PM Modi Addresses 10,000 Kiwi Indians at Spark Arena; India-NZ Film Festival Launches in Auckland
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Auckland drew more than 10,000 Kiwi Indians to Spark Arena, where he delivered a speech reaching out specifically to New Zealand's Sikh diaspora by invoking the legacy of the Sikh gurus and the Sahibzadas. The visit coincided with the announcement of the Indian Film Festival of New Zealand, the country's first dedicated Indian film festival, which will run across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch in October 2026.
Modi Uses Auckland Address to Connect with Sikh Diaspora at Spark Arena
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his final Auckland address during a weekend visit to New Zealand to make a pointed connection with the country's Sikh diaspora, speaking before a crowd of more than 10,000 Kiwi Indians gathered at Spark Arena for the Kia Ora Modi event on Saturday. Modi spoke about India's efforts to preserve and honor the sacred legacy of Sikhism, referencing the message of service, courage, and equality associated with the Sikh gurus. He cited his government's work to safeguard Sikh traditions, improve access to places of worship, and honor the legacy of the Sahibzadas, the young sons of the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The Sahibzadas, both children under the age of ten, refused to abandon their faith under coercion in 1704 and were killed as a result of that refusal. Since 2022, India marks December 26 each year as Veer Bal Diwas, or Brave Children's Day, in their memory. Modi told the gathering that the day had become a festival of inspiration across India, with children from Kerala to Assam learning about the Sahibzadas' sacrifice. He also noted that gurdwaras have become centers of service in every part of the world, a sentiment that resonates in New Zealand, where Sikh temples have stepped up for communities in need. RNZ journalists present observed a sprinkling of individuals from the Sikh community at the event. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also attended. [2]
🎬 Bollywood Stars Back New Zealand's First Indian Film Festival at Auckland Launch
New Zealand's first dedicated Indian film festival officially launched in Auckland with a brand launch event at Hoyts Cinema Auckland, attended by Bollywood actors Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, who screened their internationally acclaimed film Girls Will Be Girls at the event. The Indian Film Festival of New Zealand, known as TIFFNZ and founded and directed by Petrina D'Rozario, is scheduled to run across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch from October 23 to 25, 2026. The inaugural edition plans to screen approximately 30 films across feature and short formats, alongside industry workshops, masterclasses, and networking events designed to foster collaboration between the Indian and New Zealand screen sectors. The launch drew a strong turnout from Auckland's Indian diaspora community, which numbers more than 300,000 nationally, as well as screen industry representatives, cultural leaders, and India's Consul General, Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi. India's High Commissioner to New Zealand, H.E. Muanpuii Saiawi, issued a statement noting that cinema plays a profound role in Indian life and that India produces the largest number of films in the world. The centrepiece screening, Girls Will Be Girls, directed by Shuchi Talati, is an award-winning film that has earned recognition at the Sundance Film Festival and the Independent Spirit Awards, following a 16-year-old girl at an Indian boarding school navigating first love and family dynamics. The film has generated significant conversation in India. Asia Media Centre reported on the festival launch on July 2, 2026. [7]
Sources: [2] RNZ · [7] Asia Media Centre