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The Hindu Elders Foundation (HEF), a division of the Hindu Council of New Zealand
(HCNZ), celebrated Matariki, the Māori New Year, on Sunday, 12 July 2026 at the Balmoral.Temple Community Centre in Auckland. The event brought together elders, families, community leaders, and well-wishers to honour the values of remembrance, gratitude,renewal, and hope that Matariki represents.
The celebration commenced with a traditional welcome, followed by reflections on the significance of Matariki as an important occasion for all New Zealanders. The programme highlighted the shared commitment of Māori and Hindu communities to preserving cultural
heritage while strengthening social harmony in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Chief Guest was Inspector Ivan Sarich, Māori Responsiveness Manager and Director of the Family Harm Team, Auckland City District, New Zealand Police. In his address, Inspector Sarich explained the significance of Matariki, describing it as a time to remember those who have passed away, celebrate the present with gratitude, and look forward to the future with hope and renewed purpose. He encouraged everyone to embrace the values of kindness,unity, and service to the community.
Master of Ceremonies Shri Sridhara Mysore, who has been associated with the Hindu Council of New Zealand’s Matariki celebrations since 2007, highlighted the many common values shared between Māori traditions and Hindu philosophy. He noted that both cultures emphasise respect for ancestors, reverence for nature, care for family and community, and optimism for future generations. He said that, as proud New Zealanders, Hindus celebrate Matariki as an opportunity to strengthen relationships, appreciate the nation’s rich multicultural identity, and work together to build a compassionate and inclusive society.Dr Guna Magesan, President of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, reflected on nearly three decades of engagement between the Hindu and Māori communities. He recalled that the Council’s first significant interaction began in 1997 when the late Hare Puke, Kaumātua of Tainui, inaugurated the exhibition Ancient Indian Contribution to the World of Science at the Waikato Museum as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of India’s Independence.
Dr Magesan also acknowledged the late Hare Puke’s instrumental role in strengthening Hindu–Māori relations, including facilitating the attendance of the Māori King at the opening of the Second New Zealand Hindu Conference in 2008. He further highlighted several milestones in this enduring partnership, including regular marae stays for the Indian community at Apumoana Marae in Rotorua, Hindu–Māori Hui at Tangatarua Marae in Rotorua, the first Hindu–Māori delegation to India in 2012, and the celebration of the Hindu Council of New Zealand’s Silver Jubilee at a marae—symbolising the deep friendship and mutual respect between the two communities.
Shri Tarun Ahuja, General Secretary of Hindu Elders Foundation, announced the 3rd New Zealand Hindu Elders Conference and encouraged all participants to register and inviteother elders to join the conference.
Participants enjoyed a vibrant programme featuring devotional songs, cultural performances, and interactive discussions celebrating Matariki and New Zealand’s unique cultural heritage.
Elders shared personal experiences of embracing New Zealand’s traditions while preserving their own cultural identity, creating meaningful dialogue and understanding across
generations.
The programme also encouraged participants to reflect on the past year, express gratitude for family, friends, and community, and set positive aspirations for the year ahead. A shared vegetarian lunch provided an opportunity for fellowship and further strengthened friendships
among people from diverse backgrounds.
The Hindu Elders Foundation is dedicated to promoting the physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing of senior members of the community. Through regular cultural, educational, health, recreational, and social programmes, the Foundation empowers older people to remain active, connected, and valued contributors to New Zealand society.
The Hindu Council
of New Zealand expressed its sincere appreciation to all volunteers, performers, guests, and participants who contributed to the success of the celebration. The organisation remains committed to fostering friendship, mutual respect, intercultural understanding, and social harmony, while celebrating the shared values that unite the diverse communities of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Media Contact:
Tarun Ahuja
General Secretary, Hindu Elders Foundation
Mobile: 022 134 6670
Email: [email protected]