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Source: Radio New Zealand

This story discusses suicide.

An unemployed scientist says she’s seen colleagues left homeless and suicidal because of job cuts.

A group of science organisations, the Save Science Coalition, said that government cuts since the 2023 election has led to the loss of about 700 roles and the withdrawal of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Andrea Bubendorfer lost her job as part of the ongoing disestablishment of Callaghan Innovation.

She told Nine to Noon it was hard watching highly skilled scientists lose their jobs and lower their standards.

“People take massive pay cuts, some as low as a third of what they were working on previously,” she said.

“I’ve seen people work, but it could be as little as two hours a week. I have seen people absolutely financially destitute – I know of someone who was down to their last dollar. I’ve seen people homeless, I’ve seen people suicidal.”

Bubendorfer said that scientists struggling to get work in New Zealand were finding jobs overseas.

“The hard part for me is seeing there are people who have these skills and who are wanting to work willing, able, [and] capable and are rejected over and over again, lowering their standards and still getting rejected.”

She said she knew a person who was down to their last dollar.

“They were able to leave the country only because they got an inheritance of a parent dying. When they used that money to relocate overseas they were able to get a job very quickly.

“This was a person, before he left, had not even been able to get a job stacking the shelves at Woolworths night fill. This is how hard people are trying.”

The Minister has been approached for comment.

The Save Science Coalition wants to see science funding increased to 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), with at least 0.6 percent of that being for public science.

In its new report, Underfunding our Future, the group argues that New Zealand has in recent times spent around 1.4 percent on science and research while the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) benchmark was 3 percent.

Bubendorfer said New Zealand had a productivity problem and the money created from science was good for the entire country.

“If we look at how prosperous countries have succeeded, it is always through science and technology,” she said.

The Save Science Coalition is also calling for legislation to recognise the public good of scientific research as well as commercial returns.

“All of these things that we lose hurt us in some way… We might not be prepared in a disaster, or we might lose biodiversity,” Bubendorfer said.

“There’s manifold different ways that science contributes, but all of them are really important to society.”

Where to get help:

• Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends
• Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202
• Samaritans: 0800 726 666
• Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
• What’s Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds
• Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, and English.
• Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
• Healthline: 0800 611 116
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• OUTLine: 0800 688 5463
• Aoake te Rā bereaved by suicide service: or call 0800 000 053

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/16/scientists-left-homeless-after-governments-job-cuts-advocates-say/

Source: Radio New Zealand

An Auckland project manager has been sentenced to three months community detention for defrauding nearly $30,000 through Covid schemes.

Shelvin Kavish Swamy was sentenced on Tuesday in the Auckland District Court, after pleading guilty to obtaining the funds by deception.

In May of 2020, Swamy applied for a loan through the small business cashflow scheme despite not being eligible.

The business he applied with, Swamy Investment Limited, had no discernible business activity at the time.

In the following two years, he applied for seven resurgence support payments and three Covid support payments, totalling $32,800, under the name Northshore Plant Holdings Limited.

Roughly half of the funds were used on expenses like groceries, petrol, fast food, and alcohol.

Swamy received $28,351.01 he was not entitled to.

Inland Revenue said Swamy took advantage of schemes operating under a high-trust model during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Judge Debra Anne Bell acknowledged that, despite losing his job as a project manager working in the construction industry, Swamy had repaid $24,000 and noted his previous good character.

She convicted Swamy, ordering him to replay the remaining $4,351.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/16/auckland-project-manager-sentenced-for-defrauding-nearly-30000-through-covid-schemes/

Source: Radio New Zealand

A man has been arrested after violent, anti-Indian graffiti was discovered outside a school in South Auckland.

The message, which incited violence against the Indian community, was first spotted on Saturday near Papatoetoe Central School by nearby residents, who in turn alerted police.

The graffiti on the footpath near a gate has since been covered.

Police said at the time they were investigating the incident as a hate-motivated crime.

Counties Manukau West area commander Dave Christoffersen said a local man had been arrested this morning.

The 61-year-old has been charged with offensive behaviour and wilful damage, and is expected to appear in Manukau District Court later Thursday.

Meanwhile, a separate piece of graffiti carrying an identical message was found inside a public toilet on Campbell Road in Royal Oak on Wednesday.

It’s unclear when the graffiti in Royal Oak could have been written.

Marcel Morgan, manager area operations for Howick and Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Boards, said the graffiti in Royal Oak had been removed by Auckland Council contractors.

Race Relations Commissioner Melissa Derby on Monday said she had been seeing increasing anti-migrant rhetoric, including towards the country’s Indian community.

“I know from my engagements with many ethnic communities the fear these messages generate for people,” Derby said.

“Regarding this particular incident [in Papatoetoe], I am deeply concerned about the violent racist rhetoric and its impact on community members’ sense of safety and belonging. … Everyone should be able to live in their community, work or attend a school in this country free from racial harassment and discrimination.”

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/16/man-arrested-after-graffiti-inciting-racial-violence-found-in-papatoetoe/

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Indian government has formally raised concerns with New Zealand authorities after Sikh religious processions in Tauranga and South Auckland have been disrupted by protesters linked to Destiny Church.

Two Nagar Kirtan processions – a Sikh religious tradition involving public processions with the singing of holy hymns to mark significant occasions such as the anniversaries of Sikh gurus – have been disrupted in recent months.

In a written reply to a question raised in India’s lower house of parliament, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita said the matter had been taken up with the New Zealand government.

The Indian High Commission in Wellington was also in close contact with Sikh community leaders, Margherita said.

The response came after Shiromani Akali Dal leader and Punjab MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal asked for details about the incidents to be shared.

RNZ has approached the Indian High Commission for comment.

On 20 December, a procession organised by the Nanaksar Sikh Temple in the South Auckland suburb of Manurewa was interrupted by a rally organised by True Patriots.

Videos later posted by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki showed protesters approaching the Sikh group wearing shirts bearing slogans such as “Kiwis first”, “Keep NZ, NZ” and “True patriot”, alongside a large banner reading “This is New Zealand, not India”.

A separate Nagar Kirtan procession organised by Gurdwara Sikh Sangat in Tauranga was also disrupted on 11 January, despite the event having prior approval from the city council and police.

In January, Sikh leaders called for calm and dialogue following the disruptions.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that the Indian government had raised concerns about the events in Tauranga and Manurewa.

“New Zealand’s ethnic communities, including the Indian community, are a vital part of our diverse society, and we recognise and support their right to practice their religion,” the spokesperson said.

“We also recognise that New Zealanders enjoy freedom of expression, which includes the right to protest lawfully and peacefully.”

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/16/indian-government-concerned-by-sikh-parade-disruptions/

Source: Radio New Zealand

Organisations representing small businesses have expressed concern about the early termination of the ministerial advisory group on retail crime announced by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith on Tuesday.

Created in September 2024 for a period of two years, the group has faced criticism from the Labour Party on spending.

Three out of the original five members have resigned in recent months, with Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young publicly questioning the leadership of chair Sunny Kaushal as she departed.

Goldsmith, who had earlier defended Kaushal’s leadership and the advisory group’s work, confirmed Tuesday the entity would wind up in May.

News of this development sparked concern among retailers that the advisory group wouldn’t have time to make any recommendations on ways to reduce youth crime before it disbanded.

After police arrested a 14-year-old on suspicion of stabbing a dairy owner in Christchurch in December, Kaushal told RNZ his team would start work on youth offences soon.

“We have delivered five reports so far to government proposing law changes – from shoplifting, to trespass, to citizens’ arrest and move-on orders,” Kaushal said, indicating the group’s next priority was youth offences.

“I can’t comment on specific measures at this time, but I am personally concerned about how we deal with parents who have created an environment that contributes to their children offending,” he said in December.

In a subsequent interview with the New Zealand Herald on Tuesday, Goldsmith didn’t suggest that youth crime was a priority.

“It’s been very successful in getting all the work done, and they’ve got a couple of issues that they’re going to wrap up before they finish, which is one on facial recognition and the other one on the security industry,” he said.

Goldsmith clarified that remark on Friday, saying the government was “particularly interested in advice around facial recognition and the security industry”.

“However, any additional advice the [ministerial advisory group] wishes to provide before it concludes its work is always welcome,” he said.

Nevertheless, retailers expressed concern that the group’s work on youth offences would be left unfinished.

Jaspreet Singh Kandhari, general secretary of the New Zealand Indian Business Association, said his organisation had made a submission to the group with suggestions to tackle violent youth crime.

“The disbanding of the ministerial advisory group following some members’ resignations raises concerns about the future direction of key elements within the framework under review,” Kandhari said.

“In particular, the proposed reforms relating to youth offending are crucial and provide a significant opportunity to enhance deterrence and community safety.

“We urge the justice minister to ensure the substantial work and progress already made are not lost, and meaningful steps are taken within the next three months, before the end of the electoral term, to advance youth offending law reforms.”

Dairy and Business Owners Group chairperson Ankit Bansal, the National Party’s Palmerston North candidate at this year’s general election, also called for “meaningful action” on youth crime.

“Retailers are expecting meaningful recommendations to address youth crime as we know that the young people are used by organised criminals to commit crimes on their behalf,” Bansal said.

“I am sure the advisory group is already working on and will be using the rest of their time to come up with potential solutions in this space of tackling violent youth crime in the retail sector.”

Jagjeet Singh Sidhu, secretary of community business organisation Little India, said the advisory group’s termination meant issues such as youth crime and youth education would be left unresolved.

“[That’s why] our organisation is not happy with the government shutting down the advisory group before it could complete its work, especially in the violent youth crime space,” Sidhu said.

“We had specifically put in our submission to amend the Sentencing Act 2002, Crime Justice Act 1985 and Oranga Tamaki Act 1989 to allow for the arrest, detention in remand custody and punishment of young offenders under the age of 16.”

Sidhu said the Indian community would like to see recommendations on the above before the advisory group was wound up in May.

Mark Scherer, general manager of the Sandringham Business Association, criticised the work done by the advisory group.

“We do not agree with many of the recommendations and have been dissatisfied with the overall deliverables from the advisory group,” Scherer said.

“We will be writing to them to express our concerns over this process and concrete steps going forward.”

Himanshu Parmar, who alongside Kaushal is one of the remaining members on the advisory group, said the pair would continue to work on youth crime through to the group’s termination and had sent a consultation document to retailers before Christmas.

He said many large and small retailers had already made submissions and the group was now waiting for its policy team to prepare an information pack for members to review and comment on.

Parmar said youth crime remained one of the most pressing issues that were typically raised by retailers.

“You ask any retailer, big or small,” he said. “They’ll tell you how a very small number of youth offenders are terrorising everyone. They’re seeing the same small cohorts committing repeated crime. If we don’t come up with good lawmaking in this space, it’s just going to keep repeating itself.”

When asked whether the advisory group would make submissions to the government on youth crime before its term ended in May, Parmar said the decision rested with the chair and ministers.

“I’m just a moving part of the group,” he said. “It’s up to the chair and the ministers to make sure it gets submitted and picked up.

“Anything we submit now can’t immediately become law. It’s a big process. There’s already stuff in front of select committees, including work we submitted earlier on trespass laws and shoplifting fines,” he said.

“But it’s my sincere hope that any policy work regarding youth crime is picked up by the current government and future governments, because it’s too important to ignore.”

Kaushal also said the group’s focus would shift to youth crime.

“We know youth crime is a priority for retailers, and we are working with ministers to complete our work programme before we wrap up in May,” he said.

“We would be happy to submit our report before May, as we are working closely with the minister.”

Kaushal dismissed criticism from some quarters that the advisory group had failed to deliver satisfactory results.

“I am very proud of the progress achieved and quality of the policy work produced,” he said.

“We have delivered faster than expected in terms of five high-quality reports [that] are major reform packages.

“These are strong, practical, evidence-based reports backing the government’s focus on law and order, and a zero-tolerance approach to retail crime.”

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/16/community-urges-retail-crime-group-to-focus-on-youth-offences-before-dissolution/

Source: Radio New Zealand

The last remaining members of the government’s advisory group on retail crime have defended the unit’s work after Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith confirmed Tuesday it would wind up months earlier than planned.

Himanshu Parmar is the only remaining member of the Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime alongside chair Sunny Kaushal.

Parmar has spoken publicly for the first time since the resignations of Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young, Foodstuffs North Island senior manager Lindsay Rowles and Michael Hill national retail manager Michael Bell prompted Goldsmith to confirm the group would end its work in May, despite originally being set up for a two-year term through September.

On Wednesday, Goldsmith told Morning Report the group was created to provide ideas for the government to push back on crime, considering it to be a success as it had done what it was set up to do.

“Three out of the five [members] left for a variety of reasons over the summer, and I sort of had a choice about trying to reappoint three and keep it going for six months or make the pragmatic decision to wrap it up slightly early,” he said.

Goldsmith told Morning Report the group had three months to finish its work.

“I think that [Kaushal] has been very focused on delivering policy documents, which we were appointed for, and that’s what the focus should remain on, not people’s personal relationships with each other,” Parmar said, referring to reports of tension within the group.

Parmar is also a member of the Dairy and Business Owners Group that Kaushal had previously chaired.

Young had earlier told RNZ her relationship with Kaushal had become untenable, saying he was not the right person to chair the group, which had an “unpleasant environment”.

However, Parmar defended the resignations, saying he had been told that some members left due to employment choices.

“What has been explained to me is two of the members left because they’ve been promoted within their business or have got new jobs,” he said. “They’ve had to move on with their lives.”

Earlier this year, Goldsmith also defended the resignations.

He told RNZ that two of the resigning members were promoted into other positions, while one left, and this wasn’t the “crisis of the century”.

Kaushal also previously told RNZ the resignations reflected normal leadership movement in an organisation.

The advisory group has also faced criticism over its spending, which became a flashpoint following the resignations.

The group has been questioned over the cost of catered meetings held around the country and its inner-city Auckland office space, rented for $120,000 a year.

It has also faced questions about value for money after it was revealed Kaushal invoiced more than $230,000 for work in its first 12 months.

Speaking on Wednesday, Kaushal also defended the group’s work, saying it operated within its $1.8 million annual budget, which was funded through the proceeds of crime fund.

“I’m not bothered by criticism,” he said. “My focus is on the difficult goal, which is fixing retail crime and making sure no one feels unsafe at work.

“We are funded by the money seized from the criminals and gangs, and we are spending their money to fix a problem [that] has been there for a long time.”

He said the group was operating well within its budget and was overseen by the Ministry of Justice finance team.

Kaushal also said that he is not shaken by criticism from the members within the group and is focused on delivering outcomes for the victims.

“I have no idea of her [Young’s] motivation,” he said.

“It’s well known that we had different views on some of the group’s recommendations … she’s representing the big retailers and I’m speaking on behalf of small to medium-sized enterprises across the country hit by retail crime.

“I have always appreciated her perspective.”

Parmar told RNZ the group’s spending was relatively small compared to the amount retailers had spent on security measures such as fog cannons and bollards during the previous government’s term.

“[Regarding] what money is being spent, I have no control in my capacity as a member of that group, just like the rest of the members, on how and where the money gets spent,” he said.

He said the Ministry of Justice had monitored the spending, and he was confident the minister was satisfied with how the money was being used.

Kaushal said the group had delivered five reports to the government, and those were eventually going to represent major reforms in the Crimes Act.

“This is going to create tougher consequences for criminals,” he said.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/16/remaining-retail-crime-group-members-defend-work-amid-criticism/

Source: Radio New Zealand

Asian Christians in New Zealand are preparing to mark one of the most significant events in the Christian calendar on Sunday with a blend of faith, family and cultural tradition.

For Christians, Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

But the days leading up to Easter, known as Holy Week, carry equal spiritual weight, marked by rituals that reflect sacrifice, remembrance and renewal.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem on a donkey, greeted by crowds laying palm branches in his path.

In many Anglican and Roman Catholic churches, worshippers are given small crosses woven from palm leaves, symbols of both his welcome and his crucifixion, often kept in homes throughout the year.

Christians have also observed Lent in the lead-up to Easter, a 40-day period of fasting and reflection, symbolising both the Israelites’ 40 years in the wilderness and Jesus’ 40 days of fasting.

For Jithin Jose, who moved to New Zealand from Kerala to Auckland 11 years ago, these traditions remain central to family life.

“Holy Week is very important for the community,” he said.

“Palm Sunday is especially meaningful. Many people keep the palm leaves throughout the year.”

His wife, Remya Sunny, observes Lent, while he typically skips it.

In Kerala, he said churches traditionally distributed young tender coconut leaves instead – a practice that continued to hold deep cultural significance.

However, it was Maundy Thursday that resonated most with Jose.

Observed on the Thursday before Easter, the day marks the Last Supper when Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples.

Among Malayali Christians, it is known as Pesaha Vyazham and is marked by a distinctive family ritual.

“Maundy Thursday, or Pesaha Vyazham, is the most memorable day,” Jose said. “We come together as a family and have pesaha appam.”

After evening church services, households prepared pesaha appam, an unleavened rice bread paired with sarkara paal, a sweet dip made from coconut milk, rice flour and jaggery.

The meal symbolises the Last Supper and is eaten together by the entire family.

“We only have it once a year, and everyone from young children to grandparents takes part,” he said.

Instead of wine at Christ’s Last Supper, Kerala’s pesaha appams are paired with sarkara paal.

The bread and dip are often adorned with small crosses made from palm leaves blessed on Palm Sunday.

Jose said the ritual balanced reverence with moments of levity.

“Family and friends gather as the head of the household recites prayers and breaks the bread,” he said.

“In our family, whoever finishes first gets jokingly called ‘Judas of the Year’ because Judas left the table first.”

Jose said passing these traditions on to his children was important – not just as an expression of faith, but as a way of preserving cultural identity.

“We take them home [to India] during this period so they can learn more,” he said. “It’s not about forcing religion but helping them understand where they come from.”

Easter also holds deep significance for New Zealand’s Filipino community.

“Easter is huge for the Filipino community,” said Delia Richards, manager of Philippine Culture and Migrant Services.

“We have a large Christian population, and it’s a time for families to come together.”

Richards moved to New Zealand in the 1990s from Leyte, Philippines.

She said the observance stretched across Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday and culminating with Easter Sunday.

Good Friday, which commemorates Jesus’s crucifixion, remained one of the most important days for the community, she said.

“Going to the Stations of the Cross is an important tradition, and we encourage our children to take part,” Richards said.

The devotion traces 14 moments from Jesus’s condemnation to his burial, reflecting on his journey to Calvary.

Jose said Good Friday observances in Kerala carried their own distinct practices.

Services often concluded with kaippu neeru, a drink made from bitter gourd leaves, neem and other acerbic leaves that are crushed into a paste and mixed with vinegar and water.

This is prepared to represent the vinegar given to Jesus when he begged for water during his journey to Calvary.

“Kaippu neeru does not go down easily,” he said.

New Zealand’s Korean community also marks Easter with its own traditions, where food and fellowship played a central role.

“Easter is an important religious event for us,” said Kevin Park, who has lived in New Zealand for 30 years.

“Sometimes we gather at one of the biggest churches, boil lots of eggs and share them with friends.”

He said decorating eggs was an important part of the celebration.

“We wrap them in coloured paper, ribbons and lace,” he said. “It’s a way of sharing joy with others.”

Richards said Easter egg hunts had also become part of Filipino celebrations in New Zealand, even if they were not traditionally observed in the Philippines.

Easter Sunday marks the resurrection of Jesus and the conclusion of Holy Week, with communities gathering for church services, shared meals and family visits.

Food remains a central theme across cultures.

“The lechon – roast pork cooked for hours – is often the highlight,” Richards said. “We’ll also have adobo (meat simmered in a savory, tangy sauce of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves and peppercorns).”

For Indian Christian families, the end of fasting gives way to a celebratory Easter banquet on Sunday.

“We break our fast with special Easter curries and appam,” Jose said.

“Where I’m from in Kottayam, we might also share a drink to mark the day.”

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/16/faith-food-and-family-how-asian-new-zealanders-celebrate-easter/

Source: Radio New Zealand

More than 7000 people attended one of Auckland’s largest Holi celebrations in Henderson on Sunday as South Asian communities across New Zealand marked the Festival of Colours.

While several Holi celebrations were held earlier in March, festivities continue across New Zealand through the end of the month.

The event on Sunday, organised by the Waitākere Indian Association, drew thousands to Henderson Trust Arena for a day of coloured powders, music, dance and food.

Holika Dahan was marked on 2 March, where bonfires were lit to symbolize the victory of good over evil.

Rangwali Holi, or Dhulandi, was then celebrated on 4 March, where participants threw coloured water or powder at each other as they sang, danced and enjoyed festive foods.

The festival also marked the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

Many legends are associated with the festival.

One recounts the story of Prahlad and Holika, where the former’s unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu saved him from the flames of a pyre as his malevolent aunt, who had lured him onto the flames, met her demise.

This tale symbolises the victory of good over evil and the importance of faith.

Another popular legend revolves around the courtship of Lord Krishna and Radha.

Krishna, envious of Radha’s fair complexion, playfully applied colours to her face – beginning the tradition of smearing coloured powder onto others during Holi and infusing the festival with elements of romance and joy.

Holi festivities in Auckland usually begin with Krishna Holi, but that did not happen this year as construction work on a temple meant Kumeu missed out on celebrations.

However, many community groups held their own events across the city.

The New Zealand Telugu Association hosted its Holi festival on 1 March at Three Kings Reserve, while the Sandringham Business Association and Sandringham Project in Community Empowerment held celebrations at Sandringham Reserve on 7 March.

The Waitākere Indian Association’s event was among the largest, with thousands gathering at Henderson Trust Arena.

“After two years of absence, our Holi festival came back with one of the biggest gatherings ever,” said Sunil Kaushal, president of the Waitākere Indian Association.

Kaushal said people travelled from across the North Island to attend.

“People came from Hamilton and from the far north to attend the festival,” he said.

“There were people of all ages attending the festival and having a good time, from kids to an uncle who was 70 years old.”

Outside Auckland, around 3000 people gathered at Tauranga Memorial Park to celebrate Holi.

“To hold a special Holi gathering at the beautiful waterfront was a blessing,” said Bela Dasi, organiser of Holi Colour Splash.

Dasi said the event received positive feedback from the community.

In the capital, the Indian High Commission led the festivities.

“The occasion was particularly special as it also marked the High Commissioner’s last day in Wellington, making the celebration a memorable one,” the Indian diplomatic mission said in a Facebook post.

The Wellington Indian Association marked Holi in Kilbirnie on 2 March with a pooja, while another celebration was hosted by the Nepalese Society of Wellington at Avalon Park in Lower Hutt on 7 March.

In the South Island, one Christchurch Holi festival was cancelled.

Christchurch Holi – Festival of Colours was cancelled after shipping delays meant the event’s colour powders did not arrive on time.

Organisers Revel Events said the festival would return to Hagley Park in 2027.

Despite the cancellation, other Holi celebrations were still held across South Island.

The Selwyn Holi – Festival of Colours, hosted by the Indian NZ Association of Christchurch, drew more than 5000 people to Brookside Park in Rolleston on 8 March.

“The festival provided an opportunity for people from many cultures to experience the beauty of Indian traditions while strengthening community connections,” said Parminder Kaur, president of the Indian NZ Association of Christchurch.

Kaur said the Selwyn community responded warmly to the event.

“Many described it as one of the most joyful and colourful community events in Selwyn,” she said.

Further south, the Dunedin Indian Association marked Holi on 8 March at Bayfield Park.

The event featured a DJ, dance performances, competitions and food.

Another celebration organised by the Indian Social and Cultural Club is scheduled to take place at Victoria Park in Rangiora on this weekend.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/16/vibrant-holi-celebrations-draw-thousands-nationwide/