Celebrations marking the 79th anniversary of India’s Independence are set to take on a larger scale this year in New Zealand.
The Indian High Commission in Wellington and the Consulate General in Auckland will spearhead the multi-day events, with support from community organisations such as the New Zealand Indian Central Association, Waikato Indian Association, and Northland Indian Association.
"We are excited to mark this important occasion with a dynamic programme that reflects India’s cultural richness, economic partnerships, and growing people to people connect of both countries," the statement read.
The festivities will take place across four cities—Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Whangārei—from 15 to 18 August, under the theme “The World and Us.” The festival will highlight shared values of culture, cuisine, and commerce between India and New Zealand, according to Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India in Auckland.
Independence Day will be formally observed on 15 August with flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural performances. The Indian High Commission in Wellington will host its annual ceremony at its premises in the capital that morning, while a similar event will be held at Auckland’s Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Mount Eden, followed by a community reception in the evening.
Sethi said the afternoon of 15 August would also see a food festival on Auckland’s North Shore, where top chefs from India will showcase Indian culinary excellence.
The culinary focus will continue the next day with a friendly MasterChef-style challenge on 16 August. Indian and New Zealand chefs will compete in a mystery box event, with judges recognising the most creative dish that blends cross-cultural flavours.
The organisers have also scheduled cultural performances for Auckland’s Dew Drop Events Centre on 16 August and Hamilton’s Waikato Indian Association Hall on 17 August. These events will feature leading Indian singer Shibani Kashyap and renowned Odissi dancer Kavita Dwivedi.
Sethi noted that other highlights would include a haka performance by Whiria Collective and a fashion show curated by Whiria Collective and India’s CD Foundation, featuring designers from both countries.
The celebrations will conclude in Whangārei on 18 August with a business networking event and culinary showcase hosted in partnership with the Whangārei District Council.
According to Sethi, the event aims to bring together Indian and New Zealand business stakeholders and celebrate "food diplomacy" through a special presentation by Indian chefs.
More updates to follow soon.