The new governing body of the New Zealand Indian Central Association. Photo: Kalyan Rao Kasuganti
A round-up of community activities from across the country:
New Zealand Indian Central Association leaders
Current Indian Association (Manukau) New Zealand president Veer Khar takes over as president of the New Zealand Indian Central Association after being elected to the post at the association's annual general meeting in Wellington on 5 April.
The New Zealand Indian Central Association was formed in 1926 and is planning a celebration to mark its 100th anniversary next year.
Other new appointees include Dhansukh Lal as vice-president, Ratilal Champaneri as treasurer and Taruna Bhana as secretary.
Narendra Bhana will act as the immediate past president for the next 12 months.
The Kiwi-Indian Excellence Awards recognize outstanding contributions from the community to New Zealand's economy and society. Photo: Canterbury Punjabi Association
Kiwi-Indian Excellence Awards
The Canterbury Punjabi Association organised its second Kiwi-Indian Excellence Awards in Christchurch on 14 March.
The association's president, Narinder Singh, said the annual event recognized the outstanding contributions of the Kiwi-Indian community to New Zealand's economy and society.
The winners this year included Nathan Miglani (Kiwi-Indian Excellence Award), Gaurav Soni (Business Tycoon), Radio Sadeaala (Media Legend), Hafsa Ahmed of Lady Khaija Trust (Visionary Legacy) and Surinder Tandon (Lifetime Achievement).
More than 300 sports enthusiasts from the Indian, Māori and Pacific communities came together in South Auckland's Manurewa in March to participate in the Rewa Summer Games. Photo: Marshal Waalia
Rewa Summer Games
More than 300 sports enthusiasts from the Indian, Māori and Pacific communities came together in South Auckland's Manurewa in March to participate in the Rewa Summer Games, which saw teams competing against each other in friendly games of touch rugby, volleyball and kilikiti (Samoan cricket).
Marshal Waalia, organiser of the event and spokesperson of the Auckland Indian Retailers Association, said the inaugural intercommunity games helped to unite diverse communities.
"In a time when differences often divide, this event proved that sports can be the bridge that brings us closer," he said.
"The bonds forged on the field between players of different backgrounds, cultures and communities will last beyond the game."
Holi celebrations end
In a riot of colour and joyous revelry, South Asian communities in New Zealand have celebrated Holi, or Festival of Colours, throughout the month of March.
The event marks the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the triumph of good over evil.
There was a celebration at Auckland's Barry Curtis Park on 8 March.
The Hindu Council of New Zealand and Tiaki Early Learning Centre organised Children's Holi in Rotorua on 9 March.
In the capital, the Wellington Indian Association led celebrations on 13 March.
In Hamilton, the Waikato Indian Association organised a Holi celebration on 16 March.
In the South Island, Holi celebrations were organised in Selwyn by the Indian New Zealand Association of Christchurch on 9 March.
Further south, the Dunedin Indian Association organized the city's Holi festivities on 16 March, featuring dance performances, food, competitions and colours.
Thousands attended a procession that was organised by the Supreme Sikh Society in the South Auckland suburb of Takanini on 15 March. Photo: Kalyan Rao Kasuganti
Street processions
The Sikh community in Auckland and Rotorua have taken to the streets in processions called nagar kirtan, during which devotees sang hymns from the Guru Grath Sahib, the Sikh holy book.
The first procession was held in South Auckland's Takanini on 15 March, organised by the Supreme Sikh Society and attended by thousands.
The third procession was held in Rotorua on 5 April, organised by the Sikh Sangat NZ Trust.
