Indian Community plays an important part in wider NZ- Says Todd McClay
The Indian community plays an important part in wider New Zealand. We’re a multi-cultural nation and as a Member of Parliament I am pleased to support this ever expanding community.
Recently as Associate Tourism Minister I addressed the India New Zealand Business Council at a Beyond Business Matters event in Auckland.
India is one of three Emerging Markets that Tourism New Zealand is investing in. Since becoming a priority emerging market, Tourism New Zealand has grown its presence in India, and has more than tripled its investment.
New Zealand hosted 32,064 visitors from India in the year ending March 2014, up almost 7 per cent on the previous year with Indian visitors spending on average NZ$3680 per person (excluding airfares) whilst in New Zealand.
Priorities for the coming year include the 2015 Cricket World Cup, with India scheduled to play two pool games in New Zealand (against Ireland in Hamilton on March 8, and Zimbabwe in Auckland on March 14). New Zealand will also host a quarter-final and a semi-final, either of which could potentially feature India.
I was pleased to hear that the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand have agreed that people travelling to both countries for the event will only need to apply for one visa. This will streamline procedures for genuine Cricket World Cup spectators and participants, making it easier for people wanting to enjoy the Cup.
I’m looking forward to the Cricket World Cup and to watching India beat everyone except New Zealand!
Last year I was in India to attend the Asian Development Bank Annual Conference which was held in Delhi. It was a good opportunity to meet with Indian business leaders and I was able to sit down with them to talk about opportunities for India and New Zealand to work together.
Earlier this year I attended the Kiwi-Indian Hall of Fame 2014 Event – alongside Prime Minister John Key who was the Guest of Honour. It was a great evening attended by over 300 who’s who of the Kiwi-Indian community.
The institution of the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame provides a way to honour, acknowledge and celebrate achievements of individuals who have made a real difference to the Kiwi Indian community and New Zealand. It’s the second year it’s been held and has become the signature event of the growing Indian community in NZ. Well done to those who were recognised!
It is great to be able to attend these events around the country but I especially enjoy the local events held in my hometown of Rotorua. My family and I take part in many activities held by the local Indian community including the annual Holi festivals and Kabaddi tournaments. These events are good opportunities to join with and celebrate the strong cultures in our community in a unique and fun way. I always enjoy Holi and in particular appreciate the significance of bringing together people from different communities, backgrounds and faiths.
A recent highlight was the annual Kabaddi Tournament in Te Puke where two of my sons took part in the competition. They had a great time and were impressed with this exciting game.
As we continue to work towards a better relationship with India, I remain committed to continuing with my strong involvement in the Indian community in my electorate of Rotorua and across the country.
The Indian community plays an important part in wider New Zealand. We’re a multi-cultural nation and as a Member of Parliament I am pleased to support this ever expanding community. Recently as Associate Tourism Minister I addressed the India New Zealand Business Council at a Beyond Business...
The Indian community plays an important part in wider New Zealand. We’re a multi-cultural nation and as a Member of Parliament I am pleased to support this ever expanding community.
Recently as Associate Tourism Minister I addressed the India New Zealand Business Council at a Beyond Business Matters event in Auckland.
India is one of three Emerging Markets that Tourism New Zealand is investing in. Since becoming a priority emerging market, Tourism New Zealand has grown its presence in India, and has more than tripled its investment.
New Zealand hosted 32,064 visitors from India in the year ending March 2014, up almost 7 per cent on the previous year with Indian visitors spending on average NZ$3680 per person (excluding airfares) whilst in New Zealand.
Priorities for the coming year include the 2015 Cricket World Cup, with India scheduled to play two pool games in New Zealand (against Ireland in Hamilton on March 8, and Zimbabwe in Auckland on March 14). New Zealand will also host a quarter-final and a semi-final, either of which could potentially feature India.
I was pleased to hear that the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand have agreed that people travelling to both countries for the event will only need to apply for one visa. This will streamline procedures for genuine Cricket World Cup spectators and participants, making it easier for people wanting to enjoy the Cup.
I’m looking forward to the Cricket World Cup and to watching India beat everyone except New Zealand!
Last year I was in India to attend the Asian Development Bank Annual Conference which was held in Delhi. It was a good opportunity to meet with Indian business leaders and I was able to sit down with them to talk about opportunities for India and New Zealand to work together.
Earlier this year I attended the Kiwi-Indian Hall of Fame 2014 Event – alongside Prime Minister John Key who was the Guest of Honour. It was a great evening attended by over 300 who’s who of the Kiwi-Indian community.
The institution of the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame provides a way to honour, acknowledge and celebrate achievements of individuals who have made a real difference to the Kiwi Indian community and New Zealand. It’s the second year it’s been held and has become the signature event of the growing Indian community in NZ. Well done to those who were recognised!
It is great to be able to attend these events around the country but I especially enjoy the local events held in my hometown of Rotorua. My family and I take part in many activities held by the local Indian community including the annual Holi festivals and Kabaddi tournaments. These events are good opportunities to join with and celebrate the strong cultures in our community in a unique and fun way. I always enjoy Holi and in particular appreciate the significance of bringing together people from different communities, backgrounds and faiths.
A recent highlight was the annual Kabaddi Tournament in Te Puke where two of my sons took part in the competition. They had a great time and were impressed with this exciting game.
As we continue to work towards a better relationship with India, I remain committed to continuing with my strong involvement in the Indian community in my electorate of Rotorua and across the country.
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