In a special gesture, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attended the event, underscoring the warmth and growing partnership between India and New Zealand. Addressing the enthusiastic audience, Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Luxon for joining the programme and acknowledged his continued support in strengthening bilateral relations and ensuring the welfare of the Indian community in New Zealand.
Prime Minister Modi praised the Indian diaspora for its determination, hard work, and perseverance, stating that the community has emerged as a dynamic force making significant contributions across multiple sectors of New Zealand's society. He commended members of the community for preserving India's rich cultural heritage, traditions, and festivals while simultaneously enriching New Zealand's multicultural identity.
The Prime Minister also praised the community's spirit of selfless public service, highlighting its contributions through volunteer work, charitable initiatives, and community welfare activities. He said the gathering was not merely an event for the Indian diaspora but a celebration of the enduring friendship between India and New Zealand, their growing economic partnership, and their longstanding sporting relationship.
Highlighting that 2026 marks 100 years of sporting engagement between India and New Zealand, Prime Minister Modi said both countries remain committed to expanding cooperation in the field of sports. He also appreciated Māori culture for its inclusive and sustainable values, observing that India is pursuing a development model that successfully balances cultural heritage with modern progress.
Calling upon the Indian diaspora to continue serving as a bridge between the two countries, the Prime Minister said the community has an important role in strengthening friendship, mutual trust, and cooperation while helping realise the full potential of the India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership.
Following the event, Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in a post on X, stating that he was pleased his friend had joined the community programme in Auckland and that his presence reflected his warmth towards India and the Indian community.
Sharing moments from the event, the Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the Indian community for the overwhelming reception. He described the atmosphere at the Auckland programme as unforgettable and thanked members of the Indian community in New Zealand, calling them one of the strongest pillars of the friendship between the two nations. He added that addressing the gathering in Auckland was a memorable experience.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also highlighted the importance of the event, describing it as a celebration in a home away from home. In a post on X, he said thousands of members of the Indian diaspora from across New Zealand gathered at Auckland's Spark Arena, where Prime Minister Modi highlighted their invaluable contribution to strengthening India-New Zealand relations.
Jaiswal said the Prime Minister praised the achievements of Indians across every sphere of life in New Zealand and encouraged them to continue sharing their warmth and vibrancy with local communities, thereby further strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries. He added that Prime Minister Modi also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for his support and care for the Indian diaspora.
The "Kia Ora Modi" community event concluded as a powerful demonstration of the close relationship between India and New Zealand, showcasing the Indian diaspora's growing role in strengthening bilateral ties, expanding strategic cooperation, and fostering enduring friendship between the two nations.
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