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

New Zealand’s Indian community marked a vibrant celebration of India’s Independence Day with a series of dynamic events across the country from August 15 to 17, 2023. The festivities culminated in cultural showcases that highlighted the rich heritage of India, alongside inspiring collaborations between Māori and Indian communities.

Auckland, home to New Zealand’s largest Indian diaspora, served as the epicenter of the celebrations. Events included a Masterchef competition where Māori chefs faced off against Indian counterparts, as well as a fashion show featuring innovative designs from both cultures. Urban centers such as Hamilton, Wellington, Dunedin, and Palmerston North hosted their own cultural nights, reflecting India’s diversity and millennia-old traditions.

On August 16, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and opposition leader Chris Hipkins entertained attendees at the Dew Drop Events Centre in Auckland, showcasing their dance moves to popular Indian music. This light-hearted moment was a testament to the community spirit that permeated the events, which also featured performances from groups representing over 15 Indian states at Auckland’s Mount Eden.

The celebrations began with a joint reception hosted by the Indian High Commission in Wellington and India’s Consulate General in Auckland on August 15, marking the anniversary of India’s independence from British rule in 1947. Among the attendees was Nikhil Ravishankar, the incoming Indian-origin chief executive of Air New Zealand, who will take over leadership of the airline in October. Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell praised Ravishankar’s appointment, emphasizing the significant contributions of the Indian community to New Zealand.

The Indian community in New Zealand has grown considerably, now numbering 292,092 according to the 2023 Census, an increase of 22 percent since 2018. This population growth has positioned Indians as the third-largest ethnic group in the country, surpassing the Chinese community.

In a nod to history, the celebrations also commemorated the resilience of early Indian pioneers, who numbered just six in New Zealand in 1881. The community’s median personal income has seen a remarkable rise, with recent data showing a median income of $51,600 for Indian adults, significantly higher than the national average of $41,500. Additionally, an estimated $10 billion contribution to New Zealand’s economy in 2019 underscored the growing influence of the Indian diaspora, a figure that has likely increased since then.

Cultural performances during the celebrations reflected a spirit of unity. Events labeled “United in Diversity” in Palmerston North aimed to foster collaboration among various Indian state representatives. In Dunedin, the Indian Association organized a “grand patriotic event” at the University of Otago, featuring Carnatic music, while Hamilton hosted Indian pop singer Shibani Kashyap in a collaborative effort by local cultural groups.

The cross-cultural fashion show and Masterchef competition in Auckland, curated by the Whiria Collective and India’s CD Foundation, brought together Māori and Indian culinary talents. Chefs from both backgrounds prepared unique dishes that fused Indian spices with local New Zealand ingredients. Anand Erickson, a lecturer at Auckland University of Technology and a judge for the competition, expressed enthusiasm for these culinary innovations, stating, “This fusion food and molecular gastronomy is quite contemporary and trending.”

Performances by the award-winning dance group from Telangana, showcasing ancient dance forms, captivated audiences. Dancer Ravi Kumar described their performances as narratives honoring the Hindu God Shiva, a significant figure in Telangana culture.

The Indian diaspora in Auckland also took the opportunity to showcase local talent. Sonali Banerjee of the Probasee Bengali Association emphasized the importance of such celebrations for passing on cultural heritage to younger generations. Fellow performer Mary Shaji, who presented a classical dance from Kerala, echoed this sentiment, noting that celebrations like Independence Day are vital for maintaining connections to Indian roots and values.

The successful blend of Māori and Indian cultures during these celebrations highlights the growing friendship and collaboration between communities in New Zealand, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of each other’s heritage.