New Zealand PM Luxon receives Durga Puja invitation while engaging Christchurch Bengali community

KOLKATA: As New Zealand prepares for its general elections next year, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon engaged with the Indian community at the Christchurch Bengali Community Incorporated Society, a gathering of Bengalis living in the city on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

He and his wife Amanda also received a formal invitation to attend the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations. With the Indian community being the third-largest ethnic group in New Zealand, the biggest source of skilled migrants, and the second-largest source of international students, Luxon’s outreach on Monday is being viewed as a strategic step to connect with a key demographic ahead of the polls. Luxon had visited India in March this year. The relationship between New Zealand and India dates back to 1826, when the ship St Patrick sailed to Kolkata, beginning people-to-people ties that continue to grow today.

Arpan Mandal, Chairperson of the Christchurch Bengali Community, presented Luxon with a specially designed umbrella featuring portraits of Rabindranath Tagore and Mother Teresa, along with Kolkata landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and the iconic yellow Ambassador taxi.

The umbrella was crafted for the occasion by century-old Kolkata-based umbrella and rainwear manufacturer Mahendra Dutt & Sons.

Luxon also received an abridged edition of Tagore’s Gitanjali, symbolising the literary and cultural bond between the two nations. “This year’s Durga Puja holds special significance as we mark a decade of celebrating tradition, culture, and community,” said Mandal. “What began as a modest gathering has grown into a signature event in Christchurch, thanks to the support of our vibrant and expanding Indian community.” The private function was attended by prominent members of the wider Indian diaspora, underlining the growing influence of the Indian community, now the third-largest ethnic group in New Zealand. According to the 2023 census, Indians make up 5.8% of the national population, with suburbs like Rolleston seeing concentrations as high as 18%. Luxon acknowledged the community’s economic impact, noting an annual contribution of around NZD 10 billion over Rs 50,000 crore “This is the largest cultural festival for Bengalis worldwide and was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021,” said Amitrajit Sarkar, an office-bearer of the Christchurch Bengali Community. “The recognition and engagement from political leaders, including Deputy PM David Seymour and former PM Chris Hipkins, reflect New Zealand’s growing appreciation of Indian culture and its potential to strengthen bilateral ties.