PM Modi hails Kiwi-Indians, says India-New Zealand 'waka' ready for a new journey

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed the Indian community in New Zealand as a vital bridge between the two countries, saying India-New Zealand ties are entering a new phase backed by strong bipartisan support and shared values.

Addressing a large gathering of the Indian diaspora in Auckland, PM Modi described his visit as a historic moment, noting that an Indian Prime Minister had travelled to New Zealand after a gap of 40 years.

The event was attended by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, members of his government and representatives of the Labour Party. PM Modi said their presence reflected broad political support for stronger India-New Zealand ties.

"From Auckland to Wellington, from Christchurch to Queenstown, the Indian community spread across every corner of New Zealand is a vital part of this shared journey," PM Modi said.

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"Today, after 40 years, an Indian Prime Minister has arrived in New Zealand. It is my great fortune that I have brought to you the best wishes of 140 crore Indians."

Bipartisan support for stronger ties

Welcoming the participation of leaders across the political spectrum, PM Modi said the presence of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, government ministers and Labour Party members demonstrated the strength of bilateral relations.

He said the achievements and contributions of the Kiwi-Indian community had helped deepen the relationship between the two countries and created a strong foundation for future cooperation.

A personal memory from New Zealand

Recalling his first visit to New Zealand nearly three decades ago, long before entering government, PM Modi shared a personal anecdote with the audience.

He said a New Zealander had gifted him a muffler, a cap and a pair of gloves during that visit. Holding up the same muffler at the event, PM Modi said he had preserved it for over 25 years and continued to value it as a symbol of the affection shown to him by the people of New Zealand.

"I take care of it even today, just like I take care of your love for me," he said.

'Waka' symbolises a shared journey

Describing the future of bilateral ties, PM Modi referred to the Maori concept of "waka", traditionally a canoe, saying it represented a shared journey.

"India-New Zealand relations have memory, friendship, values and commitment," he said. "Today, the waka of India-New Zealand is ready to undertake a new journey. Before us, we have immense opportunities and the wind favours us."

He also praised Prime Minister Luxon for his popularity among the Indian community, recalling his performance with Labour leader Chris Hipkins to the song Mast Kalandar during India's Independence Day celebrations, which had gone viral.

Celebrating the Indian community

Highlighting the achievements of the Indian diaspora, PM Modi pointed to the success of Indian-origin personalities across business, public life and sports.

He cited Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar, former Governor-General Anand Satyanand, and cricketers Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi and Ajaz Patel as examples of the opportunities available in New Zealand.

PM Modi also noted the presence of place names such as Bombay Hills, Calcutta Street, Delhi Crescent and Amritsar Street, saying they reflected the long-standing cultural links between the two nations.

Sports ties complete a century

The Prime Minister said 2026 marks 100 years of sporting relations between India and New Zealand, recalling the Indian hockey team's tour of New Zealand a century ago.

He said Major Dhyan Chand's performances during that tour had won admiration from New Zealanders and added that both countries could achieve much more through greater collaboration in sports.

PM Modi also said that India wants to learn rugby from New Zealand. "India wants to learn from New Zealand in rugby...For this, we need coaches and experts. New Zealand can help us significantly in this regard," he said.

Calling this "the era of collaboration", PM Modi said India and New Zealand have significant opportunities to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, with the people-to-people relationship continuing to remain at the heart of the partnership.