Speeches 

Namaste, Namaskar, to you all

Acknowledgements.

Diwali is one of the most auspicious festivals for Indians all over the world. The Indian community in New Zealand is long standing and it is wonderful to see the celebration of Diwali becoming a significant event in New Zealand’s cultural calendar.

New Zealand and India have traditionally had a close relationship, and it is exciting to see that these ties grow stronger with time. Many Indian migrants from India, the Pacific and Africa have chosen New Zealand as their home. I acknowledge the efforts and dedication of the early Indian settlers to making a new life and contributing to New Zealand society. Indians represent a significant proportion of the ethnic sector both in terms of their numbers and their contributions. The number of Indians in New Zealand has increased substantially to over 61,000 in the 2001 Census and, of all the Asian ethnic groups; Indians have the highest number of New Zealand-born members.

It is important that ethnic communities have their views heard, and that is why I want to thank you for your service throughout the year. May we continue to create the conditions wherein our Manukau community can thrive; to encourage each of our young to strive to be all they can be in service of their deepest spiritual beliefs and to share all they can; and to approach members of the many ethnic groups in our community with a sense of humility, mutual respect and awe at the power of our respective spiritual beliefs.

It gives me great pleasure to be here this evening, and to let you know how much your community is valued in our multi-cultural community. I encourage you to continue to share celebrations of your culture and heritage with all New Zealanders. We want to make New Zealand a place where diversity is valued and reflected in our national identity, as this adds to the richness of the society we are building for future generations to enjoy.

Thank you.

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