Esk Valley on 20 February following Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo: RNZ/ Nick Monro
A round-up of community activities from across the country.
Community steps up to help cyclone victims
Representatives of the New Zealand Indian Central Association visited Hawkes Bay last month to hand over a donation of $100,001 towards ongoing relief efforts in the region following the devastation that Cyclone Gabrielle caused in February.
"This contribution is an illustration of the deep-rooted kinship that the Indian community feels with New Zealand," said Narendra Bhana, president of the association.
The Sikh community in Palmerston North and Hawke's Bay delivered thousands of free meals to affected communities in Hastings and Napier in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle. The Supreme Sikh Society raised $25,000 to help the region's recovery.
Telugu association commemorates 25 years
The New Zealand Telugu Association celebrated its silver jubilee on 18 August.
Established in 1998, the association aims to maintain and promote the Telugu culture in New Zealand. Telugu is the language spoken in India state of Andhra Pradesh.
Indian High Commissioner Neeta Bhushan congratulated the association on the achievement, recognising its role in "creating a bridge between the two nations in terms of knowledge exchange".
Bengali production in Auckland
The Probasee Bengalee Association of New Zealand staged a play titled Bhoy Bhelki, originally created by Indian playwriter Manoj Mitra, in Auckland's Playhouse Theatre last month. The production was directed by Jayanta Bhaduri. The play is set in a small backwater village of West Bengal and has elements of dark humour and melodrama.
The YSRCP NRI New Zealand organised a blood donation campaign in August. Photo: Supplied
Blood donation drives
The Auckland Tamil Association organised a blood donation drive in August to inspire others to take up the cause. A similar initiative was taken up by a Telugu community group, YSRCP NRI New Zealand, led by Anand Yeddula.
"The blood donation camp was our effort to serve the New Zealand communities on the death anniversary of Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, the former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh," Yeddula said.
Parsi new year celebrated
Members of the the Zarathushtrian Association of New Zealand celebrated Shenshahi Navroz, the Parsi new year, last month in Auckland. Established in 1993, the event also marked the 30th anniversary of the association. Parsis are followers of the Zoroastrianism religion who immigrated to India from Iran many centuries ago.
Multicultural festivals in Canterbury
Christchurch and Selwyn in Canterbury celebrated the region's diversity with two back-to-back events. On 26 August, Christchurch Multicultural Council hosted a festival titled Many Voices, which was followed by a festival titled Selwyn CultureFest on 10 September.
"Canterbury has grown diverse over the years, with the Indian population increasing as well. It's heartening to see so many ethnic communities come together and showcase their food, music, dance and culture," said Surinder Tandon, president of the council.
Marking Krishna's birthday
Organisations across the country last week celebrated Krishna Janmashtami, birthday of the Hindu god Krishna. In Auckland, events were held at the Iskcon Temple in Kumeu, Radha Krishna Mandir in Eden Terrace, Bhartiya Mandir in Sandringham and Swaminarayan Temple in Avondale.