New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon engages Indian community ahead of elections

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

He and his wife Amanda also received a formal invitation to attend the Durga Puja celebrations.With the Indian community the third-largest ethnic group in New Zealand, the largest source of skilled migrants, and the second-largest source of international students, Luxon's engagement on Monday with is also being viewed as a strategic move to strengthen ties with a key demographic ahead of next year's polls. Luxon had visited India in March this year.The relationship between New Zealand and India has a storied history, dating back to the 1826 voyage of the St Patrick to Kolkata, which marked the beginning of people-to-people connections. This historic journey laid the foundation for a relationship that continues to flourish today.

Arpan Mandal, chairperson of the Christchurch Bengali Community, presented the PM with a specially designed umbrella with portraits of personalities like Rabindranath Tagore and Mother Teresa and landmarks like Victoria Memorial Hall and Howrah Bridge as well as the yellow Ambassador taxi printed on the parasol.

The umbrella was designed 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, symbolizing the literary and philosophical bridge 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 notable members of the wider Indian diaspora, reflecting the growing influence of the Indian ethnic group, now the third largest in New Zealand. According to the 2023 national census, Indians comprise 5.8% of the population nationally, with suburbs like Rolleston seeing concentrations as high as 18%. Luxon acknowledged the community's economic impact, noting an annual contribution of approximately NZD 10 billion or 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 Prime Minister David Seymour and former PM Chris Hipkins, reflect New Zealand's growing appreciation for Indian culture and its potential to strengthen bilateral partnerships.

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