“Remigration now” banners outside Mahatma Gandhi Centre

The two members of a group calling itself Remigration New Zealand gathered outside the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Eden Terrace.

The group said on X that they were "demanding the remigration of the Indian diaspora”, linking it to recent statements made by NZICA on historical racism and calls for a formal government apology.

A community leader told The Indian Weekender that the incident occurred when there was no one present at the centre except a few staff members. Three people arrived at the centre, with two posing with a banner while a third took the photograph before leaving.

According to The Noticer, the demonstration was held in response to NZICA’s public comments on discrimination faced by Indians in New Zealand.

“We reject this subversive foreign ethnic lobby and its growing influence over our politicians, including Winston Peters, who recently attended their annual events at the Cordis Hotel,” a remigration activist told The Noticer.

The NZICA, a peak representative body for Indian organisations in New Zealand, held an event on February 28 in Auckland attended by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Labour leader Chris Hipkins, and Foreign Minister Winston Peters.

At the event, an NZICA official said the Indian community was seeking formal recognition of historical racism in New Zealand.

“White supremacy was very strong in New Zealand historically and the Indian community faced the brunt of it. This being an election year, we would like all political parties to understand the gravity of our demand and take it forward.”

The official also said an official apology was a necessary step.

Narendra Bhana, KSM, Immediate Past President of NZICA, said the act was “deeply concerning” due to the nature of the rhetoric being promoted.

He said the language of “remigration” was particularly troubling.

“It implies exclusion and removal of people who are legally here, who contribute, who employ, who pay taxes, and who call this country home,” he added.

Bhana pointed out that generations of Kiwi Indians have contributed to building New Zealand through business, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and public service.

“We are not outsiders. We are part of New Zealand.”

He added that New Zealand has always been a nation shaped by migration.

“That is not a weakness. It is one of our greatest strengths.”

Bhana also said it was important for the community to continue engaging with government, advocating for fairness, and contributing to national conversations.