Indian Communities in New Zealand

New Zealand is a place where people come together from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Every person carries the essence of their culture, rituals and festivals. There are several Indian Communities in New Zealand that make efforts to preserve Indian culture, celebrate festivals of importance and maintain a close-knit network with other organisations out there. You, too, can hunt down a like-minded community and be close to your native homeland. Mentioned below are some famous Indian Communities in New Zealand:

• New Zealand Indian Central Association

• Wellington Indian Association (WIA)

• Christchurch Indian Society (CIS)

• Dunedin Indian Association (DIA)

• Indian Cultural Society of Palmerston North (ICS)

• Gujarati Samaj New Zealand

• Punjabi Cultural Association of New Zealand

• Tamil Society New Zealand

• Marathi Association New Zealand

Indian families in New Zealand always make it a point to celebrate their festivals, important dates of religious significance. Fortunately, New Zealand has various famous temples in different parts of the country. People flock there every day to maintain their worship routine and host celebrations, religious rituals, observe fasts, and much more together. Mentioned below is the list of some famous Hindu Temples in New Zealand :

Famous Temples in Auckland

• Thirumurugan Temple

• Thiru Subramaniyar Aalayam

• The Bharatiya Mandir

• Swaminarayan Temple

Famous Temples in Wellington

• Kurinchi Kumaran Temple

• The Wellington Indian Association Temple

Other Famous Temples

• Sanatan Dharam Mandir

• BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Christchurch

• BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple

• ISKCON

New Zealand provides a variety of community halls and centres to Indian communities where they come together to celebrate various social, cultural and religious activities. These halls serve as spaces for people to host gatherings, events, meetings, and other social activities, to the delight of any Indian Living in New Zealand. These halls are usually managed by local Indian communities who allocate venues for different festivals and functions and try to preserve and promote Indian heritage. Mentioned below is the list of some famous community centres in New Zealand

• Mahatma Gandhi Centre - Auckland

• Bharatiya Mandir - Wellington

• Christchurch Indian Community Centre - Christchurch

• Shri Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha - Hamilton

• Dunedin Indian Community Centre - Dunedin

• Bharatiya Mandir and Community Centre - Tauranga

• Hindu Heritage Centre - Auckland

• Indian Community Hall - Palmerston North

• Punjabi Cultural Association Community Centre - Auckland

• Gujarat Samaj Hall – Auckland

Many Indians who immigrated to New Zealand created successful careers and ventures. Their entrepreneurial spirit has established successful businesses in various segments, namely hospitality, technology, retail, and healthcare. As a result, Indians have contributed significantly to the robust economy of New Zealand and have generated innumerable employment opportunities. Some of the famous  Indian entrepreneurs in  New Zealand are Shirley Setia(singer), Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi (Politician), Jeetan Shashi Patel (restrictive off-spin bowler). Apart from this, there are several pioneering Indian Companies in New Zealand, such as  Mahindra Motors, Infosys, Ola, Dr Reddy laboratories, Royal Enfield Motors and much more.

Indian communities in New Zealand provide a  range of services to support newcomers, such as settlement support, language classes, counselling etc. This helps the newcomers integrate smoothly with the new environment. It also fosters community engagement and networking, which helps individuals build connections with like-minded people and foster community engagement, networking, and supporting newcomers in settling into their new environment.

Food has a natural tendency to transport you to your native homeland. We all miss those flavours, our comfort food and various Indian snacks. You don’t need to keep imagining your favourite dishes in a dream and sulk in the corner.  In New Zealand, some famous Indian restaurants cater to different cuisines which you can visit and eat to your heart’s content. Mentioned below is the list of  some famous Indian Restaurants in New Zealand:

• India Gate, Auckland

• Dosa Plaza, Auckland

• Little India, Hamilton

• Jaipur Indian Restaurant, Hamilton

• Tandoori Palace, Rotorua

• Indian Presence in Universities in New Zealand

Now that you have an understanding of different Indian communities in New Zealand and the ways they function let’s go through how colleges integrate Indian communities:

Universities in New Zealand conduct various cultural programmes and host numerous Indian festivals such as Diwali and Eid. Universities host exchange programmes where students can interact and meet people from other communities. Moreover, they also host a variety of events where students from different backgrounds can showcase their culture in various ways

Universities host a variety of Indian Student Associations that aim to promote welfare, cultural exchange and academic success. They also organise cultural events, festivals, workshops and social activities throughout the year. This gives a platform to students for properly networking and engaging with each other, hence fostering diversity and inclusivity on campus.

Indian Homestays in New Zealand offer a very nurturing and family environment. Most Indian Families in New Zealand are very hospitable and welcoming. If you stay at one, you can experience authentic Indian cuisine, homemade meals, and a sense of familiarity and belonging.

Community is the backbone of any individual, providing you with support and comfort no matter where you are. Indian communities in New Zealand are widespread and play a crucial role in cultural diversity and boosting the country's economy. Moreover, universities in New Zealand also promote a liberal environment and take a variety of initiatives to make Indian students feel included and at ease.

Q. Are any initiatives promoting cultural integration between Indians and the wider New Zealand society?

A. Yes. Numerous initiatives promote cultural integration and foster understanding between Indians and the wider New Zealand society. These include cultural exchange programs, community events, intercultural dialogue platforms, and diversity awareness campaigns, fostering harmony.

Q. What are some cultural events organised by Indian communities in New Zealand?

A. Diwali, Holi, Navratri, and Eid are just a few of the cultural celebrations the Indian communities in New Zealand organise. These celebrations feature a variety of customs, music, dance, and foods.

Q. How do Indian communities support new immigrants?

A. To help new immigrants integrate, Indian communities in New Zealand have built up organisations and support systems that give advice, resources, and a sense of belonging.

Q. How can I engage in the New Zealand Indian community?

A. You can get active by going to Indian community events, joining neighbourhood organisations, volunteering, or taking part in other cultural pursuits. These opportunities allow you to connect, learn, and contribute to the Indian community in New Zealand.

We hope we have provided sufficient information about Indian Communities in New Zealand. If you are still unsure or would like to get deeper insight, we encourage you to have a word with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). If you cannot travel to our offices, we offer online counselling services via our website. Our dedicated counsellors will provide the best guidance regarding your application to study in New Zealand. Don’t hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or call us at 1800-1230-00011.