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

New Zealand’s Indian community recently celebrated India’s Independence Day with a vibrant three-day festival. The festivities, which took place from August 15 to August 17, 2023, featured flag-hoisting ceremonies and cultural nights across the country, particularly in urban centres like Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Dunedin, and Palmerston North. These events showcased India’s rich diversity and millennia-old heritage, marking a significant occasion for the Indian diaspora.

Auckland, home to the largest Indian population in New Zealand, was the focal point of the celebrations. Events included a MasterChef competition where Māori chefs faced off against their Indian counterparts, highlighting a blend of culinary traditions. Māori and Indian fashion designers also displayed their creations, reflecting a commitment to cultural exchange. The Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Eden Terrace hosted a gathering of Indian diaspora organisations, celebrating the multicultural fabric of New Zealand.

During the Auckland celebrations at the Dew Drop Events Centre on August 16, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and opposition leader Chris Hipkins joined together on stage, entertaining the audience with an energetic performance to a popular Indian dance number. On August 17, representatives from over 15 Indian states performed folk and classical dances at Auckland’s Mount Eden, further enriching the multicultural experience.

A joint reception on August 15, hosted by the Indian High Commission in Wellington and India’s Consulate General in Auckland, marked the official start of the celebrations. Among the attendees was Nikhil Ravishankar, the incoming Indian-origin Chief Executive of Air New Zealand, who is set to take over leadership in October. Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell praised Ravishankar’s appointment, emphasizing the longstanding contributions of the Indian community to New Zealand.

Speakers at the various events echoed the sentiment of unity and friendship, noting that the Indian population has surpassed the Chinese community to become the third largest ethnic group in New Zealand. The 2023 Census reported that 292,092 individuals identified as having Indian heritage, reflecting a significant increase of 22 percent since 2018. This community now ranks behind New Zealand Europeans and Māori in terms of population growth, a remarkable rise from just six Indians registered in 1881.

The year 2024 is poised to be pivotal in Indian history in New Zealand, marked by a notable increase in the community’s median personal income. The latest data indicates that the median income for Indian adults was $51,600, surpassing the national average of $41,500. Additionally, a report from Sense Partners revealed that the Indian community contributed approximately $10 billion to the New Zealand economy in 2019, accounting for around 3.3 percent of the total GDP at that time, a figure expected to have risen in recent years.

Cultural performances played a vital role in the Independence Day celebrations. In Palmerston North, various community groups came together for an event titled “United in Diversity.” The Dunedin Indian Association organized a “grand patriotic event” at the University of Otago’s union hall, featuring traditional Carnatic music. Meanwhile, Hamilton welcomed Indian pop singer Shibani Kashyap, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Waikato Indian Association and the Indian Cultural Society.

In Auckland, the Whiria Collective partnered with India’s CD Foundation to present a cross-cultural fashion show and MasterChef competition. Māori chefs Sam Linstrom, Hera Te Kurapa, and Ihirei Walker competed against Indian chefs Satyanarayana Pandari, Anuj Mathur, Suprabhat Banerjee, and Prem Ram. They utilized a combination of Indian spices and local New Zealand ingredients to create innovative salmon dishes. Anand Erickson, a lecturer at Auckland University of Technology and a judge for the competition, expressed enthusiasm for the culinary fusion. “This—fusion food and molecular gastronomy—is quite contemporary and trending. I am looking forward to more culinary collaborations between our two cultures in the future,” he stated.

The cultural performances were met with high praise, particularly for the award-winning dance group from the Indian state of Telangana. They showcased ancient dance forms such as Perini Natyam, Oggu Katha, and Dappu, which narrate stories related to the Hindu God Shiva. Ravi Kumar, a dancer from India, noted, “Our dance centres around narrating stories related to the Hindu God Shiva, who is very popular in Telangana.”

Local talent from the Indian diaspora also made significant contributions to the celebrations. Sonali Banerjee from the Probasee Bengali Association of New Zealand emphasized the importance of these events in passing on Indian heritage and culture to younger generations. Mary Shaji, who performed the classical Indian dance Mohiniyattam, remarked, “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.”

Overall, the joint celebrations of Indian Independence Day in New Zealand not only highlighted the rich cultural heritage of India but also underscored the growing significance of the Indian community in shaping the nation’s multicultural identity.