Recently appointed High Commissioner of India in New Zealand, His Excellency Admiral (Retd) Sureesh Mehta begins his visit to Auckland today.
Indian Weekender is hosting his first public engagement in Auckland at a lunch this afternoon which will also be attended by invitees comprising prominent members of the city's Kiwi Indian community. The High Commissioner is being accompanied by his wife and daughter.
Among other engagements, he will also attend the 60th anniversary celebrations of Republic Day on Sunday January 24 at the Aotea Centre where he will also hoist the flag.
Prime Minister John Key with some ministers and MPs will also be attending the programme. It will be a good opportunity to listen to the Prime Minister and the new Indian High Commissioner.
This programme is being celebrated by United Indianz, comprising a number of Indian organisations including Auckland Indian Association, Auckland Sikh Society, Bharatiya Mandir Balmoral, Dashmesh Darbar, Gopio International, Guru Ravidas Gurudawara, ISSO Swaminarayan Hindu Temple, Manukau Indian Association, New Zealand Indian Central Association, and Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust.
The event begins at 10 am and entrance is free. A cultural programme will follow the flag hoisting ceremony and speeches.