It gives me great pleasure to share an important update regarding the Indian Consulate in Auckland. In September 2024, the Government of India officially established a new Consulate to serve the growing needs of the Indian and Indian-origin community living and working across Auckland, Waikato, and Northland regions. This step marks a significant milestone in our efforts to ensure that essential consular services are accessible and efficiently delivered to our vibrant diaspora.https://www.cgiauckland.gov.in/

The Consulate began operations on 5th September 2024 with only two staff members, working from a modest office at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre. Despite limited resources, we immediately began offering miscellaneous services such as attestation of legal documents, issuing marriage and death certificates, and processing liquor permits. By 9th December, we expanded our services to include passport renewal, passport surrender, and issuance of Police Clearance Certificates (PCC)—essential documents for many in our community.

Demand for our services was high from the start. Each day, we received 40–50 walk-in applicants and an additional 80–100 through courier. With only nine supporting staff working from a single room, processing this volume of applications posed a considerable challenge. Each application takes around 25–30 minutes to verify and upload into the system before the request can be completed in India. In many cases, applications arrived incomplete, further slowing the process.

Recognizing the pressing need for a larger and more efficient space, the Consulate relocated to the SAP Building at 151 on 3rd March. This move has allowed us to better serve our community, with 60–70 daily applicants arriving by appointment and another 30–40 without appointments. Courier applications have also continued to increase, averaging between 120–140 submissions each day.

While our team continues to work diligently, I acknowledge that delays have occurred, particularly due to the high volume of applications and limited staffing. However, we are actively addressing these challenges. I am pleased to share that by the first week of June, the Consulate will move to a more spacious and permanent office on the 14th floor of the SAP Building. At that time, we will be fully staffed with 21 employees, significantly boosting our capacity to serve you more efficiently.

Additionally, we are working to introduce visa and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card services by mid-May, further broadening the support we offer to our community.

We are aware that some members of our community have expressed concerns about delays. I assure you that all passport renewal, surrender, and PCC applications received up to 15th April will be processed by 20th April. For any urgent needs, please visit the Consulate during office hours—we are here to assist you.

The Indian Consulate in Auckland is committed to serving our people with sincerity, care, and efficiency. We sincerely appreciate your support, cooperation, and patience as we grow to meet your expectations.

–by DR M M Sethi, Consul General of India in Auckland