Patna: Bihar assembly Speaker Prem Kumar on Sunday attended the ‘Namaste New Zealand 2026’ cultural festival as chief guest at Shri Swaminarayan Mandir premises in Papatoetoe, Auckland. The programme was organised by the Consulate General of India, Auckland, to promote Indian culture and strengthen community ties in New Zealand.Addressing the gathering, Kumar said India and New Zealand share friendly relations rooted in democratic values, respect for diversity and the spirit of multiculturalism. He described the Indian community in New Zealand as an important bridge of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.Kumar, who is on a four-day official visit to New Zealand, said cultural festivals help carry Indian culture, traditions and heritage to younger generations living abroad. “India is not merely a country, but a legacy of thousands of years of civilisation, culture and traditions. Indian languages, festivals, music, dance, family values and lifestyle are our distinct identity,” he said.He added that people of Indian origin in New Zealand have remained connected to their cultural roots while contributing significantly to the country’s progress. Association with Indian music, dance, languages and traditions, he said, builds pride in identity and heritage among the younger generation.Kumar praised the Consulate General of India, Auckland, for its continuing initiatives to take Indian culture, languages and values to youth abroad, and said such programmes help further deepen India-New Zealand relations. Indian Consul General in Auckland Madan Mohan Sethi, New Zealand MP Parmjeet Parmar and other guests attended the event.Earlier on Thursday, Kumar joined the ‘Viksit Bharat Run 2026’, organised by the Consulate General of India, Auckland, in Hamilton, New Zealand’s fourth-most populous city. Around 100 Indian community members and New Zealand natives participated.
