Māori-Indian Collaborations Shine at India Independence Day Festivities

New Zealand’s Indian community celebrated India’s Independence Day with a vibrant display of culture and collaboration, marking the occasion from August 15 to August 17. Urban centres including Hamilton, Wellington, Dunedin, and Palmerston North hosted various cultural events, while Auckland, home to the largest Indian diaspora, led the festivities with a series of exciting activities. The celebrations highlighted the growing relationship between the Māori and Indian communities, showcasing their shared heritage and cultural diversity.

A significant event featured a MasterChef competition where Māori chefs, including Sam Linstrom, Hera Te Kurapa, and Ihirei Walker, went head-to-head with Indian chefs Satyanarayana Pandari, Anuj Mathur, Suprabhat Banerjee, and Prem Ram. The chefs creatively combined Indian spices with local New Zealand ingredients, crafting unique salmon dishes that impressed the judges. Anand Erickson, a lecturer at Auckland University of Technology, noted the innovative nature of such culinary fusions, stating, “This – fusion food and molecular gastronomy – is quite contemporary and trending.”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and opposition leader Chris Hipkins added a touch of excitement to the Auckland celebrations at the Dew Drop Events Centre on August 16, engaging the audience with a lively performance to a popular Indian dance track. Their participation underscored the significance of the event, drawing attention to the importance of unity and multiculturalism in New Zealand.

On August 17, more than 15 Indian states were represented through folk and classical dance performances at Auckland’s Mount Eden, celebrating the diversity of Indian culture. The Indian High Commission in Wellington, along with India’s Consulate General in Auckland, hosted a reception on August 15, commemorating the historic moment when India gained independence from British rule in 1947. The event was attended by Nikhil Ravishankar, the incoming Indian-origin chief executive of Air New Zealand, who is set to take over the role in October. Mark Mitchell, the Minister of Ethnic Communities, praised Ravishankar’s appointment, highlighting the significant contributions of the Indian community in New Zealand over the years.

The 2023 Census revealed that 292,092 people in New Zealand identified as having Indian heritage, marking a 22 percent increase since 2018. This demographic now ranks as the third largest ethnic group in the country, surpassing the Chinese community. In stark contrast, only six Indians were registered in New Zealand in 1881. The Indian community’s economic impact is notable, having contributed an estimated $10 billion to the economy in 2019, which accounted for approximately 3.3 percent of the total GDP at that time.

Cultural performances played a pivotal role in these celebrations, with events like “United in Diversity” in Palmerston North and a “grand patriotic event” organized by the Dunedin Indian Association featuring Carnatic music at the University of Otago. In Hamilton, Indian pop singer Shibani Kashyap entertained the crowd, demonstrating the deep cultural ties among the Indian states represented.

The collaboration between Māori and Indian communities was further illustrated through a cross-cultural fashion show, curated by the Whiria Collective and India’s CD Foundation. Designers from both backgrounds showcased their works, emphasizing the vibrant fusion of styles.

Among the standout performances was the award-winning dance group from Telangana, which presented traditional dances that narrate stories related to the Hindu God Shiva. Ravi Kumar, a dancer from India, explained, “Our dance centres around narrating stories related to the Hindu God Shiva, who is very popular in Telangana.”

Community leaders, including Veer Khar and Bhav Dhillon, echoed sentiments of friendship and cooperation, reinforcing the significance of cultural exchanges. The celebrations were not only about entertainment; they served as a platform for passing down traditions and values to younger generations. Sonali Banerjee from the Probasee Bengali Association emphasized the importance of these events in maintaining cultural connections, while Mary Shaji, who performed the classical dance Mohiniyattam, stated, “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.”

As New Zealand’s Indian community continues to thrive and evolve, these celebrations serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of cultural collaboration and the growing prominence of the Indian diaspora in the nation.