High Commissioner hails Kiwi Indian achievements as NZ prepares to welcome PM Modi

High Commissioner of India to New Zealand says officials are working closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office as final preparations continue for his visit to New Zealand later this week.

Prime Minister Modi will arrive in Auckland on 10 July and depart on 11 July following the community event, Kia Ora Modi, at Spark Arena.

Speaking to Ryan Bridge on The New Zealand Herald's Ryan Bridge TODAY on 7 July, High Commissioner Muanpuii Saiawi said extensive preparations are underway to ensure the visit is a memorable one.

 "We are working so hard for this visit to be extremely memorable, and I know he really looks forward to coming here."

Reflecting on the growing relationship between India and New Zealand, the High Commissioner referred to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's visit to India last year, which marked a significant step towards the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries.

She said she was pleased to witness the agreement being signed earlier this year.

"I was happy to witness the signing of Free Trade Agreement and I think that both sides are happy about it and our businesses are convinced that it is mutually for both our countries."

The High Commissioner said both countries are also working together to expand cooperation in sectors including kiwifruit, honey and apples, highlighting the growing economic partnership.

She also addressed recent racist rhetoric directed at the Indian community in New Zealand, emphasising the long-standing contribution of the Indian diaspora to New Zealand society.

 "First of all, I want to say that we have a very dynamic, talented Indian diaspora here and they are doing so well."

She noted that Indians have been part of New Zealand's history for more than a century.

 "Indians came to New Zealand more than a 100 years ago, and when they first came they faced all of this, but they have thrived, in the midst of adversity."

The High Commissioner said the Indian community has continued to excel across all sectors despite facing challenges.

High Commissioner Muanpuii Saiawi at Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2026

While addressing that there are instances of targeted speech against members of the community, she encouraged people to focus on the positive contribution the Indian diaspora continues to make to New Zealand.

"I was at an event called The Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame, this Friday and the Prime Minister was there as well and we were just celebrating the contribution of Kiwi Indians to New Zealand society."

The High Commissioner attended The Indian Weekender Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2026 on 3 July, where she spoke about the achievements of the Indian diaspora over the years and thanked Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for his visit to India last year, describing it as a landmark moment in the relationship between the two countries.

Prime Minister who was attended the event on 3 July also spoke

about PM Modi's upcoming visit. 

Prime Minister while talking to The Indian Weekender said, "we want to be able to do our formal government

to government meeting, then there is a real chance to showcase some of the sectors but also talk a little bit about sport," he said.

"Because every time I have talked to Prime Minister Modi, he has been really interested in why New Zealand is so good at sport," PM Luxon added.