Last weekend (August 14-15), was very important for the Indian and Pakistani communities across New Zealand. As both countries celebrate their respective independence days on these days. India’s is on August 15, and Pakistan celebrates it a day earlier, on August 14. As such, there were major celebrations planned in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and other major cities, by several Indian and Pakistani community organisations.

Unfortunately though, early last week, New Zealand witnessed a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the community, and Auckland was put under Alert Level 3, and the rest of the country at Alert Level 2. This resulted in postponement of the planned celebrations in Auckland, and much restricted events elsewhere.

Below we summarise what all happened.

India Independence Day celebrations round-up

Wellington

All above pictures are courtesy Indian High Commission in Wellington. Some videos of the event are here, and here. A video message from the High Commissioner is here.

New Plymouth

Southland

Christchurch

Christchurch Indian Independence Day function was organised by Hitesh Sharma. Surinder Tandon attended both on behalf of Christchurch Multicultural Council as its President, and Indian community. He was invited to hoist the Indian tricolor and address the Indian community.

He says, “I acknowledged the presence of distinguished guests – Christchurch Central MP Dr Duncan Webb, and Ngai Tahu ethnic advisor Sally Pitama, and representatives of various Indian community groups. First and foremost, I expressed my Heartiest Greetings on the occasion of 74th Indian Independence Day. It is our duty to remember and salute the freedom fighters, many of whom sacrificed their lives, for the independence of India. We got freedom not only to govern our country by the people of India but also to freely celebrate and promote our diverse cultures, faiths, languages and values.”

“Though we are living outside of India but we can’t take India out of us. We are all ambassadors of India when it comes to sharing and celebrating our Indian culture and values. We are privileged to enjoy the freedom to do so in NZ, our adopted homeland” .

“Indians are known for fostering peace, harmony, kindness and friendship both in and out of India. I thank all the Indian community groups for organising various cultural and religious events, and for running language, music and dance classes. Very important for providing these learning opportunities for our younger generations.”

“Also thank you all for opening your doors to the wider community for the various events such as Diwali, Holi and so on.”

“Proud to say that the Indian community is making a significant contribution towards the implementation of the Christchurch Multicultural Strategy by fostering unity in both cultural and religious diversities.“

“We are proudly contributing to the NZ society socially, culturally, professionally, economically and through civic participation. I acknowledge your hard work for this.”

A video of the event is here.

Northland

Northland Indian Association hosted an event to commemorate the 73nd Independence day of India. A great turn out from not only the Indian community across Northland but also their Kiwi friends. It was a fun filled evening marked by cultural performances, games and patriotic songs. The singing of the Indian National Anthem in recognizing the gifts, contribution and sacrifices of our ancestors. The day also marked 13th birthday of Northland Indian Association; formed in 2007 when a handful of Indians living in Northland joined hands to set up a forum to nurture and share the Indian culture, values and heritage.

Pakistan Independence Day celebrations round-up

Auckland

Christchurch

Waikato and Hawke’s Bay

Wellington

-Gaurav Sharma