ISSUE
Friday, August 15, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 72
The two-day Auckland Diwali festival got off to a colourful start at the Viaduct Harbour with thousands of people attending despite inclement weather and the continuing bus strike that has put Auckland's commuters to severe inconvenience since last Thursday.
The official function began with the lighting of the lamp and a prayer recited by the priest of Auckland's Bharatiya Mandir in the presence of several Members of Parliament, Indian government officials and major sponsors of the festival including the Asia New Zealand Foundation who had gathered on the stage.
Wishing Kiwi Indians a Happy Diwali, Prime Minister John Key, with tilak smeared on his forehead, said the Diwali had grown to become one of New Zealand's biggest festivals in recent years in line with other major events like Pasifika. He said he was looking forward to the Diwali party at the Beehive next Tuesday.
He acknowledged the contribution of Indians to New Zealand society and the economy and said his government was committed to developing and strengthening links with India. A new consulate general is planned in Mumbai, he said and also referred to New Zealand's plans to pursue the free trade agreement with India. Mr Kunal Roy, Acting High Commissioner was also present at the function.
With Mr Key on the stage were National Party colleagues – Ethnic Affairs Minister Pansy Wong and list MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi. Labour MP Chris Carter and Green Party MP Keith Locke were also present.
Over the next two days, a string of variety programmes have been organised both by local and international groups including the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) which has sent a group of traditional Baul singers from Bengal.
The two-day Auckland Diwali festival got off to a colourful start at the Viaduct Harbour with thousands of people attending despite inclement weather and the continuing bus strike that has put Auckland's commuters to severe inconvenience since last Thursday.The official function began with the...
The two-day Auckland Diwali festival got off to a colourful start at the Viaduct Harbour with thousands of people attending despite inclement weather and the continuing bus strike that has put Auckland's commuters to severe inconvenience since last Thursday.
The official function began with the lighting of the lamp and a prayer recited by the priest of Auckland's Bharatiya Mandir in the presence of several Members of Parliament, Indian government officials and major sponsors of the festival including the Asia New Zealand Foundation who had gathered on the stage.
Wishing Kiwi Indians a Happy Diwali, Prime Minister John Key, with tilak smeared on his forehead, said the Diwali had grown to become one of New Zealand's biggest festivals in recent years in line with other major events like Pasifika. He said he was looking forward to the Diwali party at the Beehive next Tuesday.
He acknowledged the contribution of Indians to New Zealand society and the economy and said his government was committed to developing and strengthening links with India. A new consulate general is planned in Mumbai, he said and also referred to New Zealand's plans to pursue the free trade agreement with India. Mr Kunal Roy, Acting High Commissioner was also present at the function.
With Mr Key on the stage were National Party colleagues – Ethnic Affairs Minister Pansy Wong and list MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi. Labour MP Chris Carter and Green Party MP Keith Locke were also present.
Over the next two days, a string of variety programmes have been organised both by local and international groups including the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) which has sent a group of traditional Baul singers from Bengal.
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