their skills alongside Indian chefs Satyanarayana Pandari, Anuj Mathur, Suprabhat Banerjee, and Prem Ram. The chefs blended Indian spices with New Zealand ingredients to prepare innovative salmon dishes, capturing the essence of cross-cultural cuisine.

Christopher Luxon, New Zealand’s Prime Minister, and opposition leader Chris Hipkins participated in the celebrations, impressing attendees with spirited performances during a popular Indian dance number at the Dew Drop Events Centre in Auckland. On August 17, cultural groups representing over 15 Indian states performed traditional folk and classical dances at Auckland’s Mount Eden, marking a significant display of India’s diversity.

The celebrations began on August 15, commemorating India’s independence from British rule in 1947. The Indian High Commission in Wellington and India’s Consulate General in Auckland hosted a joint reception that brought together notable figures, including Nikhil Ravishankar, the incoming chief executive of Air New Zealand. Ravishankar’s appointment was praised by Mark Mitchell, New Zealand’s Ethnic Communities Minister, who emphasized the long-standing contributions of the Indian community to the nation.

The Indian community in New Zealand has grown remarkably, with the 2023 Census reporting that 292,092 individuals identified as having Indian heritage, marking a 22 percent increase since 2018. This community now ranks as the third largest in the country, surpassing the Chinese population. Historical context reveals that only six Indians were registered in New Zealand as of 1881, illustrating the significant demographic shift over the decades.

In recent years, the Indian community has also achieved notable economic success, with a median personal income of $51,600, higher than the national average of $41,500. Furthermore, a 2020 report by Sense Partners estimated that the Indian community contributed approximately $10 billion to New Zealand’s economy in 2019, accounting for about 3.3 percent of the total GDP at that time.

Cultural performances during the celebrations varied widely, reflecting India’s rich traditions. In Palmerston North, the event titled “United in Diversity” featured community groups representing various Indian states. Meanwhile, the Dunedin Indian Association hosted a “grand patriotic event” at the University of Otago, highlighting Carnatic music from South India. Hamilton welcomed Indian pop singer Shibani Kashyap, with local organizations collaborating to ensure a successful event.

The cross-cultural fashion show organized by the Whiria Collective and India’s CD Foundation was another highlight, showcasing the creative talents of Māori and Indian designers. The collaborative efforts demonstrated a commitment to celebrating cultural heritage while fostering unity.

Award-winning dance performances from the Indian state of Telangana captivated audiences, with traditional dances such as Perini Natyam and Oggu Katha being performed at various locations. Ravi Kumar, a dancer from India, explained that their performances narrate stories related to the Hindu God Shiva, a central figure in Telangana’s culture.

The sense of community and shared heritage was echoed by various speakers throughout the weekend. Leaders such as Indian High Commissioner Neeta Bhushan, Consul General Madan Mohan Sethi, and community advocates like Veer Khar and Bhav Dhillon emphasized the importance of friendship and cooperation between Māori and Indian communities.

As New Zealand continues to embrace its multicultural identity, the celebrations of India’s Independence Day reflect not only a recognition of the Indian community’s contributions but also a commitment to fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity.