In the vibrant tapestry of New Zealand’s multicultural society, people of Indian heritage form a significant thread, constituting the third-largest ethnic group in the country. The 2023 Census shows the Indian population has surpassed the Chinese, becoming New Zealand’s third-largest ethnic group, with 292,092 people identifying as Indian—a 22 per cent rise since 2018.
Despite their numbers, contributions, and deep-rooted presence in New Zealand’s socio-economic fabric for over a century, this community remains strikingly underrepresented in the upper echelons of public life. While Indian culture is celebrated with great fanfare at ethnic events like Diwali, the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame, which Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and a number of his MPs and party colleagues attended along with Labour leader Chris Hipkins and Labour MPs, the contributions of the Indian community appear to be relegated to platitudes rather than tangible engagement in governance and leadership.
This disconnect becomes glaringly obvious when one examines the current makeup of the New Zealand Parliament and the boards of major organisations. There is no ethnic Indian MP in the current government, and few Indians hold positions on significant boards across sectors. This is not merely a matter of symbolic representation. The absence of Indian voices in public decision-making limits the perspectives that are brought to bear on national issues.
It overlooks a community that, according to a study, contributes $10 billion to the New Zealand economy — though anecdotal evidence suggests this figure could be much higher.
Indians in New Zealand are acknowledged for their industriousness, peace-loving nature, and business acumen. Politicians are quick to recognise these traits during ethnic events, where speeches are filled with praise for the community’s hard work and contributions. Yet, beyond such gatherings, there seems to be little effort to harness the immense potential of this community in more meaningful ways. It is as though their contributions are boxed into being economic — great for small businesses, retail, or cultural vibrancy — but not valued for political or leadership potential. This signals a deeper issue: a lack of integration of the Indian diaspora into the nation’s governance structures.
In an age when New Zealand is actively pursuing a trade agreement with India — a partnership that has been languishing for years — the lack of Indian representation at the national level becomes even more concerning. The Indian diaspora in New Zealand has deep people-to-people ties with India, a country that is now one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and a pivotal geopolitical player. It seems remiss that New Zealand has not tapped into the expertise, networks, and understanding that its Indian community could provide in fostering closer bilateral ties. This is a missed opportunity that could prove costly in the long run, as New Zealand tries to diversify its trade partners and reduce economic dependence on countries like China.
Globally, many nations have recognised the value of engaging their Indian diasporas as conduits for economic, cultural, and political exchange. Countries like the United States, Canada, and the UK have seen the rise of Indian-origin politicians, business leaders, and policymakers who bridge the gap between their adopted homelands and India. In New Zealand, however, the Indian diaspora’s potential is largely underutilised, with their political and strategic value ignored.
It is important to understand that representation matters. When communities see themselves reflected in leadership positions, they are more likely to feel included and motivated to engage more fully in national life. For the Indian community, this could mean contributing their skills, ideas, and networks to solving some of New Zealand’s most pressing challenges — from economic recovery to climate change, education to technological advancement.
One wonders why, despite the obvious capabilities within the Indian community, they are overlooked for top roles. Is there a reluctance to break away from entrenched stereotypes? Is there a perception that the Indian community is well-off and therefore politically passive? Whatever the reason, it is time for the government and key institutions to re-evaluate this stance.
In the broader context, tapping into the Indian diaspora’s talents goes beyond just political representation. It speaks to a deeper need for diversity in leadership, not for the sake of ticking boxes, but because diverse leadership brings innovation and new perspectives. The Indian community in New Zealand is young, vibrant, and full of untapped potential.
The invisibility of Indians in public life is not just a failure of inclusion; it is a wasted resource for the country. In a world where global connections and local inclusivity matter more than ever, the time has come for the nation to recognise and harness the full potential of its Indian diaspora.