The growing amity between Indians and Maori and the existing commonalities between the two segments of the population were underscored at the first-ever communion held in Rotorua last month.
It was in fact the first Hui of Maori Indians to ‘come, work and grow together’ to promote the concept of oneness in the creation of a new world of brotherhood, goodwill, understanding, peace and harmony.
The Hindu Council of New Zealand organised the three-day programme from October 5 to 7, 2012 at the Tangatarua Marae, Waiariki Institute of Technology campus, Rotorua.
Event Coordinator Dr Guna Magesan said that 80 delegates aged between one and 79 years from Auckland, Hamilton, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Wellington, Whakatane and Perth (Australia) participated in the programme, joined by representatives of 21 different Maori tribes.
“The main purpose of the Hui was to bring the two communities together to share their experience and information and experience each other’s culture. The inaugural Hui was appropriately held at the Marae, where the carver Lionel Grant is of Maori-Indian heritage,” he said.
Indian art & culture
Dr Edwina Pio, Dr Rajiv Chaturvedi, Todd Nachowitz, Cherie Tuaupiki and Dr Lorna Dyall presented papers on the ‘Maori-Indian Connection’ during the academic sessions, while vegetarian cooking, Rangoli and Mehndi-Moko (temporary henna tattoo) formed a part of cultural sessions.
The Hindu Council announced the formation of the ‘International Centre for Cultural Studies’ and the ‘Aotearoa Bharat Friendship Society,’ the latter incorporating the Friends of India Society.
The next Maori-Indian Hui will be held in October 2013, along with the Rotorua Deepawali Festival.
For more information, please email Dr Guna Magesan: iccs.aotearoa@gmail.com
