India's rich artistic traditions showcased at Auckland fair

The Autumn Gift and Homeware Fair – one of New Zealand’s largest retail buying events in Auckland – had a special India connection this year.

That's because the free event from March 5 to March 7 at Auckland Showgrounds had an international pavilion featuring the vitality of India.

The Indian pavilion was organised by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). It was set up in 1965 under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. It allowed about 16 top Indian artisans and makers to showcase high-quality, never-seen-before products from India.

The fair hosted more than 200 exhibitors, including many new to the industry, and old faces who have returned for 2023, with hundreds of visitors in attendance. The fair had national and international exhibiting wholesalers showcasing the latest products sourced from not only New Zealand but around the world. Those in attendance included retailers ranging from high-street stores to local outlets. It also attracted many interior designers, specifiers and corporate gift buyers. This year, up to 3,000 retailers, designers and corporate buyers were in attendedance.

Event organiser Tony Waite, General Manager of XPO Exhibitions, told The Indian Weekender, "Discussions about having an Indian pavilion started a few years ago. However, because of all the delays and travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it wasn't until now that it eventually happened. We all learnt many things and ways to improve the pavilion's attendance. Anything that can enhance economic relations is a positive and a small step towards this.”

Bhav Dhillon, Hon Consul of India in Auckland, who met Vineet Arora, Deputy Director of FIEO, at the Consulate of India office in Onehunga, appreciated FIEO’s efforts in organising India Pavilion at NZ Gift and Home Fair and assured all support and cooperation. He said, "Though it was the first year of having the Indian pavilion at the fair, it is a great beginning. We wholeheartedly welcome this endeavour by FIEO. Such initiatives will ensure better trade relations between India and New Zealand. We assure you all our support and cooperation for Indian participants in the future."

NZ Gift and Home Fair events are the country’s most significant trade-only retail buying events. They have existed for almost 40 years and are the primary sourcing event for thousands of retailers from around the country. They are held three times a year.