New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on 11 July welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the 'Kia Ora Modi' diaspora event in Auckland, calling the visit 'worth the wait' and describing the charged atmosphere inside one of the country's top venues as something he had never experienced before. The event marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years.

A Historic Night in Auckland

Addressing a crowd of more than 10,000 people gathered from across New Zealand, Luxon declared the occasion a landmark moment. 'Tonight New Zealand makes history. For the first time in 40 years, an Indian Prime Minister stands on New Zealand soil,' he said. He noted that the venue had hosted some of the world's biggest stars, yet the energy in the auditorium that night was unlike anything he had previously felt there.

'Forty years — that is far too long between visits from family. But Prime Minister Modi, let me say, on behalf of five million New Zealanders, you are worth the wait,' Luxon told the crowd.

Luxon on India's Transformation Under Modi

The New Zealand Prime Minister offered an extensive account of what he described as India's remarkable rise over the past decade. He cited the lifting of 250 million Indians out of poverty, the expansion of the country's middle class to 445 million people, the more than doubling of the number of airports to 157, the construction of around 95,000 kilometres of new highways, and India's achievement of becoming the first nation to successfully land a spacecraft near the Moon's south pole.

'That is no small achievement. It is one of the greatest advances in human dignity the world has ever seen,' Luxon said, attributing the transformation directly to Modi's leadership.

India's Economic Rise and the New Zealand Partnership

Luxon underscored India's growing global economic weight, noting that the country is already among the world's largest economies and is on course to become the third largest. He asserted that the 21st century will be shaped by India and expressed New Zealand's intent to be part of that journey. 'New Zealand wants to help build that future alongside India,' he said.

Tribute to the Kiwi-Indian Community

A significant portion of Luxon's address was devoted to honouring the Indian diaspora in New Zealand. He credited the community with enriching the country economically, socially, and culturally, saying New Zealand would not be what it is today without their contributions. He acknowledged the hard work of community members — many of whom, he said, work two or three jobs to secure a home, start a business, or fund their children's education.

'Every single one of you is incredibly proud of the enormous contribution our Kiwi Indian community makes to New Zealand,' he said.

What Comes Next

Modi's visit to Auckland, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades, is expected to deepen bilateral ties between India and New Zealand across trade, education, and technology. The 'Kia Ora Modi' event signals a broader diplomatic reset, with both sides keen to formalise closer cooperation as India's global economic profile continues to rise.