The installation marks 100 years of the Wellington Indian Association and honours early settlers
Wellington’s southeastern suburb of Kilbirnie witnessed a historic moment as a new heritage wall celebrating Indian migration to New Zealand was unveiled over the weekend.
The installation is part of the Wellington Indian Association’s centennial celebrations, commemorating 100 years since its founding, reported rnz.co.nz.
The unveiling was accompanied by a formal event at Bharat Bhavan, the home of the Wellington Indian Association, where hundreds gathered to celebrate the milestone.
The association also plans to host a gala dinner in July featuring special entertainment as part of the ongoing centennial festivities.
Manisha Morar, president of the Wellington Indian Association, played a key role in bringing the heritage wall to life—a project that began over a decade ago. “This heritage wall is dedicated to all those past members of the samaj (community),” she said. Morar emphasized the extensive research involved, including translating historical records from Gujarati to English.
The heritage wall honours past community members and highlights the contributions of Indian settlers to New Zealand
“When you really look at the different aspects of the community, it’s not just about culture,” Morar added. “It’s about supporting social work, women, children, learning the language, engaging with the wider community, and celebrating those who have made significant contributions to Wellington.”
Community members shared emotional reflections on the association’s legacy. Saira Naran, whose parents were involved with the organization since its inception, described it as an integral part of her life. “I feel like it’s home,” she said, reflecting on how the heritage wall deepened her understanding of her family’s journey.
Raman Chhima, a third-generation Kiwi Indian, echoed this sentiment. His grandparents arrived in New Zealand in 1913. “Having something that acknowledges what they have actually achieved here is a great honour,” he remarked.
Dipak Bhana shared the hardships faced by early Indian settlers, including his grandparents, who collected bottles and sold fruit to survive. “They had a really tough life, but they managed to survive. This is a celebration of those who paved the way for future generations,” he said.
Neeta Bhushan, India’s high commissioner to New Zealand, praised the association’s founding members for their vision. “In 1925, India wasn’t even independent, yet our community was already building bridges between the two countries,” she noted.
Mervin Singham, CEO of the Ministry of Ethnic Communities, acknowledged the association’s contributions to fostering a multicultural society. “I want to acknowledge a lifetime of work by the Wellington Indian Association in uniting, serving, and celebrating New Zealand’s Indian heritage,” he said.
He also highlighted the significant economic contributions of ethnic communities, noting that in 2021, these communities contributed $64 billion—approximately 20% of New Zealand’s GDP.
Morar emphasized that the association has evolved into a welcoming space for all cultures. “We want to open the centre up to as many cultures as possible and be grateful for who they are and what they bring to our city,” she said.
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