11 July,2026 05:00 PM IST | Auckland | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Christopher Luxon during the `Kia Ora Modi` event at Spark Arena, in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday. PIC/PTI
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Saturday struck an emotional chord with the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, sharing cherished memories of his first visit to the country nearly 25 years ago and highlighting the deep cultural similarities between India's traditions and New Zealand's indigenous Maori heritage.
Addressing a packed Indian community event, 'Kia Ora Modi', at Auckland's Spark Arena alongside his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, Modi said it was his "great fortune" to become the first Indian PM in 40 years to visit the country.
Bringing greetings from "140 crore Indians", PM Modi recalled his visit to New Zealand at the start of the millennium, when he was not part of any government.
"Around 25-30 years ago, when I wasn't part of any government and no one knew me much in public life, I had the opportunity to visit New Zealand. At that time, someone gave me three items: a muffler, a cap and a glove. I have brought one of those things to this event today... this muffler which I have kept close to me and used many times all these years... I got this along especially as I came to know it was quite cold here... I take care of it, just like I take care of your love for me," PM Modi said to loud applause.
The remarks came a day after members of the Indian community welcomed the Indian PM and recalled his 2001 visit, when he had emphasised preserving Indian culture and traditions among the diaspora.
During his address, PM Modi also underlined the cultural similarities between India and New Zealand through their shared commitment to preserving indigenous traditions.
"There is another very major similarity between India and New Zealand. This similarity is that of our indigenous culture. It is about celebrating and protecting indigenous culture. And today, I especially want to remember the Maori society," he said.
Recalling the traditional Maori welcome accorded to him on arrival in Auckland, Modi described the iconic Haka as much more than a ceremonial performance.
"I have not seen Haka only as a performance; I have seen the soul of a society in Haka. It has courage, self-respect, and faith in our ancestors. And it is a feeling of the collective strength of the entire community," he said.
Drawing parallels between Maori and Indian traditions, Modi referred to the Maori concept of Manaakitanga, which represents respect, care and hospitality.
"There is a very beautiful word in Maori culture -- Manaakitanga. This means showing respect, giving love, and taking care of something with all your heart. In India, we also say 'Atithi Devo Bhava'. The words are different, the environment is different, the attire is different, and the languages are different, but the feeling is exactly the same," he said.
He also compared the Maori concept of Whanau, meaning family, with India's traditional family system.
"In Maori culture, there is another beautiful word for family: Whanau. This means family. It includes many generations, relationships, and the entire community. In India, we do not consider family just a social arrangement; for us, family is an institution," he added.
Referring to Kaitiakitanga, the Maori philosophy of environmental guardianship, Modi said the concept closely mirrors India's approach towards nature.
"The concept of 'Kaitiakitanga' teaches us that we are not the owner of the environment but protectors. In India, too, it is said 'Mata bhumiḥ putroahaá¹ pá¹Âthivyaḥ', meaning 'the Earth is my Mother, and I am her son'. With this thought, we have been holding programmes like 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' and 'Prakrutik Kheti Mission' for the earth conservation," he said.
(With IANS inputs)
