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Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is investigating a group of performers from India who travelled to the country for Holi celebrations last month after several members failed to leave when their visas expired. The group had arrived alongside Bollywood singer Shibani Kashyap to participate in cultural events, but authorities say many of the visiting performers remain in New Zealand, with some believed to be staying unlawfully.
The performers were part of a Holi-themed entertainment group associated with Kashyap and supported by CD Foundation in India. One of the main events they were linked to be the Holi celebration in Pukekohe organised by the Pukekohe Indian Association, which operates under the New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA). The event, called “Colours in the Park,” was held in February and drew a large number of members of the Indian community.
According to INZ’s Director Visa, Jock Gilray, 18 individuals connected with the group entered New Zealand between February 11 and February 24. Only three have since left the country, while the remaining 15 are still in New Zealand. Of those still present, four currently hold valid visitor visas, while the others became unlawful residents after their visas expired on March 6.
Gilray said immigration officials are working to contact those who are now in the country unlawfully. “We are prioritising contact with those who are here unlawfully on a case-by-case basis,” he said, adding that privacy rules prevent authorities from releasing further details about the individuals.
The situation first emerged before the Holi event when concerns were raised about some visa applications linked to the visiting group. INZ confirmed that applications had been submitted for 27 Indian nationals intending to travel as part of a group called “Community Holi Celebration with Shibani Kashyap.” Immigration officials carried out a detailed review of the applications in coordination with verification teams in India.
Seven visitor visas were approved for the group, each valid for one month. Four applications were declined, while three were withdrawn after concerns were identified, including suspected fraudulent documentation. In addition, 13 short-term limited visas were issued specifically for attendance at the Holi event as a way to manage potential risks.
Of the 20 applicants whose visas were approved, 18 travelled to New Zealand. One visa holder did not make the journey, while another was prevented from departing after additional concerns emerged before travel.
Although the group had been described as performers, photos and videos from the Pukekohe celebration indicated that Kashyap appeared to be the only performer on stage.
Immigration authorities said the event itself had been verified as legitimate, including consultation with the Indian Consul-General in Auckland, who confirmed official support for the celebration.
This was Kashyap’s second visit to New Zealand in less than a year. She previously travelled in August 2025 to perform at events celebrating India’s 79th Independence Day, organised with support from NZICA and the CD Foundation alongside the Indian diplomatic missions in New Zealand. Authorities later confirmed that all visitors associated with that earlier event returned to India in line with their visa conditions.
Unfortunately, the involvement of certain places of worship is often mentioned whenever incidents of such disappearances occur. As this pattern has been appearing repeatedly in recent times, it raises serious concerns and calls for firm and decisive action to prevent it.
Under New Zealand immigration law, individuals who remain in the country after their visas expire become unlawful residents and may face deportation if they fail to regularise their status or leave voluntarily. Sources at the Indian Consulate in Auckland said the Holi event was organised by private individuals and that the Indian government had no official role in arranging it. For more information contact- [email protected] -TIN Bureau