Rainbow event fosters race relations

As Prime Minister John Key, Social Development & Employment Minister Paula Bennett, Labour MPs Chris Carter and Dr Rajen Prasad, National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi and Auckland City Mayor John Banks were invited to share the stage with others at the Waitakere Trusts Stadium grounds on March 14, the colours were not confined to Blue or Red.

The occasion, organised by the Waitakere Indian Association (WIA) to celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colours, was just that – people of varied ethnicities and hues, like the Rainbow in the sky.

WIA President Manoj Tahal told Indian Newslink it was the first time Mr Key and Banks were present to mark Holi, symbolising unity and harmony.

“Waitakere Indian Association holds the record for celebrating Holi with leaders across the political spectrum and people of varied ethnicities and religious faiths. We are concerned about the future of this event after the formation of Super City (merging all the local Councils),” he said.

Paying tributes to the members of the Indian community for their diligence, devotion and hard work, Mr Key said his Government was considering changes to the student visa regime to make it easier for qualified international students to obtain employment and resident status to contribute to economic development.

Mr Banks allayed fears saying that the Super City will not ignore ethnic communities.

Wellington based Human Rights Commission part-time Commissioner Jeremy Pope recalled the contribution of Indians to New Zealand and surprised many saying that the first Indian arrived in this country in 1810.

Waitakere City Council Chief Executive Vijaya Vaidyanath said Holi had no religious agenda and appealed to people of all groups.

“Its message is universal and appropriate for today’s world – unity in diversity,” she said.

Cultural performers including singers and dancers of Bollywood numbers presented items throughout the day, watched by thousands of people who also had an opportunity to taste Indian cuisine.