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New Zealand Central Indian Association

We work with Indian communities and a wider section of Indians based in New Zealand to provide broad and peer-reviewed coverage of the range of topics that constitute community safety, community justice and youth advancements. Our Interdisciplinary and scope reflects the broad help and support we provide to the community.

Veer Khar

President, NZICA

oUR TEAM

Our Executive Committee

Veer Khar

President

Dhansukh Lal

Vice President

Taruna Bhana

General Secretary

Bhavisha Patel

Treasurer

Kalyan Rao

Assistant Secretary

Narendra Bhana

Immediate past President

nzica

Collective Indian Diaspora Voice

New Zealand Indian Central Association Inc. (NZICA) is the only national Indian organisation in New Zealand set up as an umbrella body for regional Indian community groups throughout Aotearoa since 1926.

Collective Voice

Collective voice of 350000+ Indians in New Zealand.

Speak and Vote

Speak for your culture and your region.

Build Network

Build a strong network with other affiliated associations.

Progress Together

Progress together with shared resources and ideas.

Members

Our Members

Auckland Indian Association

Auckland Indian Association aiai.org.nz

Wellington Indian Association

Wellington Indian Association wia.org.nz

Country Section NZ Indian Association

Country Section New Zealand Indian Association CSNZIA

Pukekohe Indian Association

Pukekohe Indian Association PIA

Indian Association (Manukau) New Zealand

Indian Association (Manukau) New Zealand IAMNZ

Bay of Plenty (Rotorua) Indian Association

Bay of Plenty (Rotorua) Indian Association BOPRIA

Central District Indian Association

Central District Indian Association CDIA

Christchurch Indian Association

Christchurch Indian Association CIA

Waikato Indian Association

Waikato Indian Association WaIA

other Members

Our Associate Members

Taranaki

Taranaki Indian Association taranakiindians.org

NZ Punjabi Cultural Association

NZ Punjabi Cultural Association NZAUSPCA

New Zealand Kannada Koota

New Zealand Kannada Koota NZKK

Probasee Bengali Association of New Zealand

Probasee Bengali Association of New Zealand PBANZ

Auckland Marathi Association

Auckland Marathi Association AMAI

New Zealand Telugu Association

New Zealand Telugu Association NZTA

Muthamil Sangam Auckland

Muthamil Sangam Auckland MSA

Auckland Malayali Samajam

Auckland Malayali Samajam AMS

Telangana Association of New Zealand

Telangana Association of New Zealand TANZ

Auckland Tamil Association

Auckland Tamil Association ATA

partners and supporters

Our Partners

Our Supporters

NZICA Major Milestones

1926–2026

NZICA: A Century of Unity

One hundred years of advocacy, community building, cultural pride and service.

1926-1946 Advocacy 1947-1979 Community 1980-1999 Growth 2000-2019 National voice 2020-2026 Service & centenary

1926

Foundation
A united national voice

NZICA is formed by the Auckland Indian Association, Wellington Indian Association and Country Section in Taumarunui to challenge discriminatory policy and represent Indians nationally.
1938

Continuity
Leadership through adversity

One of NZICA's earliest surviving records photographs its elected officers, who sustained the organisation through the Depression and an openly hostile social climate.
1947

New chapter
India's independence

NZICA and its branches celebrate independence across New Zealand. The organisation's international focus begins shifting towards a stronger New Zealand-India relationship.
1955

Belonging
Permanent community foundations

Gandhi Hall opens as Auckland's first Indian community centre, while Gandhi Gruh Gujarati School strengthens language and cultural transmission across generations.
1970-71

Participation
Women organise and lead

Mahila Samaj is established in Wellington in 1970 and Auckland in 1971, formalising women's growing role in community organisation and governance.
1987

Policy change
Immigration opens on skills

After sustained NZICA engagement with ministers and officials, New Zealand introduces points-based immigration, replacing restrictive national-origin settings and accelerating Indian migration.
1989

Home
Mahatma Gandhi Centre

The Auckland Indian Association acquires the Mount Eden site that becomes the Mahatma Gandhi Centre and the home of NZICA's national offices.
2001

Culture
A growing cultural hub

The Radha Krishna Temple opens at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre, expanding a national community landmark into a vibrant spiritual and cultural home.
2010

Recognition
Diwali reaches Parliament

Diwali is celebrated in New Zealand Parliament for the first time, growing into an enduring platform for NZICA's cultural advocacy and cross-party engagement.
2021

Service
Mobilising for India

NZICA's COVID-19 relief campaign raises more than $200,000 and sends 120 oxygen concentrators to India at the height of the Delta crisis.
2025

Leadership
Centenary executive elected

Veer Khar is elected NZICA President in Wellington on 5 April, with a mandate to honour the past and position a more diverse organisation for its second century.
2026

100 years
A century of unity

More than 600 guests gather at Cordis Auckland on 28 February for the sellout Centenary Curtain Raiser, honouring 100 years of advocacy, culture, leadership and service.

1926-2026 From three founding associations to a nationwide collective voice.

DISCOVER US

New Zealand Central Indian Association

oUR TEAM

Our Executive Committee

nzica

Collective Indian Diaspora Voice

Members

Our Members

other Members

Our Associate Members

partners and supporters

Our Partners

Our Supporters

NZICA Major Milestones

NZICA: A Century of Unity

A united national voice

Leadership through adversity

India's independence

Permanent community foundations

Women organise and lead

Immigration opens on skills

Mahatma Gandhi Centre

A growing cultural hub

Diwali reaches Parliament

Mobilising for India

Centenary executive elected

A century of unity

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