Modi at 'Kia Ora Modi': Kiwi-Indians adding new colours to New Zealand
Synopsis
For the first time in 40 years, an Indian Prime Minister stood on New Zealand soil — and Modi used the moment to celebrate a diaspora that has produced an Air New Zealand CEO, a former Governor-General, and three national cricketers. The 'Kia Ora Modi' event in Auckland was as much a diplomatic signal as a community celebration.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora at 'Kia Ora Modi' in Auckland's Spark Arena on 11 July .
Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister in 40 years to visit New Zealand.
He cited Nikhil Ravishankar (Air New Zealand CEO, appointed 2025) and former Governor-General Anand Satyanand (2006–2011) as examples of Kiwi-Indian achievement.
Cricketers Rachin Ravindra , Ish Sodhi , and Ajaz Patel were named as proof of opportunities for Indian-origin talent in New Zealand.
Modi noted Indian place names — including Bombay Hills , Calcutta Street , and Delhi Crescent — as markers of deep cultural ties.
New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon was present at the event alongside Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 11 July celebrated the Indian diaspora's growing footprint in New Zealand, telling a packed gathering at Auckland's Spark Arena that Kiwi-Indians are 'adding new colours' to the country's economy and society. The event, titled 'Kia Ora Modi', drew a massive turnout from the Indian community and was attended alongside New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
What Modi Said About the Diaspora
Addressing the crowd, Modi said the people of New Zealand had 'adopted you all with a lot of love, made you a part of their team' and had 'trusted your talent, your vision.' He credited this spirit of inclusion for the visible contributions Kiwi-Indians are making to New Zealand's economy and social fabric.
'The people of New Zealand have shown that when any country moves forward with a passion and with a spirit, it inspires the world,' Modi told the gathering.
High-Profile Kiwi-Indians Cited by Modi
The Prime Minister pointed to prominent Indian-origin achievers as evidence of New Zealand's openness. He named Nikhil Ravishankar, appointed Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand in 2025, and Anand Satyanand, who served as Governor-General of New Zealand from 2006 to 2011, as examples of the heights Indian-origin individuals have reached in the country.
Modi also highlighted the presence of Indian-origin cricketers in New Zealand's national team — Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, and Ajaz Patel — as a reflection of the opportunities available to talent of Indian descent.
Indian Place Names Across New Zealand
In a moment that drew warm applause, Modi noted that Indian cities have been given a form of recognition in New Zealand's geography itself. He listed localities including Bombay Hills, Coromandel, Calcutta Street, Delhi Crescent, Amritsar Street, and Khandala — clarifying with a smile that this was 'not the Bollywood one' — as testament to deep-rooted cultural ties.
'Living here, you all have become Kiwis completely,' he said.
A Historic Visit and Bilateral Ties
Modi noted that he carries the 'best wishes of 140 crore Indians' and described it as his 'great fortune' to be the first Indian Prime Minister in 40 years to visit New Zealand. He characterised the India-New Zealand relationship as one built on 'cherished memories, enduring friendship, shared values and a common commitment.'
The Prime Minister also shared that New Zealand's leadership consistently speaks highly of the Indian community whenever he meets them — a fact he said fills him with pride.
What This Visit Signals
This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades, underscoring a diplomatic reset between the two nations. The Auckland event is expected to be followed by bilateral talks aimed at deepening trade, education, and people-to-people ties. The Indian diaspora in New Zealand numbers in the hundreds of thousands and represents one of the country's fastest-growing communities.
Point of View
With the Indian diaspora serving as both a soft-power asset and a bilateral bridge. The naming of Nikhil Ravishankar and Anand Satyanand was precise: it tells the host nation that India notices and values how it treats its people. What the visit still needs to deliver is a substantive trade and mobility framework — the community applause is earned, but the diplomatic architecture remains thin.
NationPress
11 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is PM Modi's New Zealand visit historically significant?
PM Modi's visit to New Zealand on 11 July is the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years, marking a significant diplomatic reset between the two nations. It signals India's intent to deepen engagement with Pacific partners and leverage its growing diaspora as a bilateral asset.
Who is Nikhil Ravishankar and why did Modi mention him?
Nikhil Ravishankar is the Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand, appointed in 2025, and is of Indian origin. Modi cited him alongside former Governor-General Anand Satyanand to highlight the heights Kiwi-Indians have reached in New Zealand's public and corporate life.
What is the 'Kia Ora Modi' event in Auckland?
'Kia Ora Modi' is a community gathering organised for the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, held at Auckland's Spark Arena on 11 July. The phrase 'Kia Ora' is a Maori greeting meaning 'be well' or 'hello', and the event drew a large turnout with New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon also in attendance.
Which Indian-origin cricketers play for New Zealand?
PM Modi named Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, and Ajaz Patel as Indian-origin cricketers representing New Zealand's national cricket team, holding them up as examples of the opportunities available to the Kiwi-Indian community.
What did Modi say about Indian place names in New Zealand?
Modi noted that several New Zealand localities carry Indian city names — including Bombay Hills, Calcutta Street, Delhi Crescent, Amritsar Street, Khandala, and Coromandel — describing them as a reflection of the deep cultural and historical ties between the two countries.
