Waitakere Indian Association, an Indian community organisation, based in West Auckland, has finally found a place to establish it's centre and head office.
The 20-year-old organisation celebrating two decades of its service in the community were granted a historic building on 399 Don Buck Road in Massey, Auckland by the Henderson-Massey Board.
Present at the inaugural ceremony earlier last week were newly elected Members of Parliament Vanushi Walter, Deborah Russell, Hon Phil Twyford and Melissa Lee along with past and current members, President Sunil Kaushal thanked the forebearers of the organisation for their passion and vision to the serve the community.
He assured the members present at the event that with the new place as their centre, Waitakere Indian Association is moving into a new phase in the growth of the organisation and will serve the Indian community out in the West Auckland region.
Hon Consul of India in Auckland Bhav Dhillon emphasised the importance of coexistence and praised the Fijian Indian community as he explained how they have become an integral part of the broader Indian Diaspora and have shared the culture with other communities.
The Local Board Chair Hon Chris Carter reminisced his time as the Minister of Ethnic Affairs and shared how Waitakere Indian Association took the lead to encourage him to celebrate Diwali in the Parliament, which now has become an annual affair.
Chris Carter also praised the Association for helping the community during Covid-19 lockdowns and the work the Association has been doing for just over the 20 years.
Auckland Councillor Shane Henderson lauded WIA for their ongoing initiatives and the largest community organised Holi and Diwali festivals that are held at the Trusts Arena annually.
The facility can be used by other community groups and people can reach out to the team on waitakereindian@gmail.com for bookings and reservations.
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